This area is a hidden gem – it's just 90 minutes north of Edinburgh, yet totally rural in a nice sort of way. You still have your home comforts, Wi-fi and plenty to do, but you have fertile farmland, wooded glens, and the great outdoors on your doorstep.
Within an hour you can add in snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines – Craigellie truly makes the perfect base.
There is so much to do, that it's hard to know where to start, so we have put together a few suggestions.
HISTORY, CULTURE
& SCOTTISH HERITAGE
Castles & Palaces
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Scotland's castles and palaces offer a wealth of history and beauty. Close by we have Glamis Castle, home of the late Queen's mother, and Scone Palace – the crowning place of Scottish Kings. Both offer fascinating tours and extensive gardens. To the northwest is majestic Blair Castle and on the east coast the windswept ruins of Dunnottar – will you have time for all four?
Distilleries
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For many, a Scottish holiday isn't complete without a trip to a whisky distillery and there are plenty nearby. But if whisky isn't your thing, why not enjoy a gin tasting instead? Or perhaps the local farm which set up a vodka distillery using wonky potatoes that were otherwise going to waste.
Cultural events
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If you're visiting between May and September, you shouldn't miss one of the many local Highland Games around the area where you can listen to the skirl of the bagpipes and watch the kilted professionals tossing the caber. Then there's agricultural & horticultural shows, classic car rallies and the Scottish Game Fair held annually at Scone Palace – a top country sports' event and a great day out.
Museums & Galleries​
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You are spoilt for choice: Dundee, the City of Discovery, hosts the iconic V&A design museum. Beside it the famous Dundee-built ship the RRS Discovery, that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica. For gallery-lovers, the McManus art gallery and museum offers two floors packed with artefacts and art. Perth's world-class heritage museum, the new home of the Stone of Destiny, is well worth a visit. If you still have time we can recommend much more.
EXPLORE & DISCOVER
Cities, Towns & Villages
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Dive into the beauty of Perthshire. Wander the serene banks of the River Tay, visiting the charming towns of Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. Discover Perth – the gateway to the Highlands. Head to the coast and explore Dundee and the historic towns of Arbroath and St Andrews, or north to Royal Deeside and delightful Braemar.
Cairngorms National Park
For a spectacular road trip with ever-changing scenery take 'the snow road' from Blairgowrie, passing through Glenshee with the backdrop of the magnificent Cairngorm mountains to Braemar and Royal Deeside. Walk in the Linn of Dee, stop at Braemar Castle and Balmoral, then drive over the summit of the Cairn O'Mount for panoramic views over Strathmore before returning to Alyth through open farmland, skirting the Angus Glens.
Gardens​
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There are many interesting formal gardens to visit in the area, including those at Glamis Castle and Scone Palace. The 2-acre National Trust Branklyn Gardens in Perth are well worth a visit throughout the changing seasons or the Japanese Garden at Cowden, especially in the spring. Through the seasons you can discover secret gardens, hidden gems, snowdrop carpets and bluebell woodlands.
Coastal​
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Craigellie is a great base for exploring Scotland's stunning coastline which is dotted with charming fishing villages and bigger historic towns. A visit to Dunnottar Castle isn't complete without a wander around Stonehaven. There's a great 3- to 4-hour coastal walk from Arbroath (don't forget to stop for some Arbroath Smokies). Or you can meander through Fife's seaside villages – some of the prettiest in Scotland, taking in Anstruther, Crail and Pittenweem.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hike​
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This is walking country. From the doorstep there are several circular walks of different lengths and with varied terrain and views. To the north and a short drive away you can venture into the magnificent Angus Glens leading up to the more challenging Munro mountains. Or for long-distance walkers, the 103-mile Cateran Trail, which passes above Craigellie, makes a perfect 4- to 5-day walking holiday.
Golf
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Craigellie is the perfect spot for a golfing getaway, with numerous courses to choose from. From hidden gems like Alyth's 9-hole Glenisla course to high-profile tournament hosts including the Rosemount & Landsdowne courses in Blairgowrie, you'll have plenty of options. And with additional courses in nearby Forfar, Kirriemuir, and Strathmore, you'll have a week's worth of fabulous golf within a 20-mile radius.
Cycle​
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We are in the centre of a popular cycling area with rolling hilly terrain to the north and flatter rides to the south, suitable for off-road and touring cyclists alike. If off-roading is your thing, why not try out the local Alyth pump track? If you don't have space to bring your own bike, you can rent one locally... and there are plenty of cafes in the area to re-charge with a coffee and cake.
Wildlife
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The area is teeming with wildlife including ospreys, beavers and red squirrels. The hide at the nearby Loch of the Lowes is well worth a visit with its excellent viewing platform and telescopes. Our neighbours at Bamff Estate are undergoing an extensive re-wilding programme which has included the introduction of beavers, wild ponies and free-roaming cows and pigs. From the comfort of Craigellie you are very likely to spot red squirrels, buzzards and woodpeckers.
HAVE FUN AND RELAX
Beaches
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If you fancy a day on the beach, you can take your pick. Within an hour's drive, you reach Lunan Bay's extensive sands, framed by low cliffs and overlooked by the crumbing ruin of Red Castle, or St Cyrus' 3-mile beach stretching beyond the dunes. St Andrews' famous West Sands is a great spot to watch the kite-surfers playing the waves, or you can collect shells on nearby Tentsmuir Sands.
Eating out
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When you book with us, we always send out a list of our recommended restaurants in the area, and there are lots to choose from. You could try the Lands of Loyal Hotel in Alyth, where you are assured a warm welcome into their unique and elegant environment (and great food too). Little's award-winning Fish Restaurant, situated in an old church in Blairgowrie is a real favourite. The Meikleour Arms offe good country food, often from the Estate and surrounding area. There are also lots of cafes and less formal spots around.
Adventure
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Explore Perthshire's adventure scene by trying your hand at paddle boarding, canyoning, canoeing or kayaking – all on offer from local companies. There are plenty of places for wild swimming too. If you prefer to stay on dry land why not book an off-road driving session in Dunkeld?
Kids
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If your children like exploring and the great outdoors, then look no further – it's all on the doorstep, with dens to build and space to roam. There are places for guided family canoeing or cycling or trout fishing lessons. There are also play parks with swings and trampolines, forts and pirate ships to explore. Did you know that JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame was born in nearby Kirriemuir? Then there's animals to see at Peel Farm – with a good cafe too, and at Camperdown on the edge of Dundee.
GET PREPARED FOR YOUR TRIP
OUR INTERACTIVE MAP​
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To use the interactive map below, click on the black and white rectangle in the far left of the black header bar. This allows you to hide/show layers to help you pick the activities which will make an ideal trip for you.
