Welcome to Blairgowrie and East Perthshire
Set beside the River Ericht and surrounded by rolling farmland, forests and glens, Blairgowrie combines stunning countryside, local food culture and rural Perthshire heritage within one of Scotland’s most productive agricultural regions.
Attractions nearby include the Cateran Trail, Loch of the Lowes and nearby access routes into the Angus Glens, while the surrounding countryside attracts visitors for walking, cycling, fishing and golf throughout the year.
Independent retailers, cafes and local businesses create a welcoming town centre atmosphere, while Blairgowrie’s long association with soft fruit farming and Perthshire produce continues to shape the area’s food and farming identity.
Nearby hills, forests and scenic routes also make Blairgowrie a popular base for exploring eastern Perthshire and the southern Cairngorms. The town also provides one of the main access routes to Glenshee Ski Centre, attracting visitors for skiing, snowboarding and winter outdoor activities.
Nearby towns and villages include: Alyth, Coupar Angus, Bridge of Cally and Kirkmichael.
Upcoming Events in Blairgowrie and the Surrounding Area
Blairgowrie hosts a varied programme of community events, cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Highlights include the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games and the Blairgowrie and Rattray Book Festival alongside food markets, live music, walking events and local celebrations across eastern Perthshire.
Nearby venues and businesses also host countryside events, gardening workshops and family activities, while the surrounding glens and outdoor spaces attract visitors for seasonal events and outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Visitor Attractions and Things To Do
Blairgowrie and the surrounding area combine rural Perthshire heritage with outdoor activities and scenic landscapes across eastern Perthshire. Visitors can explore sections of the Cateran Trail, enjoy riverside walks along the River Ericht and discover nearby towns including Alyth and Bridge of Cally.
The surrounding countryside is popular for cycling, fishing, golf and hillwalking, while nearby forests, glens and scenic drives offer opportunities for wildlife watching and slower-paced outdoor escapes. Visitors can also enjoy guided bikepacking adventures, canoe trips on the River Ericht and husky experiences at Bowland Trails, while the Cateran Ecomuseum and Cateran Trail help bring the area’s drover history and ancient walking routes to life.
Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
From cosy cafes to welcoming restaurants and lively bars, Blairgowrie offers a dining scene full of character and heart. Whether you're starting the day with a freshly baked scone, enjoying a relaxed lunch, or winding down with a roast beef dinner and a local dram, Blairgowrie serves it all with warmth and flavour. Popular local favourites include The Causerie, Number Thirty One and The Old Cross Inn.
Here, the emphasis is firmly on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Think hearty Scottish dishes, inventive daily specials, and home baking that rivals your granny’s.
Menus evolve with the seasons, and owners work closely with local farms, butchers, and bakers to bring the best of Perthshire to your table. It's this dedication to provenance and passion that makes eating out in Blairgowrie not just a meal, but a real taste of place.
Independent Shops in and Around Blairgowrie
Blairgowrie offers a vibrant and personal shopping experience, with lots of independent retailers adding their unique character to the town. From traditional craftsmanship to creative flair, its shops reflect the best of Scottish quality and charm.
Highlights include Piob Mhor of Scotland, specialising in Highland dress made in-house, and Sarah Cave Silversmith, where beautiful handmade jewellery is crafted on-site. Nest Creative Spaces combines a gallery, gift shop, and workshop hub, showcasing over 40 local makers and hosting community craft sessions.
Food lovers can browse The Cornerstone Deli, packed with local cheeses, meats, preserves, and homemade bakes - perfect for picnics or gift hampers. For practical finds, The Two Bells hardware store offers a friendly, old-school shopping experience with everything from garden tools to DIY essentials.
Natural Landmarks near Blairgowrie
The River Ericht, by Clare Cooper
Reekie Linn Waterfall in Summer
Find out more from Blairgowrie
The Discover Blairgowrie website offers a helpful overview of everything the town and the surrounding area has to offer, from local shops and places to eat to visitor attractions, walks and seasonal events.
Bringing together information from across the community, it provides visitors and residents alike with an easy way to explore Blairgowrie in more depth and plan their time in eastern Perthshire. Whether you are looking for inspiration for a day out, discovering local businesses or keeping up with what is happening in the town, the website is a useful gateway to Blairgowrie's welcoming community experience.
