The lively city of Perth has a lot to offer to its visitors, but if you are planning a short stay in the area, the question is: what can you do in one day?
Here’s a video showing the places we visited during our trip.
First, we drove to Scone Palace, “the crowning place of Scottish kings”. This beautiful castle displays a unique collection of fine porcelain and French furniture, but that is not all: its grounds, which extend for over 100 acres, offer stunning walks, colourful gardens and even an adventure playground.
Arrived in the city centre, we decided to tick all of the museums and galleries off our to-do list. We started from the Perth Museum and Art Gallery, located right next to the Concert Hall, and walked along the River Tay towards The Fergusson Gallery. This unusual building hosts the work of John Duncan Fergusson, one of the major artists of the Scottish Colourists school of painting. Spread onto two floors, the exhibition focuses on the artist’s relationship with his companion and muse Margaret Morris.
Opposite The Fergusson Gallery is South Inch Park, the perfect place to have a picnic, walk your dog, or practice you skateboarding skills.
Back in the heart of the city, we walked through St. John’s Street, Perth’s shopping centre, and paid a visit to the old water mills. From here we proceeded towards St. Ninian’s Cathedral: this beautiful gothic building designed by William Butterfield was consecrated in 1850, which makes it the first cathedral built in Britain since the Reformation.
Just a short walk from the city centre is The Black Watch Museum, set up inside the old castle, dedicated to the history of Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment. Tours of the castle are run everyday, and the little shop and café on the grounds make this a nice place to stop and enjoy a short break from the intense sight-seeing schedule. A children’s playground is also situated right next to the castle’s grounds.
On our way back, we stopped at Huntingtower Castle. Originally known as the Place of Ruthven, this property hosted some dramatic events and notable historical characters. In 1565, Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley spent their honeymoon here.
Perth is lively and modern, with some hidden historical gems. If you are staying in the area, a day trip to this city is definitely in order
