Atholl Palace Hotel

In 2014, Atholl Palace Hotel in Perthshire was the only British hotel to be named one of 28 places ‘to stay before you die’ by the influential TravelGround website. In part this was because of the hotel’s thoroughly romantic, Scottish Baronial style architecture. Plus the 48 acres of grounds, award-winning gardens (including a Japanese and herb garden), waterfall, woodland walks, putting greens and four tennis courts probably didn’t hurt either.

The hotel also has many traditional country house features, including deep, leather chairs, sparkling chandeliers and open fires. More contemporary attractions include ample free parking and free WiFi in all public areas.

Individually decorated rooms

Each of the bedrooms at Atholl Palace is uniquely with quirky original features. These include an ensuite bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. A lift serves the main floors, although some rooms don’t have lift access.

Dine with a valley view

The hotel’s Verandah Restaurant enjoys stunning views over the Tummel valley and much of the produce used in the kitchens comes from the surrounding countryside. The table d’hôte menu changes every day but typical mains might be the fillet of sea bream with a white wine cream sauce, the slow-braised Angus steak pie with root vegetables and creamed potato, and the spinach & ricotta tortelloni with vegetable ragout, cheese sauce and garlic flat bread.

Explore the museum

There can’t be very many hotels with a museum. The one at Atholl Palace charts the history of the hotel from when it first opened in 1878. You can even touch and handle various exhibits, making this a great place to explore for young and old alike. Highlights include a genuine antique rail carriage, doctor’s cupboards and even a chance to dress up as a hotel servant.

See & Do

The hotel’s Pitlochry location makes it the ideal base from which to explore Highland Perthshire. Alternatively, you could enjoy rambling around the hotel’s beautiful gardens and woodlands, including lingering by the Black Spout waterfall. Don’t forget to also try out the pitch ‘n’ putt course, take in the scents of the herb garden and try your hand at tennis.