Things to do in Blairgowrie and Rattray
This part of Perthshire, especially around Dunkeld and Blairgowrie, is incredibly beautiful, with a huge range of activities to get you hooked. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Blairgowrie and Rattray; golf courses, woodland walks, riverside walks, and excellent mountain‑biking routes to get your teeth stuck into.
The area is also full of fantastic cafés, pubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. And after a full day of discovering Perthshire, our cottages offer the perfect cosy spaces to come back to and unwind.
Local Walks
The Blairgowrie and Dunkeld area offers an exceptional variety of local walks, ranging from gentle 2.5‑mile riverside routes to big 56‑mile circular challenges like the Cateran Trail for groups looking to tick off their next adventure. In and around Blairgowrie and Dunkeld, the walking network is fantastic, with something to suit all ages and abilities. So whether you’re coming to stay with friends or family, this part of Perthshire has you well covered.
Outdoor Activities
The outdoor activities on offer around here are second to none, there is something to suit any size and age, from walking to downhill mountain biking, this region has it all.
Blairgowrie is often referred to as "The gateway to the Highlands", and provides access up to Glenshee Ski centre and on to Royal Deeside, where you can explore places like Balmoral Castle and Ballater.
Mountain biking in this area is also fantastic, with places like Ballo hill and the hills around Dunkeld to get your adrenaline coursing, At Cairnwell we have a couple of mountain bikes for rent should you wish to make the most of the trails on offer. And for our water loving guests, we have a river network that takes in 3 major rivers, the Islay, the Tay and the Ericht, or Lochs like Clunie that you can take advantage of some great conditions for paddle boarding, or if you like we also have a canoe for rent that you can use to create some fun memories.
Local Attractions
Places to Eat
There is a great variety of places to eat in and around Blairgowrie. Outside the town, you’ll find restaurants such as Uisage in Murthly and the Meikleour Arms in Meikleour, both of which are fantastic. In Blairgowrie itself, you can choose from spots like The Causerie — an intimate restaurant and wine bar — as well as The Dalmore and The Church Tapas & Grill, along with several other cafés and restaurants throughout the town.
Golf Courses
Golf is one of the most popular things to do in Blairgowrie and Rattray, and this area of Perthshire is well known for its excellent courses.
Ranging from shorter, easier rounds to more challenging championship courses, most, if not all course welcome visitors and have easy booking services for booking your Tee times.
Museums & Shops
Blairgowrie has a relaxed mix of independent shops and small local spots that are easy to explore during your stay. The town centre has a good range of family‑run businesses, from outdoor and gift shops to bakeries and cafés, it’s simple to spend a bit of time wandering around. While there isn’t a museum or gallery in Blairgowrie itself, the surrounding area has plenty of places of interest, along with craft shops and makers in nearby villages. Whether you’re looking to browse, pick up something handmade, or just enjoy a quiet hour in town, there’s plenty close by to fill a morning or afternoon near the cottages.