If you're wanting a quick weekend break or relaxing holiday before Christmas, this Perthshire town might just be the perfect destination.
Dunkeld is just 8 hours away from London and offers beautiful scenery, historical attractions and one of the best hotels in the whole of Scotland.
It's no surprise that this town has been met with high praises, as it boasts some of the best scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
It would be criminal to miss Dunkeld Bridge, which offers excellent views of the River Tay and the surrounding area.
There are some hidden woodlands and majestic riverside walks that are waiting to be discovered, such as The Hermitage which features a picturesque waterfall.
English literature lovers will note that this was a regular hotspot for poets such as Wordsworth and Turner who loved the Perthshire forest.
The area is also rich in history, as Dunkeld has been an important market town since the 1700s.
However, its most impressive landmark is the Cathedral which was first started in the 13th century.
Partly destroyed during The Reformation Era, it is preserved as an Ancient Monument under Historic Scotland.
Whether it's romantic ambience or a casual pub you're after, Dunkeld also has many places for you to wine and dine.
Even more impressive is that this town has one of the best hotels in the whole of Scotland.
Named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay for 2021, The Taybank is located right on the riverbank and is the perfect hotspot for a drink after a day in the countryside.
A 5* review on TripAdvisor said: "Have enjoyed visiting The Taybank in summer months for a drink but last night was our first dining experience.... It was really great! I have to say we had a wonderful meal... the atmosphere in the restaurant was great. The service was wonderful and the meal simply outstanding."
A second review said: "What an incredible find! The hotel is a real gem - gorgeous chic scandi decor, great music all over the place, a BRILLIANT beer garden and just right right level of service - friendly, welcoming, authentic. The restaurant food was the best we had in Dunkeld, and brekkie was delicious too. We'll certainly be back."
Dunkeld has plenty of attractions to make your trip truly memorable; you should add this town to your bucket list next time you find yourself in Scotland.
How to get there
Dunkeld is one of the most popular holiday areas in Scotland, and is well connected by road, rail and bus from all the major centres in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Train: There is access by rail at Dunkeld & Birnam railway station on the Highland Main Line route between Perth and Inverness. Most services on the route extend to either Edinburgh Waverley or Glasgow Queen Street; on Sundays only a southbound train operated by the East Coast Main Line operator extends to London King’s Cross via Edinburgh, although there is no corresponding northbound service from London. (7 hours)
Car: From London it'll take you 8.5 hours to get to Dunkeld. The town is ideally located for arrival by car being just off the A9 main trunk road north between Perth and Inverness. Parking is available.
Bus: Long distance coaches operated by Scottish Citylink stop in Birnam (next to Dunkeld) a few times a day. From London Victoria Bus station via Edinburgh Birnam will take you around 12 hours.
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