10 Things to do in Dunblane That You Shouldn't Miss

Dunblane Museum tells the story of Dunblane and its people over the centuries, from a 4000-year-old necklace found buried locally to the magnificent medieval Dunblane Cathedral, to the people who have made Dunblane their home

Dunblane Cathedral is in a Level 4 COVID protection area and is closed. Find out more about our COVID response at historicreopening.scot. Dunblane Cathedral is a beautiful medieval church in Dunblane which dates as far back as the 12th century. Dunblane Cathedral receives high but well earned praise for a building smaller than some English parish churches, lacking the architectural flourishes and cohesion of most other cathedrals; and one which only narrowly survived the threat of demolition to make way for the railway. The tower is from the late 11th century, offset, and slightly squint on the south. Admire the Romanesque arched windows in the lower storeys, the upper stage and parapet which date from 1500, bearing the arms of Bishop Chisholm, which may originally have been freestanding. The Nave, dating back to 1240 is possibly the finest part of the cathedral.

This is the oldest purpose-built library in Scotland and was founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, 1661-1670. In his will, Leighton left a sum of money for the building of the library for use by the clergy of Dunblane diocese. The library now houses around 4,500 volumes printed in 89 languages, including Greek, Persian, Syrian and Gaelic. Still to be seen in the library are "Twelve chairs of turkie red lether", part of the original bequest. Under the guidance of our amazing volunteer custodians, visitors are allowed carefully to handle and inspect volumes from the collection. The library is open from the beginning of May until the end of September Mon-Sat, 11am - 1pm. Free to visit but donations much appreciated!