If you’re a fan of the TV series Victoria you’ll definitely recognise Blair Castle.

An episode of the second series of the royal drama, starring Jenna Coleman, was filmed at this stunning Highland location a couple of years ago. And it’s fitting, because Queen Victoria was a regular visitor here with Prince Albert, including one of their great expeditions from Balmoral, accompanied by several ponies to carry their packs, two bagpipers and the ghillie John Brown.

This picturesque park is at the entrance to the Cairngorms National Park in the village of Blair Atholl. The site is easily accessed from the A9 trunk road, and with views over Blair Castle and the Highlands, this is a Scottish gem.

The site actually forms part of the historic grounds of Blair Castle and Gardens and is surrounded by the national park. Campers have access to roam into the many miles of estate land beyond the site. It is also home to Segway Ecosse, providing fun tours around the estate on Segways. Other activities on offer locally include horse riding, fishing, Land Rover safaris and Ranger Activities such as treasure hunts and wildlife watching.

The modern reception building houses a shop and games room and there’s also a children’s playground, a mini football pitch and putting green and even a hair and beauty room. The park also has five heated toilet/shower blocks Guests also enjoy a discounted entry price to the castle.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

STAY AT
BLAIR CASTLE CARAVAN ESTATE
Blair Atholl, Perthshire PH18 5SR
01796 481263
blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk
Open 1 March – 19 November
Price from £12 – £24 for a tent and two people

NEED TO DO
Blair Castle itself, with its turrets and battlements, is the most visited historic house in Scotland, with such luminaries as Queen Victoria, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce among its early guests.

No trip to this part of the world is complete without a visit to House of Bruar – a huge, upmarket retail outlet just off the A9. It’s sometimes called the Harrods of the north and is as expensive as that nickname would suggest, but it is certainly worth a browse to see how the other half live.

Pitlochry’s main street is packed with souvenir shops and tourist-friendly restaurants and tearooms, but away from the crowds this is a lovely spot. Pack a picnic and take a riverside walk by the River Tummel.

EATING OUT
There are several tea rooms and pubs close to the site, including Blair Atholl Water Mill and Tea Room, the Struan Inn at Calvine and the Atholl Arms in Blair Atholl itself. Treat yourself to a scone in the castle’s Tullibardine Restaurant.

Blair Castle is six miles from Pitlochry where there is an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants.

NEED TO KNOW
blair-castle.co.uk
blairatholl.org.uk
highlandperthshire.org