Whether you're planning a day trip, enjoying a mini break or here for a fortnight, you'll find plenty of things to do in Perth, Perthshire, and Kinross. From castles to cateran trails, white water rafting to wining and dining, we've pulled together ideas ranging from free to Michelin Star!
Check out our Be Inspired blogs for more ideas on days out and short break activities in Perth, Perthshire and Kinross.
Accommodation in Perth & Kinross >
Activities in Perth & Kinross >
Outdoor Adventure in Perth & Kinross >
Visitor Attractions in Perth & Kinross >
Itineraries for Perth & Kinross >
The island-bound Loch Leven Castle in Kinross was once the site where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567-8.
Retrace the journey of the Queen by taking a boat across the loch and exploring the castle, which has welcomed visitors since its original construction in the 14th century.
The island was much smaller in the days before the loch was partially drained in 1836.
When Mary was a prisoner, Lochleven was just the walled castle enclosure and its little garden to the north
The 500-year-old Birnam Oak and its 300-year-old neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are the last two surviving trees of the medieval Birnam Wood.
Sitting just outside Dunkeld, the once vast and expansive wood covered the banks and hillsides of the River Tay.
This majestic tree was celebrated in William Shakespeare’s story Macbeth following the writer’s visit to the area in 1599.
Set in a glorious part of Perthshire, you can enjoy the woodland walk, immerse yourself in ancient nature, (if only tress could talk!) and then stop off in Birnam for refreshments.
Scotland’s oldest working distillery has been handcrafting single malt whisky deep in the Perthshire countryside since 1763.
Just north of Crieff on the banks of the Turret Burn.
The Glenturret Distillery marries timeless methods of whisky-making with a modern visitor centre, The Lalique Boutique, and the Two Michelin-Starred fine-dining Lalique restaurant.
Golf is as important in Scotland as whisky, or air! (It all depends on who you are talking to).
Beautiful Perth, is home to one of the oldest golf courses in the world! ( What a claim to fame!)
The North Inch Golf Course was first recorded to be in use in 1599, and it continues to be a scenic course that welcomes golfers of all abilities today.
The 18-hole course sits on the North Inch park and next to the River Tay and is open for public bookings throughout the summer.
The River Tay’s natural features make it the perfect scene for white water rafting. The thrilling six-mile journey along the Tay from Aberfeldy to Grandtully provides the perfect balance of challenge and ease for beginners.
The climactic final descent at Grandtully is the site for national white water slalom competitions and is sure to get your adrenalin pumping.
Located in Auchterarder, Perthshire’s very own two Michelin-Starred restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s is a refined experience of fine dining and hospitality.
The decadent menu focuses on showing off the flavours of Scotland and features highlights such as the signature home-smoked Scottish lobster and vegetables grown from the restaurant’s Victorian walled ‘Secret Garden’ which supplement the dishes.
The Cateran Ecomuseum in Blairgowrie is a unique and unusual experience – this museum has no walls.
Situated on the Highland Boundary Fault which separates the Highlands from the Lowlands, the ecomuseum shines a light on the area's rich history which spans for millennia.
Sites from the Neolithic and Pictish eras have been identified, as well as contemporary histories of the Scottish Traveller Community and links to important events such as the Jacobite rebellions and tribulations of Highland clans.
Family-run Scottish Lavender Oils in Kinross cultivates lavender and other herbs to be distilled and used for essential oils and perfume.
Scotland’s Lavender Farm and distillery is open for visitors to come in and explore the rows of lavender plants and see the other wildflowers that grow on the farm.
At the lavender farm, sustainability is always at the forefront of their mission.Scotland's most Instagrammed farm! The farm opens in the summer months during full bloom for visits.
Tours run on the hour every day throughout the summer.
The farm perfumery creates perfumes for their brand, St Andrews Perfumery. All the scents are designed in St Andrews and manufactured on the farm.
Explore Scottish Lavender Oils >
Schiehallion, one of Perthshire’s 28 Munros, is one of Scotland’s most popular and achievable climbs, making it a great choice for beginners.
Located 10 miles north-west of Aberfeldy, the 10km hike provides a good challenge for those who venture up its rocky hillside, with the reward for reaching its summit being stunning panoramic views.
Visible from the summit is Tummel and Rannoch, and on a clear day Glen Etive and Glen Coe can be seen in the distance.
Just outside Dunkeld a secret is waiting to be told. The Corbenic Poetry Path winds through the terrain of the old Drumour Shooting Lodge, stretching over hillsides, moorlands, riverbanks and more.
The path showcases some of the best works from poets currently living and writing in Scotland through a series of art pieces that can be discovered scattered throughout the journey.
Beautiful carvings from Martin Reilly, one of Scotland’s best artisan craftsmen, can also be found along the path.
Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Comrie, is a place where farm animals and exotic wildlife alike can be found all in one area.
The park, however, is much more than just a place to see some cute animals!
You can get up close and personal with the freshly hatched chicks, guinea pigs, tortoises and much more in Auchingarrich’s hatchery and petting zoo.
Why not, make some fab memories with the kids and take part in animal experiences and zookeeper days.
The park is also home to a number of play parks and a soft play area to amuse the little zookeepers all day.
There is also a gift shop and a great cafe for when you need a wee sandwich and cake to get your energy levels back up.
Loch Leven houses more than just the castle on the island – it is also a protected RSPB nature reserve, where an abundance of wildlife can be seen in the marshes and treetops.
There are a number of trails surrounding Loch Leven, including the Wetland Trail, Leafy Loop Walk and Loch Leven Heritage Trail.
The Heritage Trail is a 13-mile (21km) route that allows you to view the UK’s largest nesting duck colony as well as migratory geese and swans in autumn and winter and ospreys in summer.
A glorious walk however much of it you do, the whole family will love it!
Independent business is booming in Perth, with longstanding city favourites and new additions to the shopping and eating scene popping up all the time.
We have an excellent selection of independent restaurants and shops just waiting to be discovered.
It really just depends on your mood! From fabulous little gift shops to carefully curated boutiques and homewares, speciality food and drink, to galleries full of talented artisans, the choice on offer is as varied as it is inspiring.
Pop into 63 Tay Street, The Old Ship Inn, and The Jade Garden for food and drinks, and then visit Provender Brown, Frames Gallery, and Quince & Cook for a spot of retail therapy.(lots of other Independent choices available!)
Check out our Street Guide below
Deuchny Woods bike park is ideal for sessioning with a range of jumps, and some great little drops.
The rest of the forest has some great tracks to explore for cross-country rides and links to the wider countryside, including Kinnoull Hill, which has a network of wide tracks that are good for family cycling.
Although you do need to be relatively fit as there are some long hills to climb.
The ideas above are just a small taster of what's on offer. You'll find so much more to do in Perth city, and in the towns and villages around the area.
Local bus services will take you far and wide, or jump on the train north to explore Highland Perthshire by rail.
You will also find plenty of electric car charging points. Dedicated parking for motorhomes can be found at Broxden Park & Ride, where waste facilities are also provided.