Blair Castle sits amid one of Scotland’s best known Highland estates. Its history dates back to the 13th century. This is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and has been home to the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl for 19 generations. Blair Castle was one of the first great houses in Britain to open its doors to the public, in 1936.
The estate is close to the village of Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, 90 minutes from Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow.
In the grounds of the castle nestles an amazing and comprehensive holiday centre, incorporating holiday homes and an enticing range of activities.
The holiday park is surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s easy to get to, only two miles off the A9 which leads to Inverness.
ACTIVITIES
The park is an ideal location for walkers and cyclists, with a 50-mile network of off-road trails which can be accessed directly from the park.
The park also offers opportunities to go fishing, pony trekking or on a Land Rover Safari into the hills. There are tractor-trailer tours that take you on a 90-minute exploration of the grounds of Blair Castle and the surrounding landscape, showing you parts of the castle grounds many visitors never get to see as you pass through farmland, woodland and along the maze of estate tracks. The tour offers opportunities to see the animals that live on the estate, too.
The park is also home to Segway Ecosse, providing a fun range of segway tours around the estate.
THE CASTLE
Blair Castle is utterly magnificent. The earliest part of the castle dates from 1269. Over the centuries the castle has been expanded. Some of the finest plaster work in Scotland is here, together with fascinating furniture from Scotland’s finest cabinet makers. Splendour and opulence is laid out before the visitor along with fascinating history.
In the 1860s and 1870s, amid the growing popularity of Scottish Baronial architecture, the exterior of the castle was remodelled. A new entrance hall was built and a splendid ballroom added. The latest services including bathrooms, telephones and gas were introduced for the first time.
Visitors can explore 30 rooms and can trace Scottish history through the lives of the family, their collections of furniture, arms, china, lace and portraits.
THE ESTATE
The estate is a place of immense character, home to red squirrels, Highland ponies, ducks and also Highland cows.
Nine acres of open space in the centre of the park provides a putting green, playground and mini football pitch as well as plenty of space for playing.
The reception building houses a small shop stocking everyday essentials plus a games room complete with pool table, plus table tennis and table football.
The park is also home to the Atholl Hair and Beauty Room, which offers a range of beauty treatments and massages as well as hairdressing.