10 Things to Do Near Gleneagles

For those attending the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles Resort in Perthshire, Scotland or other travelers playing golf in central Scotland there’s lots to see and do in this special region.

Here are 10 great things to do:

1. Village of Auchterarder

The closest village to Gleneagles, it literally borders the resort. Home to 4,000 residents, it’s laid out with a long main street (1.5 mile High Street) giving it the nickname of Lang Toon (meaning long town). High Street is lined with specialty shops, cafes and tearooms.

2. Town of Perth

A 15-minute train ride from Gleneagles, Perth is a bustling, compact city of 50,000 people set on the banks of the River Tay. Scotland’s ancient capital for five centuries, Perth is a wonderland of cobblestone streets lined with Georgian townhouses, medieval spires, historic theaters, fascinating museums and spectacular gardens.

3. Town of Crieff

It’s the second largest town in Perthshire after Perth. Crieff is a charming village of 6,000 residents with a great reputation for fine and casual dining. Don’t miss attractions in Crieff, located 10 miles from Gleneagles, include the Caithness Glass Visitor Center and The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret.

4. Tullibardine Distillery

Located in Blackford close to the Ochil Hills and the Danny Burn, its two main water sources, Tullibardine opened its doors in 1949. It produces several types of single malt whiskey. The “Classic Tour”, which costs 9 Euro per person, takes you through the whiskey process from start to finish and concludes at the dramming bar with a tasting of two single malts.

5. Drummond Castle Gardens

These spectacular gardens are the best example of formal terraced gardens in Scotland. Located about 7 miles from Gleneagles near the town of Crieff, the gardens have wonderfully manicured shrubs and flowers, massive pine trees, statues, urns and fountains. Interestingly, the gardens are used as the gardens of the Palace of Versailles in the second season of Outlander.

6. The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery

Situated just outside of Crieff, Genturret is the oldest working distillery in Scotland. See how the Famous Grouse is made using old school processes and not computers. The tour is very informative and you’ll learn lots about the whiskey making process.

7. Castle Campbell

Set high above Dollar Glen, Castle Campbell is one of the most dramatically positioned castles in Scotland. It has wonderfully restored tower houses, a structure built back in the 1400s, and beautiful terraced gardens.

8. Stirling Castle

One of the largest and most significant castles in Scotland, Sterling Castle is located 18 miles from Gleneagles. It is perched on a hill surrounded by three sides of cliffs. Architecturally impressive, most of the main buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries. During its colorful history it was used as a palace and a fortress and their were at least eight sieges of the castle.

9. National Wallace Monument

Near Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument is marking its 150th anniversary this year (2019). It honors Sir William Wallace, a 13th century Scottish hero. The hugely popular movie Braveheart featured actor Mel Gibson playing the role of William Wallace.

10. Scone Palace

Sitting above the River Tay, about 20 miles from Gleneagles, Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s most important Stately homes. It has served as the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert The Bruce. The palace and grounds are stunningly beautiful. It is brimming with a superb collection of antiques, paintings and rare artifacts.