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15 hidden gems in Tayside

Reed beds on the shore of the River Tay, near Longforgan, looking towards Dundee (Andrew Cawley)
Reed beds on the shore of the River Tay, near Longforgan, looking towards Dundee (Andrew Cawley)

Whether you’ve lived in Tayside all your life or you’re a first-time visitor, we want to help you uncover some hidden gems and hotspots that’ll are perfect for a day out with a difference. 

Do you have a favourite spot in Tayside? Head to our Facebook or Twitter page and let us know! 

Want to explore more of Scotland? Head to our Scottish Gems section.

Longforgan Foreshore

This is a hidden tract of grassland right down on the northern bank of the Tay, just west of Dundee. Almost as flat as a bowling green, it’s just minutes from the city centre but it might as well be a world away. Lose yourself in the beauty and absolute peace.

Where: Longforgan Foreshore, Perthshire, DD2 5EA

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Siabann Candles from Quirky Cuckoo

Quirky Cuckoo

Like it says, it’s a quirky wee gift shop. We love the Siabann skin candles. Melt the candle then use the warm pool of oil on your skin.

Where: Forfar Road, Meigle, PH12 8RP

Stony Beach off Douglas Terrace, Broughty Ferry. Pictured, Elizabeth Dunlop and son Stephen Dunlop with dogs Yukee (left, aged 9 months) and Skye (right aged 3 years). (Steve MacDougall, Courier, DC Thomson)
Stony Beach off Douglas Terrace, Broughty Ferry. Pictured, Elizabeth Dunlop and son Stephen Dunlop with dogs Yukee (left, aged 9 months) and Skye (right aged 3 years). (Steve MacDougall, Courier, DC Thomson)

Broughty Ferry Shoreline

Take one sunny day, one bench on the shoreline and enjoy. You’ll love the views of the Tay bridges and Fife.

Where: Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2EN

(Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson)
(Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson)

Forte Cafe

It’s been in Dundee for 75 years. Locals love it, but don’t expect fancy. Try the frothy coffee and fab cheese rolls. hettie’s

Where: 8 Dura Street, Dundee, DD4 6TE

Hetties Tearoom (Sunday Post)
Hetties Tearoom (Sunday Post)

Hettie’s Tea Rooms

Two words. Cake slider. A sample of five different types of cake, baked on the premises, along with a jug of cream. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to cake heaven. So good. stewart tower dairy

Where: 95 atholl road, pitlochry, PH16 5AB

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Stewart Tower Dairy

Like ice cream? A visit here is a must, with flavours such as bakewell tart. Just off the A9.

Where: Stanley, Perthshire PH1 4PJ

Pictured, left back is Wilma MacKinnon (HNC in Horticulture) and right bottom is Adrienne Robinson (name correct, National Qualification in Horticulture). The pair are taking a closure look at the Rhododendron 'Blue Diamond'.
Pictured, left back is Wilma MacKinnon (HNC in Horticulture) and right bottom is Adrienne Robinson (name correct, National Qualification in Horticulture). The pair are taking a closure look at the Rhododendron ‘Blue Diamond’.

Branklyn Garden

Not huge, but a treat for plant and garden lovers. Regulars love its blue poppies, but we think the best time to go is in May when the rhododendrons are flowering and fabulous.

Where: 116 Dundee Road, Perth, PH2 7BB

Dundee Museum of transport, pic shows: Lewis Shearer 5 from Dundee at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson)
Dundee Museum of transport, pic shows: Lewis Shearer 5 from Dundee at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson)

Dundee Museum of Transport

Not as famous as Dundee’s other museums, but worth a visit. Lovely volunteer staff and they even have Champion The Wonder Horse!

Where: Market Street, Dundee, DD1 3LA

Loch Leven's Larder cafe view (Phil Hannah)
Loch Leven’s Larder cafe view (Phil Hannah)

Loch Leven’s Larder

Our tip? Go early morning for opening at 8.30am. Get a window seat, have breakfast and drink in the view.

Where: Channel farm, Kinross, KY13 9HD

(Sunday Post)
(Sunday Post)

Macgregor’s Market

A community-owned village shop and post office. It’s a hive of activity and a fab place to buy cheese!

Where: Morenish place, Killin, FK21 8UR

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Buchanty Spout

Gorgeous all year, but in October you should see the salmon leaping. Wear sensible shoes – it can be slippy.

Where: Near Crieff, PH1 3SQ

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Taypark House

We love the Canadian Fizz – sugar and sparkle, maple syrup and cranberry juice, topped with prosecco.

Where: 484 Perth Road, Dundee, DD2 1LR

The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy.
The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy.

The Birks Cinema

A community-run cinema in a fantastic art deco building that’s a real treat. Much more than a cinema, with classes, function suite and a cafe serving delicious cakes and scones

Where: 1 Dunkeld Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2DA

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Rait Antiques

A haven of antique shops. In winter, make time for lunch in front of the fire at the Tufted Duck Cafe.

Where: Rait, by Perth, PH2 7RT

Visitors study the various books on display at the Innerpeffray Library - Scotland's first free Public Lending Library, by Crieff
Visitors study the various books on display at the Innerpeffray Library – Scotland’s first free Public Lending Library, by Crieff

Library of Innerpeffray

Scotland’s oldest lending library, it’s a gem of a place, with historical books, knowledgable staff and views. Make sure you climb the stairs to the chapel.

Where: Crieff, PH7 3RF

 

Read more: Tayside: 15 Top things to visit, see and do