Situated in the heart of Scotland is the beautful riverside city of Perth. With historic buildings in and around the town, and breathtakingly beautiful parks in the suburbs, Perth is the perfect getaway for those who love both urban or countryside trips. Whether you want to explore medieval castles or hike in the highlands, you must spend some time in Perth on your Scottish holiday.
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 – 4.00pmWebsite: 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.