Magical tour of Downton
sitting on a bench. Finish sh off with a coffee in the Watermill cafe and bookshop, an artful combination of retail and relaxation which sells delicious homemade soups.
For more details see aberfeldywatermill.com. m.
Wee dram m
Dewar’s distillery, Aberfeldy
A drop of the hard stuff is compulsory and outside Aberfeldy is one of Scotland’s longest established distilleries, just down the road from the original Dewar family farm.
The distillery does a fine guided tour and the story of the two brothers who put the brand on the EXPLORE Downton Abbey for yourself – from visiting Lord Grantham’s local p pub to the grandeur of Highclere Cas Castle. Trips include a nineh hour coach tour from L London to Downton Abbey a and Village - stopping at B Bampton, the Oxfordshire map is a colourful one. Flamboyant Tommy Dewar was a master of self publicity. A standard guided tours to the distillery, lasting 90 minutes, costs £10.50 and an includes a final dram.
See dewars.com.
Blair T The Atholl two TB and Bs Bruar
The Th powerful Dukes of Atholl regularly g y hosted ho royal visitors at their magnificent 750 year old castle and grounds at Blair Atholl, seven miles north of Pitlochry.
They were so well connected that Queen Victoria let them establish their own private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
Today, a bagpiper welcomes visitors, who proceed through hamlet that doubled as Downton, before heading to Highclere, the original location of Downton Abbey. Prices are from £80. Or, from £120, join a coach tour that includes lunch in Bampton and a tour of Highclere. g its 30-odd public rooms and end up in the shop and restaurant. Expect lots of family portraits, fine stuccoed ceilings, formal rooms and original furniture, see blair-castle.co.uk. Contrast that with newly built palace to consumerism, House of Bruar, a fine shopping and dining complex. See houseofbruar.com.
Tartan trews Where to stay
The Dunkeld Du House Hotel, summer home of Dukes Duk and Duchesses, sits in glorious grounds gro by the river Tay. Inside, it is the proper pr deal, with tartan carpets, polished po oak banisters and stag’s heads, plus pl an elaborate spa and pool. Nevertheless Ne all that grandeur comes at an honest price. Doubles from £94. dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk. d