When planning a whisky trip to Scotland, most keen whisky tourists typically plan their itinerary by plotting out the key distilleries they want to visit, and then they crudely join the dots by shoehorning in the requirements and logistics of accommodation, transport, and food. That’s all well and good but, as you quickly discover, distillery tours and visiting times are generally condensed between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm – leaving you with some blanks to fill in your days. Also, as we explored in this article here (scroll down to point no. 7), trying to get your various distillery tours aligned without clashes or overlaps is a tough challenge. Another consideration is that – as a very general generalisation – it would be fair to say that most whisky enthusiasts who would plan such a dedicated whisky pilgrimage to Scotland often have partners that don’t share a love of whisky to quite the same level of fanaticism.
Accordingly, when planning a trip to Scotland with your partner, you’ll often need to incorporate stops, side-excursions, and other attractions to keep your other half happy….and not sentence them to the drudgery of sitting in the distillery car park while you’re inside having fun. To keep the mood happy between the two of you as you traverse around the country, here are some worthwhile destinations, attractions, and other things to do in Scotland that are all near distilleries or that you’ll pass through as you hop from distillery to distillery….
Swing by Dunkeld
As you head north from either Glasgow or Edinburgh up to Speyside, you’ll most likely take the A9 road once you’ve passed through Perth. Common wisdom is to stop at Pitlochry for the obligatory tea or coffee break (particularly if you’re going to drop in at either the Edradour or Blair Athol distilleries), but our tip is to take the turn-off and side road just a few miles earlier and pass through Dunkeld before you get to Pitlochry.
Dunkeld is an old, historic village with a recorded history back to 730AD. After 800 years of prosperity, closely linked with the cathedral, fortunes changed with the Reformation in 1560. The village was then the site of a major battle in the first Jacobite uprising in 1689, and there are buildings in the village today that still display their involvement or role in the battle.
So why should you swing by Dunkeld? Firstly, it’s beautiful. Quaint, whitewashed buildings; beautiful gardens and walks around the cathedral; a brilliant pub (well, two, actually); parks and walks alongside the River Tay; Telford’s stunning stone arched bridge…it’s all incredibly picturesque and you’ll use up plenty of disk space taking loads of photos at every turn. The main street has some nice, genuine shops that aren’t selling the usual tourist nonsense you encounter everywhere else. And for those who appreciate incredibly good coffee (I’m looking at you, Australians), The Clootie Dumpling, located just off the main road on Cathedral Street, is your must-do stop for morning or afternoon tea. Or lunch. The Atholl Arms hotel’s beer garden by the river bank is also an incredible place to enjoy a pint of cask ale (weather permitting) with a good meal.
Click on each photo to enlarge….
But, for the whisky tourist and their partner, Dunkeld’s hidden jewel is the Dunkeld Whisky Box. Just a few doors off the main road on High Street, the Dunkeld Whisky Box is a tiny shop with a diverse and eclectic collection of whiskies and other spirits, and a fascinating range of beers. You’ll not find the big names and garden variety brands here (that, frankly, are widely available in every other whisky shop you go into), but you’ll find plenty to keep you interested. More critically, you’ll find two warm and passionate shopkeepers who live and breathe true Highland hospitality, and will make you feel relaxed and at home. Owners Will and Helen Stockham established the shop in 2019, having previously worked in the travel and tourism industry organising whisky tours! There’s a wee tasting area in the front of the shop where you can try some unusual and rare stuff by the dram, with plenty of other tipples to choose from for your non-whisky-loving partner. Check out their website here, which also has links to their Instagram and Facebook page. You’ll struggle to find a more friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable whisky retail outlet in all of Scotland.
Drop in at the Culloden Battlefield
If your partner (or yourself!) are fans of the TV series Outlander (or the original novels by Diana Gabaldon) and you’re in the vicinity of Inverness, it’s well worth visiting Culloden. (It’s also a scenic 50 minute drive from Elgin, if you’re already at the top of Speyside, possibly visiting the Glen Moray distillery). The battlefield itself is fairly unremarkable in appearance (you’re basically just standing in an open field), but the large and feature-packed Visitor Centre is excellent in telling the history and story of the Jacobite uprisings and, of course, the fateful battle that took place here in 1746. The disastrous Jacobite defeat led to broad, sweeping changes that forever changed Highland culture and life. There are brilliant displays, presentations, talks, and guides that are both informative and entertaining, as well as a museum of sorts that showcases the weapons, fighting styles, and military aspects of the day. Be sure to join one of the guides or tours to maximise your visit and experience. More details at the Visitor Centre’s website here.
Edinburgh and Glasgow
Need more things to do in Scotland? Many whisky tourists fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow and then immediately head off to the Highlands or Islay without stopping to smell the roses in either of the two big cities. Until recently, the distillery options in these two cities were limited: Glasgow had Auchentoshan, and Glenkinchie was a wee hike out of Edinburgh’s metro area. However, Glasgow now also has the excellent Clydeside Distillery (located in an area where there’s plenty of other things to keep your partner amused), and Edinburgh also now has the likes of Holyrood Distillery, and the Bonnington and Port of Leith distilleries aren’t too far behind either.
Of course, Edinburgh has a plethora of attractions that merit spending at least three to four days in town. At the very least, spend a day on the Royal Mile. You can start at the top by visiting Edinburgh Castle (allow at least an hour or two), then slowly make your way down to the bottom of the Mile where you can finish the day with a tour through Holyrood Palace and its gardens. (Again, allow at least an hour or two). In between these two bookends, you’ll find no end of shops, pubs, historic attractions, and some very worthwhile street entertainment. The High Kirk of St. Giles is also worth popping in to if, for no other reason, to simply admire the incredible gothic architecture. There are some well-stocked whisky retail shops scattered along the Mile, and – of course – there’s the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Mile, just before you head into the Castle. You’ll also encounter more cashmere than you can poke a stick at.
Back down in town at the western end of Princes Street, fans of Johnnie Walker should also pop into their new museum/experience centre. (I’m not sure there’s a word or term that quite captures all that this multi-faceted attraction seeks to be, but you can find out more here). Meanwhile, whilst you’re taking in the story of the striding gent, your partner can check out the great range of shops along Princes Street, or the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. And, whilst there’s no end of touristy shops selling kitschy tartan souvenirs around these parts, the Romanes and Paterson store is well-worth popping into for some better quality gifts and clothing.
Castles, cathedrals, museums, monuments, and shops
Your partner may not be a fan of whisky, but if he/she appreciates history, architecture, or quality shopping, then there are plenty of attractions and things to do in Scotland that you’ll encounter near or en route to the whisky distilleries. Our list here is by no means exhaustive, but here are a few suggestions and tips that you might like to work into your travels to keep your other half amused while you’re peering into a washback….
- If you’re driving to Islay (via the ferry, of course) from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, you’ll pass through the quaint town of Inveraray. You’d do well to devote half a day here, or even stay overnight. (Our tip: Stay at The George Hotel). Inveraray Castle is an excellent attraction, with an added bonus if your partner was a fan of the Downton Abbey television series. Back in the centre of town, Inveraray Jail doesn’t look like much from the street, but it’s actually a fascinating visit that you’ll find surprisingly interesting, enlightening…and a little macabre!
- Heading up the “Great Glen” between Oban and Inverness? You’ll doubtless want to drop into the Ben Nevis distillery, but you could also incorporate attractions such as Neptune’s Staircase near Fort William or the canal locks at Fort Augustus. Between Fort Augustus and Inverness, there’s also Urquhart Castle which has a worthwhile visitor centre.
- At some point as you’re heading north from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, or on your return leg back down, you’ll likely pass through or be near Stirling. Fans of the film Braveheart might like to drop in at the Wallace Monument and learn the real story of William Wallace. (Spoiler: The movie took more than a few liberties with historical accuracy!) The view from the top of the monument is worth the entry price alone, but be prepared to climb a few steps. And Stirling Castle itself is also well worth a visit, giving fantastic insights into the lives and lifestyles of Scotland’s medieval kings & queens, and the country’s long-running disputes with that pesky country, England, to the south. And as you head from Stirling to Edinburgh (or vice versa), anyone with even just a vague interest in engineering, construction, or transport should stop in at the world-renowned Falkirk Wheel.
- Returning to Perthshire, if you’re indeed heading to the likes of the Edradour, Blair Athol, or Aberfeldy distilleries, your partner can check out the many attractions of the district. A short drive to the incredibly scenic Queen’s View is recommended. Blair Castle and its gardens is also an excellent attraction. For those seeking retail therapy, there’s plenty of shops in Pitlochry (one or two of them actually selling quality goods, such as Macnaughtons of Pitlochry) but the real gem of the district is to drive 15 minutes north of Pitlochry and spend a few hours (and doubtless a few pounds) at the incredible House of Bruar.
- If your trip to Scotland is genuinely a whisky trip, then you’ll be spending time in Speyside. You’ll be giddy with all the distilleries to visit but, the truth is, there’s not a heck of a lot of other stuff for your non-whisky-drinking partner to do, unless s/he enjoys drinking endless cups of tea or coffee in the visitor centre cafes. If your partner is fit and enjoys a hike, then a jaunt up Ben Rinnes is actually a very worthwhile pursuit, with – weather permitting – an incredible view from the top. You can read our guide to climbing Ben Rinnes here. If you’re visiting the Glen Grant distillery, your other half will also likely enjoy a stroll around the Major’s Gardens. And for some more tips in this neck of the woods, you should also check our other article, The Top 6 things to do in Speyside.
- If you’re heading down into the Lowlands and your partner is at least partial to gin, then a visit to The Borders Distillery is a must, as this excellent distillery produces both malt whisky and gin, and you can thus both enjoy the tour and the tasting afterwards. (The gin made here is spectacular, and it’s also quite unique, as the spirit that goes into the column still for further rectifying and infusing with the botanicals is the very same malted barley spirit that gets filled into casks to become whisky!) Notwithstanding whether or not your partner enjoys a G&T, this area of the Lowlands is rich with ruined abbeys and cathedrals, which you can check out nearby. Jedburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey are good examples.
So there you have it: Hopefully enough activities and attractions to keep the peace and ensure you both have a happy and balanced holiday. And, in case you were wondering, Mrs Whisky & Wisdom is not a fan of whisky, and so all of the above-listed attractions and activities come with our genuine endorsement, having personally visited and experienced them all. Even with two kids in the backseat!
Cheers,
AD
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PPS: If you are heading off to Scotland soon or in the early stages of planning your whisky trip, make sure you read our guide, 10 things every whisky lover should know before visiting Scotland
PPPS: Images 2, 4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 19 above all (c) Whisky & Wisdom, 2022. Image 8 courtesy Dunkeld Whisky Box. Remaining images purchased through Shutterstock.
A bit off the beaten path, but not too far north of Inverness (and close to Glenmorangie!) is Dunrobin Castle. Visit it and you can probably skip the rest.