Dunkeld, Perthshire: The Cathedral, Birnam Wood & Things to Do

Dunkeld lies on the north bank of the River Tay in Highland Perthshire, about fifteen miles north of Perth, facing the village of Birnam across the river. Its cathedral stands on a green lawn by the water, and its little streets of white-harled houses lead to a tiny square.

Why Dunkeld Is Special

Dunkeld is one of the most charming small towns in Scotland, considered a remarkably well-preserved Scottish burgh of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Around it lie great woods of oak and towering conifers, and walks along the Tay and its tributaries to waterfalls and follies.

The History of Dunkeld

Dunkeld was an important religious centre from early times, and its cathedral, partly roofless, partly still the parish church, stands on the riverbank. The worn Apostles' Stone, an early cross-slab, is preserved in the cathedral museum.

The town was largely destroyed in the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689 and rebuilt soon after, which is why its streets are so harmonious; many of these "little houses" were later restored by the National Trust for Scotland.

Over the centuries several bridges linked Dunkeld with Birnam. The present one, designed by Thomas Telford and paid for by the 4th Duke of Atholl, was completed in 1809.

Across the river, Birnam is famous from Shakespeare's Macbeth, in which Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. The ancient Birnam Oak by the Tay is said to be the last survivor of that wood. Beatrix Potter spent childhood holidays near here, and the Birnam Arts centre tells the story.

Things to Do in Dunkeld

Visit the cathedral and walk along the river past the Birnam Oak, then cross Telford's bridge and explore the little square and Cathedral Street.

Walk at The Hermitage (National Trust for Scotland), just west of the town, where a Georgian folly, Ossian's Hall, looks out over the Black Linn waterfall among some of the tallest trees in Britain.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Dunkeld

For gardens, Branklyn Garden in Perth and Drummond Castle Gardens near Crieff are within an hour, and Glendoick Garden Centre is famous for its rhododendrons.

Antiques lovers can visit the Scottish Antique and Arts Centre, Abernyte, and Peter Neil Interiors is in Perth. To the north lies the Cairngorms National Park; see our guide to the Cairngorms.

Dunkeld Through the Seasons

Spring brings bluebells to the woods and salmon running in the Tay. Summer is the season for river walks. Autumn is spectacular, with the Perthshire woods in their full colours, and winter brings frost and mist over the river.

Getting to Dunkeld

Dunkeld & Birnam station is on the Highland Main Line between Perth and Inverness. The town lies just off the A9.

Dunkeld: Questions & Answers

What is the Birnam Oak?

An ancient oak by the River Tay at Birnam, said to be the last survivor of the Birnam Wood of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Who built the bridge at Dunkeld?

Thomas Telford designed it, and it was completed in 1809.

Our Advice

Our advice: Walk the riverside to the cathedral in the morning, see The Hermitage in the afternoon, and come in October for the autumn colours.