Set on the banks of the River Tay, Aberfeldy is a lively market town wrapped up in the wild and romantic landscape that leant such emotive imagery to Sir Walter Scott and Rabbie Burns. This rugged landscape of rolling, green hills, wooded glens and dark grey mountains inspired Scotland’s best known poet to compose “The Birks of Aberfeldy”. This is a town with a strong sense of heritage, and many of the best places to stay in Aberfeldy are quite quintessentially Scottish. We've discovered a couple of converted manor houses with a view, and several B&Bs surrounded by woods or farmland.

Aberfeldy itself is mostly made from granite, from the atmospheric, 18th century bridge spanning the Tay, to the busy town square, which is lined with pubs and restaurants, and a useful couple of rows of shops. Many of the best places to stay in Aberfeldy are close to a walking trail or two, a local favourite being the route Burns took through The Birks of Aberfeldy from his poem, a trail which runs though gorgeous woodland and past several dramatic waterfalls to an ancient stone circle. The Birks is a site of beauty, and scientific interest, with its unusual flora and fauna.

On the list of other popular local sites, visitors will find Castle Menzies, a 16th century castle which is seat of the Menzies clan; the Aberfeldy Distillery, known for its whisky; the Aberfeldy Watermill, now a lovely bookshop. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, the best places to stay in Aberfeldy can possibly deliver on that too: there are a number of local companies offering higher octane outdoor fun, like whitewater rafting, abseiling, gorge walking, canoeing and mountain biking

The Best Places to Stay in Aberfeldy

For a Peaceful Escape

• Brae House is a peacefully situated B&B right beside the River Tay, surrounded by woodland. There are just three rooms, all decorated with comfortable, homely simplicity. The welcoming sitting room has lovely views over the water, and breakfast is a friendly, communal experience.
• The Steading is another tranquil, three-room hideaway in unspoiled woodlands. This is a wonderfully minimalist structure, inside and out, with exposed stone and wood cladding, white walls, velux windows and a cosy fireplace in the sitting room. All of the rooms enjoy lots of natural light, and have large, contemporary bathrooms. Breakfast is a feast of local and regional produce. Ideal for walkers and romantics.

For Romantics

• Fortingall Hotel is an Arts and Crafts county house turned ten bedroom country house hotel, surrounded by the landscape of Scotland’s longest glen. The guest bedrooms have a classic homely vibe — we recommend the Superior Rooms, because they have the best views. The restaurant serves up exceptionally well prepared local fare, plus there's a cosy sitting room filled with interesting books and antiques. Very relaxing, but this is also a great base for hikers, bikers, hunters and fisherfolk.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Dundee Airport is Aberfeldy’s closest airport — about an hour away by road — but both Edinburgh International Airport and Glasgow Airport are also easily accessible (each under 2 hours away), and offer more connections. If you’re travelling from London you can travel all the way by train from Kings Cross to Pitlochry in about six and a half hours, then it’s a half hour bus journey from there.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Given that Aberfeldy is in Scotland, our best advice is to make sure you pack your wet weather gear, whatever the forecasts say, because it’s almost predictably unpredictable. With that in mind, Aberfeldy is most likely to be warm and drier in spring and summer, from about May through until September. Aberfeldy’s winters are cold, even by Scottish standards, with average maximum temperatures below 6°C, dipping below zero at night.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Perthshire
• Consider some of Aberfeldy’s neighbouring centres: the best places to stay in Pitlochry, St. Andrews or Dundee
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.