Perth is the Place
The city of Perth is a great place for all the family to come and visit, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, golfer, nature lover, or just want a wee break, Perth will certainly provide you with something memorable!
To help you figure out what you want to visit, we’ve put together a list of our top hotspots in the city that can’t be missed.
The Independent Shops
Perth has a fantastic selection of independent businesses offering a wide range of unique, quirky and high-quality products you won’t find anywhere else. A few stores that spring to mind are the likes of Whispers of the Past, a family run business in George Street. The shop supplies an array of vintage goods, along with a diverse range of newer items. From silk flowers and scarves to jewellery and cards you’ll be sure to find a treat and perhaps that gift you’ve always wanted to give someone but could never find. Locals and tourists alike love this shop and often highlight the fact they could stay in here browsing all day. Perth is also home to Scotland’s only Beales Department store which makes it even more special. Beales is a shopper’s paradise, from designer goods and fragrances to homeware and the latest fashion, it’s most certainly worth a browse or two because at the end of the day everyone deserves something a little more luxurious. Music lover? Then fear not because Concorde will certainly be able to satisfy you. This is Scotland’s oldest family established record store stocking thousands of CDs & DVDs as well as a large selection of Vinyl LPs,12" Singles, 7" singles and picture discs, plus second-hand vinyl covering all genres of music. Concorde is the place to immerse yourself in all things music, and who knows, maybe you’ll find that record you accidentally threw out all those years ago… We could go on and on about the list of independent shops in the city but we may be here all day so let’s move on!
A Thriving Music and Arts Scene
Without a doubt, if you visit a pub or cafe in Perth, the chances of a local band performing are very high as many of Perth’s local business’ support the thriving music scene. One pub, in particular, that is very well known in the city for its great music and food is the Twa Tams. It’s been entertaining the people of Perth since the Seventies and has played host to local, national & international artists. Much more recently, the historic Edwardian Perth Theatre has undergone a series of renovations to make it an uber modern and chic venue for the 21st century. Although the theatre was only reopened in November, it has seen a variety of performances already, including the highly successful Knives with Hens, and Richard III. Also in the city centre is Perth Concert Hall, where many comedians and musicians regularly perform. Familiar faces here include British comedian Jimmy Carr, family favourites Funbox (including former Singing Kettle members, Gary and Kevin), and the annual Southern Fried Festival – a hit in the country music community. If you love up-and-coming performers, the Horsecross venue is also home to Perth Youth Theatre, Perth Amateur Dramatics, and Perth Symphony Orchestra. No matter which time of year you visit, there will always be a venue that will keep you entertained.
Wonderous Walks
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One thing for sure in Perthshire is that there are copious amounts of walks available for all. Whether it be a leisurely stroll or a full-on calorie-burning hike, you’ll certainly find something here. In the city centre of Perth, there’s the North Inch overlooking the River Tay, Scotland’s longest running river (approx 119 miles). History fact, on this very picturesque area of grass in 1396, two Scottish clans that had been violently feuding for centuries finally faced off in a bloody battle to settle their generations-long fight. We would most definitely recommend the North Inch for walking the dog out or taking a family walk to the park. Another walk, to the east of the city, is Kinnoull Hill, many locals love taking a hike up here as well as running and cycling as the views are breathtaking. The view overlooks the River Tay and the stretch of fields towards Dundee. If you want to be closer to nature, then take a drive to The Hermitage near Dunkeld and Birnam. A mere 12 miles outside the city, this stretch of Perthshire forest was originally designed for the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century. Douglas fir trees tower over the paths leading to the Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, foaming pools below. Overlooking the waterfall is the picturesque folly known as Ossian’s Hall, built in 1757 as the focal point in an extensive designed landscape. It’s decorated with mirrors, panels and paintings and has been refurbished to create the illusions of both shock and surprise! We highly recommend taking your camera and getting a few photos for your Instagram. Even further afield than this is Ben Vrackie, just north of Pitlochry. Ben Vrackie makes an excellent viewpoint from its summit and the ascent follows good paths through woodland, open moorland and past picturesque Loch a' Choire.
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Golfer’s (and everyone else's) Paradise
Got a keen golfer in the family? You’ll be pleased to hear that award winning golf courses are scattered across the country catering to all abilities. In the city centre, there’s the North Inch, Craigie Hill and King James VI. Outwith the city, there are many more, but in particular is the hugely famous Gleneagles. Home to the Ryder Cup in 2014, the course will this year see the European Golf Championships staged on its courses and in 2019 it will also host the Solheim Cup. The three championship golf courses at Gleneagles are regarded among the best in the world. Two of the greatest names in the game, five times Open winner James Braid and the Golden Bear himself Jack Nicklaus, have played these courses which offer challenges for all levels of player. But that’s not all that Gleneagles has to offer those who visit, the Gleneagles Hotel offers those who visit a real 5 star experience from luxurious spa treatments, delicious and award winning food. For drinks, the American Bar inspired by the roaring 20s, is an elegant venue with exceptional service and cocktails. Sample some of Scotland’s best whisky at the Century Bar, or relax at Gleneagles’ newest bar, Auchterarder 70. If you’re looking for a place to stay which is close to the action, our property Gleneagles Cottage might just do the trick. Located in the hotel grounds, the cottage is loved by many guests and offers a luxury location to relax after many rounds of golf (or to sleep of a full meal).