Taste Perthshire
Perth Rd, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4EB
Taste Perthshire is a premier four-star visitor centre, family restaurant, and retail destination located directly off the A9 at Bankfoot. Situated 7 miles north of Perth and 7 miles south of Dunkeld, it serves as an ideal gateway pitstop for travellers heading into the Scottish Highlands. The family-run facility blends authentic Scottish hospitality with high-quality local produce, unique boutique shopping, family-friendly wildlife exhibits, and modern vehicle services.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopovers
Taste Perthshire has established itself as a highly popular overnight stopover for fully self-contained motorhomes and campervans. It is a verified host location on the Brit Stops network.
Parking & Logistics: Dedicated, flat, and spacious parking areas are located behind the petrol station and adjacent to the main car parks. The rear overflow area offers a quiet setting next to a stream where vehicles park alongside fields containing sheep and the venue's resident Highland cows.
Booking & Fees: Overnight stays are free for those purchasing a meal or buying goods at the visitor centre.
Services: This is a commercial stopover rather than a full-service campsite. There are no black/grey waste disposal points or fresh water filling hookups on-site. Vehicles must be fully self-contained for overnight stays.
On-Site Facilities
The venue operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (with slightly shorter hours down to 7:00 PM in the winter), providing a diverse range of on-site amenities:
24-Hour Fuel & EV Charging: A fully automated 24/7 fuel filling station and dedicated rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hub sit right at the entrance.
Accessibility & Toilets: The main building features level access, is fully wheelchair accessible, and contains dedicated limited-mobility public toilets.
Pet Policy: The site is highly accommodating for pets, providing outdoor seating areas, dog-friendly tables within the "kitchen" dining zone, and outdoor water bowls. Dogs are not permitted inside the retail gift shop or main restaurant sections.
Boutique Shopping & Cellar: Visitors can browse an extensive gift shop featuring high-end glass cabinet jewelry, household goods, and Scottish art. A dedicated leisurewear shop stocks outdoor clothing, footwear, and accessories. There is also a curated food larder and alcohol cellar hosting premium Scottish whiskies, gins, and local beers alongside free liqueur tastings (such as Persie Gin and Bruadar Whisky Liqueur).
Family & Wildlife: A children's outdoor play park keeps kids entertained. Guests can take a short loop nature walk to visit and photograph the resident herd of Highland cows (including the popular calf, Makenzie).
Dining Options
Dining options range from table-service meals to outdoor pods and quick travel takeaway options.
The All-Day Restaurant - Seating up to 120 diners, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The menus rely heavily on fresh, locally sourced Perthshire ingredients. Notable highlights include traditional haggis and egg breakfast rolls, fresh quiches, fruit scones with cream, and various artisan traybakes. Vegans and vegetarians are fully catered to. Because lunch hours are highly popular with tour coaches, reserving tables online via Taste Perthshire is recommended.
Alfresco Pods - Outdoor dining huts and a patio area are available for those who prefer to eat outside with their dogs.
Street Food Takeaway & Deli Counter - Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Hot breakfast rolls and wraps run until 11:00 AM. The afternoon menu includes toasties, burgers, loaded fries, macaroni cheese, and fresh fish & chips. The deli counter specializes in unique local snacks, such as their signature freshly baked Pork, Sweet Chilli & Irn-Bru sausage rolls.
Local Information & Area Attractions
Taste Perthshire is located in Bankfoot, a quiet, authentic Scottish village with a population of roughly 1,000 residents. The surrounding Perthshire countryside is widely celebrated for its massive expanses of ancient forests, fast-flowing rivers, and deep glens.
Dunkeld (7 miles north): A historic cathedral town situated on the River Tay. It offers access to stunning woodland walks through The Hermitage (National Trust for Scotland), historic architecture, and local artisan bakeries.
Perth (7–8 miles south): Known as the "Fair City," Perth features scenic riverside walks, the historic Black Watch Castle and Museum, and Scone Palace—the ancient crowning site of Scottish kings.
Active Recreation: The location serves as a primary launching pad for the North Coast 500 (NC500) route. It sits within 20 minutes of major seasonal events like the Enchanted Forest autumn light show in Pitlochry, and is surrounded by world-class salmon fishing beats along the River Tay.
