Beech Hedge Lodges with Pond
1 / 10

Meikleour Beech Hedge

4.5
·107 reviews·Meikleour, United Kingdom

Witness the world's tallest and longest hedge, a 1745 marvel of nature and history in Perthshire, Scotland.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Golden light on leaves

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Beech Hedge Lodges with Pond

Meikleour Beech Hedge

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Golden light on leaves

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the world's tallest and longest hedge, a 1745 marvel of nature and history in Perthshire, Scotland.

4.5
(107 reviews)

"Amazing to think they have stood here since 1745! They are in the Guinness book of records for the tallest and longest hedge on Earth."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Roadside Access

Park in the lay-by right next to the hedge for immediate access.

🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for a stunning display of golden and copper hues.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The World's Tallest Hedge

The World's Tallest Hedge

Meikleour, Perthshire

Witness the awe-inspiring Meikleour Beech Hedge, a Guinness World Record holder for its immense height and length.

A Living Piece of History

A Living Piece of History

Planted in 1745

Stand before a hedge planted in 1745, a testament to enduring nature and historical significance.

Autumnal Spectacle

Autumnal Spectacle

Perthshire

Experience the hedge in its full autumnal glory, with vibrant hues of green, gold, and copper.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Hedge

The Meikleour Beech Hedge is a living monument, and its appearance changes with the seasons. While impressive year-round, autumn offers a spectacular display of color. Consider visiting during the week to avoid potential crowds, especially if you're seeking a more tranquil experience.

Access and Amenities

Parking is available in a small lay-by directly beside the hedge, offering immediate access. While there are no extensive facilities on-site, nearby Meikleour village offers amenities like the Meikleour Arms hotel for refreshments. Plan accordingly for your visit.

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Golden light on leaves
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rue and I plant a hedge. . . . . #hedge #hedging #countryliving #countrylife #owl #owls #owlsoftiktok #spottedeagleowl #gardening #gardeningtips
@cotwildscot
1.2K likes • 15.6K views

🚗 Easy Roadside Access

Park in the lay-by right next to the hedge for immediate access. Reddit

🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for a stunning display of golden and copper hues. Instagram

Green & Copper Beech 🟩🟪 Take a closer look at the two varieties of beech hedging side by side. This is our bare-root stock that is available during season which will start in November this year. #hedging #adamhedgingie #information #beech #gardening
@hedging.ie
957 likes • 27.3K views
🔥 Scotland in autumn = pure magic you need to see! 🍂 Here are 5 must-visit spots this season: 📍The Hermitage 📍Meikleour Beech Hedge 📍Reekie Linn Waterfall 📍Garry Bridge 📍Killiecrankie Which one would you visit first? 🤔 Save this reel for later & share with a friend 🧡 __________________ 5 miejsc w Szkocji, gdzie jesień zachwyca najbardziej 🍂 Które z nich odwiedził(a)byś najpierw? 🤔 ...
mywildscotland
709 likes • 16.5K views

📸 Capture the Scale

Get a sense of its immense size by including people or cars in your shots. TikTok

📜 Learn the History

Discover the fascinating story behind its planting and upkeep. Instagram

On my last visit to Scotland I was lucky enough to go on a botanical road trip which included visiting this amazing structure! Planted in 1745 on the Miekleour Estate in Perthshire, it is the world record holding hedge, measuring 30 metres in height and 530 metres in length! Not surprisingly it only gets a trim every 10 to 20 years, glad I don't have to do it!! #worldrecordholder #hedge #beech #...
emcarbonigardener
18 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Roadside Access

Park in the lay-by right next to the hedge for immediate access. Reddit

🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for a stunning display of golden and copper hues. Instagram

📸 Capture the Scale

Get a sense of its immense size by including people or cars in your shots. TikTok

📜 Learn the History

Discover the fascinating story behind its planting and upkeep. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer height and length of the Meikleour Beech Hedge, a Guinness World Record holder. Many appreciate its historical significance, planted in 1745, and find it an impressive and unusual sight. While parking is convenient, some note that signage could be improved.

"We drove past and were amazed by the height and length of the beech hedge. Amazing to think they have stood here since 1745! They are in the Guinness book of records for the tallest and longest hedge on Earth."

Funki Pickle

"Interesting place to watch if you are near by.
Just a small parking by the road."

ola albertsson

"A beautiful huge beech hedge, read about the history, it's very interesting. We stayed in a nearby holiday park, called Beech Hedge which was beautiful and peaceful."

Sonia Dawn

What People Like

Impressive height and length
Historical significance
Unusual sight

What People Dislike

Could be better signposted

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Meikleour Beech Hedge is located between Perth and Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Scotland. It's easily accessible by car, with a small lay-by for parking directly beside the hedge. Reddit Many visitors drive past it as part of a scenic route through Perthshire. Instagram

Yes, there is a small parking lay-by directly next to the hedge, providing convenient access for visitors. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for direct access to the hedge itself. It is best visited by car. If using public transport, you would likely need to travel to a nearby town like Blairgowrie and arrange local transport or a taxi. Instagram

While it is a significant landmark, some visitors have noted it's not always extensively signposted. Keep an eye out for the impressive hedge itself as you travel the road between Perth and Blairgowrie. Reddit

The hedge is situated on the A93 road, approximately four miles south of Blairgowrie. It's a straightforward drive from Perth heading north on the A93. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the Meikleour Beech Hedge. It is a roadside attraction that can be viewed freely. TikTok

As an outdoor natural attraction, the Meikleour Beech Hedge is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to view the Meikleour Beech Hedge. It is a public roadside attraction. TikTok

While you can stand beside and admire the hedge, direct access to walk along its length is not permitted to preserve its structure and historical integrity. Instagram

The Meikleour Beech Hedge was planted in 1745, making it a historical landmark that has stood for centuries. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the texture of the hedge. Autumn offers vibrant colors for photography. Instagram

Include people, cars, or other familiar objects in your frame to give viewers a sense of the hedge's immense height and length. TikTok

Specific drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and respect any posted restrictions before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

Using a wide-angle lens can help capture the full height and length. Consider a slightly lower angle to emphasize its towering presence. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the roadside lay-by. Be mindful of traffic when stopping and taking pictures. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

It's famous for being the tallest and longest hedge in the world, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. Instagram

The hedge stands at approximately 30 meters (100 feet) high and stretches for about 530 meters (one-third of a mile). Instagram

The hedge is trimmed very infrequently, typically only once every 10 to 20 years, due to its immense size and the effort involved. Instagram

The hedge is primarily made up of beech trees, hence its name. TikTok

There are no designated walking trails directly along the hedge itself. The experience is primarily viewing it from the roadside. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Meikleour Arms hotel is located nearby in Meikleour village and offers dining options. Instagram

While there are no designated picnic areas, you could potentially enjoy a picnic in your car or find a suitable spot nearby if permitted. Please be mindful of the environment. Instagram

The Meikleour Arms typically offers traditional pub fare and local Scottish dishes. It's recommended to check their current menu and opening times. Instagram

No, there are no food establishments directly at the hedge itself. The nearest options are in the village of Meikleour. Instagram

For snacks and drinks, the Meikleour Arms is your best bet. Otherwise, it's advisable to bring your own if you plan to spend extended time admiring the hedge. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Meikleour Beech Hedge is a fantastic, easily accessible stop for families. Its sheer size is captivating for children, offering a tangible sense of scale that's hard to grasp from pictures alone. TikTok The roadside parking makes it convenient for quick stops, and the visual impact is immediate. It's a great opportunity to talk about nature, history, and world records. Instagram

Consider bringing a ball or frisbee to enjoy in the lay-by area if you have a moment, but always supervise children closely due to the proximity of the road. Reddit Visiting during autumn can add an extra layer of magic with the colorful leaves, providing a natural playground for a short exploration. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

The Meikleour Beech Hedge is an ideal stop for anyone on a road trip through Perthshire. Its location on a main route makes it an easy and impressive detour. Instagram You can pull over, take photos, and marvel at its scale within a short timeframe, making it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary. Reddit

Combine your visit with other local attractions like Blairgowrie or The Hermitage for a full day of exploration. Instagram The nearby Meikleour Arms hotel offers a convenient spot for lunch or a break, enhancing the experience for day-trippers. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Meikleour Beech Hedge presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Capturing its immense scale requires thoughtful composition, often using foreground elements to convey its height and length. Instagram The changing seasons offer diverse photographic opportunities, with autumn's vibrant colors being particularly sought after. Instagram

Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to best represent its grandeur. The roadside lay-by provides a stable vantage point, but be mindful of traffic. Reddit Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting that can enhance the texture and form of the hedge. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Legend of the Meikleour Beech Hedge

Planted in 1745, the Meikleour Beech Hedge is more than just a record-breaking natural structure; it's steeped in history and local legend. It was planted by Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne, on the Meikleour Estate. Instagram The sheer scale of the undertaking, planting a hedge of this magnitude over 530 meters long and reaching nearly 30 meters high, is astonishing. Instagram

One poignant legend suggests the hedge was planted as a tribute to those who lost their lives at the Battle of Culloden. Instagram This connection to a significant historical event adds a layer of solemnity and remembrance to its presence. The hedge is trimmed only once every decade or two, a testament to its enduring nature and the immense effort required for its maintenance. Instagram Visiting the hedge offers a chance to connect with this rich past and the stories woven into the Scottish landscape.

A Living Memorial



The hedge's growth towards the sky is often interpreted as a symbol of reaching towards heaven, a living memorial for fallen soldiers. Instagram This interpretation resonates deeply with the historical context of its planting. The fact that it's maintained as a living monument, rather than being replaced or neglected, speaks to its cultural importance. It's a unique blend of natural wonder and historical narrative, making it a compelling stop for anyone interested in Scotland's heritage. Instagram

Experiencing the Meikleour Beech Hedge

The Meikleour Beech Hedge offers a unique visual spectacle, primarily experienced from the roadside. Its immense height and length create a dramatic natural wall, often described as a 'cathedral of green.' Instagram Visitors are struck by its sheer scale, a feature that has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Instagram The experience is one of awe and wonder at the power of nature and human endeavor.

While the hedge itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area also contributes to the visit. The drive to the hedge, often through the scenic Perthshire countryside, is part of the experience. Instagram Many visitors combine a stop at the hedge with exploring nearby attractions like The Hermitage or Blairgowrie. Instagram The nearby Meikleour Arms hotel provides a convenient spot for refreshments or a meal, making it a pleasant stop on a day trip. Instagram

Seasonal Beauty



The appearance of the hedge changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring and summer, it's a vibrant, lush green. TikTok However, it's in autumn that the hedge truly transforms, displaying a breathtaking palette of golden yellows, rich oranges, and deep coppers. Instagram This seasonal shift makes repeat visits worthwhile for those who appreciate the dynamic beauty of the natural world. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2