Duncrub Holidays

Perthshire Crann-apple Cider Festival

2010-10-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

On 14 October the Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore are holdiing a Crann-apple Cider Festival. You can go along and join the fun and even take along your own apples to press, sample a wide range of flavours, and enjoy home baking and local produce.

Telephone - 01887 830583 for details, and visit our What's On page for other October events. Email us for details of short breaks available.

Autumn in Perthshire

2010-10-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Big Tree Country in Perthshire is at it's best in autumn. The tree colours around Dunkeld, Birnam and throughout Perthshire at this time of year are fabulous. Visit our What's On page for a whole list of entertainments to enjoy while you are here. They include the Crann-apple Cider Festival, The Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry and Perthshire Amber: The Douggie Maclean Festival.

Late offers for October include:
Tower House 2 nights at £195 and 3 nights at £240 (quote Blog to receive offer)
Chapel House: 9 to 15 at £395, 20 to 23 at £295 (quote Blog to receive offer)

Things for children to do from Chapel House

2010-06-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

As well as our badminton and table tennis in the chapel nave, there's a great new little playpark within walking distance of the Chapel House. The Rollo Park in Dunning has just had its playpark revamped and it's looking super. A lovely area for young children to enjoy. There's a tennis court and 9-hole golf course too for older children and adults.

One of our favourite days out with children is to Stanley, just to the north of Perth, where there is all-day fun at the Active Kid Toys and Adventure Park. Designed for children of all ages, from toddlers to young teens, it offers go-karts, slides, climbing frames, trampolines and lots more, all in the setting of a working farm with farm animals. Centred around a giant play fort, there's lots of activity toys for children to explore and try. And while the kids are playing, mum and dad can watch from our picnic tables or visit our coffee shop.

No lack of things to do for children at Duncrub Holidays.

Wicked Chocolate for visitors to Duncrub Holidays

2010-06-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

We've just discovered "Wicked" chocolate made in Perth by Chocolatier, Elaine Forrest.

At The Wicked chocolate Company, they are passionate about sourcing superior Cocoa to make chocolate, and we'll be using specially created packs for us at Duncrub Holidays to use in The Tower House and The Chapel House in our welcome packs.

See our small but growing list of local treats.

Late availability in June for Tower House

2010-06-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

We have one week only to let in our Tower House, 12th to 19th June. Normally £480 for the week, book online and quote "special offer from the Blog" in the comments box on the booking form to get this 5 star romantic hideaway for 2 at £380.

Walk to the local pub for a meal, visit the historic St Serf's Church with its 13th cenury tower. The pretty conservation village of Dunning also has a Community Wood where local people and visitors can enjoy a beautifully managed peice of natural woodland, which has the added interest of a piece of the original ditch fortification of a Roman Camp.

Lots to do in Perthshire, you'll find a week is not long enough!

Visit our website to see full details of Chapel House (sleeps 4) and Tower House (sleeps 2)

Potfest, Archeology and events in Perthshire

2010-05-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

Prince Charles will be making a visit to the Farmers' Market in Perth on 1st June, part of a day-long visit as part of the Fair City's 800th anniversary celebrations.

If you have been in the habit of supporting the annual Postfest where more than 100 potters will be displaying their work, the venue has moved from Perth Mart to Stirling Mart. Our Perthshire Mart no longer exists, making way for a supermarket. It's a fabulous day out with wonderful work to see and only a 30 minute drive from Perth.

1st to 30th June is Perthshire Archeology Month with first class events and expert guidance to the best archeological sites in the area. This year's programme has taken Perth 800 as its theme.

Don't forget that May and June are great times to visit Perthshire's Glorious Gardens and you can purchase a ticket for £16 to visit 11 gardens - how's that for value.

For more information contact us, or visit our website.

Fresh look for Spring

2010-02-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Shaking off the dark days of winter, it's good to see snowdrops everywhere adn daffodils pushing their way through. We're getting on with our Spring maintenance and The Chapel House is looking stunning, having had the hall, kitchen, dining room, stairs and downstairs bedroom painted. Everything looks in great order for our half term lets.

As well as WiFi we'll be providing universal docking stations for your i-pod this year in both Chapel House and Tower House.

Lots to do and see as ever in the area with the Perth 800 celebrations offering something for everyone throughout the year. Check out our What's On page at any time for monthly updates.

Bjorn Again, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (19 February)

Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society Concert, AK Bell Library, Perth (20 February)

RNLI Fire Walk, Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth (26 February)

Galloway Antiques Fair, Scone Palace, by Perth (26-28 February)

are just examples of the many things on in February.

Ask us about Spring deals, and be assured of a warm welcome at Duncrub Holidays.

2010 sees "Perth 800" a year of celebrations

2010-01-30T04:23:00.000-08:00

Perth 800 is a year long programme of events which will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210. A programme on the themes of heritage, sport, arts and culture and the local economy will see more than one event a week being held throughout Perth and Kinross during 2010, with something for everyone. Visit our What’s On page and Places to Visit for regular updates.

Perth 800 Opening Weekend started off the celebration with a weekend of activities. The Market of Optimism was in town offering free money and a market of optimism to spend it in.

Throughout the year visitors can see more about the lives of ordinary people through extraordinary objects at the Skin & Bone: Life & Death in Medieval Perth Exhibition. This special exhibition includes loans from other collections and features the Hammermen Book and the Perth Psalter from the National Library of Scotland and the Hammermen’s stok box from St John’s Kirk. Also on display from Perth and Kinross Council Archive will be one of the few surviving copies of the charter from King William the Lion confirming Perth’s royal burgh status, making this the must-see exhibition for 2010.

Saver Pass for outdoor attractions

2010-01-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wash away the winter blues and check out the Outdoor Saver Pass on our What’s On page, along with a selection of things to do and see in the area in January and February (regularly updated of course).

The Outdoor Saver pass is valid until 31st May 2010 and you can see individual offers that can be downloaded for use at the attractions. Local tourism providers have joined forces with VisitScotland to encourage families to get out and about, by offering special offers and money off deals.

The following attractions included:
· Blair Castle Trekking Centre
· Cairnwell Mountain Sports
· Highland Off Road · Highland Safaris
· Knockhill Racing Circuit
· Land Rover Experience Scotland
· Nae Limits
· Perthshire Off Road Driving Centre

There are offers throughout Scotland covering everything from paintball to paragliding with something for everyone.

See availability and book online at any time in Chapel House and Tower House or call us to discuss your requirements.

Winter Snow at Duncrub 2009

2009-12-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

What a fabulous Christmas we've had, and the wonderful winter wonderland that surrounds us is set to stay over New Year. Snowmen everywhere, sledging, lots of fun in the open air....once the roads were cleared of course. We're fortunate to have great services in Perthshire and Chapel House and Tower House are rarely inaccessible.

We're booked through to the 3rd January in Chapel House and the 6th January in Tower House but do ask us about our "early season" offers and "early bird" booking discounts for 2010.

Treats in January - special offer

2009-12-09T00:25:00.000-08:00

In Tower House, the perfect romantic getaway for 2, and Chapel House for 4 people, we are delighted to offer short breaks in January. Our special offer for anyone quoting our Blog is 10% off the list price or an extra night free (minimum 2 nights booked).

Make your booking online and quote offer "Duncrub Blog 368" in the comments box and we'll do the rest.

Enjoy some bracing walks, eat in the local pub, just relax and unwind at Duncrub Holidays.

Our website is packed with useful information, but email us for further information.

Special short break offers for late October to mid-December

2009-10-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Treat yourself to a romantic break, get away from it all and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in the country. There’s a good Pub in the village for food and we can organise a meal to be delivered to your house during your stay. Only a few miles from Perth where the Horsecross Concert Hall and Theatre have a wonderful variety of performances to suit all tastes. Don't forget to check our monthly posting of things to see and do in Perthshire on our What's On page.

Tower House, sleeps 2
5 nights 24th to 30th October at £300. From 2nd November to 19th December 2 nights cost £234, but we’re giving a third night free. 10% off any weekly booking not already discounted. Keep in touch if you need to using our free Wireless Internet.

Chapel House, sleeps 4
Week 31st October to 7th November at discounted rate of £420. From 7th November to 22nd December 2 nights cost £240, and we’re giving a third night fee. 10% off any week not already discounted, and no charge for up to 2 dogs, or our newly installed Wireless Internet.

You can book online, enter the Blog offer in the comments box and we’ll add the extra night to your stay, or call us on 01764 684100 to discuss your requirements.

Late availability offers September and October

2009-09-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have really good offers for an early autumn break in our unique chapel properties that are only an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews. Aberdeen 1.5 hours. Inverness 2 hours.

Between 28th September and 10th October in Chapel House (sleeps 4)
Chapel House has an additional folding bed, cot and high chair if required at no extra charge.
For the full 12 nights the offer price is £600, for 7 nights £400 and 3 nights £240.

Between 14th and 18th October in Tower House (sleeps 2)
For the full 4 nights the offer price is £300, 2 nights at £200.

To claim any of these special offers please phone us on 01764 684100 or book online and quote the special offer price from our Blog.

Perthshire Archaeological Finds at Forteviot

2009-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Recently a rare 4000-year old Bronze Age grave has been uncovered at Forteviot only a few miles from Perth. Covered with a huge 4-ton sandstone slab that was removed by a crane, the grave is described as “spectacular” by experts. The site where the find was made is where Kenneth McAlpin, the first king of a united Scotland, died in AD858

A Historic Scotland spokesman said, “ Bronze Age cist burials are not uncommon finds in Scotland, but early indications from this new discovery, both the quality of the grave goods and also the careful construction and decoration of the burial cists, suggest that the individual buried here was someone of the highest social standing – and that is very rare and very exciting.”

Some of the artefacts uncovered were on view at the site and guides took groups of visitors round the area of the dig on the open day in August.

Much work has been done over the years on excavating sites of archeological interest. Visitors are familiar with the Roman Camp at Ardoch, many standing stones, and the fine reconstruction of the ancient settlement at the Crannog near Kenmore where underwater survey continues.

Perthshire and Scottish Apples

2009-08-27T09:48:00.001-07:00

One of Scotland’s main apple growing areas, dating back 800 years, was the Carse of Gowrie, situated between Perth and Dundee, to the north of the River Tay. The old Scottish Orchards once numbered tens of thousands of trees and, as part of the celebrations of its 200th anniversary, the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (RCHS) wants to encourage the planting of new orchards. Native varieties include The Lass O’Gowrie, a sweet and juicy cooker from Perthshire, The James Grieve, The Coul Blush, Britain’s most northerly apple from Coul in Ross-shire, The Bloody Ploughman, cultivated around 1800, The Cambusnethan Pippin from either Clydesdale or Stirling, and The White Melrose raised at Melrose Abbey before 1831.A Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust survey found that of 50 recorded orchards only 17 remain and only 9 of those have any commercial potential.

The RCHS held its first conference in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1824, this year the conference will again be held in Edinburgh in October. It is hoped that people will be encouraged to take an interest in and plant native varieties of apple trees, providing a useful crop that can be eaten straight away or stored for winter use and benefiting wildlife.

Visit Perthshire in autumn to enjoy spectacular countryside colours. Remember to look at our What's On and Places to Visit pages, and others. Book a short break or longer. Repeat visitors get discounts!

last minute availability 29th August

2009-08-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Available

Chapel House

29th August to 5th September

sleeps 4

22nd to 29th August now filled.

Chapel House sleeps 4 in 1 ground floor bedroom with en suite bathroom and upper floor bedroom and separate bathroom. Beds may be made up as twins or king sized doubles.

Due to quite unforeseen circumstances, one of our regular parties has had to cancel their visit to The Chapel House this year. Starting 22nd August for 2 weeks Chapel House is available at discounted price of £450 per week. Prices include bed linen, towels, heating and WiFi.

Set in a lovely position, only a 10 mintute walk from a good food Pub, 9 miles West of Perth, perfectly positioned to enjoy Perthshire and beyond. Edinburgh and Glasgow airports an hour's drive.

Welcome to our Duncrub Holidays Blog

2009-08-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Duncrub Holiday’s first ever Blog. When we started self catering (we think it was 1974) the Internet and a web site was just make believe. Our first website was in 1995 and our current one is our third. What a mound of information we can provide visitors now!

Both the Chapel House and the Tower House have wireless internet access which makes it even easier to access all the information you need on holiday. We wondered if our 19th century chapel would be able to accommodate such technology, but it's there and working.

We provide as much flexibility on booking dates as far as possible a completely flexible approach to length of stay and date of arrival and departure. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and get some great ideas from guests so please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

We offer a 10% discount on a second week booked and a 10% discount on a return visit in the same year. We will be using our Blog to bring you samples of great value for money breaks available to book. At any time you can check availability, prices or book. Select either the Chapel House or the Tower House, click the "availability and booking" button and follow the instructions. Our 2010 prices can be seen now, or call us on 01764 684100

The Chapel House, opened in 1994, sleeps 4 (though we do have a folding bed for an extra person) and it is perfect for family holidays, short breaks, business trips, visiting friends and relatives, bringing your dog, and the downstairs en suite bedroom has been occupied several times by wheelchair users. The dining room doors open on to the patio and enclosed garden and there are only a few steps to the West door to the nave of the chapel where guests can unwind at the end of a day out, or stay-at-home day, playing table tennis or badminton. The sitting room make over, undertaken last winter, has been very well received by all our regular guests.

In the Tower House, opened in 1998, we replaced the bedroom ceiling and new cherubs adorn the blue skies and clouds above the bed. Technology has moved on so much we do not need some of the clutter in the sitting room area so we plan a few changes there over the next few months. No dogs accepted in Tower House – it just wouldn’t be suitable. The stone spiral staircase leading from the ground floor to the first floor causes a few initial gasps, but it does not take long to get used to them. The ultimate romantic break for 2.

Scotland is full of surprises and experience tells us that visitors to Scotland love the hues and tones of the heather-clad hills, the light evenings in the summer months, and wonderful autumn colours. In the off-season Scotland’s scenery can be particularly rewarding.

With everything to offer from a ceilidh to a classical concert, gardens to grand castles, golf courses, whisky distilleries, restaurants and much, much more……..Duncrub Holiday homes offer an ideal setting from which to explore Scotland’s glorious scenery, history and culture together with a very warm welcome.