Pitlochry Named as Britain's Most 'Exciting Place to See Theatre' - A Must-Do on Your Scottish Backpacking Trip for 2026
- Jay
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Looking for something a little different to add to your itinerary while travelling the Scottish Highlands this summer? While locations like the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness are well-trodden by backpackers, there are exciting destinations now popping up on the radar that you shouldn't miss, and are definitely budget-friendly too.
Pitlochry, located in Highland Perthshire around just two hours on the bus or train from the Scottish Capital Edinburgh, has been named Britain's 'most exciting place to see theatre' by national newspaper The Herald this week. We're diving into why this hidden gem is a must-do on any backpacking itinerary in the Highlands this summer.
Contents
Pitlochry Festival Theatre - Why You Should Add this Exciting Cultural Hotspot to your Itinerary
What is There To Do in Pitlochry for Backpackers Before & After the Theatre?
What's the Best Hostel for Backpackers to Stay in While Visiting Pitlochry in 2026?
Where Should Backpackers Travel to Next After Visiting Pitlochry?
Pitlochry Festival Theatre - Why You Should Add this Exciting Cultural Hotspot to your Itinerary
If you think backpacking through Scotland is going to be all about remote hikes in the mountains and pub crawls along cobbled street, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre might just change your mind. It's just been taken over by new Artistic Director Alan Cumming, star of stage and screen and Scottish icon, who is aiming to completely reshape the programme to make it accessible, exciting, and a great night out for people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Probably most appealing (and likely achingly relatable) to backpackers is the upcoming show Inexperience, which will run until July 4th. The show follows two students who meet at a party and make a daring promise, exploring intimacy in a culture where physical contact is anything but simple.
Later in July don't miss Queer as Folk!, a big inclusive, LGBTQIA+ Scottish Folk Dance Party known as a Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee). Headed up by the Malin Lewis Trio providing live music, cabaret artist Chris Stuart Wilson will teach everyone the steps. It's a must-visit for any LGBTQIA+ backpackers in Scotland this July:
And if you fancy something a little more experimental and boundary-pushing, don't miss I Can Die Too, following an artist who spirals out of control when the play she is performing begins to mirror her own life, also playing throughout July:
What is There To Do in Pitlochry for Backpackers Before & After the Theatre?
Definitely make the most of how walkable and compact the town is - the main drag along Atholl Street features a great number of lovely places to eat, drink and enjoy coffee. Definitely check out Cafe Calluna, with locally-roasted coffee from the Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters just down the road in Aberfeldy. Also be sure to head for a pint at the Auld Smiddy Inn, housed inside an old blacksmith's and with local beer from Zero Degrees Brewing.
The area around the theatre makes for a stunning walk, with the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre only around 5-10 minutes away, including the intriguing Fish Ladder, that helps salmon travel up-and-down stream without being affected by the hydroelectric works happening next door.
There's a great number of hikes in the local area that aren't too steep nor intense. Take a day out of the town to hike Ben Vrackie, the big hill you'll spot from almost any point in Pitlochry. It takes around 3.5-4.5 hours, with an ascent of 780 metres you'll be afforded excellent views of the surrounding area.
In short, Pitlochry is an emerging destination with backpackers. While you won't find as many amenities as in other destinations, it's an extremely pleasant place to spend time in a laidback, relaxed town with a bustling theatre scene.
How to Get to Pitlochry from Edinburgh (the Cheapest & Most Efficient Routes)
The all-electric, Edinburgh-based bus company Ember has just launched a huge number of new routes all across the Scottish Highlands for affordable prices and with flexible cancellation, meaning you can see the country easily and affordably, an at your own pace. It only takes around 2 hours to travel from Edinburgh to Pitlochry, making it a great first stop on any Highlands trip. Alternatively, you can take the train or Citylink buses, all for around the same time and price.
Expect to pay around £9.75 for a single ticket from Edinburgh to Pitlochry with Ember, around £25.50 with Citylink buses, and anywhere between £10 and £28 for a single train ticket in 2026.
What's the Best Hostel for Backpackers to Stay in While Visiting Pitlochry in 2026?
Undoubtedly the best choice is Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel - located directly on Atholl St you'll have unrivalled access to all of the town's attractions, amenities, best places to eat and drink, and the shortest distance from any hostel through to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre for the evening.
There are both dorm and private rooms available, with prices per night starting from just £27.50 this summer for an overnight stay. There's free tea and coffee available 24/7, a large lounge and pool table for relaxed evenings, a well-equipped kitchen to keep your food costs down.
Book your stay at Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel through Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
Where Should Backpackers Travel to Next After Visiting Pitlochry?
Most backpackers will continue onto Inverness and Loch Ness from Pitlochry. Using Ember you can travel through to Inverness, the Highland 'Capital', with prices starting from just £6.15 in Summer 2026. Explore our Ultimate Backpacker's Guide to Inverness here, with everything from Castles, Free Things to See & Do, Day Trips, Nights Out and more:
When visiting Inverness, be sure to stay at Inverness Student Hotel - a centrally-located, cosy, welcoming hostel. Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
Once you've arrived in Inverness you'll be in the new Highland £2 bus fare zone. That means any single bus you take on from Inverness or any other destination will cost you just £2. The best way to take advantage of this is an overnight trip to Loch Ness, where you can stay at the Lochside Hostel.
Located right on the shores of the Loch with its own beach, you'll find it hard to beat the incredible location, atmosphere and warm welcomes than at Lochside. There's daily social events, affordable kayak hire, and the hostel itself is its own bus stop, making it the perfect base to explore the rest of the Scottish Highlands.
Find out more about the perfect £2 Highland Bus Itinerary here, and start your Highlands Trip in the best place to see Theatre in Scotland this summer:
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