Discover Crieff | A Visitor's Introduction to Crieff

Why is Crieff Worth a Visit?

Crieff is worth visiting for its stunning surroundings, rich history, and warm atmosphere. Once a notorious gathering place for Highland cattle drovers, the town evolved into a fashionable Victorian resort, attracting visitors drawn to its clean air and scenic setting. That legacy lives on in the elegant buildings, spa heritage, and leafy parks that give Crieff its distinctive feel.

Today, Crieff is known for its food and drink scene, including one of Scotland’s oldest working whisky distilleries, as well as outdoor activities, art, and independent shopping. Its location between the Lowlands and Highlands makes it ideal for walkers, cyclists, and road-trippers exploring the heart of Scotland.

Whether you want to sip whisky, climb a hill, browse art galleries or simply enjoy the views, Crieff offers a relaxed yet rich Scottish experience.

Crieff Highlights: Things to See and Do in Crieff

Glenturret Distillery

A must-visit for whisky lovers, Glenturret Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest — officially established in 1775, though whisky-making here dates back even further. Tours of the distillery offer a fascinating insight into traditional whisky production, with copper stills, oak casks, and a chance to taste the finished product. The distillery is also home to The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Scotland’s only Michelin-starred restaurant within a distillery, offering fine dining with locally sourced ingredients.

Even for non-whisky drinkers, the atmospheric setting beside the River Turret and the beautiful visitor centre are well worth exploring.

MacRosty Park

Crieff’s MacRosty Park is a Victorian gem — a beautifully landscaped public park with mature trees, flower beds, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A favourite with families, it features a well-equipped children’s play area, a seasonal café, riverside walks, and plenty of picnic spots. The Turret Burn runs through the park, adding to its peaceful atmosphere, and there’s a bandstand where local performances are sometimes held in summer.

It’s a perfect place to relax after a morning of exploring the town.

Crieff Hydro and the Knock

Perched on the hillside above town, Crieff Hydro is a grand 19th-century hotel and spa that helped put Crieff on the Victorian map. Today it remains a luxurious retreat with a wealth of activities for visitors — including horse riding, archery, zip lines, and spa treatments. Even if you're not staying there, many of the leisure facilities can be booked independently.

From here, it’s a short walk to the top of The Knock, a forested hill that offers one of the best views in Perthshire. The circular walk takes around 1–1.5 hours and leads to a viewpoint looking out over Strathearn and beyond to the Grampians.

Crieff Town Centre

Crieff’s high street and town centre are full of independent charm. You’ll find traditional butchers, artisan food shops, and unique boutiques nestled among historic stone buildings. J. L. Gill, a local whisky and deli shop, is particularly well-regarded, offering expert guidance and a wide range of Scottish spirits and gourmet produce.

Keep an eye out for architectural highlights like the Old Town Hall, as well as street art and plaques marking Crieff’s rich history.

Innerpeffray Library

Just a few miles from Crieff lies Scotland’s oldest lending library, founded in 1680. Innerpeffray Library is a hidden gem — an atmospheric building filled with centuries-old books, hand-written ledgers, and stories from the past. Visitors can handle many of the books and explore the chapel, schoolroom, and reading room. The location, above the River Earn, is tranquil and inspiring.

It’s a unique insight into Scottish learning and a true highlight for book lovers and history enthusiasts.

Drummond Castle Gardens

A short drive south of Crieff brings you to the spectacular Drummond Castle Gardens. These formal, terraced gardens are among the finest in Europe, laid out in the 17th century and later redesigned in the Victorian era. The intricate parterre, fountains, and statuary create a dramatic, symmetrical landscape that’s been used as a filming location — most famously in the TV series Outlander.

While the castle itself is not open to the public, the gardens are a showpiece of horticultural design and offer excellent photo opportunities.

Lady Mary’s Walk

For a peaceful riverside walk, Lady Mary’s Walk is a much-loved route starting from the edge of Crieff and following the banks of the River Earn through woodland and past open fields. It’s a level path, ideal for a relaxed stroll, jog, or cycle, and offers lovely views of the water, especially in autumn when the trees are ablaze with colour.

The full circular route can be extended by joining up with other local trails, including the Laggan Hill route for those wanting a bit more of a climb.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre

Just 20 minutes from Crieff, Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is a family-friendly day out with animals, play areas, and activities. There are over 70 species of animals, from farm favourites to exotic birds and small mammals. Kids can enjoy petting areas, a soft play barn, and pony rides, while adults will appreciate the café and picnic spots with beautiful views.

It’s a great option if you’re visiting with children or just fancy a slower-paced outdoor experience.

Strathearn Arts

This local arts hub in the centre of town hosts regular exhibitions, live performances, film nights, and workshops, drawing on the talents of the local creative community. Whether it’s a jazz evening, a photography show, or a craft market, Strathearn Arts helps bring energy and culture to Crieff’s high street. Check their programme during your visit — you may just find something unexpected to enjoy.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Crieff is easily reached by car and makes an ideal stop on a wider Scottish road trip. It’s about one hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow, and just 20 minutes west of Perth. If travelling by public transport, you can take a train to Perth or Stirling and then catch a local bus to Crieff. Regular buses also run from nearby towns, and the journey offers scenic views across Perthshire.

Getting Around

The town centre is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 10–15-minute stroll. For exploring the surrounding countryside, a car is highly recommended. Many of the best attractions, including Drummond Castle, Innerpeffray, and walking trails, are located just outside town. Cycling is also a good option, with quiet roads and off-road paths throughout the region.

Parking

Crieff has ample free and paid parking, especially around the town centre and at attractions like MacRosty Park. There’s also free parking available near the visitor information point and at Crieff Hydro if you’re using their facilities. On-street parking is generally easy to find outside of festival or market days.

Dining

Crieff punches above its weight when it comes to food. From elegant dining to traditional tearooms and modern bistros, there’s plenty to enjoy. Yanns at Glenearn House offers French-Scottish fusion in a cosy atmosphere, while Delivino Wine Café is a local favourite for Mediterranean-style lunches and wine pairings. Meikle Restaurant at Crieff Hydro offers classic Scottish dishes with style, and for afternoon tea or a casual bite, Gordon & Durward’s sweet shop and café is a treat — especially for their handmade fudge.

Local produce is readily available at farm shops and markets, and you’ll find seasonal menus that showcase Perthshire’s meats, berries, and cheeses.

Shopping

Crieff has a good mix of independent shops, galleries, and speciality food stores. The high street features delis, boutiques, and whisky shops, while J. L. Gill’s is a destination in itself for local spirits and preserves. The monthly Strathearn Farmers’ Market (usually held in the town square) offers artisan bread, cheeses, crafts, and seasonal produce.

For gifts and crafts, visit Goldfinch Gallery or Crieff Ceramics, where you’ll find handmade Scottish wares and friendly, knowledgeable owners.

When to Visit

Crieff is beautiful throughout the year. Spring and summer are perfect for walking and exploring the gardens and parks. Autumn brings stunning foliage along Lady Mary’s Walk and the riverside. Winter has its own magic, especially if the snow dusts the surrounding hills — ideal for a cosy retreat, whisky tastings, and roaring fires.

If you’re visiting in October, the Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival is a great opportunity to join guided hikes and learn about the town’s historical role in the Highland cattle trade.

Local Events

Crieff hosts a number of annual events that celebrate local culture and history. The Crieff Highland Games, usually held in August, is one of the biggest in Perthshire, featuring traditional sports, music, and dancing. The Drovers’ Tryst walking festival in October includes guided walks, talks, and ceilidhs. Other highlights include food festivals, Christmas markets, and live music at Strathearn Arts.

Check local listings or the town’s visitor information point for the latest updates during your stay.

Exploring Beyond Crieff

Crieff is ideally placed for day trips across central Scotland. Nearby attractions include Comrie, a pretty village with riverside walks and the Deil’s Cauldron waterfall; Loch Earn, perfect for kayaking and wild swimming; and Perth, with its shops, museum, and riverside gardens. You’re also close to scenic drives through Glen Lyon, Glen Almond, and The Sma’ Glen — each offering stunning views and a taste of Highland landscape without long travel times.

Summary

Crieff is a delightful destination that combines the charm of a market town with the spirit of the Highlands. With its whisky distillery, riverside parks, historic attractions, and surrounding hills, it offers something for every visitor — whether you're chasing adventure, indulging in food and drink, or simply soaking up the views.

It’s relaxed, welcoming, and beautifully situated — a place where you can breathe deeply, walk slowly, and experience the very best of central Scotland. If you’re looking for the real heart of the country, Crieff is waiting to be discovered.