In the local area

 We are only 12 miles from Stirling and less from the new Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.  There is so much to do in our immediate area that  is only possible to give you a taster.  Most on the links on this page take you to a specific page on another website.  Ifyou explore that website in full you will find much more to interestyou. We list some links on another page which you can use to do yourown research. 

Amongst the most obvious local attractions are Stirling Castle, Scotland’s second most visited historic castle Loch Lomond, at the centre of the National Park, Blair Drummond Safari Park, a day for all the family, The Falkirk Wheel, a wonder of engineering, Wallace Monument, a tribute to Scotland’s iconic past, The Old Town Jail, near to Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, a 14^th Century fortress, Lomond Shores, shop, eat and play on a wet day, Loch Katrine, take a trip on the Sir Walter Scott amidst stunning Highland scenery, Queen Elizabeth and Achray forests visit one of our forest with a great visitor centre and a death slide, Knockhill Circuit, thrills spills and noise, Deep Sea World, Scotland’s shark centre at South Queensferry……….. there is much much more

A little further afield?

 In Glasgow (centre of city less than 1 hour out of rush hours), we suggest The Kelvingrove Gallery, which has just celebrated its 1 millionth visitor since its multi m million pound restoration, The Burrell Collection, but don’t miss Pollock House whilst there, The Glasgow Science Centre, with its Imax Cinema, The Botanic Gardens,just reopened after the ‘rebuilding’ if its famed glass house, or jusGo Shopping – Glasgow has one of the best fashion shopping facilitiesin Europe !

In Edinburgh, you must see Edinburgh Castle, for no visit would be complete without this, Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, The Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored in Leith harbour – see also the exciting property development and newest shopping centres, Edinburgh Zoo, a complete day out for all the family, Dynamic Earth, the story of our planets past present and future, The Camera Obscura, and explore the wonders of light and illusion, and John Knox House part of Edinburgh‘s Reformation history sited on the Royal Mile.

Or take the example and challenge of some of our previous guests.  They have ventured (in the day) as far as Inverness, Aberdeen, Mallaig and the Road to the Isles, Oban, Inverary  , North Berwick , Loch Ness and Fort William and of course Glen Coe, Culloden and other battle sites.

Historic Houses 

If you are looking for Scotland’s historic houses why not visit Hopetoun House or Drumlanrig, Inverary Castle, Dalmeny House, or check out others at the Stately Homes website.  All those mentioned are within 90 minutes easy drive from Thorntree.

Are Gardens your thing?

Then you must spend some time at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh or at one of Argyll such as Crarae, Arduaine, or Ardkinglass which are all in Argyll

Here is a link to a website you might want to use to research  further.  Many private gardens are open through Scotland’s Gardens scheme, but you will need to check when the owners are due to open them.  The are great gardens at  Branklyn in  Perth, Cluny in Aberfeldy, at Scone and Falkland Palaces and at most of our historic houses.

Local Markets and Shopping

Notjust because you can get fresh local produce in season, but in theinterest of being eologically minded, you can purchase most of youfresh vegetables at Thornhill Village market on Wednesdays, pick yourown soft fruit in season at Briarlands (near Blair Drummond).  Lomond Organics are nearby.  Stirling has a range of supermarkets including Tescos, Sainsburys and Morrisons..  Country Kitchens at Killearn will prepare delicious ready to  eat meals (01360 550122).

Eating out

There is an excellent range of Pubs and Restaurants within 20 minutes of Thorntree.  Buchlyviehas two good pubs which both do meals – The Rob Roy and The BuchlyvieInn. Thornhill has the Crown and the Lion and Unicorn and Kippen TheCross Keys and the Inn at Kippen.  Near to hand is the Lake Hotel at Port of Menteith with wonderful views over the Lake of Menteith,  Menus here are overseen by Ian Fleming.  Nick Nairn’s Cook School is also at Port of Menteith.  Culcreuch Castle is at Fintry, where  there are also the Clachan Hotel and Fintry Inn.  Thereare more simple café restaurants in Buchlyvie, at Ward Toll and atBallat and of course a fuller range in Stirling where you will findIndian, Chinese, Italian and may other cuisines.  For the more discerning, you can drive into Glasgow and try any of the restaurants, some of which are internationally renowned.

Golf

There are many good golf courses nearby either for just a casual game or for the more serious.  Gleneagles is 40 minutes away and St Andrews 90 minutes.  You can check out the links on the links page or just call us for advice.