Local Area
Two must-see villages
Nearby is the picturesque village of Dollar with its hillside Glen and Castle Campbell. Always worth popping into Kitty at Home for interior vintage, Troy-Anne's Patisserie (weekends only) or find a book at the Wee Bookshop. Head to the Ochil hills and climb King’s Seat (648m) or Ben Cleuch (731m) amongst other hikes.
Culross is Scotland’s best example of a burgh town from the C17/18th and is a National Trust for Scotland conservation village with a bright yellow C16/17th Palace. Popular with fans of the tv series Outlander as it’s a key film location.
Historic sites
Aside from Dollar and Culross, there are many other places to visit: Stirling Castle, the Wallace monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey as well as Dunfermline Abbey and Palace. Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith and Linlithgow Palace, both lived in by Mary Queen of Scots are fascinating to visit. And of course, the Falkirk Wheel is an icon to the area’s industrial heritage; combine with a trip to our local steam railway line.
Towns & cities
Relax and take the train by going from Alloa station (10 mins by car). Or by car, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, St Andrews, and Stirling are all within easy reach (hr or less).
dining In & Out
To truly relax in style with us, dine in with Polly’s Pantry for some very special 2 and 3-course dinners that can be delivered. Polly also offers a wealth of afternoon teas, charcuterie grazing platters, build your own nacho kits as well as picnic hampers.
For fine gastropub dining be sure to book a table at the Michelin Guide-listed The Forager with a menu created by Dean Banks in Dollar or come the last Saturday of the month for their not-to-be-missed Brunch Club.
We also have several farm shops on our doorstep offering locally-reared and rare-breed delicacies including Solsgirth Farm, which also has a fabulous farmers’ market the second Saturday of the month. And for lunches and teas we have Saline Shaw Café (a lovely 25 min cycle) and Muircot Farmshop.
We also have private chefs specialising in Scottish produce to create a bespoke dinner with you for that special occasion.
Activities
Hire our all-terrain TREK and Carrera bicycles to explore woodland, road and hill routes. Jump into a canyoning experience for either beginner’s or more advanced, or explore the Ochils while pony trekking (June to August).
Being Scotland, we have parkland golf courses including Muckhart and Tulliallan as well as brown trout fishing a short drive away. And of course distinguished courses at Gleneagles (37 mins) and St Andrews (1 hr) are nearby.
Family days out
From outdoor play parks, children-friendly animals, and dressing up with a sword and shield there is plenty to keep kids occupied at The Kelpies, the Helix Park, Briarlands Farm, Blairdrummond Safari Park, Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, and Go Ape Aberfoyle.
Traditional building materials & skills
Have you wanted to insulate your old house? Dealing with damp? How about trying some stone carving or lime pointing? We’re located between the two leading centres in Scotland so why not learn that DIY skill you’ve always wanted to learn and stay with us. Take a look at events run by the Scottish Lime Centre Trust and The Engine Shed.
Live music and performance
Come to us not only for traditional buildings but also trad music. The Tolbooth in Stirling is home to some of the best live musicians and performers working in Scotland from trad to jazz to contemporary music. An evening here with its intimate surroundings you’ll not forget, also due to the sensational and award-winning restoration and redesign.