15 Best Things To Do In Crieff

Crieff is a stunning historical market town set in the heart of Perthshire. If you are in the region it is a great small town to explore and there are some excellent things to do in Crieff. 

Growing up I loved spending weekends away with family in Crieff. The small town has had an exciting past.

Back in the 1700s Crieff became a popular place for highlanders to sell their black cattle. In 1790 the population of Crieff was 1,200 which gave a ratio of ten cows per person.

Rob Roy MacGregor visited Crieff a number of times, often to sell cattle. 

Ewan McGregor and Denis Lawson were raised and educated in Crieff and have been featured in several movies from the franchise. Prince William and Catherine, the Earl and Countess of Strathearn have even visited Crieff. 

The town has many beautiful attractions and has a reputation for being the gateway to the Highlands.

Also, Crieff has many amenities including nice restaurants, hotels and luxury accommodations. There are many things to do in Crieff for visiting tourists.

Drummond Castle and Gardens

Drummond Gardens are some of Scotland’s most important formal gardens and are amongst the finest in Europe. The gardens are amazing French Renaissance-style gardens at the end of a narrow mile-long driveway.

The most recent garden design was updated in the 1950s. Some features have been preserved from the 18th century including the ancient yew hedges and the cooper beseech trees which were planted by Queen Victoria to commemorate her visit in 1842. 

It was amazing to look out over the gardens from the top terrace and into the distance to the woodland trail. There are many statues placed around the walkways and seating is available to enjoy the surroundings.

If you are a photographer you will be in your element at Drummond Gardens. The castle is not open to the public but the gardens offer fabulous views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. 

Strathearn Gallery

Strathearn Gallery is a small contemporary art gallery in Crieff which was established in 1994 and is run by Susan Bennett.

This is a lovely gallery with a wide selection of artwork, including some beautiful glass art.

Also, there are paintings, ceramics and a little jewellery. It is a great wee visit. 

MacRosty Park 

MacRosty Park is a green land situated on the west side of Crieff. The park features woodland, a network of paths, beautiful gardens and a Victorian bandstand.

Also, the fast-flowing Turret Burn runs throughout the park. The Victorian bandstand is used frequently throughout the summer for concerts. 

Parking is available at one end of the park. At the other end of the park, you can view the fish ladder.

The park is quite large and a few hours can be spent here on a nice day. Also, there are excellent amazing hidden views of small waterfalls and ruins of buildings. 

Ben Chonzie 

Ben Chonzie is the highest peak of the heathery moorlands to the north of Crieff. The best side of the Munro is to the east which rises above Glen Turret.

However, to get to the peak of the Munro is more frequently reached by climbing from the west side. For an easier ascent up Ben Chonzie you can follow a well-defined path through the Glen Lednock.

Ben Chonzie is one of the easiest Munros to climb in Perthshire.

The route takes between 4 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes. The round trip is fairly straightforward and is almost 8 miles long.

I completed this walk in early Spring and it was lovely to see the snow-covered peaks. I took 5 hours to walk to the summit and back.

This is a beautiful walk which has stunning views throughout and from the top of the Munro. 

Alternatively, you can take a route from Loch Tummel Dam. This route is a lot more difficult and is only recommended for more experienced walkers.

You can use the track on the east side of the loch which eventually leads to Lochan Uaine. 

Caithness Glass Visitor Centre 

The Caithness Factory and Visitor Centre gives a unique insight into the glass-making process. You can view the craftsmen and craftswomen hard at work in their studio environment.

They produce lovely handmade paperweights and gifts which are for sale in the gift shop. Also, you can buy Darlington Crystal glassware lines at a special reduced factory price. 

With free admission, car parking and glass making demonstration this is an exciting day out. There is an opportunity to explore your creative side and paint your own glass.

With so much to see, you will want time to relax. Therefore, you can relax in the tea room and have some hot or cold meals. 

Famous Grouse Experience Glenturret Distillery

The Glenturret Distillery was first established in 1875. Some buildings on the site date back to 1775.

Also, whiskey has been produced illegally on the site since 1717.

The Glenturret Tour offers an immersive experience where the long history of whiskey is brought to life. Also, visitors are taken through the processes and skills which create the Glenturret Single Malt. 

The Glenturret shop offers a wide choice of Single Malts and a selection of locally produced, handcrafted gifts.

Once you have enjoyed a tour and visited the gift shop you can enjoy a light lunch or sweet treat in the newly refurbished café.

The cafe is situated under the pagoda roof of the old maltings and serves a delicious menu using the finest ingredients. 

Innerpeffray Library

Four miles southeast of Crieff you can find the first lending library in Scotland. This is a tranquil hidden gem located in the tranquil countryside of Perthshire.

There is a tranquil River Earn walk to explore. Also, you can admire the medieval Chapel grounds and step back in time on a tour of the library.

This experience offers an in-depth experience of Scottish heritage which goes back to times of Roman occupation.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre 

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is located just 15 minutes outside Crieff and has over 40 species of animals that you can learn about.

At the wildlife centre, you can find the cutest baby animals in the world. A highlight of the day was viewing the baby meerkat. 

There is a short walk where you can explore plenty of enclosures to get to a viewpoint. Also, you can gently handle some of the small animals including guinea pigs and tortoises.

Moreover, the staff are polite and informative. Finally, you can visit the Pine Lodge Coffee Shop and the gift shop. 

Lady Mary’s Walk

Lady Mary’s Walk is a wonderful and diverse circuit which showcases the best scenery around River Earn, Laggan Hill, Crieff, MacRosty Park and the Glenturret Distillery – home to the Famous Grouse.

The route is a 9 kilometres enjoyable route and takes two hours to complete. 

The route was named after Lady Mary Murray whose family were local landowners in the early 19th century. Walking through the woodland will display trees that are over 150 years old and lots of lovely trees.

Knock of Crieff

Standing tall over the town of Crieff is the Knock which is a wooded hill. The climb to the top of the hill is short but steep but the views at the hop are extremely worth it.

You will be rewarded with breath taking views across the Strath Earn. Also, as well as a well-marked path there are a lot of mountain biking trails for those adventure seekers.

The Strathearn, Ochills Hills, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin are in view from the walk up to the Knock of Crieff.

The route is 6 kilometres long and takes 2 hours to complete. You can park your car at Knock car park which is located high above Crieff. 

Loch Monzievaird

Loch Monzievaird is located just to the west of Crieff. This is an amazing hidden gem and there is so much to discover. This is one of the best lochs to discover in the Lowlands of Scotland.

You can complete activities such as zip-lining, fishing, biking and kayaking. Also, you can admire the ancient castle ruins of Castle Cluggy, on the north side of the Loch.

The Abercairney Estate

This romantic estate has been home to the Moray clan for over 700 years and now is an excellent place for tourism, complete with a church, country views and historical significance. 

This gorgeous resort is the perfect place for a wedding venue and is used for many other glamorous events.

Also, the Abercairney Estate was used in season 4 of Outlander, three days of filming took place here.

Loch Turret Reservoir

Loch Turret Reservoir is a stunning area surrounded by hills. There are walks available which allow you to walk around the reservoir and up to the surrounding hills.

Crieff is 6 miles away from Loch Turret. This can also be a route up to Ben Chonzie. This is a phenomenal place to soak in the surrounding beauty.

Drover’s Tryst Walking Festival 

The Drover’s Tryst Walking Festival offers a sample of what traditional Scotland is like. The festival origins celebrate the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland back in the 1700s.

The festival is an excellent way to connect with the local Scottish people, and is perfect for all those who love the outdoors. It is suited for a wide range of walking abilities.

The festival occurs every year and lasts for seven days. For more information make sure to visit the website: Crieff and Strathearn Drovers Tryst Walking Festival. 

Crieff Hydro

The Crieff Hydro is a popular resort in Perthshire which features stunning hotel rooms, a spa and acres of grounds for fun outdoor activities. There are plenty of opportunities to spend the day here.

You can enjoy activities such as Segway tours, archery classes, pigeon shooting, golf, high ropes course or even go off-road in a 4×4. Moreover, you can simply enjoy walks through the extensive grounds, especially in the forest behind the hotel. 

This is a perfect resort to spend a few nights at. There is a cinema, a gym, and lots of evening events like ceilidhs and quiz nights.

Also, there is a leisure centre to enjoy which has an adults-only swimming pool. Moreover, you can try their delicious menu and relax in the outdoor seating during the summer months.

Delivino

Delivino is an Italian restaurant located on King Street. The food served here is exceptional.

As a bonus, the staff are very attentive and friendly. The wine list is small, well-selected and priced really well. It is a lovely environment to eat in.

Craobh – Kroov

This small restaurant is located on James Square and looks over Murray Fountain. It is a perfect place to go for brunch where you can order eggs benedict with haggis.

The service is wonderful and the staff are very friendly. Also, they serve a delicious lunch and dinner time menu and are accommodating to dietary needs. 

Is Crieff Worth visiting?

For generations, visitors have been attracted to the resort town. It is a good place to base yourself for exploring the Highlands.

Also, Crieff is not too far from a whole range of tourist places in Scotland. Crieff is within driving distance of main cities such as Perth, Stirling and Glasgow.

Moreover, Crieff is a great place to base yourself for exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park. 

Does Crieff have a beach?

Crieff is a small town in central Perthshire which is in close proximity to the highlands of Scotland and other towns. There are no beaches in close proximity to Crieff.

However, there is an option to drive for a couple of hours in any direction to get to Fife, the east coast of Scotland or the west coast of Scotland where you will find plenty of beaches.

Crieff is near some lochs which are great for paddle boarding, swimming or kayaking. 

Is Crieff a town?

Crieff is a traditional Scots market town which is set amidst Perthshire’s stunning scenery.

The town has an attractive and bustling town centre which supports a wide range of family-run businesses which have the best food, drink, clothing, gifts and arts.

How do you get to Buchanty Spout?

To get to Buchanty Spout, take the road to Dunkeld from Crieff. Just before Sma Glen takes the turn off Glen Almond turnoff.

Buchanty is just a mile or two down this small road. There is a small area to park your car at the junction. A signposted path from the bridge takes you 100 metres down to the spout.

Final Note

Crieff is a perfect town to visit for those who want to explore the gorgeous Perthshire countryside. Also, the town is a great place to base yourself for exploring nearby cities such as Stirling, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is only a 40-minute drive from Crieff. 

Some things to enjoy in Crieff include connecting with nature – you can complete Lady Mary’s Walk, stretch your legs and wander up the Knock of Crieff or relax at Loch Monzievaird. Also, you can learn about the history or connect with the locals.