Visit Abernethy
With its tower, church and churchyard, museum, winding glen walks, Mercat Cross and traditional houses, Abernethy village has much to offer the visitor.
It is ideally located for trips to Edinburgh, Perth, St. Andrews, Scone Palace, Falkland Palace and the Highlands.
Circular Walk
Come along and explore. This walk incorporates a short circular route around the local glen. The walk includes the optional ascent of Castle Law – the site of an iron age fort and a superb viewpoint.
The Corn Kist
Home-baked food and High Teas of the finest quality with home-baked specialities made to original Australian, Continental and Scottish recipes. The children will enjoy our little play area too.
Abernethy Museum
The Museum of Abernethy was opened in May 2000 by Magnus Magnusson. The building, which stands within the lands of the old Culdees monastery, dates from the eighteenth century. Originally consisting of a byre, stable and cattle rede, it was renovated during the 1990s to house the Museum. In keeping with the aim of preserving the building’s heritage, some of the original features, such as the internal stone walls and an area of cobbled floor, have been left visible.
Abernethy itself is a historic settlement having been occupied since Pictish times, and the aim of the Museum is to preserve as much as possible of this varied and extensive history.
Parish Church
Founded by Nechtan, King of the Picts around 460 AD dedicated to St Bride of Kildare. The first stone church built by Gartnaidh, King of the Picts around 590 AD. After the Reformation in 1560 the church was in the care of the Superintendent of St Andrews until a minister was appointed. At the Secession in 1733 the minister at Abernethy, Alexander Moncrieff seceeded with three others. The two churches united in 1951 to form the present parish church. The medieval church was demolished in 1802 prior to the present church’s construction. There are interesting stained-glass windows and in the kirkyard a 10th century stone tower.
The Crees Inn
Offers rustic charm in the heartland of Scotland and has been welcoming guests to our beautiful corner of the world for many years from walkers to cyclists plus shooting, fishing and golfing parties, The restaurant and bar have just had a complete refurbishment in 2018, with a style fitting in with the old but yet contemporary so it retains some of the original features of a countryside hotel.
Abernethy Round Tower
It is a rare example of one of the circular freestanding towers surviving in Scotland. Once inside, you climb the metal spiral staircase that winds round and around, eventually arriving at a platform just beneath the roof of the tower. From here it is a short climb up a metal ladder and a scramble through a trap-door out onto the roof.
The views from the top are superb, stretching north across the River Tay, and east and west along the northern edge of the Ochil Hills. They are also especially good, of course, of Abernethy itself. Just keep an eye on the time to avoid being too surprised by the chimes of the clock being struck – and it seems like just under your feet!
Witches Hole
A small cave in a rocky face on the north side of Castle Law, is supposed to have been the residence of some of the Witches of Abernethy. At one time it was large enough to hold 12 head of cattle, but appears to have been restricted in size by earth falling from above.
Jamesfield Garden Centre and Farm shop
Nurse Peattie’s Memorial Garden
The garden is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Peattie who was the District nurse for this area for almost 30 years from 1936 to 1963. She was, by all accounts a well-known and well-loved figure. At first she travelled to her work by bicycle (later motorised) and then by car. The vehicle purchased for her by the community after determined fund-raising efforts. The garden was inaugurated on 16th April 1966 which means that in 2016 we celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary. A fantastic Garden to roam around and relax in appreciating the wonderful views and smells.
Nearby
Lindores Abbey Distillery
After a break of 523 years, spirit is once again flowing from the copper stills at Lindores Abbey. With Lindores Abbey’s widely recognised links to the earliest written reference to Scotch Whisky and by learning as much as we can from the great Scottish distillers around us, past and present, we are bringing a very modern whisky-making approach to this ancient site. Learn all about the processes and history of whisky making on one of our Distillery or Apothecary Tours.
Willow Gate Activity Centre
Whether it’s in the water or on dry land, they have got something that suits everyone!
Minerva Blue Craft Studio
A fantastic studio that has crafts suitable for all ages and capabilities. There are lots of characters, boxes, plaques and shapes to paint or decoupage. Come along and get crafty!
THE ROOST RESTAURANT
Outdoor Explore
Our aim is to encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors. No matter how old you are, how experienced you are or if suffer from any disabilities, we will find a way to help you to achieve your goals…
