Accommodation review:
Location:
Braidhaugh Holiday Park is located in a tranquil setting on the banks of the River Earn in Perthshire, mid-way between Perth and Crianlarich and 10 miles from the A9 between Perth and Stirling. For rail travellers the nearest stations to Crieff are either Gleneagles, Perth or Dunblane.
Arrival and check-in:
Check-in is from 4.00 p.m. and a few days before arrival we received an email detailing directions and arrival instructions. The holiday park is located on the edge of the town and clearly signposted in each direction along the main road. We parked by the welcome centre which is housed in an attractive log cabin styled building.
There was no-one else waiting to check-in when we arrived so we were attended to quickly and received a warm welcome from the receptionist on duty. Alongside our keys we were handed a useful guest information leaflet and pointed in the direction of our luxury glamping pod.
The glamping pod
We popped back into the car and used the fob attached to the key to operate the security barrier through to the accommodation. Our home for the next four nights was located a short distance from the reception area at the end of a small row of similar pods which were all well spaced out. There was room for one car at the side, making it convenient for unloading luggage and shopping.
I’m not a camping person but staying in one of these barrel shaped luxury wooden pods appealed to me and do you know what, it was even nicer than I’d anticipated when we unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The pod offered the ultimate in luxury glamping with its spacious accommodation and high quality furnishings. The pods are designed to sleep up to a family of four and comprise a king size bed and an L-shaped bed-settee that can be converted into an additional bed. The bed was smartly dressed as one would find in a hotel with two large fluffy towels provided. With ample space to move around each side of the bed, bedside tables and power sockets, it felt like a home from home.
A step down separated the sleeping and living zones with the large sofa being very comfortable and perfectly positioned for watching television. The kitchenette which although small was perfectly formed, having a built-in fridge with small freezer compartment, pull out larder, built-in microwave, two halogen hobs, toaster and kettle.
An adjoining cupboard contained saucepans, a frying pan, plates, dishes, mugs, cutlery and utensils meaning that we only needed to supply our own food. I did bring a cafetière though as I can’t start the day without a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
The en-suite bathroom was as good as in many hotels I’ve stayed in with its walk-in shower, heated towel rail and shelving for storing wash bags and cosmetics.
Double feature glass doors lead out onto a terrace with a wooden picnic table and fire pit with views overlooking the river.
One bag of logs is provided for the fire pit/ barbecue, with the possibility of purchasing more from the visitor centre if required. We had brought along some kindling, firelighters and matches which saved us looking for somewhere to buy them.
Electric hot tubs stand alongside each of the luxury glamping pods with these being totally secluded and sheltered from the wind. We stepped into the hot tub most evenings and found this to be a lovely way to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Facilities:
Connected to the visitor centre is a small shop for basic items, a cafe and bar with an outside terrace. Close to the Fisherman’s Walk is a large swing and oversized deckchair and for those interested in fishing, licence permits can be arranged from reception.
Out and about
Crieff
A 15 minute walk or a short hop in the car leads to Crieff town centre, a traditional Scottish market town set amidst Perthshire’s stunning scenery.
Over the past few years the area has built up a reputation for fine food and now boasts an excellent choice of cafés, coffee shops and restaurants making it an ideal centre for exploring the surrounding area.
Macrosty Park
Macrosty Park is situated just a short walk from the town centre and features woodlands with an impressive collection of mature trees including Douglas Fir. Follow the winding paths through the park to the Victorian bandstand where summer concerts take place and to the fast flowing Turret Burn that also runs through the park. There is no charge to visit the park and its large car park is also free.
Drummond Castle Gardens
One mile out of Crieff lies the Drummond Castle Gardens which is one of Scotland’s most important and impressive formal gardens, dating back to the 17th century. The castle was built on a rocky outcrop by John, 1st Lord Drummond around 1490. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded in 1612 and it is he who was credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle between 1630-1636.
The gardens were redesigned and terraced in the 19th century and the beautiful formal gardens that are on display today were replanted in the 1950’s. Many of the original features were preserved including the ancient yew hedges and the remaining beech tree of a pair planted by Queen Victoria, commemorating her visit in 1842. Begin by viewing the gardens from the upper terrace then wander down the stone steps and follow the narrow pathways through the borders. We visited in July when the roses were in full bloom and the herbaceous borders bursting with colour. Drummond Castle Gardens
The Library of Innerpeffray
Innerpeffray is a tiny hamlet tucked away down a country lane four miles from Crieff and an unlikely place to find a library as there are only a scattering of cottages in the vicinity. Innerpeffray is home to Scotland’s first free public lending library which was established in 1680 by David Drummond. His idea that people could take books home to read them was a radical one of the time.
The library continues to this day and is a fascinating look into the past as visitors explore the stories of the people who borrowed the books and visited the library. Guided tours are offered with visitors having an opportunity to handle some of the historic books themselves laid out on a book pillow to protect their spines. From first editions with decorative leather bindings to pocket sized books and ancient hand drawn maps it’s truly stunning.
I found the handwritten Borrowers’ Registers to be equally interesting as these record everyone who borrowed a book in their own handwriting with a complete set of volumes and their promise to return the books as there were no library tickets in those days. A wonderful spotlight into Scottish social history.
After visiting the library follow the heritage trail down to the River Earn which highlights key points in the history of the site and is a quiet place to sit and enjoy the scenic view. Innerpeffray Library
The Glenturret Distillery
Established in 1763, Glenturret Distillery is well-known as being Scotland’s oldest working distillery. What better way of visiting Scotland than to take a tour of one or more of its whisky distilleries. Glenturret is located on the outskirts of Crieff with one hour tours starting in the welcome centre.
Our tour guide Alex took us through the traditional art of making The Glenturret Single Malt Whisky using hand operated, time-honoured methods. The tour brings to life the history of the distillery and finishes off with a wee dram from the distillery’s whisky range with its fruity spirit style. Also on the site is a 2 Michelin star Lalique restaurant. The Glenturret Distillery
Caithness Glass at Crieff Visitor Centre
The Caithness Glasshouse and visitor centre is free to visit and gives a unique insight into the glass making process with a viewing area into the production area. We watched paperweights being handcrafted and then browsed the large shop filled with Caithness Glass, Dartington Crystal and John Beswick Ceramics. With factory outlet prices it’s a good place to shop. We went home with some wine and cocktail glasses to replenish our assortment of mis-matched sets that had suffered breakages over the years. Caithness Glass
Slightly further afield:
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy is a very pretty village located a 35 minute drive from Crieff. Visiting the Watermill Bookshop, Gallery and Cafe is a must for all book lovers as it’s really special.
The bookshop was converted from a three storey former oatmeal mill and was opened by Michael Palin in 2005.
It’s full of little nooks and crannies all filled with a wonderful display of books and was awarded the U.K. Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2009. In 2022 another accolade followed as the bookshop and cafe featured in National Graphic’s top 7 U.K. bookshops and cafes. The watermill is tucked away just off Aberfeldy’s high street and shouldn’t be missed. Aberfeldy Watermill
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
On the edge of town visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery to take part in one of their experiences. The distillery offers a wide range of experiences, from tastings to tours. We joined a two hour tour and tasting which began with a short film about the history of Dewar’s which was founded in Aberfeldy in 1846.
From there, we explored the museum and were then before taken on a tour of the production area where our informative guide explained how the distilling process takes place. Photography is not permitted in the production area but is allowed on other parts of the site.
Following the tour we were taken to the tasting room for a tutored tasting comparing a single malt to a blended Scotch whisky. An optional extra is to taste a 22 year old whisky straight from the cask in the warehouse.
Dewar’s whiskies are characterised by their honeyed sweetness and subtle spices utilising water from the nearby Pitilie Burn which runs into the River Tay. Drivers don’t miss out as they can take miniature bottles home with them to enjoy later Dewar’s Aberfeldy Experience
Gleneagles
Visit the Gleneagles estate located in the heart of the Scottish countryside just 10 miles from Crieff. Visitors are welcome to admire the pristine golf courses and take a look inside the adjoining luxury hotel and perhaps enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants. It was drizzling when we visited but the low cloud didn’t detract from the estate’s beauty. Gleneagles
Scottish Deer Centre
The Scottish Deer Centre is a 55-acre zoological park near Cupar in Fife, a one hour drive from Crieff. The collection includes 13 species of deer and animals which are long lost from the Scottish countryside including wolves, lynx and Scottish wildcat plus a European brown bear.
There’s lots of interest for all ages with visitors being able to purchase bags of deer pellets to feed the animals as you walk around. We started off by taking a 30 minute guided walk with one of the rangers which was very informative and allowed ample time for feeding.
After popping into the cafe for cups of coffee and a bite to eat we then boarded a tractor trailer for a 30 minute tour around the park. This differed from the walking tour as the ranger opened the gates to the enclosures so that we could drive in to view the animals up close. One field contained two reindeer whilst others featured red deer, sika deer and hog deer. To keep children amused there’s an adventure playground, both indoor and outdoor, a go-cart track and a trampoline enclosure. Scottish Deer Centre.
Overall:
Our stay in one of the luxury glamping pods at the Braidhaugh Holiday Park was very comfortable and it felt very relaxing to spend a few days in a cosy pod nestled between the trees overlooking the river. It was lovely and quiet even though most of the other pods were in use as I think everyone was enjoying the tranquility and feeling at one with nature.
The pods are fully equipped and all we needed to bring extra to staying in a hotel was a hairdryer and toiletries. As indicated from the numerous attractions visited, Crieff is an ideal base for touring the area and with plenty of places to eat in town we had the option of both eating in and out. We would have no hesitation in staying here again some time in the future or at one of Largo Leisure’s other Scottish holiday parks.
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