The Taybank | A Unique Dunkeld hotel

Dunkeld is a gorgeous town, but one thing it’s always needed is a really great place to stay. So when the newly renovated Taybank opened, this Dunkeld hotel immediately went to the top of my travel list. Already boasting a long list of accolades, I knew it was going to be beautiful when I stayed last December, but my visit exceeded all expectations. 

Getting to The Taybank, Dunkeld

Dunkeld itself is in the heart of rural Perthshire. You’ll find The Taybank nestled in its centre, overlooking the River Tay.

The Taybank is around an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and very handily the hotel dedicates spaces in their car park to overnight guests. Alternatively, the hotel is a 20-minute walk from Dunkeld train station. Trains run direct from Edinburgh and take 2-hours.

Personally, I’d recommend driving if you can. If you want to explore other towns and villages around Perthshire (which is really very beautiful) you’ll need a car to get around. 

Vibe at The Taybank

From the moment you arrive, this Dunkeld hotel impresses. The outside is stunning, with views over the river from the prettily lit beer garden.

Once inside, reception is at the bar and warm & welcoming, with a roaring fire and small tables perfect for grabbing a drink. Doors head upstairs to an extraordinary landing, where the dining room dominates with big windows and a stripped back yet still lush décor. The bedrooms are on this level too, tucked away down hidden corridors.

The whole hotel is thoughtfully decorated and clearly designed with comfort in mind, striking exactly the right balance between cosy and luxurious.

Plus, in an area of Scotland given to throwing tartan at everything, The Taybank is refreshingly different. Restored and modernised, it’s a flawless mix of old and new, of restored furniture and unique objects, of polished concrete bathrooms and original wooden floors. Honestly, it’s the type of hotel you never want to leave. 

The Taybank rooms

There’s five bedrooms and two apartments at The Taybank, ranging from the cosy king size rooms to spacious family/group rooms. We opted for a king size double (Room 2), and I had the best night’s sleep, so full marks on comfort. Located at the back of the hotel it was also very peaceful. In the room, there’s a kettle, loose-leaf teas, and gorgeous ceramic mugs made by the in-house potter.

My decision to book this room was mostly due to the monsoon shower which I completely fell in love with. However, if you can, I’d recommend upgrading to Room 4 (it wasn’t available when we stayed), which also features a spacious bathtub that I suspect you could happily soak in for hours.

However, you’re bound to love whichever room you choose. Each bedroom is decorated in earthy, soothing colours with beautiful soft furnishings, so your room feels like a cosy sanctuary. Plus, The Taybank include the most thoughtful details, like local travel books, hot water bottles, and Laura Thomas Co toiletries. 

Food & drink at The Taybank

It would be remiss to talk about the food at The Taybank without first mentioning the dining rooms. The whole hotel is beautifully furnished, yet the dining room and adjoining breakfast room absolutely steal the show. Cosy colours and sheepskin throws take centre stage, whilst beautiful flowers and artwork line the walls. Plus huge windows perfectly balance cosy with light & airy.

Breakfast

A continental breakfast is included in your stay at this Dunkeld hotel and its more than enough to sustain you for a day of exploring. A picnic basket is delivered to your room each morning, packed with yoghurt, homemade granola, compote, charcuterie, cheese, fresh orange juice, and flaky croissants from nearby Aran Bakery.

Choose to eat breakfast in bed (trays are provided) or in the breakfast room.

Lunch & dinner

In a town known for its iconic cafes and specialist eateries, opening a restaurant in Dunkeld was a brave move. But The Taybank has brought an incredible ethos to its lunch and dinner menus. Here, the kitchen serves only seasonal dishes made locally sourced ingredients and produce grown from their own gardens.

Lunch is a choice of small or big plates, served in the cosy downstairs bar. Whilst you’ll eat dinner upstairs in the restaurant, overlooking the river. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the food (sadly we arrived too late to eat) but the menu looks varied and delicious.

The bar & beer garden

Downstairs, the bar is the perfect spot to spend the evening with a drink by the fire – I recommend ordering a tasty cocktail from the extensive list.

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, you’ll also find the most spectacular beer garden at The Taybank, a south facing spot that I imagine is perfect for sundowners. Plus there’s a garden kitchen serving up pizzas and a horsebox coffee & ice cream bar! 

Activities at The Taybank

If the beautiful rooms and incredible food weren’t enough, there’s also activities to enjoy at this Dunkeld hotel. In winter, The Taybank fires up their Nordic outdoor sauna, plunge pool, and firepit. Then in summer, outdoor cinema nights and day festivals. Whilst at night regular live music sessions from local musicians will keep you entertained in the bar. 

Things to do near The Taybank

Outside of the hotel, be sure to wander around Dunkeld, it’s a lovely small town that’s brimming with independent stores (check out concept store Nova) and cafes (Aran Bakery is a must).

There’s also heaps of local walks, forest trails, and cycling routes on your doorstep. So you can enjoy a day outdoors and then come back to your Dunkeld hotel for a lovely dinner and drinks. You’re also only a 20-minute drive from lots of amazing small Perthshire towns like Pitlochry, Grandtully, and Aberfeldy. 

The cost

Rooms at The Taybank start from £170 per night.

Stay at The Taybank for…

A romantic weekend or friends’ getaway in the countryside, with excellent food and drink. The Taybank is traditional yet modern, with stylish interiors and a BIG focus on cosy.