There’s something magical about stepping into a small Scottish town like Dunblane. Nestled along the Allan Water, Dunblane is one of those places where history lingers in the streets, and modern life blends seamlessly with centuries-old tradition.
For travelers searching for Scotland’s most iconic places, this town offers fascinating insights into the past while welcoming you with warmth and charm. You can drive yourself, take a bus, or take a guided tour through Stirlingshire to steep yourself in Scottish history and see all that this area has to offer.
We are lucky enough to have friends who live in this wonderful town and took an overnight trip from Strathaven to see them.
Here is a Google Map of all the places mentioned in this post.
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A Brief History of Dunblane
Dunblane traces its roots back to the 9th century, when St. Blane is said to have brought Christianity to the area. By the 12th century, the town had grown in importance, eventually establishing one of Scotland’s most celebrated medieval churches: Dunblane Cathedral. This working church, largely completed in the 13th century, remains the town’s most striking landmark.
The history of Dunblane is complex. It has been the site of religious devotion, local prosperity, and, tragically, sorrow. Many still remember the school shootings at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, when Thomas Hamilton entered the school gym and fired rounds of ammunition, injuring and killing children and teachers. The memorials remind visitors of the injured children and the community’s resilience in the year that followed. Dunblane has become a symbol of healing and strength, remembered in local history and discussed in monthly meetings of community groups and boys’ clubs alike.
Highlights from Our Visit
Dunblane Cathedral
Our first stop was Dunblane Cathedral, one of the most breathtaking historic places in Scotland. Its soaring nave, tranquil cathedral halls, and centuries of worship make it both a working church and a site of deep reflection.
In the summer months, visitors can enjoy scenic walks around the grounds and explore the interior during published opening hours.
What struck me most was the poignant story of the Drummond sisters, whose tomb lies within the cathedral. In 1502, Margaret, Eupheme, and Sybilla Drummond, daughters of the noble Drummond family, died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. Local tradition holds that they were poisoned, possibly because of their close ties to James IV of Scotland.
Their beautifully carved stone memorial is one of the cathedral’s treasures and a reminder that even in this serene setting, the currents of Scottish political intrigue once ran strong. For anyone interested in local history or Scotland’s noble families, the sisters’ resting place offers fascinating insights into a turbulent chapter of the past.
Leighton Library
Next, we stepped into the Leighton Library, Scotland’s oldest purpose-built independent library. The library was built after Robert Leighton died to serve as a public lending library. Today, it holds many ancient volumes, including a first edition of Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake.
The docents of the Library are wonderful and allow you to hold or look at any book within the library. I was delighted to explore a 1799 copy of Thomas Paine’s pamphlets, including Common Sense and Rights of Man.
Dunblane Museum
The Dunblane Museum offers more than just artifacts; it’s a window into the local history of the town. We explored exhibits on Vikings, medieval churches, and admired artwork. It is a small museum, but full of interesting artifacts and displays. The museum is free, but they do ask for a small donation.
We even learned about the town’s most famous son, Andy Murray. His rise from the gym hall of a local tennis club to winning a gold medal at the Olympics and the US Open is celebrated here, reminding visitors that global champions can come from small places.
The Tappit Hen
We finished off our tour of Dunblane at The Tappit Hen, a cozy local pub right in the heart of town. It’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring, with a pint in hand and a chance to chat with locals.
Steeped in its own slice of local history, the pub takes its name from the traditional Scottish pewter measure once used to serve drink. For us, it was a welcome pause; a mix of creative inspiration from the day’s discoveries and the simple pleasure of sharing stories over a pint.
Getting to Dunblane & Where to Stay
One of the best things about visiting Dunblane (besides seeing our friends) is how easy it is to reach. Just six miles north of Stirling, Dunblane sits on the main rail line, with direct trains from both Edinburgh and Glasgow taking under an hour. If you’re driving, the A9 connects the town to Perth and the Highlands, making it an ideal stop on a wider Scottish road trip.
As for where to stay, Dunblane offers a range of options. The elegant DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane provides classic Scottish hospitality with sweeping views, while smaller guesthouses in town deliver cozy charm and personal touches.
There are also lots of flats and cottages to rent if you book well enough in advance.
There is also the Cromlix Hotel, owned by the family of tennis star Andy Murray. It is a posh and expensive choice, but its luxurious rooms, fine dining, and tranquil estate make it a wonderful way to get away from it all. We rode up the drive to take a few pics and even saw a brief falconry demonstration (with an owl).
A Side Trip to Doune Castle
A short drive away is Doune Castle, instantly recognizable to fans of film and television. I wanted to see it because it was a filming site for Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander. My friends thought we were going to see a ruin. But the structure is very well kept.
With the price of your ticket (£22), you get an audio tour that tells the Castle’s history and adds in scenes from Monty Python and tells stories of filming Outlander, narrated by Sam Heughan (Jaime Fraser).
Walking through the stone halls felt like stepping into a grand ball from centuries past. There are secret staircases and grand rooms to explore. Although this castle is rather small, it was very worth the trip.
Final Thoughts
Dunblane is definitely worth a day trip or a stop on your way to the Highlands. This small Scottish town reflects the richness of Scottish history while offering a wonderful charm all its own. Whether you spend just one day exploring the cathedral, library, and museum, or linger for several days enjoying scenic walks and local hospitality, Dunblane rewards every visitor. It’s a place that blends the weight of history with the warmth of community — and it’s truly worth the trip.
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).