If you're taking your adventures beyond the gates of Crieff or St Fillans, then jump in the car and take the 41 mile (53 mile journey from St Fillans) to Blair Castle. Having been the home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists, entrepreneurs and the seat of the Duke of Atholl, the castle's fascinating history spans over 750 years. So much history wrapped up in one place, it makes for a great day trip.
Your adventure of the castle will take you on a tour of its history - no spoilers here - but it's got over 19 generations of battles, disputes and wars to take you through all depicted in paintings, furniture and other points of interest throughout your guided tour. You'll wander through the Tapestry Room, home to the Mortlake Tapestries which belonged to King Charles I and were sold by Cromwell after the King's execution. You'll also waltz through The Ballroom which was designed by Scottish architect David Bryce also well known for designing Fettes College in Edinburgh. Today, the Ballroom continues to be a hotspot for society events and gala dinners.
The wee ones are more than welcome to discover Blair Castle's history too. There's a Detective's challenge of clues to find, colouring in areas and a dressing up box.
And it doesn't stop there, Blair Castle sits in gardens worthy of its history. It has a nine-acre walled garden, an extensive wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park and a gothic folly. If the kids have some pent up energy to burn off, they'll easily work it off uncovering our grounds or throwing themselves off a tyre swing in the Woodlands Adventure Park. To make it easier for visitors, there's a 40-minute garden sculpture trail which takes you around works from the Memorial Arts Charity.
Blair Castle has seasonal opening times and opens in spring, check out their website for full details.
