Planning a spa break in and around Perth and Kinross offers a blend of restorative pampering and exploring a corner of Scotland rich in history, lochs and gentle countryside.
Nestled on the southern shore of Loch Leven in Perth and Kinross, Kinross sits in a tranquil setting that’s ideal for a wellness escape. You can alternate languid hours enjoying spa treatment rooms with walks, castles, wildlife, local food and charming towns. Here is a guide to where to go, what to do, where to stay, and some of the best spas in the area (within roughly 50 miles) that you might consider for your break.
Sitting on a little island in Loch Leven, this ruined medieval castle is famed as the place where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned from 1567 to 1568, and from which she later escaped. You can take a small ferry (April to September) from the edge of Loch Leven to the island and explore the castle ruins and grounds.
A short drive north to Perth brings you to the magnificent Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most historic stately homes. Once the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce, the palace is surrounded by sweeping gardens and parkland full of peacocks and ancient trees. Inside, you’ll find beautifully preserved rooms, fine art, and artefacts that tell centuries of Scottish history.
Loch Leven and its shores form a significant nature reserve and refuge for wetland birds, especially during migration season. The reserve offers trails and viewpoints, including a climb up Vane Hill for panoramic views over the loch and surrounding countryside. For something gentler but scenic, walking or cycling paths can take in sections of the Heritage Trail around the loch - perfect for spotting wildlife or enjoying a picnic.
In the heart of Perth, culture lovers will enjoy Perth Art Gallery, showcasing Scottish art and design, and nearby The Black Watch Castle & Museum, which explores the storied regiment’s history in a beautiful riverside setting. These two attractions make for a rewarding day trip pairing history, heritage, and culture just a short hop from Kinross.
This elegant 17th-century Palladian house and its estate are set on the banks of the loch, with gardens, woodlands and views. The gardens and grounds provide a peaceful stroll, and from the estate houses the Coach House Spa (see below) offering a convenient pampering destination.
In and around Kinross you'll find a mixture of charming country houses, guesthouses, boutique accommodation and a estate-style destinations, whether you want to stay and relax or get out and explore as part of a longer escape.
A boutique spa nestled on the Kinross House Estate, and perched on the edge of Loch Leven, Kinross House Coach House Spa is a beautiful boutique day spa. Housed in a converted stable courtyard, which was originally built in 1680, it's tranquil and intimate, with facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, relaxation room and three treatment rooms. Treatments use the Kerstin Florian brand and include face and body therapies, as well as reflexology, manicures, pedicures, and more. Supplement your visit with local walks or trips to Loch Leven and nearby villages.
Located in Dunkeld, in Perthshire, Dunkeld House Hotel is a chance to enjoy true Scottish hospitality, set against a wild landscape. The hotel looks out across woodland and the River Tay, while inside it's brimming with historic features. The restaurant serves local fare, as well as superb Scotch whisky, and the spa offers rest and relaxation after time spent enjoying outdoor adventures like fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting or tennis.
In the wild and rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Atholl Palace Hotel and Spa is a beautiful, Baronial castle with a history of wellbeing. It originally opened as the Victorian Athole Hydropathic, and the sense of tradition remains true, but with a contemporary wellbeing update, designed to complement the Gothic architecture of the original hydropathic spa, with water in the pools from its original source, filtered through the volcanic rock of Ben y Vrackie. Meanwhile, the hotel enjoys views of the rugged Scottish Highlands, overlooking the River Tummel.
Set in 365 acres of Perthshire countryside, including 27-holes of parkland golf, Murrayshall Country Estate is a four-star retreat surrounded by towering trees and total tranquillity. Alongside stately rooms and suites and award-winning dining, it's an opportunity to explore nature, enjoy outdoor activities and then unwind with a treatment or two using Scottish organic seaweed products from Ishga. Don't forget to take the time to explore the surrounding landscape as well, whether it's fishing on the River Tay, paddle boarding, cycling, or laser clay shooting in the grounds.
Dating back to the early 1900s, Scotland's Spa Hotel is a restored Victorian retreat in the town of Pitlochry, in Perthshire. Boutique and welcoming, it combines its heritage with contemporary facilities - perfect for romantic weekends, but also getaways with friends. Inside its soothing colours and crisp white linens, while many of the rooms enjoy views of the mountains. Meanwhile, the spa is a haven of relaxation, with a steam room, Jacuzzi, gym and an indoor pool, space to sit, and therapies using the French, marine-based Thalgo product line.
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