Fortingall Yew
Stand before Europe's oldest living tree, the Fortingall Yew, a silent witness to millennia of history in a magical Scottish village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gentle light, fewer crowds
Fortingall Yew
Best Time
Gentle light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand before Europe's oldest living tree, the Fortingall Yew, a silent witness to millennia of history in a magical Scottish village. 
"This isn’t just a tree—it was a leafy elder, a gnarled historian wrapped in bark. "
⏳ Embrace the Age
The yew's age is debated (3000-9000 yrs), but its ancient presence is undeniable. Soak it in!
🚶♀️ Explore the Village
Don't just see the tree; wander through charming Fortingall. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Fortingall Yew
Fortingall Churchyard
Stand in awe of Europe's oldest living tree, a silent witness to millennia of history. Its gnarled trunk tells tales of ages past.
+1
Fortingall Village Charm
Fortingall Village
Explore the picturesque village surrounding the yew, with its quaint cottages and peaceful atmosphere. A perfect complement to the ancient tree.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Age is Just a Number (for Trees!)
+1A Sacred Spot in a Quaint Village
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Embrace the Age
The yew's age is debated (3000-9000 yrs), but its ancient presence is undeniable. Soak it in!
🚶♀️ Explore the Village
Don't just see the tree; wander through charming Fortingall. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking is available near the church, but roads can be narrow. Arrive early if possible.
📸 Capture the Magic
The yew is incredibly photogenic. Take your time to find the best angles.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Embrace the Age
The yew's age is debated (3000-9000 yrs), but its ancient presence is undeniable. Soak it in!
🚶♀️ Explore the Village
Don't just see the tree; wander through charming Fortingall. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking is available near the church, but roads can be narrow. Arrive early if possible.
📸 Capture the Magic
The yew is incredibly photogenic. Take your time to find the best angles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Fortingall Yew's immense age and ancient presence, often describing it as a 'living legend' and a 'magical' encounter. The surrounding village adds to the charm, though some note the roads can be narrow. It's a deeply historical and natural site that leaves a lasting impression.
"Much better than I expected. Very good guided tour of the museum, then out into the medieval village for some examples of what life was like with some more interesting guides.
The crannog itself hadn't been finished when we visited, but worth going anyway and we'll be back to see it when it's cooler.
The cafe is good too, with probably the largest and tastiest pieces of millionaires shortbread I've ever had!!
Plenty of parking. I'd recommend doing early (we went at 10am) because it got busy later on."
Mark Green
"Great place, some memorial areas honouring people like those who fought valiantly in wars.
It has the Yew tree that has withstood the test of time for 5000 years (about). It is interesting to see such simple things that have been around since the early ages of civilisation and through a lot of recorded human history.
Very complex looking tree to be honest"
CorpPunishmentKK10
"Toby arrived at the 5,000-year-old yew tree expecting bark and branches—but what he got was living legend. Towering, twisted, and exuding the calm authority of something that had seen empires rise and fall (and probably many, many squirrels), the ancient yew stopped him in his tracks.
He circled it slowly, in awe. This wasn’t just a tree—it was a leafy elder, a gnarled historian wrapped in bark. He lay beneath its vast, shadowy canopy and stared up as the light filtered through with cathedral-like reverence. For a moment, Toby seemed to transcend walkies entirely. Time folded. Legacy barked softly in the breeze.
No cars, no distractions—just a big, ancient tree and a small, modern dog having a moment.
12/10. No notes. Outstanding piece of history. Would recommend to all dogs with a soul and an appreciation for really, really old wood."
Serge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fortingall Yew is located in the village of Fortingall, Perthshire, Scotland. It's accessible by car, though the roads can be narrow. Many visitors find it a scenic drive through the Scottish countryside.
Yes, there is parking available near the church in Fortingall, which is where the yew is located. Some reviewers mention it can be a bit tight, especially for larger vehicles like campervans, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Public transport options to Fortingall are limited. It's best to check local bus schedules, but many visitors opt for a car to reach this more remote location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to see the Fortingall Yew. It stands in the churchyard and is freely accessible to the public.
The Fortingall Yew is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at any time. The churchyard itself may have specific hours, but the tree is visible from the surrounding area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the Fortingall Yew, allowing time to admire the tree, read any information boards, and explore the immediate surroundings of the churchyard.
Besides admiring the ancient yew, you can explore the charming village of Fortingall, visit the local church, and enjoy the scenic Perthshire landscape. Some reviews mention nearby cafes and art exhibitions.
The yew is located in a churchyard, so while the tree itself is visible, the ground might be uneven. Visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere around the ancient tree. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for the Fortingall Yew itself. However, always be respectful of the churchyard setting and any ongoing services or events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to imagine what the world was like when the tree was just a sapling – it's a fantastic way to spark their curiosity about the past. Remember to keep an eye on them in the churchyard, as the ground can be uneven. 🚶♀️ Nature & History Enthusiasts
+1 Take time to read the information boards and contemplate the tree's journey through millennia. The surrounding Perthshire landscape also offers opportunities for further exploration of Scotland's natural beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigma of the Fortingall Yew's Age
+1 The difficulty in precise dating is common for ancient trees, especially yews, which have a unique growth pattern and can regenerate from their base. Information boards at the site often cite an age of around 5,000 years, a figure that has been widely shared but also debated among experts. Regardless of the exact number, the yew's longevity is staggering. It has stood through millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, the changing landscapes of Scotland, and countless historical events. This ancient presence imbues the tree with a sense of profound history and a connection to the deep past, making it a truly remarkable natural monument.
+2A Sacred Site Through the Ages
The yew's location in a churchyard suggests a continuity of sacredness, bridging ancient pagan beliefs with early Christianity. Many visitors describe the atmosphere around the tree as magical and deeply sacred.
+1 It's a place that evokes a sense of awe and reverence, prompting reflection on time, nature, and our place within it. The tree's imposing, gnarled form and its enduring presence contribute to this mystical aura, making it a focal point for those seeking a connection to nature and history. 
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