Oak Tree Cottage

Oak Tree Cottage enjoys a totally private, secluded location five minutes from the centre of Dunkeld, a picturesque town of Perth and Kinross. Sitting on the River Tay, the town enjoys a wonderful selection of unique shops, beautiful buildings, an ancient cathedral and a famous bridge. The lovely houses of Dunkeld were built in the early 1700’s and have been restored to provide homes for local people by the National Trust for Scotland. Another NTS property is the Ell Shop which features the original ‘ell’ measure, just over a metre long which was used for measuring cloth in days gone by. Across the river is the lovely Birnam. Together they offer wonderful countryside, heaps of history and heritage, culture, events and wonderful eateries. These two towns and the surrounding area are known as ‘Big Tree Country’. The towns were joined in 1809 with the building of the Dunkeld Bridge by Thomas Telford. The Dunkeld House Tree Trail celebrates the tree heritage of the Dunkeld House Estate. It is open to everyone and offers lovely walks through the gorgeous woodlands of the estate. Dunkeld House was once the home of the ‘Planting Dukes’ of Atholl. As well as having amazing grounds, the hotel is open for delicious afternoon teas and drinks.

The Hermitage is a magnificent landscape where you can walk in the footsteps of Wordsworth, Mendelssohn and Turner. This stretch of the Perthshire forest boasts dramatic natural features having once been designated a pleasure ground in the 18th century for the Dukes of Atholl. Towering Douglas firs, amongst the tallest trees in the UK, lead to the roaring Black Linn Falls where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, foaming pools below. A picturesque folly, Ossian’s Hall, which was originally built in 1757 overlooks the waterfall. It has been refurbished with mirrors, sliding panels and paintings. The Hermitage is very popular. You should look out for red squirrels, salmon and the totem pole hidden in the woods.

While in Perthshire, you should visit Pitlochry. The town is renowned for its crisp air, its astounding landscape, its fine hospitality and its welcoming locals. For a taste of culture, you can enjoy sold-out shows at the Festival Theatre, a summer schedule of Highland games, the Enchanted Forest in autumn and a fantastic New Year’s Day Street Party. There are a number of excellent spas offering pampering wellness sessions including Thistle and Orchid Beauty and Atholl Palace and a lovely selection of cafes for afternoon tea or a hearty Scottish breakfast. Also on offer are charming bars and pubs for a glass of the local tipple and some excellent craft shops.

The Blair Atholl Distillery is very beautiful. Though quite small, it is one of the oldest serving distilleries in Scotland. The Bell’s Blend is proudly owned by Blair Athol. The distillery is believed to have been founded in 1798 though it then changed hands a number of times. By 1932 and throughout WWII, Blair Athol was shut until it was rebuilt in 1949. The visitor’s centre was built in 1987 and proudly entertains thousands of tourists. You can take tours of the distillery and taste some wonderful malt whisky.

Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. It enjoys a fascinating history and has been home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, all against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture. It boasts thirty rooms full of collections of furnitures, arms, china, lace and portraits. The castle sits in the heart of a historic landscape which was laid out in the 18th century and features a nine acre walled garden, a beautiful wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park and a Gothic folly. Peacocks roam freely and native red squirrels are often spotted in the trees.

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Perthshire

Perthshire is not only beautiful, it’s a treasure trove of fun waiting to be uncovered! Tucked right in the beating heart of Scotland, Perthshire is a world of picturesque landscapes, tales of yore and more outdoor activities than you could ever take on in a week. Oliver's Travels has some swanky pads that will serve as your luxurious base for this epic Scottish escapade!

Perthshire’s rolling hills, serene lochs and lush forests scream, "Come, frolic in nature!" This "Gateway to the Highlands" mixes Highland vibes with Lowland grace. The River Tay, Scotland's longest river, does a little sassy meander through the region, adding a dash of natural bling. Loch Tay, a freshwater superstar, is surrounded by mountains and forests that offer a picturesque setting. It is a brilliant hub for kayaking and fishing. The quaint villages around, such as Kenmore, are brimming with charm and character. The Scottish Crannog Centre, nestled on the loch's shores, gives you a sneak peek into ancient Scottish history.

Perth itself is like a history book brought to life. Scone Palace is where Scottish royalty used to get their crowns on. Now, it is open to the public to marvel at opulent rooms and wander through lush grounds. The city centre is a cobbled wonderland, complete with a medieval cathedral and the Fair Maid's House, an ancient building full of intrigue.

If you have a hankering for outdoor adventures, Perthshire is your playground. The Cairngorms National Park up north is nature's theme park for hikers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts. Ben Vrackie, a mountain that sounds like it could be a wizard's name, offers sensational views. The Hermitage, near Dunkeld, is a lush forest where you can stroll along the River Braan, marvelling at trees that have probably seen a few wars and revolutions.

Blair Castle in Blair Atholl is an historic castle surrounded by gardens against a mesmerising Grampian Mountains backdrop. If you time your visit right, you might catch the Blair Castle International Horse Trials, a prestigious equestrian party that draws horse lovers from all corners of the globe.

Perthshire is a Scottish blockbuster that seamlessly blends natural beauty, history and more outdoor thrills. Whether you are strolling through Perth's historic streets, paddleboarding on Loch Tay or conquering the Cairngorms, Perthshire is your backstage pass to the highland fling of a lifetime!

Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide  – so read on and enjoy! 

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