Estate Activities
A selection of additional activities we can offer and have previously proven successful with our guests:
- Scottish Storyteller
- Ceilidh Band
- Clansman Battle
- Piper
- Evening with a Mentalist
Falconry
Auchterarder is very lucky to be located minutes from the wonderful Phoenix Falconry where Adrian lays on a hands-on experience with birds of prey. Located within the stunning Perthshire landscape, his falconry base houses approximately 60 hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, and buzzards. The site accesses 800 acres of wild Scottish forest, allowing you to take part in the different falcon experiences on hand, ranging from basic falconry lessons lasting an hour, to a full-day hunting experience with dogs and a Harris hawk. Adrian can also visit the house and operate the birds from within the garden. His sessions last approximately 45 minutes and this is a great fun time for guests of all ages and there is plenty of interaction with the birds.
Archery
The ancient and noble art of target archery is a perfect sport for everyone and with experienced instructors on hand you don’t need to be Robin Hood to have a good time. All the equipment, bows and targets will be provided and guests just need to assemble on the lawn in comfortable outdoor clothing, a long sleeve shirt and sturdy trainers. Our instructors will take care of the rest and we suggest one hour maximum for this activity.
Croquet
The Brits are obsessed with croquet and despite its depiction in old movies as a gentle sport pursued by the idle upper classes, once the competitive spirit kicks in, this quirky activity can be far from gentle! All you need is plenty of lawn space, which Auchterarder has an abundance of, and you have a croquet lawn. This is great fun to play before or after dinner and cocktails can very much be consumed during play. It’s very easy to learn the rules and strangely addictive. Lessons can be provided by local enthusiasts.
Walks
In Scotland there is a right to roam and you can walk pretty much anywhere. There are wonderful walks available in all directions and we can recommend many in the area. Perthshire straddles the Highlands and the Lowlands, offering a rich variety of scenery. Highland Perthshire is magnificently forested and the region has become known as ‘Big Tree Country’. The graceful River Tay, Scotland’s grandest river, flows through the region from its source in Loch Tay, with great rolling mountains making a perfect backdrop.
Further south the mountains become heather clad moors and hills as Perthshire descends to the fertile farmland stretching from Strathearn to Perth and up to Blairgowrie. This variety means there are walking routes for all levels of fitness, from easy family rambles, through more strenuous hikes to ascents of the major Munro summits.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
A fully automatic clay trap is set up on the turret and challenging clays fired across the lawn and over the shrubbery, offering a very civilised way to enjoy clay pigeon shooting in your own garden. When you’ve had enough you can just wander back indoors – very James Bond!
Fishing
There is brown trout fishing available on the estate lochan. A boat, rods and tackle will be provided and Bob the groundskeeper will get you set up.
Experience
We had no idea Scottish baronial homes were so comfortable and the master suite is far grander than any hotel. We even caught a fish in the lochan right in front of the house. What fun. Thank you for such a spoiling time.
Molly, Georgia, USA
Get in touch hereAuchterarder House is fantastically located in the heart of Scotland and guests can access all these activities with ease. Some are virtually on your doorstep whilst others are all within an hour’s drive. The roads within central Scotland are excellent and some are dual carriage way (just be careful of the speed cameras). Sat Nav works well in most areas and we can provide directions/maps as required.
Edinburgh, St Andrews and Glasgow are also within an hour away and it’s fun to leave the main roads when possible to explore the countryside and get up into the hills. Even these smaller roads are generally well sign posted and you shouldn’t get lost but even if you do, that’s part of the fun! You might come across a little country inn where you can stop for a wee dram and you will definitely come across some amazing views!
Overview
I
Accommodation for 20 people in 10 double ensuite bedrooms including one ground floor bedroom with fully disabled bathroom. Four of the very large bedrooms each have sofa beds for children if needed.
II
There is additional staff accommodation available in the Front Lodge.
III
Drawing room, library, dining room, inner hall, reception hall, cinema room, gym, sauna, shoot room, conservatory & billiard room.
IV
Electric gates offer a high level of security to the property, which is surrounded by high trees and shrubbery, so very private.
V
20 acres of beautifully kept gardens and grounds, including a barbecue area.
VI
A charming lochan (Scottish for small lake) stocked with brown trout. Guests are welcome to try their luck with a fishing rod.
VII
Glasgow and Edinburgh International Airports under 1 hours drive away.