Things to do & places to visit in Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom

Perth and Kinross #50 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 26.9k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 21:47.

Perth and Kinross Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

55°F - 41°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold with a gentle breeze

Feels like

28%

Chance of rain

92.0 millimeters

Amount

14.8 mph

Wind speed

82%

Humidity

16.3

Daylight length

5:00 AM

Sunrise

9:20 PM

Sunset

41%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Scottish Crannog Centre (1.508 reviews)
- Loved our visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a 5-star museum featuring interpretations and demonstrations in our Iron Aged Village . Our museum features 2,500-year-old underwater discoveries; our Iron Age Interpreters will guide you through life on the loch 500 BCE; hands-on ancient crafts and technologies. Hire a dugout canoe and paddle into prehistory (weather and experience permitting). Special events run regularly featuring artists, musicians, skilled craft workers and other specialists who, together with our own team of Iron Age interpreters, actively bring the past to life for adults and children alike. Gift shop offering an excellent selection of books, crafts and light refreshments from our snack bar. Dogs are welcome on site. Last entry for tours at 4.00pm. Unfortunately our Crannog burnt down in June 2021. We are in the process of rebuilding the Crannog on our new Dalerb site. Coming 2023. See more..
5.0 The Birks of Aberfeldy (613 reviews)
- A nice tranquil walk.
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Hiking Trails

Walk this circular 1.5-mile trail through wooded slopes overhung by birch trees, with a stop along the viewing platform that looks over deep chasms and Strathtay. See more..
5.0 Ben Vrackie (311 reviews)
- Fabulous Views
Mountains

The experience and challenge of getting to the top were worth every bit of effort. The distance from the car park to the loch is very manageable and doable in about an hour. Take a bit of bread to feed the ducks, they will love you for it! The steeper climb from there is definitely more challenging, but it can be managed in bite-sized chunks if needed. We would recommend decent walking boots or shoes and something warm to slip into at the top. With it, you can spend more time up there and wait for any mist or cloud to be blown away. We sat and watched as the wind opened up the skies to reveal a gorgeous landscape. See more..
5.0 Do It Outdoors (105 reviews)
- Great fun, definitely recommend!
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics

Do It Outdoors delivers unique and wild outdoor activities. We deliver Axe Throwing,bushcraft courses, sweat lodges, Archery, Kids Parties, Camp Cook Outs, Fly Fishing Instruction and Eco Team building events. We cater for parent and child , adults and parties. We operate in Crieff, Comrie and Auchterarder See more..
5.0 The Birks of Aberfeldy (613 reviews)
- A nice tranquil walk.
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Hiking Trails

Walk this circular 1.5-mile trail through wooded slopes overhung by birch trees, with a stop along the viewing platform that looks over deep chasms and Strathtay. See more..
5.0 Ben Vrackie (311 reviews)
- Fabulous Views
Mountains

The experience and challenge of getting to the top were worth every bit of effort. The distance from the car park to the loch is very manageable and doable in about an hour. Take a bit of bread to feed the ducks, they will love you for it! The steeper climb from there is definitely more challenging, but it can be managed in bite-sized chunks if needed. We would recommend decent walking boots or shoes and something warm to slip into at the top. With it, you can spend more time up there and wait for any mist or cloud to be blown away. We sat and watched as the wind opened up the skies to reveal a gorgeous landscape. See more..
4.5 Blair Athol Distillery (2.333 reviews)
- Great tour and tasting
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish. Explore the range of tours and tastings available on our website and book your visit today. Advance booking is recommended. Please note the distillery will be closed on Mondays in June. See more..
4.5 Edradour Distillery (2.298 reviews)
- Distillery like no others
This location was reported permanently closed Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Due To The Outbreak Of Covid-19 The Distillery Visitor Centre And Shop Will Be Closed As Of 16TH March 2020. The Site Is Now Closed To The Public And Will Not Re-open. See more..
4.5 Scone Palace (2.251 reviews)
- Balvaird Wing stay
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

Scone Palace - 5 star Historic House visitor attraction. Open 7 days from 10.00am - 5.00pm (please note last entry is 4.00pm). Guides are on hand in the palace as well as multi-lingual information for tours of the palace. Tickets for Palace & Gardens or just the Gardens can be booked via our website or you can pay when you arrive. Come along and visit Moot Hill the 'Crowning Place of Scottish Kings' and the chapel. Have a wander around our 100 acres gardens and grounds, including our Murray Star Maze, Pinetum, Douglas Fir and Kids Adventure Playground . Our Coffee Shop serves hot & cold food daily & kids lunch boxes. We're dog friendly, so bring your family pet, there are dog water bowls near our ticket hut & outside our Food Shop. We have two cafe seating areas and the Old Kitchen welcomes dogs as well! Our Food Shop has a selection of products that we try to source locally and our Gift Shop has something for everyone - even pocket-money gifts. You can expect a warm welcome :-) See more..
4.5 Queen's View (2.202 reviews)
- Nice little stop-off
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A nice little stop-off - we visited on our way from Edinburgh to Inverness. Nice, easy, short walk (2-3 minutes) from the carpark to the viewing area. A longer walk through the forest also there but we didn't do this one. Check website if you plan to use the Visitors' Centre, toilets or cafe whilst here as it is closed on certain days. We visited on one of the days the visitor centre was closed but there were still a few cars and coaches in the carpark. If in need of the toilet and closed here, head left out of the carpark towards Allean Forest where you will find some very basic but exceptionally clean toilet facilities. See more..
4.5 Blair Castle & Gardens (1.940 reviews)
- Very Enjoyable Visit
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Castles • Gardens

Discover Blair Castle and go on a journey into the fascinating past of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story here leads you from Mary Queen of Scot's visit to the Civil War, and from the Jacobite cause to Queen Victoria's famous stay which led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Over 700 years of Scottish history are on display across 30 rooms. Highlights of the castle tour include the Baronial Entrance Hall, featuring weapons used at the Battle of Culloden; the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase; the grandeur of the State Dining Room and Drawing Room; and the magnificent Ballroom, bedecked in hundreds of antlers. The Castle sits at the hub of a breathtaking historic landscape and the gardens and grounds feature a 9 acre walled garden, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical Gothic folly. See more..
4.5 The Glenturret Distillery (1.643 reviews)
- Definitely recommended if you’re anywhere nearby
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries • Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

The Glenturret Distillery, Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery, is a unique whisky experience. The Glenturret single malt is still traditionally crafted today as it was over 250 years ago, by hand and heart. Our immersive tour brings to life the fascinating history and leads visitors through the process, craft, and skill required to create The Glenturret single malt. On arrival for your tour, each visitor is presented with a Glenturret branded gift and a £5.00 gift voucher to spend in The Glenturret shop which offers a wide choice of Single Malts, alongside a unique selection of locally produced, handcrafted gifts. Finish your visit under the pagoda roof of the old maltings store in the newly refurbished café with a light lunch or sweet treat, lovingly prepared using only the finest ingredients. We look forward to extending you the warmest of Scottish welcomes. Slainte! See more..
4.5 Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery (1.191 reviews)
- Great tour at Dewar's Distillery
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Discover the Dewar family’s pursuit of Scotch whisky perfection in the distillery they built in 1898. Producing the beautifully balanced single malt at the heart of the Dewar’s blend, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the spiritual home of America’s top selling Scotch. Tour the distillery to see how we create the distinctive honeyed richness of our spirit. Access our atmospheric warehouse and learn how we double age our whisky for extra smoothness. Explore our interactive exhibition, guided by our bespoke app. Soak up the atmosphere in our welcoming cafe and Whisky Lounge, and fill your own bottle from our hand-selected casks. Booking online is essential to secure your experience. Free parking and foreign language leaflets available. See more..
4.5 Pitlochry Festival Theatre (1.184 reviews)
- This very modern theatre is excellent.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Theaters

A unique, theatrical phenomenon in the heart of Perthshire Attracting over 100,000 people each year, Pitlochry Festival Theatre (PFT) is a unique, theatrical phenomenon in the heart of Perthshire. Each Summer Season, we produce and perform 6 excellent shows, all of which are played in daily rotation. That means you can see a different show every day, two on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as Thursdays, from September – October! A trip to Pitlochry Festival Theatre makes a perfect day or night’s entertainment or as many of those who already attend know, a superb short break. Many of our patrons stay for 6 days and see 6 plays. Or see 3 plays in 2 days, plus walking, golfing, shopping… We also have a year round programme of tours, talks, concerts, events, music and workshops, as well as delicious food and drink on offer in The Festival Restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you to Pitlochry Festival Theatre soon. See more..
4.5 The Black Watch Castle & Museum (999 reviews)
- VERY SOBERING!
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • Castles

The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star multi- award winning visitor attraction located in the Perth. The Black Watch Museum is housed within the historic Balhousie Castle, the origins of which are said to date back to the 12th century. A visit to the ancestral Home of The Black Watch brings this colourful Highland Regiment’s history to life, through artefacts, personal stories and interactive displays. Relax and unwind in the welcome ambience of the Castle Cafe. The seasonal menu offers an appealing selection of meals, snacks, soups, desserts and afternoon tea created with quality ingredients of local provenance. Browse the popular Castle Gift Shop to find a range of quality gifts, regimental memorabilia and branded products with an emphasis on providing an enjoyable shopping experience within a Scottish Castle. The venue is a unique and compelling location which can also host weddings, offer private dining, exclusive use of the Castle, group and bespoke tours. See more..
4.5 The Hermitage Woodland Walk (706 reviews)
- Easy hike with beautiful scenery.
Scenic Walking Areas

We did about 3 miles of walking here in late August. It was a rainy day but the tree canopy is so thick that it didn't bother us. Very scenic along the river with a charming stone bridge, the waterfall overlook and other features. We considered this an easy walk and great if you just want something not too strenuous. The waterfall was beautiful. We had lunch before we went at Palmerston's Cafe which we also highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Auchingarrich Wildlife And Adventure Park (674 reviews)
- Fabulous park for kids and adults
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

Family run wildlife centre in the heart of the Perthshire hills. There are a variety of domestic and exotic animals, indoor and outdoor play areas a shop and a café. We have camping, Nerf Gun zone and Crazy Football! See more..
4.5 Dunkeld Cathedral (641 reviews)
- Impressive Cathedral for a small town
Religious Sites

We visited Dunkeld Cathedral on a wintry day – cold wind and snow underfoot but a blue sky. The bellringers were practising and it made the visit even more enjoyable. The Cathedral as it’s used today is relatively small but there’s a good amount of information about the history and the people who were important over the centuries. The grounds are lovely looking down to the river so in the summer it would be a great place to enjoy a picnic and spend an hour or two in quiet solitude. See more..
4.5 Faskally Wood (604 reviews)
- Fantastic Faskally
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM State Parks

We visited Faskally Forest in June on a lovely summer's day. It was just beautiful. Plenty tracks to follow and the trees were at their best. The little Loch was breathtaking, lots of yellow flags iris and waterlilies to admire. We usually come for the Enchanted Forest in October so it was great to see it in summer. See more..
4.5 The Watermill (589 reviews)
- Wonderful bookshop and café in a beautifully coverted mill building.
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Opened by Michael Palin, The Watermill is Winner of the Independent Bookshop of the Year award for the whole UK. Over three floors, the converted mill houses the bookshop, contemporary art gallery and cafe in a unique environment, complete with comfy chairs - a browser's paradise. Next door is our homes and gardens shop, Homer. We are open seven days a week, 10am - 5pm (11am on Sunday). See more..
4.5 Killiecrankie (489 reviews)
- If you like scenic walks
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The views from the walks around here a dramatic. Excellent for younger kids too (7 and up) as there are educational boards explaining the views (just skim read and you can pretend you know loads!) Not wheelchair friendly though as the walks are over natural turain. See more..
4.5 Drummond Gardens (422 reviews)
- Stunning garden
Gardens

What a fantastic garden and very historically important. Beautiful planting and lots of colour, everything well cared for. Lots of parking, the toilets are on the car park and there is a short walk to gardens. Lots of steps as its terraced. Coffee and cake stall on the top terrace and lovely little gift shop. Staff really helpful. I have a historic houses card so went in on that but I thought entry was reasonably priced because there is so much to see. See more..
4.5 Castle Menzies (385 reviews)
- The most interesting historic house, loved our visit
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Gardens

Our 16th-century 'Z-plan' castle is a unique building with an exciting history: occupied by Cromwell's forces in the 1650s, captured by the Jacobites in 1715, and visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie for two nights during 1746 on his way to Culloden, before it was seized by Hanoverian forces. The Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Situated in a strategic location, it was involved in much of the turbulent history of the Highlands. Castle Menzies is a spectacular sixteenth century Scottish castle, restored during the twentieth century by the Menzies Clan Society. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid Renaissance example of the transition in Scottish castles from earlier rugged Highland fortresses to later mansion houses. Many of the Castle's rooms remain intentionally unfurnished to allow a better understanding of the structure and fabric of the building, which our visitors greatly appreciate. This is not a plushly furnished family home. Rescued as a ruin in 1957 by the then recently re-formed Menzies Clan Society, the Castle has been lovingly restored from dereliction by generations of Society members and was placed into a charitable trust in 1993. It is open to all as a visitor attraction, museum, Clan centre for the Menzies Clan and venue for weddings, concerts and other hire. All proceeds are exclusively used for the continued restoration and maintenance of the Castle, its Walled Garden and the Old Kirk of Weem. See more..
4.5 Branklyn Garden (308 reviews)
- Small but packed with interest
Gardens

Discover this 2-acre hillside garden, created in the 1920s using seeds collected by plant hunters. The garden is walking distance of Perth city centre and was developed by John and Dorothy Renton after they built their Arts & Crafts-inspired house. It’s set on the side of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth. See more..
4.5 Kinnoull Hill (307 reviews)
- Pictures don't do it justice
Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas

This view is absolutely breathtaking. Sometimes it's easy to read reviews and look at the pictures and think eh, maybe it's not worth it, but it is. Scotland has some incredibly dramatic landscapes and everywhere you look, you feel like you've just stepped into a painting of some sort. The summit of this hill is absolutely no exception. The trail is well marked (kind of) and it's a relatively easy, if long, climb. From the car park to the top, it's about 2km. Speaking of rain, be sure to bring an umbrella with you on the trail. It may start to rain and that makes the land look even more magnificent. You may be able to simply wait out the passing cloud (if you're lucky) and experience the breathtaking view all over again. This trail is so worth it. See more..
4.5 Black Spout Wood (297 reviews)
- Black spout waterfall
Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

What a cracking little wood so close to the centre of Pitlochry. Stopped off for a quick walk before driving home to Yorkshire, the waterfall is a must visit if you’re in Pitlochry. The woods were so quiet and we even managed to spot a woodpecker! See more..
4.5 Tullibardine Distillery (294 reviews)
- Saved the day! Fantastic experience
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Tullibardine Distillery is located in Blackford, Perthshire - the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The site dates back to late 1940s as a distillery for producing hand crafted, Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Tullibardine’s expert and experienced guides and distillery staff are able to give visitors a detailed insight into the craftsmanship and detail that goes into making our single malt whisky and the art of distillation. See more..
4.5 Huntingtower Castle (286 reviews)
- A great building to explore!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Castles

A tale of two families - Huntingtower Castle was a lordly residence for 300 years, from the 15th to the 18th century. It is associated with two noble families: the Ruthvens (later earls of Gowrie) and, following their downfall in 1600, the Murrays (earls of Tullibardine and later dukes of Atholl). Prior to 1600, Huntingtower was known as the Place of Ruthven.Huntingtower has hosted some famous visitors, and been associated with some dramatic events. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565, during her honeymoon with Lord Darnley. In 1582, Mary’s son, James VI, was held here against his will by the 1st Earl of Gowrie, in a famous episode known as the ‘Ruthven Raid’. See more..
4.5 Active Kids Adventure Park (257 reviews)
- A lovely way to spend a few of hours
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Farms

Farm with animals for children to view, outdoor adventure park for children, toy shop, cafe, indoor soft play area for under 7's. See more..
4.5 Falls of Bruar (213 reviews)
- An excellent way to stretch the legs
Waterfalls

This pretty waterfall is just a brisk two-mile hike from the House of Bruar shopping complex. See more..