Nestled around the River Tay, Perth is a relatively small Scottish city that is lovely to visit for a day trip. That being said, there are heaps of great things to do in Perthshire that you really can't visit in one day.
You see, it's not just Perth that makes 'Perth' great. It is the surrounding area. The vast area is steeped in history; And the city also has a few eateries and hotels. This makes the perfect town to base yourself in when exploring Perthshire and beyond in Scotland.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit to the city. I'm sharing my top places in Perth to visit once you arrive. Have a wonderful trip to Scotland.
1.) Perth Art Gallery
Not far from Smeaton Bridge in the City Art Gallery Well worth a visit when you are in Perth. Although small compared to the galleries in Edinburgh, it still has heaps of exhibitions and rooms to explore.
Once inside, be sure to explore the main room where the art of Scottish artists is housed. You will find works by the likes of; Calum Colvin, Alison Watt and more.
Oh, and it's great for kids, too. They have a fantastic area teaching about dinosaurs and the natural history of the area.
Best of all, entry is totally free.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
2.) Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Dewar Distillery Located in the beautiful town of Aberfeldy, about 40 minutes from Perth. This in itself will require some planning; Especially when it comes to driving.
Now, to give you some context, the Dewar family distills some of the most amazing whiskeys this side of Scotland. The founder, John Dewar, was born just a few miles away and started a distillery in the 1800s.
Nowadays, Dewars produces some of the finest whiskeys in Scotland. The best tour is to see how the distillation process works and learn how whiskey is given its unique flavors.
Just make sure to book a tour on them website. Spaces may fill up on certain days.
3.) Kinol Hill
If you're up for a ramble, then heading to Kinole Hill is one of the best things to do in Perth. You see, it's a relatively large woodland park that hugs the eastern edge of Perth.
Not only that, the area is steeped in history. It is said that William Wallace (a crusader fighting for freedom in the 1200s) once hid in these hills.
Now, passing through the woodland, you will choose to go Kinole Hill Tower. This is a pretty gorgeous folly that was made in the 1700s. From here, you'll have some stunning views down the River Tay. It is gorgeous.
Just be aware, you will have to walk uphill for a while. This means it may not be suitable for all with accessibility needs.
Oh, and be sure to take a jacket. It can emerge on top of hills.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
4.) Stanley Mills
Nestled on the banks of the River Tay, Stanley Mills was founded during the Industrial Revolution. This was when UK industry boomed (in the 1700s) and is not unique to Perth.
It is said that Stanley Mills produced textiles for more than 200 years and continues to this day.
About a 15-minute drive from the center of Perth, you can visit between April and September to explore. You'll find Bell Mill, believed to be one of the oldest factories in all of Scotland (if not the world).
Be sure to give yourself about 90 minutes to stroll around and explore.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
5.) Central Perth
The area around George Street is a great place for an easy stroll if you want to wander around and explore. You see, the area has heaps of stores, Scottish retailers and cafes that are worth visiting while in Perth.
Once here, be sure to visit Braise For delicious wood-fired pizzas and Cafe Tabou For their roast deer.
After dinner, go for a stroll (north) down Tay Street and follow the course of the River Tay. You will wander into the North Inch which is a large green space which is beautiful on a sunny day.
6.) Rodney Gardens
Located on the other side of the River Tay, Rodney Gardens is one of the best parks in all of Perth. Upon arrival, stroll around the grounds and also see the installations along the waterfront.
You can easily see the Millais Viewpoint, the River Arch and the Vortex while strolling along the gardens and the banks of the River Tai.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
7.) River Te Rafting
Speaking of the River Tai, it's worth remembering that you can indulge in some great activities on the river itself. After all, it's Scotland's longest river, which is great to explore.
For an action packed trip; Book this rafting experience on the river Tay. It's a lot of fun and takes a few hours; It makes a great afternoon activity.
Plus., you can easily partner it with your trip to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery. Both of which are approximately 40 minutes from Perth city centre.
8.) Scone Palace
Visiting Scone Palace Easily one of the best things to do in Perth when you visit. This amazing Gothic-style mansion is a sight to behold.
Once inside, you can explore the rooms where Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth once visited. Plus, you'll learn more about the Murray family and the reconstruction of the house in the 1800s.
Now, you can easily take a taxi from the center of Perth and buy a ticket to see the gardens or the palace. Heck, why not do both? You can also see some peacocks.
I would only ask to leave the garden if you are unlucky with terrible weather.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
9.) Black Watch Castle
After walking up the River Tay, beyond Northinch, you will come across Black Watch Castle. Here, you'll be able to explore the largest Highland regiment in all of Scotland.
Once inside, you will learn all about the Black Watch and its history in military operations since the 1700s. Well worth it if you are interested in military history.
The visit will take around 45 minutes and you will pay a small fee (around £10) to enter.
10.) Drummond Castle Gardens
Around a 30-minute drive west of Perth, Drummond Castle is great to visit as you leave Perth in the west of Scotland. That being said, if you have a car, it's really easy to visit even for a morning trip.
Now, what makes Drummond Castle special are the gardens. You see, these were first planned in the 1600s and have now matured into one of Scotland's most iconic formal gardens.
Once here, keep your eyes peeled for beech trees. It was planted by Queen Victoria when she visited in the 1800s.
Oh, and just remember, you can't visit the interior of Drummond Castle. This is closed to the public.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
11.) St. John's Kirk
There has been a church on the same site in Perth for almost 1,000 years St. John's Kirk Being built in 1400. To date, it is the oldest surviving structure in all of Perth.
Although you won't spend long in St. John's Kirk, it's really easy to visit. This is especially true if you've already walked around Watergate or St. John's Street.
But, you've got it St Leonards-in-the-Fields which overlooks the south inch. It is another one of Perth's famous churches that has stood for centuries.
Also, it is within walking distance of the train station; Makes it nice and easy to see if you are coming by train.
Read more: Best places to visit in Scotland
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