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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The post 24 Hours in Dunkeld appeared first on What Olivia Did.