Garden landscape and architecture

The designed landscape around Braco Castle is of considerable architectural value as the setting for a Category B listed building. Braco Castle itself is a much-altered and extended tower house. For travellers interested in culture, its architectural appeal therefore lies not only in the building itself: the designed surroundings are also part of the story. The outstanding feature of the garden is the walled garden to the west of the castle, which dates from the late 18th century. In spring, it has a spectacular display of daffodils.

Braco Pinewood borders the designed landscape of Braco to the north-west of the castle. The wildlife area is listed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. This adds another connection with nature and an additional landmark around the castle to the historic garden and architecture.

Paths along the River Knaik

A picturesque path lined with mature beech trees runs along the east bank of the River Knaik to the village of Braco. A branch of the drive to Braco Castle forms part of a public community path that leads back to the village. The community circular walk takes in mature mixed woodland growing along both banks of the Knaik and the Keir Burn.

The west side of the Knaik is also marked by a path: a tree-lined drive runs from Braco for about a mile along the west bank. The landscape features therefore differ by riverbank and surroundings: beech trees line the path on the east bank, while the circular walk offers views of the mixed woodland along the Knaik and Keir Burn.

Roman history and historic sites

The Roman fort of Ardoch lies north-east of the village of Braco. Its earthworks reflect three phases of Roman occupation, associated with the Roman army’s major advances into Scotland from the late 1st to the early 3rd century AD. This timespan makes Ardoch tangible as a multi-phase historic site and places its earthworks within a longer period of Scotland’s Roman history.

The Black Hill Roman Camps lie 0.5 miles north of Braco, just off the A822 Crieff Road. The directions distinguish the two Roman landmarks: Ardoch lies north-east of the village, while the Black Hill Roman Camps are to the north. Another historic structure in Braco is Ardoch Old Bridge in North Park; it is also known as Knaik Bridge.

Braco Show and when to visit

The Braco Show is held each year on the fourth Saturday in July as a one-day agricultural show. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the specific event date before booking; dates may change from year to year. The Ardoch Agricultural Society aims to promote agriculture and rural life in the community.

Two seasonal occasions fall at different times of year: the spectacular display of daffodils in the walled garden takes place in spring, while the Braco Show is held on the fourth Saturday in July. This makes the garden’s bloom and the agricultural show two distinct seasonal highlights to choose from.

Discover more destinations: Crieff, Blair Atholl, Dull, Acharn, Inchture, Luncarty, Kinfauns, Comrie

See the broader travel guide: Perth And Kinross.