Places to visit

Brooklinn Mill makes an excellent base from which to visit some of the stunning castles and other places of interest in the area. From the pink sandstone turrets of Glamis to the impressive complex of mill buildings at Stanley there is so much to see and do.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is the home of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, and is open to the public from March to December. It is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Angus Glens and the first impression of the castle as it is approached from the main drive is truly stunning. With its turrets and towers in the distinctive local pink sandstone it could easily have inspired Walt Disney's in some of his creations. The castle was the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, best known as the Queen Mother. Her daughter, Princess Margaret, was born there.

Read more at the official Glamis Castle website

Blair Atholl

Blair Castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland's finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire and is close to the Falls of Bruar. The castle interior is more like a trip round a real family home than an historical monument. The walled gardens have been lovingly maintained and are a real delight especially on a warm spring or summer day.

Read more at the official Blair Atholl website

Scone Palace

Scone Palace (pronounced skoon) is a Category A listed historic house at Scone, near Perth. It was built in 1808 for the Earls of Mansfield by William Atkinson. Built of red sandstone with a castellated roof, it is a classic example of the late Georgian Gothic style.

In the Middle Ages the land was the site of a major Augustinian abbey, Scone Abbey (nothing now remains above ground level), the crowning-place of the Kings of the Scots (on the Stone of Destiny) down to Alexander III.

Read more at the official Scone Palace website

Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace in Fife is a former royal palace of the Scottish Kings. Today it is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and is well worth a visit, not least for its impressive interiors, well laid-out gardens, and picturesque town surrounding the Palace.

Read more at the National Trust website

Castle Menzies

Castle Menzies is home of the Clan Menzies. It is located a little to the west of the small village of Weem, near Aberfeldy in Perthshire, and was formerly known as Weem Castle.

The sixteenth century castle was the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Strategically situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands. Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Stuart Pretender to the throne, rested for two nights in the Castle on his way to the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Read more at the official Clan Menzies website

Stanley Mills

Stanley Mills is about 12 miles from Blairgowrie and is on the Tay River. The imposing mill complex was rescued by Historic Scotland and the Stanley community - many of whom used to work in the mills. The buildings have been restored to their former glory and now provide a range of uses, including a very informative and user-friendly visitor centre about the processes carried out in the mill and water power. The hydro-electric plant on the site has been renewed and is now generating commerically for a major power company.

Read more at the Historic Scotland website

Active Kids

Also in the village of Stanley is Active Kids, a great adventure playground for children of all ages. They have a well thought out range of play equipment including trampolines, crazy golf, swings and a fort, as well as generous picnic areas, cafe and an indoor play area.