Things to Do in Pitlochry with Kids
Things to do in Pitlochry with Kids – This Perthshire town is cute as a button, it has fantastic events (especially the family friendly Enchanted Forest) and it’s a great base from which to explore Perthshire or head into the Cairngorms National Park.
Boating Station / Enchanted Forest / Dam & Salmon Ladder / Shopping / Festival Theatre / Black Spout Waterfall / Blair Athol Distillery / Stay in a Castle
Pitlochry Boating Station and Lochside Cafe
The Boating Station offers fishing rod hire, SUPs, mountain bikes, kayaking, rowing boat hire, and pedalo hire. Alternatively, bring your own gear and just pay launch fees. If you prefer to stay on dry land, grab a slab of cake from the Lochside Cafe and enjoy the stunning views.
Enchanted Forest – Things to Do in Pitlochry
These annual winter illuminations are a feast for the senses, combining music, lasers, lights and reflections in an immersive experience that’s ideal for all ages and includes lots of hands on activities as well. Thoroughly recommend. Read a full guide here. Runs till 3 November 2024.
Black Spout Wood & Waterfall – Things to Do in Pitlochry
An ideal walk for little legs. Park at Black Spout Wood (or simply walk from town) then follow the clearly signposted path about ten minutes to a wooden viewing platform of the waterfall. Either return to your car after drinking in the scenery or continue uphill to the top of the waterfall (keep an eye on small children here) for a different perspective.
Pitlochry Dam, Visitor Centre & Salmon Ladder
FREE Love this because it’s four experiences in one, and all for free. Start in the Visitor Centre learning about hydro power, the salmon migration upriver, the ‘Tunnel Tigers’ who dug through 300km of Scottish rock to create the nine power stations and generate electricity across the region. Grab a treat or lunch in the Visitor Centre with its fantastic views over the dam and the river. Thirdly walk out right onto the top of the dam. Fourthly, peer into the salmon ladders that protect the salmon migration and learn about their life cycle – about 5000 salmon a year use this fishy facility.
Walk from Dam back into Town
Rather than head back to the Visitor Centre you can take a 15 minute circular walk into town. Head down river, past the Festival Theatre, cross the picturesque suspension bridge, explore the High Street before returning to your car at the dam.
Festival Theatre – Things to Do in Pitlochry
If you wish to grab a show then check what’s on at Pitlochry’s Festival Theatre. It’s home to an outdoor amphitheatre, studio theatre and main auditorium. When I was there The Sound of Music was running, plus seasonal highlights (such as festive weekends) punctuate the year.
The site is also home to the Explorer’s Garden, that celebrates Scotland’s rich history of plant hunters.
Shopping – Things to Do in Pitlochry
The shops in Pitlochry are mainly independent businesses with owners who are passionate about what they do. Discover retro sweet shop Love Your Sweets, all-year-round Christmas Emporium, pies at the Macdonald Brothers Butchers, cakes at Hettie’s Tea Room, and bigger names include the lush toiletries at The Highland Soap Company, and Mountain Warehouse (ideal for affordable outdoor gear you may have forgotten to pack!)
Blair Athol Distillery – Things to Do in Pitlochry
Adults and children over 8 can undertake a distillery tour, but if you’ve got little ones it’s still possible to admire the ivy clad exteriors, have a drink at the Mash Tun Bar and browse the gift shop.
Stay in a Castle
Pitlochry offers an array of hotels and self-catering, but for something special, with a pool for all ages, plus indoor and outdoor hot tubs, make it Fonab Castle. This red brick beauty offers three AA rosette dining in its luxurious Sandemans Restaurant or grab a meal in the more informal 1892 on the Loch restaurant. The views over Loch Faskally are jaw-dropping. I’d even recommend simply dropping by the bar for a drink so you can indulge in the vistas.
Out of Town
If you do wish to explore further then head to Blair Atholl for its castle, watermill and the inspiring Queen’s View. This viewpoint is only minutes from the car park so it’s ideal for youngsters.
Another option is Killliecrankie. Learn about the Battle of Killiecrankie, and walk to Soldier’s Leap where a Jacobite leapt for his life to escape the pursuing Red Coats.
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