Coach and Tour Operators

Welcome to Perth

We would be delighted to welcome your coach or touring party to the beautiful City of Perth; to make this easy for you, we've outlined some key information below, as well as signposting to useful points of interest across this website.

Why visit the City of Perth?

In the last decade there has been a £50m + investment in the cultural infrastructure in the City of Perth, with attractions such as Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and Perth Art Gallery all offering visitors a cultural experience.

The latest investment is Perth Museum, a brand new £26.5 million refurbishment of a beautiful historic building in the centre of the City of Perth. Featuring a purpose-built interior designed to house the Stone of Destiny, the most powerful surviving symbol of Scotland’s royal history.

Due to open in Spring 2024, the museum will offer visitors a 5*, fully accessible and captivating experience that inspires them to explore Scotland’s past and its connection to the wider world through its display of exceptional objects ranging from fine and decorative art to items representing natural history, social history, and world cultures.
Perth Museum will feature an exciting and memorable programme of unique experiences for coach groups, which will include private guided tours of the museum and the Stone outwith normal opening hours.

In addition to Perth Museum, passengers have access to a range of visitor attractions, independent retailers, cafes & bars all within a short walk of designated coach stops.
Perthshire’s cultural tourism products and inclusive visitor experiences are contributing to attracting audiences to contribute to ambitions to grow overnight stays by 3% on 2019 figures.

FAQ

Where can coaches drop off/pick up in City of Perth?

Coach operators can use all designated, safe and convenient coach drop off points, pick up points, and long stay parking.

George Street, Perth, Scotland, PH1 5LB
South Street, Perth, Scotland, PH2 8PA
Mill Street, Perth Scotland, PH1 5HZ

N.B. Coaches can use bus lanes, however cannot drop off/pick up in public bus stops in these streets.

The agreed drop off point for Perth Museum will be South Street, opposite Salutation Hotel. This allows passengers to disembark on South Street and walk through to the City Centre via St John’s Place.

The agreed drop off for Perth Theatre, Perth Concert Hall and Perth Art Gallery will be outside Perth Concert Hall. Perth Concert Hall drop off can accommodate 3 coaches.

How long do coaches have to drop off/ pick up visitors to the City at designated coach stops?

Coaches have 15 minutes for drop-off and pick up.

Where can coaches park long stay in City of Perth?

For long stay coach parking we will direct coaches to the South Inch Car Park. Cost per coach per day is £5.80.

Additionally, there is the option to park at Edinburgh Road. Whilst the bays here are not designated at this point specifically for coaches, we can arrange parking on request.

Can coaches use designated bus lanes, bus stops or on-street parking bays?

Coaches can use designated bus lanes, however they cannot use bus stops for publicly run transport. The designated stops for drop off/pick up at George Street, South Street and Mill Street must be used. Or the long stay coach parking at South Inch Car Park.

What toilet facilities are available to visitors and coach drivers?

There are free-to-use toilet facilities available at several of our visitor attractions.

Perth Museum. Opening March 2024 has gender neutral toilets which are all self- contained. There is also a changing- places toilet in the south entrance. Wheelchair accessible
Perth Art Gallery. Wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available and ramp access. Disabled toilet facilities.
Perth Theatre. Flat access into the auditorium stalls from drop off on Mill Street for wheelchair users or mobility impaired. Customer lift access to all levels. Disabled toilets on all levels. Gender neutral toilets available
Perth Concert Hall. Flat access into auditorium Stalls from drop off on Mill Street for wheelchair users or mobility impaired. Customer lift access to Balcony right. Disabled toilets on all levels. N.B. Only open at night.
Black Watch Castle & Museum. Wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available and level access. Disabled toilet facilities.

What’s new to visit in City of Perth?

Perth Museum will open in Spring 2024 after a £26m redevelopment project. Perth Museum will be a world class cultural and heritage attraction which will be home to the Stone of Destiny one of Scotland and the UK’s most significant historical objects. Returning to Perthshire for the first time in over 700 years, the Stone will be the centrepiece of the new Museum and will be free for all to view. The visitor attraction will highlight the fascinating objects and stories that put Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland’s story.

www.perthmuseum.co.uk

Where can visitors find information on things to see and do once in the city?

For information on what to see and do you can contact VisitScotland’s iCentre located on the High Street - VisitScotland iCentre, Perth City Centre, 45 High Street, Perth PH1 5TJ
T. 01738 450 600

www.visitscotland.com/perthshire | www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk

How do I ensure my large group is well catered for?

Most of the City of Perth's visitor attractions cater for large groups, and many will offer bespoke tours for your coach groups and passengers. We recommend calling or emailing in advance to arrange this for the best possible visitor experience.

Visit the City of Perth Attractions page for details and links to websites.

Restaurants will also cater for large group bookings when you call ahead,

Visit our city centre restaurant page

Many of the area's family-owned hotels can offer bespoke menus and meal packages with notice.

Where can I find list of City of Perth accommodation providers?

The most comprehensive list of accomodation providers can be found at Visit Scotland.

www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/perth/accommodation

Who should Coach and Tour Operators contact with questions around visiting Perth?

For information on Perth City Centre as a coach tour location, please contact VisitScotland iCentre.

VisitScotland iCentre
Perth City Centre
45 High Street
Perth PH1 5TJ

Tel. 01738 450 600

www.visitscotland.com/perthshire

Perth's Top Five Highlights

Discover what we're most proud of....

Culture | Perth has a vibrant cultural scene, with a bustling calendar of events taking place throughout the year including the internationally acclaimed Perth Festival of the Arts in the May. An award-winning Concert Hall and Theatre, year-round Creative Trail, Art Gallery, Museum and so much more. Click through to | Events | Cultural Venues | Perth City Attractions
Food and Drink | Home to Scotland's only two-Michelin Star Restaurant and first ever Farmers' Market, Perth's food and drink scene really does have something for everyone. Awarded Scotland's Food Town in 2018, the city is renowned for its smorgasbord of chefs, restaurants, bars and cafes serving up everything from global cuisine, to home baking and well-mixed cocktails. Click through to | Eating & Drinking | City Centre Restaurants
History | As the ancient capital of Scotland, Perth plays an important role in Scottish history, and is a popular destination amongst those who wish to explore the heritage and stories of our country. It is here that Scottish Kings - and a Queen - were crowned, where Iron Age loch dwellers left their mark, and where the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) were officially formed in 1739. Click through to | Historical Attractions | Perthshire Castles | Gardens & Grounds
Independent Shopping | Perth city centre is the home of independent shopping in Scotland, with a fantastic choice of high quality, family-owned businesses ready to welcome you. From gift shops, jewellers, and clothing, to delis, farm shops, and bakers, the choice on offer is as varied as it is inspiring. Click through to | Meet The Perth Indies | Made in Scotland | Shopping in Perth City & Towns
The Outdoors | From the heart of the city to the top of the mountains, here in Perthshire we like our outdoor adventure on a big scale. Whilst the most remote locations are found in the rural hinterland you will discover plenty of river adventure, walks and trails, and tall tree action here in the city. Click through to | Outdoor Adventure | Big Tree Country | Experience Nature

Places of Interest In Perth City Centre

Perth is a vibrant, small city full of energy and Culture, adventure, shopping, history, dining, bars and more, this is a modern city built upon the foundations of a storied past, and the beauty of the great outdoors.

A place to live life well, the warm welcome of our people will be the first thing that you notice, and this will stay with you whether you take a peaceful walk through the outdoor art trail, explore the annals of history or dance the night away in one of our bustling bars.

Visit our dedicated Perth City Centre web page for a list of attractions; we've also highlighted the key tourism landmarks for you below.

Scone Palace & Gardens | Palace Tours, Winding Paths & Historic Trees.
scone-palace.co.uk
Perth Theatre & Concert Hall | Award-winning venues showcasing worldclass entertainment.
perththeatreandconcerthall.com
Perth Art Gallery | Permanent Displays and Touring Exhibitions
culturepk.org.uk
Black Watch Castle & Museum | 5-star visitor experience and home to The Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment
theblackwatch.co.uk

Branklyn Gardens | Famous Gardens dating back to the 1920s
Branklyn Gardens

St Johns Kirk | Historical church dating back to 1026
st-johns-kirk.co.uk
Perth Museum | Coming in Spring 2024
perthmuseum.co.uk

Willowgate Activity Centre | Outdoor activity provider with purpose-built boating lagoon
willowgateactivitycentre.co.uk

Perth as a Visitor Destination

Perth and its surrounding area boasts around 2million visits each year, with some 8000 local jobs ranging from award-winning chefs to white-water adventure guides, ensuring that tourists enjoy a friendly reception and enjoyable experience.

The city was the inuagural winner of the Scottish Food Town Award in 2018, is the UK's only UNESCO City of Crafts & Folk Art making part of the UNESCO creative city network, and until 1452 was the capital of Scotland.

Steeped in history, but alive with a vibrant, cultural scene and unrivalled independent shopping expereince, this compact city centre is a must-stop destination on any Scottish tour. Drop in for an afternoon, stay a couple of days, or plan a tour of the entire Perthshire area using the city as a week-long base. How ever you choose to visit Perth, we can guarantee you a warm welcome, good time, and happy, satisfied guests.