Perth

Perth (Scotland) Europe > Britain and Ireland > United Kingdom > Scotland > North East Scotland > Perth and Kinross > Perth (Scotland) For other places with the same name, see Perth (disambiguation) . Perth is a city in Perth and Kinross in North East Scotland , with a population in 2016 of 47,430. It stands at a point where the River Tay channels between hills, turns sharply and becomes tidal and navigable. It lost its "city" status in the late 20th century but local signage remained in denial about this until 2012 when Perth's status was restored. Its chief attraction is Scone Palace. Understand You think you've reached the Highlands as you approach the ridge south of town, but it's just a spur of the Ochils, with the true boundary another ten miles north. Nevertheless it does make Perth a "Gateway to the Highlands", an over-used tourist phrase but well justified here. Cattle drovers, traders and warriors all came this way, following the Tay valley to the lowest point it could be forded. Medieval Scottish kings did the same: they didn't have a fixed capital but their usual abode was "Saint John's Town" at nearby Scone - that name lives on in the local football team St Johnstone. The writer Sir Walter Scott wove the royal dynastic intrigues and adventures into his novel The Fair Maid of Perth, and the place became known as "The Fair City". Perth in Western Australia takes its name from here, as do Perth, Ontario and Perth, Tasmania . Visit Scotland iCentre is the tourist information office, at 45 High Street. It's open M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. Get in By plane Edinburgh Airport ( EDI IATA ) is usually best choice for its connections across Europe and within UK. It's 50 miles (80 km) south of Perth, and west of Edinburgh city so with a hire car you turn onto M90 and avoid city traffic. Jet 747 bus runs from the airport to Inverkeithing for the train, or to Halbeath for an onward bus. Otherwise take the tram from the airport to Edinburgh Haymarket for trains and buses towards Perth. Glasgow Airport ( GLA IATA ) has a similar range of flights. It's 70 miles (120 km) southwest of Perth, but west of Glasgow so you have to cross city traffic. Take the airport bus to Buchanan Bus Station in city centre then train or bus to Perth. Dundee Airport ( DND IATA ) is closer but only has flights from Stansted, London City and Belfast City. Perth's own airfield at Scone north of town has no commercial flights, though it's busy with private aviation and flight training. By train Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain Trains run to Perth from Glasgow Queen Street (High Level) hourly via Stirling (one hour), from Edinburgh hourly via Fife (80 min) plus others changing at Stirling, from Aberdeen hourly via Dundee (90 min), and from Inverness every hour or two via Aviemore (2 hr 15 min). There is one direct daytime train from London Kings Cross, taking six hours to Perth via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, and continuing to Inverness, but it's usually more convenient to change in Edinburgh. Caledonian Sleeper trains run overnight Su-F from London Euston. The Highland Sleeper for Inverness leaves around 9PM and reaches Perth before 6AM, so you'll be woken by 5AM and ejected onto a cold platform with no public transport or amenities available. The return train picks up around 11:30PM to reach Euston for 8AM. You might prefer to take the Lowland Sleeper from Euston towards midnight, and change to a day train in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Returning south, you need to leave Perth around 9PM to join the southbound Lowland Sleeper at Glasgow Central near midnight, and reach Euston shortly after 7AM. 🌍 Perth Railway Station is at the southwest edge of city centre on Leonard St. The station is staffed and fully accessible by wheelchair. There are two entrances, both of which allow car parking. The ticket office, newsagent and café are between platforms 2 and 3. The original main concourse was between the current platforms 4 and 7 and the station was covered by a large overall roof, which still exists in a reduced form. At one time there were nine platforms as the station served a leash of branch lines across the county. By bus Perth bus station is on Leonard Street, 200 yards north of the railway station. Megabus and Citylink buses run from Aberdeen , Dundee , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Inverness and Stirling . There are buses to Oban from May until October. Megabus does not call at the bus station: it drops you at Broxden service area at the A9 / M90 junction, which has a frequent Park & Ride bus into town. Megabus and National Express Bus NX590 (daytime) / 592 (overnight) takes 11 hours from London Victoria via Carlisle and Glasgow to Perth, continuing to Aberdeen (another 2 hr). The overnight bus also calls at London Heathrow. By road From Edinburgh and the east side of England follow M90; from Glasgow and the Midlands follow M80 onto M9 / A9; from Dundee and Aberdeen follow A90 west. The historic Edinburgh to John O'Groats road passed through Perth but the modern A9 is now a bypass to the west. There's a Park & Ride at Broxden roundabout where the M90 terminates onto A9. There's another on A94 at Scone but you're less likely to approach that way. Destiny Bridge and the Cross-Tay Link Road opens in March 2025 but doesn't yet show on maps. It links A9 north of Perth with A93 and A94 near Scone and has a cycleway. Get around Walking will get you round city centre and out to Branklyn Garden. By bus: Stagecoach are the main operator, no surprise as the company was founded and maintains its headquarters here. For the football ground take Bus 15 (for Crieff) or 23 (for Aberfeldy). For Scone Palace take Bus 3 (circular) or 58 (for Blairgowrie M-F only). For Falkland Palace take Bus 36 towards Glenrothes. Taxis are plentiful around town, with ranks outside the station, the Caledonian Cinema and next to Tesco Metro on South Street. Local firms include Ace Taxis +44 1738 444000, A & B Taxis +44 1738 446688 and Thistle Taxis +44 1738 441122. Car hire: you don't need a car in town, but you will to explore rural Perthshire. There's several agencies, mostly clustered at Inveralmond near the north end of the city bypass. Europcar have a base on Glasgow St 200 yards north of the railway station. See 🌍 Scone Palace , Scone PH2 6BD ( 2 miles north of Perth off A93 ), ☏ +44 1738 552300 , [email protected] . Apr-Oct daily 10AM-5:30PM . From the 9th century Scone was the centre of a Pictish kingdom and the traditional crowning place of kings upon its "Stone of Destiny" or "Stone of Scone". An Abbey and abbott's palace stood here from the 12th century but were destroyed in the Reformation, so only a few stumps of masonry and the title "palace" remain of this. The building you see nowadays is an imposing Victorian mansion, with a replica of the Stone - the original is in Perth Museum. The Palace has an extensive collection of 17th- and 18th-century ivory in the State Dining Rooms, 18th-century French furniture, porcelain, and Queen Victoria's' boudoir. It's set in an extensive park, often used for events, and the autumn colours are glorious. Nov-Mar the palace is closed but the grounds can still be visited. Adult £18.50, conc £16.50, child £12.50 . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Perth Museum , St John's Place PH1 5SZ , ☏ +44 1738 632488 . F-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-7PM . Opened in 2024, this tells the city's story and houses the Stone of Destiny or "Stone of Scone". The Stone of Destiny exhibition requires a free timed ticket which can be booked 2 weeks in advance. Free, charges for temporary exhibitions . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 St John's Kirk , St John's Place PH1 5SZ ( next to museum ), ☏ +44 1738 633192 . May-Sep M-Sa 10AM-5PM . This is Perth's oldest building, dating back to 1159, but what you see now is 15th- to 19th-century reconstruction. Note the 15th-century brass candelabrum, but other medieval treasures are now in Perth Museum. Church of Scotland services are held Su 9:30AM and W 1PM. ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Perth Art Gallery , 78 George Street PH1 5LB , ☏ +44 1738 783400 . M F Sa 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Art by modern Scottish artists including Joan Eardley and Sir William MacTaggart, the colourists JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris and 16th and 17th century European art. Free . ( updated Apr 2024 ) Fair Maid's House ( Royal Scottish Geographical Society ), 15-19 North Port PH1 5LU ( next to Art Gallery ). Apr-Oct Th-Sa (plus M F in July & Aug) Tu-Sa 1-4:30PM . The oldest surviving secular building in Perth, parts of the structure date back from 1475. The building was fictionalised by Sir Walter Scott as the home of Catherine Glover, title character of The Fair Maid of Perth . It's now the offices of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society; in summer the visitor centre puts on exhibitions about their work. Donation . ( updated Feb 2020 ) 🌍 St Ninian's Cathedral , North Methven Street PH1 5PP , ☏ +44 1738 632053 . M-Th 9AM-12:30PM, Su 10AM-1PM . The Episcopal or Anglican Church was revived in Scotland in the 19th century as part of the "Oxford Movement". This cathedral was built by Butterfield and opened in 1850, with further work continuing into the 20th century. ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Black Watch Museum , Balhousie Castle, Hay Street PH1 5HR , ☏ +44 1738 638152 . Daily Apr-Oct 9:30AM-4:30PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM . Military history of the 42nd / 73rd Highland Regiments, which amalgamated in 1881 to form the Black Watch. They wore dark plaid, but the name probably arose from Gaelic Am Freiceadan Dubh , the hostile "black watch" of government forces over the Highlanders. They saw action in Egypt, South Africa, two World Wars, and modern conflicts; in 2006 they merged with five other regiments to become the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The castle dates from 1422 but was entirely rebuilt in the 1860s, and refurbished as a museum in the 21st century, with paintings, medals, uniforms and weapons on display. Adult £12, conc £9, child £5 . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Branklyn Garden , 116 Dundee Road PH2 7BB , ☏ +44 1738 625535 . Apr-Oct daily 10AM-5PM . Hillside west-facing garden run by National Trust for Scotland. It was developed in the 1920s by John and Dorothy Renton to complement their Arts & Crafts house, with plants from all over the world. Standouts are the rhododendrons, alpines, herbaceous and peat-garden plants. Adult £8.50, conc £7, child £5, NTS / NT free . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Elcho Castle , Rhynd PH2 8QQ ( off A912. ), ☏ +44 1738 639998 . Apr-Sep F-Tu 10AM-4PM . Z-plan tower house built around 1560, it's been uninhabited for 200 years yet saved from becoming derelict, so it's one of the best examples of its kind. Most of the interior can be accessed though some floors have collapsed. See also the 16th-century dovecot. Adult £7.50, conc £6, child £4.50, HS free . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Huntingtower , Castle Brae PH1 3JL , ☏ +44 1738 627231 . Apr-Sep daily 10AM-4:30PM, Oct-Mar Sa-W 10AM-4PM . Twin bastions, the east tower is maybe 14th century, the adjacent west tower is 15th century, and a bridge enabled defenders to scuttle between the two. A 16th century Great Hall has long gone, as have the defensive outer walls. It was owned by the Ruthven family until one treasonous plot too many against James VI, who seized it and put them to the sword. Adult £7.50, conc £6, child £4.50, HS free . ( updated Apr 2024 ) 🌍 Dunsinane is the 1020 ft / 310 m hill that Birnam Wood marched upon, according to Shakespeare's Macbeth . Its summit has the remains of a late Iron Age hillfort, badly mucked about by bungling Victorian antiquarians. Follow B953 then ascend from the north by Collace. Bandirran Stone Circle is in the w [... truncated ...]

By Plane

The nearest major international airports serve Scotland with connections from across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Regional airports in the area provide additional domestic and European services. Airport buses and taxis connect to the town centre.

By Train

The local railway station is served by regular services on the British rail network. Train services connect to major cities across Scotland and the wider UK. National Rail Enquiries provides schedule and fare information. Advance booking typically offers better rates.

By Car / Road

Perth is accessible by road via the UK's motorway and A-road network. Major routes connect the town to nearby cities and regions. Bus services provide affordable connections. Parking is generally available in designated areas in and around the town centre.

Perth is compact and easily explored on foot. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, is pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is recommended. Local bus services operate within the town and to neighbouring communities. Taxis are available for shorter journeys.

• The historic town or city centre with its traditional architecture

• Local landmarks, churches, and heritage buildings

• Scenic viewpoints and natural attractions in the surrounding area

• Nearby parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces

• Walking tours exploring the town's heritage and architecture

• Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and watersports in the surrounding area

• Visiting local museums, galleries, and cultural centres

• Exploring nearby countryside, coastline, or parks

• Sampling local food and drink at pubs, restaurants, and cafes

Dining options in Perth range from traditional gastropubs and cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Local specialities include fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal produce. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting regional producers.

Typical British pub fare (fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies) is widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly common.

Traditional pubs serving local ales are found throughout the town. Craft beer has a growing presence, with local microbreweries supplying both pubs and bottle shops. Tea rooms and cafés offer a quintessentially British experience. The area is well-served by coffee shops and independent roasters.

Budget

• Budget hotels and hostel accommodation available, with dorm beds from £20/night.

Mid-range

• Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses offer doubles from £70–120 per night.
• Chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn) provide consistent quality.

Upscale

• Boutique hotels, country house hotels, and historic inns offer doubles from £150.

Local shops offer a range of goods from well-known brands to local crafts and speciality foods. Markets and independent retailers provide character and authentic finds. Typical opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:30, with some stores open on Sundays. Many towns have a weekly market day.

From Perth, travellers can easily continue exploring other destinations within Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. The well-connected transport network makes it straightforward to reach neighbouring towns, cities, and attractions.