3 Day Perthshire Cultural Itinerary
Day 1
Morning | Perth Art Gallery
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Located in Perth city centre and containing one of UK’s oldest collections, Perth Art Gallery is a wonderful display of creativity and innovation. Featuring pieces from influential modern Scottish artists such as Joan Eardley, Sir William MacTaggart, Calum Colvin and Alison Watt, the gallery showcases a variety of themes through focuses displays, such as the Modern Scot which focuses on the impact of Scots on art in the 20th and 21st centuries, and A New Perspective in the Sculpture Court which displays artwork from 16th and 17th century Europe.
Walk through the many halls of the iconic building, which now also houses the JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris collection.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday – Wednesday: closed
- Thursday: 10am -7pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10am - 5pm
- Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Perth Art Gallery Website >
Afternoon | Perth Theatre Cafe
Sitting next door to the art gallery is Perth Concert Hall and Theatre, two modern buildings deeply entwined with Perth’s culture. Inside the theatre you’ll find Perth Theatre Café, the perfect place to sit down and have lunch after viewing the art in the gallery. The café is situated on the conservatory on the upper levels of the theatre, where the buildings rich history is still celebrated among the modern décor and atmosphere.
The cafe offers a selection of lunch options, as well as hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages for those who fancy a pre-show drink.
Café opening hours:
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 10am - 7pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 10am - 6pm
- Sunday – Monday: closed
Perth Theatre Cafe Website >
Evening | Show at Perth Theatre
To finish the day, soak up some of Perth’s fine entertainment at the Concert Hall or Theatre. There are several shows that run throughout the year, from theatre productions to music performances and special talks, you definitely won’t be stuck for choice for tonight!
Perth city centre also has a wide selection of exquisite restaurants suited to all palettes, so don’t forget to find somewhere nice to sit down and have dinner either before or after the show.
Perth Theatre And Concert Hall Website >
Day 2
Morning | Independent Galleries Perth
Perth’s independent creatives give the city a flair for the arts and display a selection of artists from across the country, specialising in all things from fine art to jewellery. The independent spots can be found littered across the city, all easily accessible to each other.
Start your artistic journey with Boo Vake on Watergate, a colourful shop for contemporary products from Scottish artists and designers. Following up on to George Steet, you’ll find: bespoke handmade jewellery from Silver Linings Jewellery Design Studio; vintage trinkets in Whispers Of The Past; and the West End Gallery, home to an array of artwork, ranging from originals, signed limited editions and prints. City Contemporary Art on Charlotte Street displays the best of contemporary British fine art from some of the UK’s most influential artists.
Afternoon | River Art Public Art Trail
If you’re in the mood for an evening walk, head over the Queens Bridge on Tay Street to Norie Miller and Rodney Gardens. Here, you’ll find the River Tay Public Art Trail which features several sculptures by Scottish artists. The gardens provide a gorgeous backdrop to these impressive sculptures, some of which reference famous Perth landmarks.
Evening | Birnam Art Centre
Jump on the train and head up to Dunkeld for a visit to Birnam Arts, a local institute that works to promote arts and culture in the community. A wide variety of performances run at Birnam Arts throughout the year, ranging from comedy, film, music, theatre and dance, as well as galleries that showcase the best of Scottish artists. Exhibitions in the galleries change monthly, with each highlighting different unique art styles from artists at varying stages of their career. The Beatrix Potter exhibition is a permanent feature that shines a light on the works of the author, who spent much of her childhood holidays in Perthshire. Explore the gardens outside which are inspired by Beatrix Potter's famous story of Peter Rabbit, and come back inside in time to sit back and enjoy one of the amazing shows put on by the best Scottish performers.
- Trains from Perth to Dunkeld run frequently throughout the day, however make sure to check the timetable ahead of time
Birnam Arts Website >
Day 3: Public Transport Option
Morning | Independent Galleries Pitlochry
Take the easy route up to Pitlochry with the train; it runs frequently throughout the day and takes just 30 minutes from Perth train station. Pitlochry’s train station will leave you within walking distance of all the sites to see in the town, as well as all its own independent shops and galleries. Keep an eye out for places like Martin Ridley’s gallery, which displays the award-winning artist’s many sketches and paintings of Scottish wildlife, available to view and buy. One of Pitlochry’s most unique displays of artistry is the Melt Gallery, which showcases a collection of handmade silver jewellery and ceramics representing the three artist’s love for the Scottish Highlands. Heathergems is another must see spot for handmade jewellery. The gems are handmade in Pitlochry from heather stems, and this is the only place these gems are made anywhere in the world.
Afternoon | Explorers Garden
Sit down in one of Pitlochry’s fine restaurants or cafes for a bite to eat for lunch – there are plenty of places to choose from throughout the town, so use the town’s website to help you choose the best one for you. After lunch head down to Pitlochry Festival Theatre, where you’ll find much more than just a stage. The theatre and outdoor venues are set in 11 acres of land, which encompass stunning gardens, mountain views and the tranquil River Tummel at its foot. Take a while to visit the Explorers Garden, which celebrates the contribution of Scottish plant hunters to modern gardens. The garden is home to an exquisite group of plants and flowers including rare varieties of meconopsis as well as the Pagoda, the Pavilion and the Amphitheatre, all of which are functioning stage settings where performances can be experienced surrounded by nature.
- Explorers Garden open 1 May – 31 October, Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
- Entry £5 (under 12s free)
Explore Places To Eat In Pitlochry >
Explorers Garden Website >
Evening | Show at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Be sure to stay in the area and catch a show at one of the theatres many stages and performance areas. A variety of shows run throughout the year including musical theatre performances, live music, dance, comedy and many more. The historic 70 year old theatre has a long legacy of producing high class performances and a brilliant atmosphere that theatre lovers and haters alike can enjoy.
You don’t need to travel far to find a pre-show meal and drink, Pitlochry Festival Theatre has it all! The summer show menu offers a range of two course meals that are thoughtfully crafted to enhance your theatre experience, and offer menus suitable for multiple dietary requirements. There is also some fantastic gin pours, a curated wine list, cocktails, and soft drinks for a pre-show treat with your meal. Book ahead to ensure your night is guaranteed.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Website >
Day 3: Self-Drive Car Option
Morning | Drummond Castle Gardens
Take the 40 minute (23 mile) drive from Perth out to Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff. The historic gardens date back to the 17th century, and still hold some of the characteristics of a stately Scottish Renaissance garden. It is a composite garden, restructured in early Victorian times and renewed again in the 20th century when the original 19th century design was preserved. These stunning gardens are among Scotland’s best, and have been featured in numerous films and TV programmes, including the Starz Outlander series. The gardens also recently hosted an event by Dior in June 2023, with the sprawling Victorian gardens providing a backdrop for the fashion show.
- Open daily 10 June – 31 October 2024, 11am - 5pm
- Entry from £4 - £10 for standard tickets and £25 for family tickets
Drummond Castle Gardens Website >
Afternoon | Caithness Glass, Crieff Visitor Centre
On the drive back into Crieff stop off at Crieff Visitor Centre, just under 10 minutes up the road from Drummond Castle Gardens. Here you’ll find Caithness Glass, where you can watch skilled craftsmen handmake the beautiful pieces up close in a studio environment. The factory has a viewing window where you can stand back and watch the magic happen as each piece is brought to life. Once you’ve seen how they’re made, wonder round the shop where you can pick up a beautiful Caithness product, or something from Dartington Crystal, John Beswick and Royal Brierley ranges.
Inside Crieff Visitor Centre you’ll find Drover’s Restaurant, the perfect place to stop off for some lunch. Come in and enjoy a something nice from their extensive menu where you can find something good for any appetite.
- Caithness Glass Factory open Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm
- Caithness Glass gift shop open daily 9am – 5pm
- Dover’s Restaurant open daily 9am – 5pm. Hot food served until 4pm, cakes and coffee served until 4:30pm
Crieff Visitors Centre Website >
Evening | Strathearn Arts
The rest of Crieff is just a 5 minute drive from the visitor centre, and here you’ll find Strathearn Arts. This multi-artform venue offers a diverse programme of live events that run throughout the year, ranging from music, theatre, comedy, dance, literature and much more. The perfect way to unwind after a busy day, Strathearn Arts is a unique and quirky stop, where you’ll also find a shop showcasing works from Scottish artists, authors and poets.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm