A Summer Guide to Dunkeld & Birnam
From canoeing down the River Tay to the Birnam Highland Games, to open-air cinema screenings and wild swimming, there’s so much to do when visiting The Taybank during the summer months. Whether you’re staying the weekend or just passing through, we hope our guide will help you make the most of your time in and around Dunkeld and Birnam.
Summer Screenings at The Taybank open-air cinema
Come along to one of our open-air cinema screenings in The Taybank Garden. Held every second Monday, this year we’re hosting a programme of cult classics, summer adventure films and family-friendly matineés. We have comfy deck chairs, popcorn, drinks and ice cream available. And in addition to our classic woodfired pizzas and sides, the Garden Kitchen serve tasty themed dishes for each screening. To see what’s on and to book tickets, please visit this page.
The Birnam Highland Games
The Birnam Highland Games have been held annually since 1864 in the Games Park a short walk across the river. Held on the last Saturday in August, they are a great way to experience traditional Scottish heritage and a sense of community. There are plenty of events, games and performances throughout the day including highland dancing, track and field events, heavy events such as tossing the caber, piping and even a haggis eating competition! For more information, please visit the website.
Summer wild swimming
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by dozens of incredible outdoor swimming spots. On the opposite side of the River Tay, there are little hidden beaches where you can go for a peaceful paddle. Or if you fancy a longer walk, head along the Brann river path to the Hermitage and Rumbling Bridge for glorious plunge pools and waterfalls, or uphill to the beautiful Loch Ordie. Even in the height of summer, the water can still be very cold and have strong currents, so do take care and always bring someone along with you. For more advice on how to swim safely, visit Wild Swimming.
Long Table at The Taybank Riverside Dinners
This year we are hosting a series of seasonal dinners in our gardens by the River Tay. The menus feature lots of our own fresh produce from the Taybank Walled Garden, cooked over fire and served in a relaxed, communal dining setting on the riverside. Most events will be followed by live music performances, ceilidhs or DJ sets so you can enjoy a few drinks and dance the night away under the festoons! Find out more.
See the ospreys at Loch of the Lowes
Follow the scenic footpath from behind the Taybank leading to Loch of the Lowes wildlife reserve, where in the summer month you can see breeding ospreys. The walk there is easygoing and passes through some of the lovely surrounding countryside. You might also spot red squirrels, beavers, deer and wildfowl in the summer months in and around the reserve.
Canoe or kayak down the River Tay
There’s nothing quite like the experience of paddling through the stone arches of Telford’s famous Dunkeld bridge and arriving at The Taybank by canoe or kayak. If you don’t have your own boat or haven’t been on the water before, Beyond Adventure in nearby Aberfeldy host a number of water-based tours and activities in the area.
Live music sessions
Pop into the downstairs bar for one of our free live music sessions. On Wednesdays evenings we have the wonderful Boat Road Sessions, on Thursday nights we host the popular Scottish trad sessions with dozens of talented local musicians joining each week. Check out our events page for all upcoming sessions and performances.
Spend an afternoon in the Taybank Garden
We love the atmosphere in our beer garden on a sunny summer’s day. With lovely river views and sunshine late into the evening, it’s a great place to meet up with friends and while away the time. Try one of our Garden Kitchen’s famous woodfired pizzas, some local drinks or get some coffee and ice cream from our new ice cream shack!
Walled Garden Workshops
Join our Head Grower Donald at our walled garden in Murthly Castle Estate for a day of outdoor learning and delicious seasonal food in a beautiful setting.
Workshops will run from 10am-4pm and throughout the day you will receive a grower’s handbook, Taybank snacks and cordials, a lunch that you will harvest and prepare together using one of our recipes, seeds and a handcrafted gardening tool to take home with you. For more details, please visit our workshops page.
Go for a walk and a picnic
Our Dunkeld neighbours ARAN Bakery and Redwood Wines make the best cakes, sandwiches and drinks for picnics! Pop into their shops to stock up before taking a walk along the riverside on Fiddler’s Path, or head up into Atholl Woods where there are a number of great walking and cycling trails.
Sample our summer restaurant menu
In the summer you’ll find our menus are pack with fresh produce from our very own walled garden. It’s also a great time to sample fresh Scottish seafood and delicious summery wines. All of this can be enjoyed in our bright, airy restaurant or dining room which have views over the gardens to the river. To book a table, please visit our food & drink page.