You’ll find the Scottish Highlands to be full of history and beauty – the perfect place to explore over a weekend with loved ones, or to take a solo sojourn and get lost in nature. From medieval attractions to soothing landscapes waiting to be explored by you! Pamper yourself to a luxury weekend break in Scotland for an unforgettable experience after long winter.
In this article, we will give you inspiration for luxury castle weekend in the Highland Perthshire region of Scotland
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How to get there:
By train: Pitlochry enjoys a direct link to London Kings Cross and overnight sleeper service to Euston. The average journey time from Edinburgh to Pitlochry is 1h50 min. Trains run up to 1 time per hour. Buy your tickets here
By bus: There is a direct bus journey from Glasgow and Edinburgh and arriving at Pitlochry. Services depart six times a day and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h. Buy your ticket here
By car: from Edinburgh 1h 30 min (70 mi) via M90 or A9
Car hire: Rent a Car from a local Celtic Legend who offers the most competitive rates for car rental in Scotland
Or find great deals on worldwide car rental here
By air: Flying to Glasgow (95miles) or Edinburgh (70miles) or Inverness (90miles). Check the tickets here
Pitlochry – The Perfect Holiday Destination for Your Luxury Weekend Break
Pitlochry is a pretty Victorian spa town located in a stunning region of Scotland with lush countryside. The town became a popular destination because of the clear air and waters of the region.
Since the Highland Main train line connected the nearby towns, travelling became much easier and available to everyone. Hotels were constructed to meet the demand and there were some famous visitors to the area, including Queen Victoria.
It is an excellent destination for a luxury weekend break in Scotland. The beauty of the region will transport you to another world and allow you to forget about your everyday life.
Photo Credit_Fonab Castle
Fonab Castle – The Enchanting Accommodation for Your Luxury Weekend Break
Fonab Castle 5* with a unique lochside location and stunning views near Ben Vrackie, it’s a castle from a fairy tale. The baronial style of the castle combined with contemporary design attracts many to stay here.
Beautifully restored rooms along with fine dining and spa experiences have given the castle a reputation as a luxury wedding destination.
Accommodation consists of 42 bedrooms with a choice of castle, woodland and lodge rooms. For a memorable experience book a signature castle room, which is located in the original castle.
@Fonab Castle Hotel_ Loch View
Day 1
Morning
After your check in to the hotel take a walk in the picturesque Faskally Wood. It’s right on your doorstep and from here you can explore its footpaths and woodland. All Pitlochry walking trails start and finish in the town centre, with each being clearly marked by a colour-coded signpost.
Fall is the perfect time to take in the sights of Scotland with its beautiful colours of foliage.
The Loch Faskally circular route is 8 miles and includes a hill walk, crossing an area of typical Scottish moorlands before ascending to a summit with superb views.
As you walk through, head back to Fonab Castle & Brasserie for lunch with its fantastic view of Faskally Loch.
Afternoon
Relax in Woodland Spa
Take a well-deserved pampering afternoon at the famous Woodland Spa. Book 2h treatment of a Body Ritual offering a relaxing massage to melt away your tensions and ease aches and pains. Follow this with your Initiale Facial, tailored to suit your skin needs.
Or indulge yourself and your loved one in Couples Experience. 1h 3o min treatment includes a massage in a dual room followed by a Heavenly Scalp Massage. Afterwards, treat yourself with Hendricks Afternoon Tea which is included in the treatment price.
Evening
Conclude your day with a splendid seven-course tasting menu with the finest wines. A three AA Rosette Award-Winning restaurant awaits with its wood-panelled interior.
This is an exceptionally special culinary experience. Clearly, it’s a labour of love – and you’re invited!
If you’re looking for something different, why not book a Pod? Surrounded by nature, pods fitted with heating, lighting and personal music systems create unforgettable experiences.
Finish your evening at the Lounge Bar, perfect for drinking in the scenery with a dram or two.
Taste Scotland’s best drinks like whisky and gin, both of which are local favourites. You can also try rare & cask strength whiskies.
@Fonab Castle Hotel _Dining Pod_
Day 2
Morning
Visit Blair Castle
The stunning Castle & Gardens (£16pp) really is something to contemplate. It has 30 rooms open to the public, all set out as the fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture; dining rooms, bedrooms, nursery, drawing rooms & ballroom.
Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 750 years to suit the needs of the family.
It’s fascinating to see how this castle has survived all these centuries and continues to function.
The gardens are incredible and the estate is perfect for taking long walks with great scenery. You can walk through the Hercules Gardens too! There is also a delightful tea room with views over rolling lawns and flower beds.
Photo credit_ Blair Castle_Drawing Room
Afternoon
Visit the oldest site making a Blair Athol Single Malt Whisky. Blair Athol Distillery (open 7 days) is located in Pitlochry itself. Here, you can choose between guided tours and learning about the distillery’s rich history or tasting delicious whisky drums in the Distillery whisky shop.
I recommend Blair Atholl Allt Dour Tour for whisky connousiers. It’s a 1h 25 min guided distillery tour followed by a tutored tasting of six extraordinary whiskies (£35pp).
Evening
You can enjoy a great evening at the theatre. Pitlochry Festival Theatre offers a variety of interesting and entertaining content, ranging from family-friendly shows to musicals and tragic dramas.
It’s internationally known and has a reputation for its high-quality shows. Check out the restaurant for something to eat then watch the show for an awesome evening
If you prefer to listen to some folk music then head to Moulin Inn. The pub was the winner of Inn of the Year and the Best Bar in Scotland at the National Pub & Bar Awards and has a long list of other awards.
This family-owned restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and, often, has live music gigs. You can make it a perfect night out with excellent food.
If you have one more day…
Pitlochry is a perfect destination for lovely walks in the surrounding area, so if you’d like to explore it further, extend your stay for one or more days and head to Queens View, a beautiful area with walks suitable for all.
Queens View was named after Queen Isabella, a wife of Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. Queens View has the most iconic and most photographed views over Loch Tummel. There you will find a first-class visitor centre with gift and coffee shops. You can take a bus or walk (2.5h) there.
Alternatively
Take a private guided tour – choose a half or full-day tour. With Highland Perceptions, you can enjoy your day being chauffeured in a luxury vehicle. The guided tour is a perfect option if you would like to visit places beyond Pitlochry or the distilleries.
With local guide Dave the tour will be exclusive and executive, with many stories to tell.
Highland Perthshire’s Activities for Your Luxury Weekend Break
Adventure
Get your adrenaline pumping with a Land Rover Experience. Within the great, highland places you can find yourself enjoying the full benefits of the Land Rover’s off-road capability! Speak with the Fonab Castle concierge and he will arrange for you the experience
The instructors will help you during the whole trip. They have a lot of experience and know-how to share with you, as well as plenty of different environments to try out – from off-road to forests, slopes and huge expanses of private land.
You can choose between one hour, half-day or full-day experience. More information, prices and what to bring find here
Shopping experience
Cashmere, tweed, casual sweater or modern outdoor jacket that can handle any Scottish weather. You’ll find all and more in one of the finest shopping experiences in Scotland, the House of Bruar.
Here, you will find not just an impressive collection of traditional Tweeds and cashmere but also brands not available anywhere else. In addition, you can enjoy a taste of luxury with gourmet produce, hand-crafted artisan treats, and an award-winning range of whisky and spirits in the Food Hall. Plus, in-store butchery & delicatessen.
Monday – Sunday: 9.30am until 5pm
The House of Bruar, By Blair Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TW
Highland Safari
You will not just absorb the culture of the Scottish Highlands as you explore it with your kilted Safari Ranger – you’ll come home with some knowledge as well. Winner of the ‘Best Visitor experience’ in Scotland combines the Red Deer Centre with award winning exhilarating land rover safaris.
This Mountain Safari tour is expected to last about 2 hours and 45 minutes and includes tea or coffee, a cup of Kenmore shortbread cookies, and a dram of whisky all enjoyed on the top of the hill.
Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00. Closed Mondays between November & April
Highland Safari, Dull, Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross, PH15 2JQ
Highland Safari
Other Places to Stay Nearby for Your Luxury Weekend Breaks in Scotland
4* Knockendarroch House Hotel
With a warm & welcoming environment, this beautifully maintained hotel offers comfortable country house style accommodation in a quiet elevated position. Situated in the Pitlochry, many of the 18 rooms have spectacular views over the town and the surrounding hills of Highland Perthshire.
You’ll find their wonderful guest lounge at Knockendarroch is the perfect place to spend a few hours in the evening. The views are magnificent and there are two roaring log fires – making this hotel particularly pleasant to stay in.
4* Pine Trees Hotel Pitlochry
This Victorian mansion in the picturesque Highland town of Pitlochry is an ideal place if you want to surround yourself with lush gardens, woodland, and Scottish cuisine. It’s filled with traditional furnishings and log fires for an old-fashioned home that boasts up to ten acres of land.
The Garden Restaurant provides classic Scottish cuisine. Using fresh produce, cooked to perfection and combined with alcoholic drinks, you get the perfect meal for an enjoyable dinner. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s bar, with its open log fire and range of Scotch single malt whiskies. Some rooms at The Pine Trees Hotel offer scenic views of the surrounding gardens, along with private bathrooms, TVs, and tea and coffee facilities
4* The Atholl Palace
The Atholl Palace Hotel, the epitome of Scottish baronial splendour, stands perched over postcard-perfect hills, looking down on wooded parkland.
This hotel opened as Athole Hydropathic and was converted to a major destination in Victorian times. Today, the hotel’s gardens, restaurant and spa are popular stops for travellers all over the world.
Conclusion
The Scottish Highlands are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of life. The region is home to many castles, which are popular tourist attractions. If you’re looking for a luxury castle weekend in Scotland, then you should head to Perthshire.
In this article, we will give you inspiration for a luxury castle stay in the other regions of Scotland.
