Best Things to Do in Central Scotland

Glenturret Distillery in Crieff, Perthshire, holds the distinction of being Scotland's oldest working distillery, with records of whisky production on this site dating to 1763. Set within a picturesque glen alongside the Turret Burn, the distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies that reflect the unhurried, traditional craft for which it has long been celebrated. In recent years, Glenturret has undergone a remarkable renaissance following its partnership with the celebrated Lalique brand, which brought a new luxury restaurant, boutique, and visitor experience to the historic site. The Lalique Restaurant at Glenturret has earned prestigious culinary recognition, pairing fine Scottish produce with exceptional whisky selections in an elegant setting. Guided tours take visitors through the traditional pot stills, mash tun, and warehouses, offering genuine insight into the time-honored process that remains largely unchanged despite the distillery's age. The visitor centre provides tastings of core expressions and limited releases, and the on-site shop stocks exclusive bottlings unavailable elsewhere. Glenturret Cat — successor to the legendary Towser, once celebrated as the world's most prolific mouser — adds a whimsical footnote to the distillery's heritage. Set within easy reach of Perth and Stirling, Glenturret makes a compelling destination for whisky enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Killiecrankie is a dramatic wooded gorge in Perthshire where the River Garry rushes through a narrow defile carved by glacial meltwater — one of the most scenically spectacular natural landscapes in Highland Perthshire. The site is famous as the location of the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, where Jacobite forces under Viscount Dundee — 'Bonnie Dundee' — defeated a government army in a ferocious engagement that lasted only minutes. The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre explains the battle and its wider political context with clarity and engagement. The famous Soldier’s Leap, where a fleeing government trooper allegedly jumped 18 feet across the gorge to escape Jacobite pursuit, has become one of Scotland’s most evocative historical landmarks. The Pass of Killiecrankie is also a celebrated Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in ancient mixed woodland, rare plants, red squirrels, and migrating pied flycatchers in summer. Waymarked trails wind through the gorge and along the riverbank, offering superb walking in all seasons. Located just north of Pitlochry and easily combined with other Highland Perthshire attractions, Killiecrankie rewards visitors with equal measures of history, geology, and breathtaking natural beauty.

SEA LIFE Loch Lomond in Balloch brings the wonders of the underwater world to the southern gateway of Scotland's most famous national park. Located in Drumkinnon Tower on the banks of Loch Lomond, this family-oriented aquarium showcases freshwater and marine species in immersive, themed displays designed to educate and inspire. Highlights include walk-through tunnel displays, ray touch pools, and exhibits dedicated to the native wildlife of Loch Lomond itself — including pike, perch, and brown trout found just outside the door. The aquarium is part of the global SEA LIFE network, which runs conservation programs for rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses. Interactive feeding demonstrations and keeper talks take place throughout the day, making visits engaging for children and adults alike. The location inside Drumkinnon Tower adds a distinctive architectural character to the experience, and large windows afford scenic views over the loch between exhibits. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond is ideal for families looking to combine a national park visit with an indoor attraction, particularly on days when Highland weather turns unpredictable. Advance online booking is recommended during school holidays and summer weekends. With Loch Lomond Shores retail village and boat hire nearby, Balloch offers a full day of varied attractions anchored by the breathtaking loch itself.

The Hermitage near Dunkeld in Perthshire is one of Scotland's most enchanting woodland walks, managed by the National Trust for Scotland within Tay Forest Park. This ancient designed landscape was created in the 18th century by the Dukes of Atholl, who shaped the banks of the River Braan into a series of dramatic viewpoints and romantic follies. The centerpiece of any visit is Ossian's Hall, a restored 18th-century pavilion perched dramatically above the Black Linn waterfall, where the Braan crashes through a narrow gorge in a thunderous display. Towering Douglas firs — some among the tallest trees in Britain — line the paths and create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere beneath their canopy. The circular walk from the car park takes around 40 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace and is largely accessible year-round. Autumn is particularly spectacular, when the mixed woodland blazes with copper, gold, and crimson. The site has been a visitor destination since the Romantic era, beloved by poets and painters, and it retains that timeless, slightly otherworldly quality. Dunkeld itself, just minutes away, adds further appeal with its restored 18th-century cathedral street and cathedral ruins beside the Tay. The Hermitage is free to enter, with a car park charge applying, making it an exceptional-value Highland experience.