Holiday Inn Express Perth by IHG
Perth - 196 Dunkeld Road
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Nestled on the banks of the River Tay, Perth is a city that embodies the essence of medieval Scotland. The ancient capital of the Scottish kingdom, this elegant town retains its characteristic royal charm to this day, skilfully blending historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere. Its cobbled streets tell stories of kings and queens, whilst its honey-coloured sandstone buildings bear witness to centuries of commercial prosperity.
Surrounded by gentle hills and lush forests of the southern Highlands, Perth offers visitors an authentic Scottish experience away from mass tourism. The city is renowned for its splendid public gardens and for being an important cultural hub, with a thriving arts and food scene that attracts visitors throughout the year.
Perth is a city that jealously guards its historical heritage, offering visitors a fascinating blend of cultural, architectural and natural attractions. From grand historic residences to tranquil Victorian gardens, every corner of the city tells a different story of Scotland’s rich legacy.
St. John’s Kirk represents the spiritual and historical heart of Perth. This imposing fifteenth-century church is one of Scotland’s oldest religious buildings and served as the setting for crucial events of the Scottish Reformation. In 1559, a celebrated sermon by John Knox sparked the Reformation in this very church, forever changing the course of Scottish religious history.
The building’s Gothic architecture is simply majestic, with its tall stained-glass windows filtering light to create a mystical atmosphere within. The bell tower, standing 49 metres high, dominates the city skyline and is a landmark visible from every corner of the historic centre.
The interiors preserve architectural elements of great merit, including ancient burial monuments, a unique collection of brass plaques and a nineteenth-century organ that remains in perfect working order.
The Fair Maid’s House is Perth’s oldest existing building, dating back to 1475. This charming stone edifice, made famous by Sir Walter Scott’s novel “The Fair Maid of Perth”, now houses a modern visitor centre dedicated to Scotland’s geography and natural heritage.
The building offers an interesting combination of medieval history and modern technology, with interactive exhibits that tell the story of Scotland’s geological history. The garden to the rear has been transformed into a small but delightful space dedicated to local biodiversity.
The Black Watch Castle & Museum houses a museum dedicated to Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment. Situated in an eighteenth-century castle, the museum tells the story of this legendary regiment through a rich collection of military artefacts, uniforms, medals and historical documents.
Visitors can explore beautifully decorated rooms, learn stories of courage and sacrifice from Highland soldiers and wander through the castle’s wonderful gardens. The castle café, with its panoramic terrace, is the perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park offers some of the most spectacular views over the city and the Tay Valley. This nature reserve, easily accessible from the city centre, is crossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails leading to the hilltop.
The most iconic spot is Kinnoull Tower, a Victorian folly built to resemble a German Rhine castle. From here, the panoramas over the Tay Valley and the Highlands are simply breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Perth is surrounded by some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, with historic castles, whisky distilleries and nature reserves within short driving distance. Hiring a car is certainly the best way to explore these attractions, though some are accessible by public transport.
The magnificent Scone Palace stands majestically just a few kilometres from Perth’s centre, surrounded by over 100 hectares of splendid gardens and woodland. This red sandstone palace holds a special place in Scottish history: for centuries it was the coronation place of Scottish kings and home to the legendary Stone of Scone.
The sumptuously decorated interiors offer a glimpse into Scottish aristocratic life, with an extraordinary collection of porcelain, period furniture and tapestries. Particularly noteworthy is the Long Gallery, where Queen Victoria held a banquet during her visit in 1842.
The gardens are an attraction in themselves, featuring hedge mazes, a butterfly garden and peacocks roaming freely across the lawns. The Star Maze, a maze shaped like a tartan star, is particularly popular with visitors.
The magnificent Blair Castle, the historic residence of the Dukes of Atholl, is located about 45 minutes’ drive from Perth. With its white towers and 32 hectares of gardens and woodland, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into 700 years of Scottish history. Visitors can admire 30 richly furnished rooms and wander through Victorian gardens, which include one of Scotland’s oldest larch forests.
The Hermitage is a spectacular forest along the River Braan, just 30 minutes from Perth. This romantic Victorian landscape offers breathtaking walks amongst giant Douglas firs, with foaming waterfalls and picturesque bridges. The highlight is Ossian’s Hall, a historic building with a balcony overlooking the Black Linn Falls waterfall, offering one of Scotland’s most photographed views.
The picturesque twin villages of Dunkeld and Birnam, just 25 km from Perth, epitomise rural Scotland. Dunkeld boasts a magnificent thirteenth-century cathedral on the banks of the River Tay, whilst Birnam is famous for its connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Beatrix Potter Garden at Birnam celebrates the famous author’s links with the area, where she spent many summer holidays.
Just 40 minutes from Perth is Glenturret Distillery, which claims the title of Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery. Founded in 1775, it offers guided tours showcasing the traditional whisky-making process, followed by tastings of their single malts. The distillery is beautifully situated along the River Turret, perfect for a walk after your visit.
Loch Leven, just 20 minutes from Perth, is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance. The loch is home to Loch Leven Castle on an island, where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567. Today, a nature reserve surrounds the loch, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and scenic walks. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a circular 21 km route, is perfect for hiking or cycling.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Perth’s historic centre is the ideal area to stay, offering easy access to all major attractions, restaurants and shops. Boutique hotels and charming bed & breakfasts in this area are often housed in elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, providing an authentic Scottish experience.
The area around South Street and George Street is also particularly attractive, with a variety of accommodation for every budget, from luxurious historic hotels to welcoming family-run bed & breakfasts.
Perth is conveniently situated in the heart of Scotland, with good connections to the country’s major cities. Edinburgh Airport, the nearest airport, is about 70 km away and offers regular connections with major European cities. From the airport, you can reach Perth by car in about an hour via the M90, or by using frequent bus services.
The city is also well served by the Scottish rail network, with regular trains from Edinburgh (1 hour 15 minutes), Glasgow (1 hour 30 minutes) and Aberdeen (2 hours).
What's the weather at Perth? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Perth for the next few days.
Perth sits in the heart of central Scotland, within the historic Perthshire region, just 70 kilometres north of Edinburgh, 100 kilometres from Glasgow and 160 kilometres south of Aberdeen.
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