Blair Castle Estate, Perthshire
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
Recent Updates
Our family camping checklist: everything you need to pack
Sure, you’ve packed the tent and the sleeping bags – but what about slip-on shoes and glow sticks? These are the family camping essentials that you ...
Our guide to planning the perfect camping road trip
Roll down the window, pop on those shades and crank up the volume – it’s time for a road trip. Get ready for ...
Camping in Europe: our 12 top tips
If you’ve not camped in Europe before, there’s a few tips and tricks you’ll need to avoid some continental ...
Solar power for camping: all you need to know
Staying connected in the great outdoors is easier than ever with a solar charger – or is it? How reliable are ...
Wild camping kit list: everything you need for your next adventure
Make sure you’re ready for anything with this list of lightweight camping gear and clothing, including ...
Camping furniture: all you need to know to make your tent a cosy haven
We delve into the essentials of camping chairs, camping tables, and kitchen and bedroom furniture, ensuring ...
Camping lights for tents: What you need to know
We will guide you through all the lighting options available for you and your tent, including interior ...
Camping kitchen: all you need to know
In the great outdoors, a well-equipped camping kitchen transforms mealtime into a delightful adventure ...
How to pack away your camping gear for winter
A complete guide to packing and storing your gear at the end of the season ...
Camping guide to trailers
Trailer stash or trailer trash? Being able to carry lots of other gear when you go camping isn’t such a bad ...
Other Articles
Winter camping: all you need to know to keep warm
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of the camping season. With good preparation and the right gear, there’s no reason why you can’t camp all year ...
Camping toilets: a complete guide
If you are wild camping, camping off-grid or the campsite you book onto doesn’t have toilet facilities, you ...
Top tips for camping in windy weather
How to make sure your tent stands up to gusty conditions ...
Camping tents: a complete guide
If you're considering buying a camping tent, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned camper, making ...
Camping sleeping bags and beds: a complete guide
When it comes to camping, there's one essential item that can make or break your outdoor adventure: the ...
Camping gas: how to use gas on the campsite
A complete guide to using camping gas appliances safely on the campsite, from choosing the right stove to ...
Camping storage: a complete guide
Having problems knowing where to put all your gear when you're camping? Read our top tips and see some great ...
Camping electric hook-up: a complete guide
This is everything you need to know about using electricity on a campsite, including how to hook up ...
How to pack all your camping gear into your car
Planning a family camping holiday? Find out the best way to fit all the kit you need into your car boot, roof ...
Camping stoves and cookers: the complete guide
Camping stoves are an essential part of any outdoor adventure, allowing you to prepare meals and hot drinks ...