11 Best Things To Do In Perth, Scotland

1. Huntingtower Castle

The oldest part of Huntingtower Castle dates back as far as the 15th Century meaning this castle was witness to some of the most interesting events in Scottish and British history. In fact, one queen once lived here and a king was held captive here for 10 months! Nowadays, the castle is open to commoners who can explore inside and see the wonderfully painted ceilings and impressively well-kept grounds. Located just outside of Perth, the castle is easy to get to by car or alternatively you can arrive on public transport.

Huntingtower Castle

Address: Huntingtower Castle Huntingtower By Perth PH1 3JL

Opening Times: 1 April to 30 September: Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm 1 October to 31 March: Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm

Price: Adult: 5.00 GBP (6.55 USD) Child aged 5–15: 3.00 GBP (3.90 USD) Child under 5: FREE Concession: 4.00 GBP (5.20 USD)

Website: Huntingtower Castle

2. Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

After a short walk towards the outskirts of Perth, you will find Scotland’s first official woodland park. Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park stretches up from the River Tay and encompasses 5 peaks which, after a little trek to the top, afford the wanderer some spectacular views. Inside the park you will see lots of native wildlife, flora and fauna and a 19th century romantic folly - an ideal place to capture the true essence of the Scottish highlands.

Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

Address: Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 7LN

Website: Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

3. The Black Watch Castle and Museum

Although it might sound like something from Game of Thrones, the Black Watch was a real life elite Scottish military regiment. The Balhousie Castle and Museum tell the incredible story of Scotland’s oldest regiment starting from the year 1725 until the recent conflicts in the Middle East. The tour includes uniforms, diaries, weapons and photographs showing you a glimpse into the life of a soldier throughout the centuries. As well as the regular tours, there are also numerous events scheduled throughout the year from family fun days to fundraising days.

The Black Watch Castle

Address: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5HR

Opening Times: 1 April to 31 October: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
1 November to 31 March: Monday - Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Website: The Black Watch Castle and Museum

4. Branklyn Garden

Close to the city centre you will find a magical oasis of non-native plants and flowers in the Branklyn Gardens. The Gardens are a showcase of plants from all over the world; China, Tibet, the Himalayas and many other countries. The private garden was developed in the 1920 and continues to flourish today attracting visitors from far and wide. Branklyn Gardens are a great place to enjoy a tea or coffee in the city.

Branklyn Gardens

Address: 116 Dundee Road, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 7BB

Opening Times: April-October 10:00am-5:00pm

Price: Adult: 6.50 GBP (8.50 USD), Family: 16.50 GBP (21.60 USD) Concession: 5.50 GBP (6.55 USD) National Trust Members: Free

Website: Branklyn Gardens National Trust

5. Scone Palace

Scone Palace has an played an important part in Scotland’s history for many centuries. The stately home has been the seat of parliament, the home for royalty, including Macbeth, and it currently houses a collection of rare and priceless artefacts. The palace and the gardens give Buckingham Palace a run for its money in terms of splendour and grandeur making Scone Palace one of the more popular tourist attraction in the country.

Scone Palace

Address: Scone Palace, Scone, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 6BD

Opening Times: April-October: 9:30am-5:00pm

Price: Prices start from 5.70 GBP (7.45 USD) depending on access

Website: Scone Palace

6. Elcho Castle

Perhaps not one of the most well-known castles in Britain, Elcho Castle is more of a hidden gem. You can wander around the castle to see some of the original ironwork from the 1500s and walk in the footsteps of medieval soldiers. The well preserved 16th Century fortress is made up of three imposing towers overlooking the River Tay.

Elcho Castle

Address: Rhynd, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 8QQ

Price: April -September: 9:30am-5:30pm

Website: Elcho Castle

7. Stanley Mills

The Stanley Mills, situated on the River Tay, were first open at the height of the British Industrial Revolution. In the subsequent years the cotton mills went through many transformations finally becoming a museum. The factory museum aims at showing visitors what life was like for a factory labourer in the 18th century through fun and interactive exhibitions set on the picturesque Scottish riverside.

The Stanley Mills

Address: Bell Mill, Stanley, Perth, PH1 4QE

Open: 1 Apr 2017 - 31 Oct 2017

Price: Adult 6: GBP (7.85 USD), Child: 3.80 GBP (3.90 USD)

Website: The Stanley Mills

8. Greyfriars Burial Ground

Although cemeteries aren’t usually in a list of the best things to do on holiday, the eerie Greyfriars Burial Ground is definitely worth a visit. With headstones dating back to 1580, the burial ground has an impressive collection of patterned headstones and interesting monuments dating back centuries. Take a wander through the eerie graveyard and try to find the oldest and creepiest headstones.

Greyfriars Burial Ground

Address: Greyfriars Burial Ground Off Canal Street Perth PH2 7HT

Website: Greyfriars Burial Ground

9. River Tay

The River Tay winds its way through the Scottish countryside transforming from a little stream to the longest river in Scotland. Apart from being a lovely spot to have a picnic, the River Tay is one Scotland’s best angling rivers. Home to large population of salmon, this is a wonderful place to relax and fish. Alternatively, if you prefer something more active, you can also participate in exciting canoeing expeditions or take part in a variety of water-sports.

River Tay

Address: Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH8 0AN

Website: River Tay

10. George Street

Every great British town is focused around its high street. They are best place to find shops, restaurants and of course, tea shops. George street in Perth looks quintessentially Scottish with its small old-fashioned terrace buildings unique independent shops. Head to George Street for tea and a scone before perusing the weird and wonderful stores.

George Street

Address: George Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5JY

Website: George

11. Visit UK's oldest record store

Music lovers alike and vinyl collectors will have to make time and stop by Concorde Music in Perth. This record shop is not just any ordinary record shop, it’s actually one of the oldest independent family-owned record shops in the whole of the UK and Scotland. Avid music enthusiasts and vinyl collectors should come to check out their selection of original vinyl since 1967. The store also stocks thousands of CDs, DVDs and a wide array of vinyl LPs 12" Singles, 7" singles and picture discs for buyers with record players still up and running at home. Hear the original sound of the greats like Jimmy Hendricks, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, and David Bowie among many other musical icons from the original record shop. Take home a vinyl or two as a souvenir or two to commemorate your epic trip to Concorde Music.

Concorde Music Store

Address: 15 Scott Street, Perth, Scotland PH1 5EJ, UK

Website: Concorde Music

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm, Mondays to Saturdays

Discover Scotland

Steeped in history and surrounded by absolutely stunning vistas, Perth is worthwhile destination for anybody wanting to discover Scotland. Take a trip to Perth and discover the hidden histories of Scotland, immerse yourself in Scottish culture and explore the wild Scottish countryside.