10 Must-visit hidden gems in Perth

Once a capital of Scotland, Perth was a picturesque playground for kings and queens. Today, it’s the proud home of the new Perth Museum where the legendary Stone of Destiny is displayed. But it’s not the only treasure found here. We asked social media where they would take first-time visitors to Perth and surrounding areas of Perthshire. Here’s what they suggested.

 

  1. Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery Aberfeldy

    Image of Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery

    Fancy a dram or two? Explore Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, on the outskirts of picturesque Aberfeldy, to taste whisky samples, learn about the creation process of the spirits, and relax in the atmospheric Whisky Lounge and café. Don't forget to uncover the distillery's past and historic stories in the Heritage Museum too, which hosts a fascinating interactive exhibition.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  2. Meikleour Beech Hedge Meikleour

    Meikleour Beech hedge copyright Forestry Commission

    Come and see the longest hedge in Britain! This hidden gem in Perth was planted in 1745 and stands at a whopping 100ft (30m) high and 530m long, and is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest hedge in the world. The Meikleour Beech Hedge is thought to have been planted by men who were then called to fight in the Jacobite Rebellion, only to never return.

  3. Fortingall Yew Tree Fortingall

    Fortingall Yew

    If you're looking for a unique place to visit in Perth, uncover the Fortingall Yew, a heritage tree of international importance located within the Fortingall Churchyard in Aberfeldy. Thought to be one of the oldest living things in Europe at approximately somewhere between 3,000 and 9,000 years old with connections to early Christianity, the tree stood at its highest at 52ft tall in 1769 and is now surrounded by relics and offshoots of the original tree.

  4. Kinnoull Hill Perth

    Kinnoull Hill and Tower

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    The highest of the five hills in the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park - Scotland's first official woodland park, Kinnoull Hill is rated highly by locals as a hiking hotspot - for very good reason. Depending on your mood, a gentle or rigorous wander up this meandering hill rewards with sensational views across the River Tay.

  5. Greyfriars Burial Ground Perth

    Greyfriars Burial Grounds

    © @eddier1966

    Nestled quietly in the centre of the city, this fascinating graveyard is adorned with some of the oldest monuments and headstones to be found anywhere in Scotland, such as the 'Weeping Woman' and the 'Adam and Eve' stones.

  6. Innerpeffray Library Crieff

    A historic atlas showing Scotland sits open on a table with a hand holding a magnifying glass hovering over the Isle of Skye.

    Visit Scotland's oldest free, public lending library which dates back to 1680! You can even still read the rare books in its collection, with guided tours available. Situated in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, the surrounding area has a rich history and heritage to explore from Roman roads and fort to the medieval chapel of St Mary's.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
  7. River Tay Perth

    Kayaking on the River Tay

    © Perth and Kinross council / Fred Murray

    There is nothing fishy about hooking a catch in the River Tay, Scotland's longest river, which is widely regarded as one of the best spots for Atlantic salmon in Scotland. So, if you're angling for a day on the water, cast a line on the banks of this peaceful river which flows gently through Perth.

  8. Branklyn Garden Perth

    Branklyn Garden

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    For generations, Branklyn Garden has welcomed an explosion of colour from its exceptional setting on the side of Kinnoull Hill, which is only a short walk from the city and features many exotic plants from China, Tibet and Bhutan.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  9. River Tay Public Art Trail Perth

    River Tay Public Art Trail

    © @hannahballantyne

    Admire a collection of stunning public artworks along the River Tay Public Art Trail. Follow the artistic, natural and historical journey of the city and its river with thought-provoking sculptures placed in amongst glorious gardens and brightly-coloured riverside flowerbeds. At a moderate pace, the whole trail should take just over an hour to complete and ends in the city centre, where there are many cafés and restaurants in which to enjoy a well-earned refreshment.

  10. Salutation Hotel South Street

    The Salutation Hotel, Perth

    © @szkocki.pl

    Stay in a hotel that has welcomed guests since 1699. The 'Sally', as it is known locally, is thought to be one of the oldest hotels in Scotland and it was once the private house of the Murray family. It has even played host to Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Don't Forget...

There are plenty of other fantastic things to see and do in Perth and the surrounding area. Check out our website for more tips on activitiesattractions, coffee shops and much more!

Other things you might like

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter