*press trip, but all opinions my own
Having been a serial romanticiser of long train journeys, beautiful and musical accents different to mine yet still feel familiar, lush rolling hills with their heads in the clouds and windows with new views; it never takes a lot for me to find an excuse to want to visit somewhere new. But my goodness do I have a soft spot for Scotland.
So last week, when I was invited on a little trip to beautiful Dunkeld in Perthshire, Scotland with TBCo. and the beautiful Jo-Ann, I was very much looking forward to expanding my Scottish horizons and venturing a little further north. A tranquil town on the north bank of the River Tay, Dunkeld is a postcard-perfect place.
Peppered with quaint pastel shop fronts neatly lined against a backdrop of grey stone houses (and one grand sunshine yellow home which you can spot as you drive across the bridge into town)- it sits neatly in front of the surrounding countryside; nestled amongst woods, walks and meadows; making it a very special place to visit.
Despite only being there for 24 hours, we made sure to have a good wander- and although we didn’t get to properly soak in the Scottish hills; we did manage to see a delightful handful of what Dunkeld has to offer. Admittedly, it probably doesn’t require a whole guide (with a bit of a wander you’d definitely stumble across all of these beautiful spots on their own) but it’s always nice to hear a little more! Given more time I would have loved to have visited the Beatrix Potter Garden and Birnam Wood- so if I’m lucky enough to head back, I’ll be adding those in…
The Taybank
Situated on the bank of the River Tay, this hotel feels like a quintessentially cosy spot to nestle into after a busy day. With a bustling restaurant famous for its Scottish seasonal fare, and their bar-with-a-view (and an open fire); I dare you to find a more inviting spot for a 4pm cuppa (or pint, depending on what you fancy). And that’s before I’ve mentioned the room! The room!! With nods to Scandi and mid-century style, the rooms are all fluffy textures and clean lines, married with earthy colours and a bath so big it could moonlight as a human-sized cereal bowl- every detail was thought of and made homely; what a place to spend an evening.
Aran
Although it’s hard to miss on Atholl St, I gravitate towards a bakery like a month to a flame when I’m visiting somewhere. Trust me when I say I *will* find the pastries wherever I visit. Aran however, is a very special place. Owned by the brilliant Flora Shedden; everything in Aran is baked on site and created using locally sourced produce; with a menu marrying artisan delicacies and bakery staples all done exceptionally well. Regretfully I could only manage a cardamon bun, shortbread and chocolate cookie to take home (although I will say the cookie was one of the best I’ve ever had) but if a Danish travelled better you bet I would have filled my boots.
Lòn Store
Behind the wonderful brains behind Aran, and a stones throw away, is Lòn Store. One of the most well curated, visually beautiful shops I’ve been to. Subtly colour-coordinated but with ample substance to match its style; Lòn stocks everything from store cupboard items, fresh goodies, beautiful kitchen and home pieces as well as some of the best cookbooks out there. It’s a total haven, and given the chance I could have done my complete Christmas shopping very, very early. Plus, I’ve just seen they do monthly postal boxes which would make *the* most special gift to the foodie lover all year round too.
Dunkeld’s
Doubling up as both a supermarket and cosy café, Dunkeld’s is the kind of place you walk in with joyful abandon and leave with two baguettes, some chutney, some sugar coated shortbread, fresh pasta and a tangerine with no idea when you’ll have time to eat them before you go- but they just look so good! Before we left, Charlotte and I did manage to sit down for a cuppa in here (and also to try their hot buttered donuts too, which seemed like it would have been rude not to); but! I picked up their smoked salmon sandwich for the way back and when I say it was the best I’ve ever had (capers, cucumbers, pickled onion- the LOT!) I’m very much not joking.
Shannon’s
God I love a grocers! The kind of place that makes you really wish you lived somewhere and had on your doorstep, Shannon’s was a spring feast of delicious fresh fruit and veg, and enough deli treats that you could seriously whip up a storm for tea. That, or swing by for an epic selection of picnic supplies before a bracing walk along the river. Dreamy.
Plus! I didn’t get to pop in properly, but for any small plates and wine drinkers, Redwood Wines looked like the perfect place for a cosy glass of wine and cheese as the sun goes down.
x
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