A Spring Guide to Dunkeld & Birnam
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Perthshire. As the countryside slowly wakes from its winter slumber, the surrounding landscapes become full of life and colour. Clumsy lambs fill the fields, our local parks are lined with blossoms and daffodils, fishermen head out on the river and neighbours potter about in their gardens.
Spring is also when our own gardens on the Tay reopen. Our winter sauna makes way for stretch tents and a riverside music stage. The garden kitchen reopens its hatch, the pizza oven is fired back up again and open-air cinema screenings, music, pints and gatherings by the River Tay recommence. We’ll be hosting live music every day in the gardens during Easter weekend and the spring bank holidays this year. To receive more information about performances, please subscribe to our newsletter or visit our events page which we’ll be updating on a regular basis.
Below, we’ve collated some of our favourite things to see and do in the local area during springtime. Whether you’re staying for the weekend or just popping by on a day trip, we hope we can help you plan the perfect spring break in Dunkeld & Birnam.
Walk in Kinclaven Bluebell Woods
Kinclaven is one of the UK’s finest bluebell woods, just a short drive or 45-minute cycle from The Taybank. Famous for its spectacular display in May when the floors are carpeted in blue, the woods are also a haven for wildlife – keep a look out for great spotted woodpeckers, red squirrels and pine martens. There is an easygoing circular walk which takes you through the oakwoods and along the edge of Court Hill. It’s a great spot to walk the dog, take a picnic or play on the best rope swing!
Niel Gow Festival
The 19th Niel Gow Festival takes place across multiple venues in Dunkeld & Birnam between 22nd-24th of March. The music festival celebrates the life and works of one of Scotland’s trad musical ledgends, Niel Gow, and brings together world-class musicians who will perform, teach and gather for sessions in the villages. We’ll be hosting sessions on Friday and Sunday evenings inside the Taybank’s famous music bar, it’s free to attend just get down early if you’d like a seat! There will also be a number of informal sessions throughout the weekend. Tickets for other concerts and workshops over the weekend can be booked online via Birnam Arts.
Last year’s Sunday session at The Taybank © Robbie Preece
Music & Events in The Taybank Garden
Our riverside gardens reopen on Friday the 29th of March for the season and we’ve got some exciting plans for the year ahead. We’ll be introducing a new garden kitchen menu, which will still include our woodfired sourdough pizzas, some lovely new drinks in the bar, coffees, ice creams and much more. Over Easter, you can soak up the spring sunshine while listening to local musicians as we host a weekend of live music by the river. We’ll also have music performances during the spring bank holidays in May, more details on those to come soon on our events page.
Spring Cycling
The longer days and drier ground make it the perfect season to explore the endless network of trails that wind through the stunning forests and hills surrounding Dunkeld and Birnam. Whether you're an experienced biker or just looking for a leisurely ride, you'll find plenty of options to suit your style and level of skill. Some of our favourite trails can be found here and if you can’t bring your own bike you can head to our neighbours Progression Bikes who have bikes available for hire and also offer a variety of guided trips, coaching sessions and courses.
The Canyoning Company
Dunkeld-based adventure experts the Canyoning Company offer guided canyoning and gorge walking trips and training courses in some of the most iconic canyons and waterfalls in Scotland. From April you can book some truly unique experiences right here in Perthshire – join the team on an adventure to the beautiful Bruar Canyon or Acharn Falls, or they can arrange a bespoke package just for you. The team have kindly offered Taybank guests and visitors 10% off bookings for a limited period, just visit their website and use the code TAYBANK10 to book.
© The Canyoning Company
Explore Perthshire’s Gardens
Spend an afternoon visiting one of Perthshire’s beautiful gardens. Discover the magical woodland garden at Cluny House, which is home to Himalyan plants, giant sequoia trees and dozens of red squirrels. In Perth you can see Himalyan blue poppies and beautiful magnolias at Branklyn Garden or explore 100 acres of woodland gardens at the nearby Scone Palace. From the 1st of May, there’s also the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most spectacular formal gardens at Drummond Castle. The impressive terraced gardens have been featured in several films and tv shows including Outlander.
Landrover Experience
We’re just down the road from Scotland’s only Landrover driving experience centre, where you can experience the thrill of off-road driving in an incredible setting. From one-hour taster drives, to full days off-road, you have the opportunity to drive the latest Landrovers on private tracks through stunning scenery – exploring hills and dramatic descents, stunning forests, lochs and real-life obstacles. Sister company Highland Offroad just along the road at Dunkeld House Hotel also offers quad trekking 7 days a week. Guests staying at The Taybank can also enjoy 10% off, just contact us for your discount code.
Local Fishing
Spring is a great time to head out fishing in the nearby river and lochs. Permits for trout and grayling fishing in the River Tay, River Braan and local lochs on Murthly Estate are available from the Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association for just £12 a day. Or visit Fish Pal if you’d like to head out salmon fishing on the Tay from the nearby Dunkeld House Hotel.
