Perth

Perth is an ancient city claiming to go back to Roman times. It functioned as the capital of Scotland until 1452 and has a long association with the Scottish Kings. Many Scottish monarchs were crowned on the Stone of Destiny at Scone Palace (the stone is now housed at Perth Museum).

The city is picturesquely situated on the banks of the River Tay, which is Scotland's longest river at 119 miles in length. There is a pleasant river walk and many places to enjoy the view. You could easily spend a weekend enjoying all that Perth has to offer. It is compact enough to explore most of it by foot, which is the ideal city size in our opinion!

Where to visit

PERTH MUSEUM

The museum opened in 2024 in the former Edwardian City Hall building. Its most significant object is the Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny, which has returned to Perthshire for the first time in 700 years.

It was used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs in nearby Scone and was most recently used in the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. It is free to see the Stone, however, booking is essential. The museum also displays a wide range of objects from Perth & Kinross' history as well as loans and temporary exhibitions. There is a cafe on site.

Perth former City Hall and current museum

SCONE PALACE

Known as the Palace of Kings, the site was the crowning place of Scottish Kings prior to the present Palace's construction. This is the location where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II, amongst others, were crowned.

The present day building dates from 1808. The interior of the palace is open together with the gardens and woodland walks. There is a coffee shop on site.

It is a 50 minute walk from the centre of Perth, or a 5-10 minute bus journey plus 15 minute walk from the end of the drive - see Stagecoach services 3, 3A, 58, 58A (within Perth PlusBus ticket zone). Alight at stop 'Scone, Palace' and walk up Queen's Drive.

PERTH ART GALLERY

The gallery is situated in a magnificent landmark building which is one of the oldest purpose-built museum buildings in the UK.

It houses permanent exhibitions on influential Scottish artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as 16th and 17th century European art. It is also the new home of the JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris collection.

THE BLACK WATCH CASTLE & MUSEUM

Balhousie Castle, with its origins in the 12th century, is the ancestral home of The Black Watch.

Inside, the museum tells the history of this significant regiment from its formation in 1749 to the modern day, through uniforms, paintings, medals, photographs, diaries, weapons and military equipment, film and reminiscences. There is a bistro on site.

SAVING! Part of the 2FOR1 entry scheme when arriving by train!

BRANKLYN GARDEN

This is said to be the finest two acres of garden in the country.

Seasonal highlights include the collection of primulas, alpines and rhododendrons in May and June, the magnolias and purple Japanese maple in summer, and in the autumn the garden comes to life with the fiery red acers. The garden is predominantly a collection of plants from China, Tibet, Bhutan and the Himalayas. There is a tearoom on site.

It is a 20 minute walk from the centre of Perth or see Stagecoach service 16 (within Perth PlusBus ticket zone). Alight at stop 'Barnhill, Branklyn Gardens'.

PERTH DISTILLERY

TEMPORARILY CLOSED (AUGUST 2025)

This gin distillery is located between Perth Museum and Perth Art Gallery in historic stable blocks once used by Queen Victoria’s horses.

Founded in 2017, they were the first spirits producer in Perth. They use locally sourced botanicals including Perthshire raspberries, and their Pink Gin won gold at the Scottish Gin Awards 2021.

KINNOULL HILL WOODLAND PARK

This woodland hillside park is close to the city centre on the east side of the river. The view from the top is spectacular looking along the River Tay. It actually consists of five hills - Corsiehill, Deuchny Hill, Barn Hill, Binn Hill and Kinnoull Hill.

There are miles of grassy paths and nature trails through fine mixed woodland of Scots pine, larch, oak, birch and Norway spruce. Lookout for the spectacular cliffs on the south of the hill and Kinnoull Tower, a 19th century folly said to be inspired by the castles of the German Rhineland.

It is a 30 minute walk from the centre of Perth or see Stagecoach service 11 the Kinnoull Hill circular which passes close to the entrance (within Perth PlusBus ticket zone). Alight at stop 'Kinnoull, Hatton Way' and make you way up Corsie Hill Road.

PERTH LEISURE POOL

This centrally located facility near the train station has a training pool, a leisure pool, and flumes. Unfortunately the outdoor pool, whirlpools and jacuzzis are currently out of order (August 2025).

HUNTINGTOWER CASTLE

This castle is on the outskirts of Perth. Consisting of two towers built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was known as the house of Ruthven.

Highlights include a 16th century painted ceiling and the maiden's leap - a 9 foot gap between the top of the two towers which is named after a daughter of the Ruthvens, Dorothea, who jumped over it while fleeing from her mother after being discovered visiting her fiance in the other tower.

The castle has had many famous visitors including Mary Queen of Scots who took her honeymoon here in 1565.

It is a 20 minute bus journey plus a few minutes' walk - see Stagecoach services 14, 14A, 15, 15A (unfortunately not within Perth PlusBus ticket zone). Alight at stop 'East Huntingtower, Castle Brae' and walk up Castle Brae. You will be glad you went by bus when you see the parking arrangements!

SAVING! You can get 25% off entry when you arrive car-free (book online with code GOOD25 and show your bus/train ticket or bike on arrival).