Visitor Attractions

There are many interesting visitor attractions in and near to Doune, for all age-groups and interests – the famous Doune Castle, a distillery, lovely old buildings and great walks.  A few of these are shown below and on the other Visitor pages.  If you have the time, also cast a look at some of the Heritage pages to get a feel for our fascinating History.  There is now a new Heritage Trail.  You can obtain a map showing where to find indicator boards and plaques from the Doune Heritage Centre or by downloading it here.

Doune Castle

Doune Castle

It is just a short walk from Doune village to this lovely castle, built in the fourteenth century.   If you don’t wish to go in, you can walk around the outside of the castle, and along the Teith River, both of which are very photogenic.  The castle has been used as a location for various films and TV series – notably scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. 

Bridge of Teith

The Bridge over the River Teith at Doune is known as Bridge of Teith. It is an attractive arched stone structure, built in 1535.  It was significantly widened in 1866, though it is still quite an obstacle for traffic, on what is now a busy main road.  It can be reached by turning left at the Market Cross, and left again onto the main road.  Alternatively, starting at the Castle, walk along the river to obtain a lovely view of the Bridge from below.

Bridge of Teith
Deanston Distillery and River Teith

Deanston Distillery and Mill Cottages

 

The distillery produces Single Malts, using the hand crafted techniques which give Deanston the individual flavours that it is known for.  The river Teith, once used to drive cotton mills on this site, is now used to produce the electricity for the distillery. Visitor tours, café and shop.  

There are also several streets of delightful old cottages, which were built to house mill workers – well worth a wander around.

Doune Ponds

 

Situated a short walk from the Main Street in Doune, this is a lovely 40 acre area of woodland and large ponds, with an extensive network of all-abilities paths.  There is plenty of wildlife to be seen, including red squirrels if you are lucky.  The large ponds include a dipping pond for the youngsters.  It is a perfect place for a picnic or just to walk and enjoy the peace.

Doune Ponds
Moray Park Play Area

Moray Park Play Area

 

Just off the Main Street in Doune is this extensive park, with an excellent play area for younger children and plenty of space for picnics, tennis courts and a football pitch.  There are also now brand new toilets, managed by the local community.  Outdoor Gym equipment has been installed at the far end of the park.

There are public toilets in the park.

Deanston has a small play area near the Clock Tower.

 

 

Blair Drummond Safari Park

 

A great day out for all the family, with over 350 rare and exotic animals, and new for 2020, the DINOSAURS!

Blair Drummond Safari Park
Moray Park Play Area

Harvey Mapmakers

Walkers (and any one else who loves maps) – drop into this fascinating shop in Doune Main Street to find out how your walking maps are made, right here in Doune. To see a short video about how it all started, click here (Video copyright HARVEY Maps 2020).

Briarlands Farm

 

Another fun day out for the family – farm animals, play areas, bouncing pillows, go-carts and much more.  Child-friendly café.  

Briarlands Farm Park
Red Kite, Argaty

Argaty Red Kites

A few miles to the north of Doune is Central Scotland’s only Red Kite feeding station, where you can watch the kites from dedicated viewing hides. Booking advised.

Photograph – Red Kite at Argaty, copyright Lynn Bowser, Argaty Red Kite Project, and now beavers.

 

Doune Hill Climb

 

One for the petrol-heads among you, the Doune speed hill climb course was built in 1967. It is recognised as one of the sport’s premier venues in Britian and it hosts two rounds of the British Speed Hillclimb Championship and four rounds of the Scottish Hill Climb Championship annually.

                                                    For details and dates see 

car
Scottish Antiques

Scottish Antiques & Arts Centre

 

 

 

This is situated 1 mile west of Doune on the A84 Stirling to Callander road. The centre is open 7 days a week and offers a vast array of antiques for sale.  It is a fascinating place to visit at any time, but is an ideal retreat in bad weather.  There is an excellent restaurant and café, Café Circa.  Wheelchair accessibility throughout and Disabled WC facilities available.