Name: Caithness Glass & Crieff Visitor Centre
Rating: 5.0

Caithness Glass & Crieff Visitor Centre

Crieff Visitor Centre, Muthill Road, Crieff, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Caithness Glass & Crieff Visitor Centre is a multifaceted visitor attraction located in the heart of Strathearn. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Crieff because it offers a rare opportunity to watch professional glassmakers at work before trying your own hand at creative crafts. The centre combines a world-renowned glass factory with an expansive garden centre, showroom, and a dedicated viewing gallery.

Planning your visit is easy as general entry to the centre and the viewing gallery is completely free. Though specific hands-on activities like glass painting or creating a paperweight carry individual charges, typically starting around £10.00. This makes it a flexible and budget-friendly stop for families who want to choose how much they participate.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that blends creativity with a relaxed atmosphere, this is it. It provides an educational day out where children can learn about the high temperatures of the furnace and the history of Scottish manufacturing. It is a perfect spot to spend a few hours, whether you are browsing the galleries or enjoying the large outdoor play area.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Live Glassmaking: The centre features interactive exhibits where you can stand on a viewing platform to watch molten glass being shaped into beautiful paperweights and vases.
Creative Workshops: An educational day out is made better with the chance for kids to try glass painting or sand-casting their own handprints.
Sensory Play: Visual sensory play is found throughout the factory floor, with glowing furnaces and vibrant colours used in the glass-blowing process.
Outdoor Play: A large, safe outdoor area allows children to burn off energy while parents browse the garden centre.

Top 5 Highlights

The Glassmaking Viewing Gallery: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it’s like watching a real-life magic show. Kids love seeing the "honey-like" molten glass come out of the furnace at over 1,000°C.
The Paperweight Collection: View hundreds of intricate glass paperweights, some containing tiny floral patterns or swirl designs. It's fascinating for children to see how many different worlds can be trapped inside a small glass ball.
The Craft Area: A dedicated space where kids can paint their own glass items to take home. It’s a highlight because it gives them a tangible souvenir they’ve actually made themselves.
The Drovers’ Exhibition: A historical section detailing the history of the cattle drovers who once made Crieff famous. It helps kids understand the local history of the "Fair City" and how the area has changed.
The Garden Centre & Outdoor Playground: A massive space filled with plants and a well-equipped play area. Children enjoy the freedom of the play equipment while the setting provides a nice break from indoor browsing.

Facilities

Toilets: Full facilities including accessible toilets and baby-changing areas.
Buggy Parking: Plenty of space throughout the single-level centre; the viewing gallery is accessible by a ramp or lift.
Food & Drink: The Drovers’ Rest Restaurant offers a full kids' menu, high chairs, and local Scottish produce.
Parking: A huge, free car park is located directly in front of the entrance.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Visit in the Morning: The glassblowers usually finish their shift by 3:00 pm. Arrive before noon to ensure you see the furnace in full action.
Check the Schedule: Glassmaking doesn't always happen on weekends. If you want to see the live blowing, try to visit Tuesday to Thursday.
Paint First: If you are doing the glass painting, do it as soon as you arrive so your piece has time to dry while you have lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers usually enjoy the bright colours of the glass and the outdoor play area, but keep a close eye on them in the gift shop!
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 2 hours here, which allows time for the viewing gallery, a quick craft activity, and a stop at the restaurant.
Where is the best place to park? The centre has its own massive, free on-site car park, so you will never have trouble finding a space.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Crieff? As a free-to-enter attraction, the Crieff Visitor Centre is the best budget-friendly indoor option in the town for families.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The fact that entry is free makes it a stress-free stop during a tour of the area.
The restaurant is consistently praised for being genuinely family-friendly with large portions.
Watching the glassmaking is hypnotic and keeps even energetic children quiet for a while.

What Visitors Don't Like

If the glassmakers aren't working (holidays or weekends), the viewing gallery can feel a bit empty.
The shop is filled with very fragile items, so parents with active toddlers need to stay alert!

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Caithness Glass Factory Outlet: The primary shop selling world-class Scottish glassware.
The Viewing Gallery: The elevated platform looking over the glass-blowing floor.
Glass Painting Studio: The area where visitors can decorate their own glassware.
The Paperweight Museum: A display of historical and rare Caithness designs.
Crieff Garden Centre: A massive plant and home interior section.
The Drovers’ Rest Restaurant: The main on-site dining area for family meals.
Kiln-Firing Area: Where the finished glass pieces are slowly cooled to prevent cracking.
The Highland Showroom: Featuring Scottish textiles, woollens, and gifts.
The Children’s Play Area: An outdoor wooden play structure with slides and swings.
Antique & Collectables Area: A section for browsing vintage items and local crafts.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Macrosty Park: Just a 5-minute drive away, this is one of Scotland’s best parks with a huge adventure playground and water play features.
The Glenturret Distillery: Scotland’s oldest working distillery is nearby for adults, though the visitor centre is also family-friendly.
Drummond Castle Gardens: A short drive south to see one of the finest formal gardens in Europe.
Crieff Hydro: A nearby resort offering a huge range of outdoor activities like tree-top walks and horse riding.

New for 2026

2026 Design Series: Caithness Glass has launched a new limited edition paperweight series for the 2026 season, which can be seen being made in the studio on select weekdays.
Refurbished Play Zone: The outdoor play area has received updated safety flooring and new equipment for the 2026 summer season.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Crieff Visitor Centre does not list "off-the-shelf" birthday packages on the main website. For group booking enquiries or private craft sessions: Contact Email: info@crieff.co.uk

Garden Centre: Every day from 8.30am to 5pm.
Gift Shop: Every day from 9am to 5pm.
Caithness Glass Gift Shop: Every day from 9am to 5pm & Glass Painting available every day from 9am to 3.15pm.
Restaurant: Every day from 9am.
Art and Collectables Gallery: Every day from 9am to 5pm.
Caithness Glass Factory: Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Drover's Exhibition: Every day from 9am to 4pm.

Address: Crieff Visitor Centre, Muthill Road, Crieff, UK

Post Code: PH7 4HQ

Council: Perth & Kinross

County: Perthshire

By Car: Located on the A822 Muthill Road. Use postcode PH7 4HQ. The car park is large and free.
By Bus: Local buses from Perth or Stirling stop at the Crieff interchange, followed by a short walk or local taxi.
By Train: The nearest station is Dunblane or Gleneagles, followed by a 20-minute bus or taxi ride.