Perthshire

Right in the heart of Scotland and easily accessible from the city of Perth, the vast forests and serene lochs of Perthshire create the perfect backdrop for memorable holidays. Breathe in history at ancient castles, try your hand at Iron Age skills and discover why Perthshire was the crowning place of many Scottish kings. Tee off with endless mountain views, feel the splash of iconic waterfalls and fully immerse yourself in everything Perthshire has to offer.

Perthshire forms the fairest portion of the Northern kingdom.

Sir Walter Scott, from his novel "The Fair Maid of Perth"

Perthshire is made for an outdoor holiday, so whether you’re planning a round of golf in beautiful surroundings or can’t wait for a watersports adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come, here are our recommendations for top things to do in the region.

History & heritage

Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre and step into an Iron Age village on the banks of Loch Tay. Listen to stories of life from Perthshire over 2,000 years ago while running your hands over smooth clay or flexible willow branches as you try out Iron Age crafts like pottery or willow weaving. Another layer of history can be found at the many castles of the region, most notably Scone Palace, legendary crowning place of many Scottish monarchs and former capital of the Pictish kingdom. Hidden in the Perthshire hills is Blair Castle, a striking white Scots Baronial castle with over 750 years of history waiting to be discovered. Visit in early autumn when you can explore the extensive grounds and admire the changing colours of the vivid woodlands around.

Discover history in Perthshire

High adrenaline adventures

The towering mountains, dramatic gorges and rushing rivers of Perthshire offer countless opportunities for real adventure. Take a deep breath before a thrilling plunge off the Garry Bridge with Highland Fling Bungee, watching the foliage of the trees and the river below turn into a whirlwind of colour, or feel the wind on your skin as you whizz through the forest in Killiecrankie Zip Park. Navigate exciting rapids on a whitewater rafting trip and take on the River Tay with children who are 8 years or older, or test yourself and your friends on the wild River Tummel with its stomach-dropping waterfall.

Plan your outdoor adventure in Perthshire

Scenic golf courses

Wherever you travel in Perthshire, you’ll find a variety of golf courses across the region’s towns and villages, some of which are among the oldest in the country. Let your eyes drift over undulating fairways framed by the towering mountains and glorious forests of the surrounding Highland landscape while you prepare to take on the challenges posed by golf courses designed by legends like James Braid. For a special treat, stay at the luxury 5-star Gleneagles Hotel and play on one of its three renowned championship courses before relaxing at the spa and indulging in exquisite food and drink at a two Michelin-star restaurant.

Find out more about golf in Perthshire

Stroll along the cobbled streets of a charming village, spend an afternoon on a local golf course in the hills or experience the peaceful silence of the forests in the Tay Forest Park.

Crieff

Walk under a canopy of leaves that change colour throughout the seasons along the River Earn or book a relaxing full-body massage at the recently refurbished Crieff Hydro. Join a Highland Cow Experience and feel a sense of calm and wonder as you pet and feed these stoic animals. Head south to Drummond Castle Gardens to admire some of the most impressive formal gardens in Europe or get a real taste of history at Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working distillery.

More about Crieff

Kenmore

Take a break at Taymouth Marina to enjoy the refreshing waters of Loch Tay after relaxing in the sauna and sliding directly into the loch for a cold plunge. Journey back in time at the Scottish Crannog Centre and picture life in an Iron Age dwelling thousands of years ago or walk up into the hills north of Kenmore for sweeping views over the village and the loch, best enjoyed from Black Rock Viewpoint.

Visit Kenmore

Perth

Perth is a fantastic base for trips into surrounding Perthshire. Embrace the atmosphere of this small city as you wander along cobbled streets and past elegant Georgian townhouses. Follow the River Tay Public Art Trail to see quirky and unique artworks or visit Perth Museum, the new home of the legendary Stone of Destiny. For a family adventure, head to Willowgate Activity Centre and create unforgettable memories building a raft and racing each other on kayaks.

Visit Perth

Pitlochry

Nestled between magnificent forests, green hills and the gently meandering River Tummel, Pitlochry offers a piece of Highland paradise in the north of Perthshire. Put on your walking boots for adventures along heather-lined paths and hear the roar of spectacular waterfalls, or take on the challenges of Pitlochry Golf Course. Try a dram of full-bodied single malt at Blair Athol Distillery and savour the flavour of Scotland in a traditional pub or with a scoop of whisky-flavoured ice cream made with whisky from a local distillery. Head to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre to enjoy the very best theatre, music and dance with a packed programme of events and shows.

Uncover Pitlochry