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Pitlochry

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About Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a lovely Victorian town on the banks of the River Tummel which offers plenty for all visitors whether you're here for the outdoors activities, whisky distillery, festival theatre or simply a country escape. Our pick of the best places to stay in Pitlochry includes great little B&Bs in town plus grander country house hotels slightly further afield.

Pitlochry is a bit of a mecca if you're into adventure sports or walking. There are a number of really magical walks and hikes in the area including up Ben Vrackie, which is a reasonable 841metres. The stunning views are worth the effort! For something flatter, explore the area around Loch Tummel and the Queen’s View Visitor’s Centre, which overlooks Tay Forest Park, the loch, and Schiehallion in the background. For adrenaline junkies there's bungee jumping, quad biking and plenty of water based actvitites too.

The Highlands Games are very popular (held every September) as is the annual "Enchanted Forest" sound and light show in Faskally Forest (early October to early November). This is a great time to visit the ‘fish ladder’ too. It's a 310 metre construction beside Pitlochry dam, which around 500 salmon use annually in their upstream journey. In the town centre there’s a great collection of independent shops, including an excellent bakery and a couple of high-end retailers.

During the peak summer months, the best places to stay in Pitlochry are incredibly busy. So if you want to avoid disappointment, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Pitlochry

For the Views

  • Built in the 1800s, The Inn at Loch Tummel is a stylish inn with great loch views. The bar and restaurant have lovely views, and all of the six rooms do as well — some through huge windows. They also feature cosy, rustic decor, and charming original details. The food and drink are excellent too. Ideal for walkers, or for anyone craving a sense of space.
  • Knockendarroch is a luxurious hotel in an elevated spot in Pitlochry which maximises its views. Its 12 rooms are all uniquely decorated, with good solid taste, and just the right amount of tartan. The restaurant is known for its gourmet offerings made from the finest local produce.

For Couples

  • Craigatin House is a chic B&B on the outskirts of town: an historic stone home, with a contemporary-built wing, and two acres of woodland. The property now has 13 guest rooms — including some in the stable courtyard. All are stylishly decorated, but number 11 is the grandest, with huge windows and a wood-burning stove. The breakfast is impressive. Ideal for explorers of all kinds.
  • Cuil an Duin is a three room B&B, converted from a really charming, period house set in sprawling, mature gardens. This is an excellent pick for walkers, but also for fisherfolk. We like the elegant, traditional decor, and welcoming communal spaces, which include a lounge with a grand piano.

For a Countryside Escape

  • With its hip, vegan restaurant and yoga yurt, Saorsa 1875 feels like a rather contemporary take on a country house hotel stay. Its 11 rooms and suites are individually decorated, leaving room for some sultry, grown-up designs, as well as some classic country chic. The location, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, invites an outdoorsy crowd, but our Gurus also recommend this hotel to folk looking for an opportunity to unwind.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest airport to Pitlochry is Dundee Airport, which is about an hour away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by public transport. Edinburgh International Airport is about an hour and a quarter away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by bus — or three by train. If you’re travelling from London, or via London, it’s about six and a half hours from Kings Cross, nine hours on the night train from Euston, or around eight hours' drive.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • The busiest time to visit Pitlochry is during the second weekend of September, when Pitlochry hosts Scotland’s final Highland Games of the year. It’s also busy during the annual salmon migration. Pitlochry hosts a literary festival in February, and a year round season of theatre, and these periods are busier than average too. Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and Pitlochry is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear whatever the season. The mildest months are April through October, some tourist businesses close between November and March, so do you research extra carefully if you want to travel during this window.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Pitlochry

  • Craigatin House Pitlochry 14 rooms from CA$228

    Value chic  -  A stylish and affordable base to return to after a day exploring the nearby castles, mountains and whisky distilleries.
    Great walks  -  Walk around Loch Faskally and through the Faskally Woods.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Blair Castle just five miles from the property.
    Restrictions on children  -  No children allowed.
    GardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A chic bed and breakfast in the heart of Pitlochry, with Farrow & Ball interiors and a lovely garden. Stylish contemporary bedrooms. Beautifully converted living areas with glass walls. Hearty breakfasts set guests up for a day outdoors. An excellent base for exploring the local area. See More

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  • Saorsa 1875 Pitlochry 11 rooms from CA$287

    Foodies  -  The vegan restaurant is the star of the show serving a five-course tasting menu using seasonal and foraged produce
    Eco break  -  An ethical stay: for each meal served a tree is planted, suppliers are cruelty-free, and fabrics are faire-trade
    Great walks  -  There are a wide network of hiking trails running through Cairngorms National Park
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    RestaurantGardenParking

    A grand country house hotel with boutique interiors and a hip vegan restaurant. Individually styled rooms are ethically designed with upcycled furnishings and fair-trade fabrics. With lovely walks, a yurt-based yoga studio, and standout five-course tasting menus — this is a chic rural getaway. See More

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  • Cuil an Duin Pitlochry (Ballinluig) 3 rooms from CA$329

    Fishing  -  Excellent salmon fishing on the nearby Garry and Tay rivers.
    Great walks  -  The surrounding area has no shortage of great walks.
    Full of character
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    GardenViewsParking

    Tucked away in a hidden corner of Perthshire, Cuil an Duin is a charming B&B. Featuring smart, comfortable bedrooms, a characterful piano and beautiful sprawling garden, it's an ideal base to explore the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. See More

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  • The Inn at Loch Tummel Pitlochry 6 rooms from CA$337

    Sights nearby  -  Looking out on the Queen’s View, salmon jumping the ladder in Pitlochry, to Blair Castle of Clan Murray
    Great walks  -  Allean Forest is a few minutes drive with marked routes and stunning panoramic views
    Local exploring  -  Nature walks, birdwatching, sailing and also many historic sights close by
    Views  -  The Queen's viewing point is minutes away, but the Inn also boasts impressive views of its own
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    Originally a coaching inn from the 1800s, this historic, stylish property offers six ensuite rooms softly furnished in rustic, earthy tones. Wonderful location in the heart of Perthshire. Come for hill walks and stunning views followed by drinks in the cosy bar and locally sourced hearty food. See More

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  • Knockendarroch Pitlochry 12 rooms from CA$396

    Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby Killiecrankie, the site of the famous 'Soldiers Leap'.
    Great walks  -  The surrounding valley is full of beautiful walking routes.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParking

    Offering beautiful views of the Tummel Valley, Knockendarroch is a charming, picturesque hotel in Pitlochry. Each comfortable room has a distinctive Scottish feel and the hotel's excellent restaurant focuses on local produce. A great gateway into the Highlands. See More

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  • Fonab Castle Pitlochry (Perthshire) 42 rooms from CA$449

    Spa breaks  -  The Woodland Spa offers treatments using organic Ishga products from the Hebrides, plus thermal suite, steam room, pool & more
    Romantic Break  -  Gorgeous rooms and suites both in the main castle and the modern wing with deep soaking tubs and stunning views
    Active Holiday  -  This area of Perthshire is renowned for its outdoor pursuits from Munro bagging to fishing and much more
    Local exploring  -  Pitlochry is on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park and is surrounded by things to do and see
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    A Victorian pile overlooking Loch Faskally. Classic, contemporary interiors feature rooms and suites spread through the main building and modern extension, the best with deep soaking tubs, working fireplaces and awesome views. The Sandeman ensures gourmet dining and there's a spoiling spa. Superb! See More

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