Whether it be the sparkling lights of Perth or the little glow from the independent shops dotted throughout the surrounding towns and villages, Perthshire is the perfect place to wrap you up in a warm festive hug!
Perth itself is packed not just with all the highstreet names you would expect but if you head away from the main street and explore the lovely traditional shop fronts down the little lanes, you will find lots of interesting independent shops and yummy restaurants, it really is the perfect way to while away a cold winter's day. If you are making a day of it, head to Effie’s of Perth for a festive afternoon tea or head to 63 Tay Street Restaurant for an amazing meal to end your day in the gateway to the Highlands.
As you explore the surrounding towns and villages, you find gems such as The Highland Chocolatier at Grandtully which has a dedicated chocolate visitor centre (with free entry) where you can learn about the wondrous ways of turning cocoa into the most sought after and adored of all confections, the gourmet chocolate shop is the perfect place to stock up on festive treats and Christmas presents.
Aberfeldy is a pretty, lively town situated on Scotland's longest river, the River Tay and offers something for everyone. Why not start with a well marked walk up to the stunning Falls of Moness to work up an appetite. Then head to Aberfeldy Watermill Art Gallery, Bookshop & Cafe, a three-storey former oatmeal mill where you can enjoy browsing or stop for a coffee, with its dedicated children’s room, it is perfect to relax for a few hours with the whole family. Make sure you find time for a tour of Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery and explore their interactive exhibition, before tasting whisky and soaking up the atmosphere in the welcoming Whisky Lounge and Cafe. The real Highland experience to warm you up from the inside out! Head back to your lodge with some unique gifts from The Spirit of Wood, for friends, family or even a treat for your own home.
If you are feeling more energetic you can wrap up warm and head out on one of the many local walking or biking trails that wind their way through Perthshire or head to Highland Safaris, winner of the "Best Visitor Experience" in Scotland for a very good reason. It combines exhilarating Land Rover safaris, scenic boat trips of Loch Tay, a Red Deer Centre, inspiring walking and biking activities, topped off with Perthshires only Gold and Gem Panning Centre.
If you are looking for a perfect festive day out, we have to mention Crieff Hydro which has thought of everything for the whole family, you can visit Santa and get up close to his reindeer or glide around on the Glice Rink, a water-free and eco-friendly ice rink that is suitable for all the family. Once you’re all skated out, you can enjoy a warm, wintery drink or two in one of the cafés or restaurants onsite. So, grab your Christmas jumper or put on your antlers and get into the festive spirit.
As we head into a Perthshire evening you are spoilt for choice with so many local bars and pubs that give a real festive atmosphere with singing, dancing and live music, you can let your hair down and experience the locals secret to keeping warm on a cold December evening. Highland Perthshire is a great place to start with the local Whats On guide.
Before you head home, Crieff Food Company is a haven for food lovers who recognise the importance of locally sourced, seasonal and homemade food. The cafe serves delicious home prepared food throughout the day from breakfast and lunch to fantastic cakes and sweet treats. What a great place to pick up treats and keep the memories of your festive break alive!
