St Mary's Catholic Church

The solid red sandstone walls of St Mary's rise quietly from the Blairgowrie streetscape, a Victorian statement of faith that doesn't shout but definitely doesn't whisper either. Built in the 1880s, it's the sort of church that rewards a proper look - the interior has genuine atmosphere, all dark wood and high ceilings, with stained glass that catches the light properly when you visit mid-morning.

This is one for people who actually care about architecture and ecclesiastical detail rather than casual drive-bys. The craftsmanship is evident in the stonework outside, and inside you get a real sense of the period when this was built. It's free to visit and typically open during daylight hours, though poking your head in at odd times can be hit or miss - best to check locally in Blairgowrie if you want to be certain.

Allow twenty minutes if you're genuinely interested, rather less if you're just passing. The church sits well within walking distance of town, making it a decent stop if you're basing yourselves at one of the nearby parks. Beech Hedge is closest at just over four miles, while Five Roads Caravan Park offers the highest-rated facilities if you're planning a proper stay.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than families with restless children, but it's worth the modest detour if you're interested in Victorian Scottish Catholic architecture. Not a full morning's attraction, but a solid cultural pause during a Perthshire break.