Things to do in Perthshire

Scone Palace itself is the crowning place of 42 Scottish kings and the original home of the Stone of Destiny. Visitors can enjoy exploring the palace and its extensive grounds including the Murray Star Maze and magnificent Pinetum, which holds some of the tallest trees in Britain.

In Perth itself, the Black Watch Castle and Museum at Balhousie Castle tells the story of Scotland's oldest Highland regiment inside a castle dating back to the 12th century. Huntingtower Castle and Elcho Castle both sit just south of the city, the latter one of Scotland's best-preserved 16th-century tower houses.

Further afield, Blair Castle near Pitlochry is home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's last remaining private army, while Glamis Castle — childhood home of the late Queen Mother — is within easy reach for anyone extending their trip north.

For something older still, the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay near Kenmore reconstructs a genuine Iron Age loch dwelling, based on excavations of a 2,500-year-old crannog nearby. As a hands-on expereince this is a great one for kids.

Perth city centre is fortunate to have a wealth of independent shops, including jewellers, gift shops, delis and boutiques, promising a great days shopping for those who seek something a little different. 

As Scotland’s first UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, Perth is recognised as part of a global network of places where creativity shapes culture, communities and visitor experiences. For those exploring the city and surrounding towns, that means opportunities to discover unique handmade pieces, meet talented makers, take part in workshops and experience events that celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms.

Beyond the city, the smaller towns are just as rewarding: Pitlochry, Blairgowrie, Dunkeld and Aberfeldy are all worth a visit, each one offering its own unique range of independents. 

Drummond Castle Gardens near Crieff are widely regarded as the finest formal terraced gardens in Scotland; instantly recognisable from Outlander and Rob Roy, and more recently as the setting for Dior's Cruise 2025 runway show, the label's first Scottish catwalk in almost 70 years. Interesting fact, Dior hosted its pre-show garden party on our lawn at Scone Palace, echoing an earlier Dior fashion show staged here back in 1960.

In Perth itself, Branklyn Garden packs a remarkable collection of rare alpines and Himalayan blue poppies into two acres on the side of Kinnoull Hill. In Pitlochry, the Explorers Garden pays tribute to Scotland's plant hunters, with rhododendrons and meconopsis arranged by the continents they were discovered in. 

Perthshire is known as Scotland's outdoor playground, and it earns the title.

Killiecrankie Zip Park, near Pitlochry, sends you flying across the River Garry on eleven zip lines. Dare you try it?  For something wetter and easily as wild, Nae Limits near Pitlochry runs canyoning trips down the Falls of Bruar, with jumps, slides and abseils through the gorge.

If you prefer dry land, Highland Offroad in Dunkeld runs quad treks across 280 acres of highland estate, while County Clays at Dunkeld House Hotel is the largest sporting clay pigeon range in Scotland, with over 120 target presentations.

Closer to Scone, Willowgate Activity Centre on the River Tay offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and guided river tours right into Perth city centre; our advice is to keep an eye out for otters, herons and even beavers along the way. 

Prefer to keep it simple? Lace up your boots and get out for a walk. 

Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, on Perth's eastern edge, is the pick of the walks. A circular route of around 4.7km takes you up to 222 metres, with views over the River Tay, the Ochils and, on a clear day, as far as the Grampians. It's dog-friendly, well-signposted, and just minutes from the city centre — an easy way to stretch your legs between days at Scone.

For a slightly easier stroll, The River Tay Public Art Trail runs along both banks of the Tay, taking in 22 sculptures and installations inspired by the river, its wildlife and the city's history and poets, including a piece drawing on William Soutar's poem "The River." 

For something more atmospheric, head for St Fillans, where a short walk along the south shore of Loch Earn leads to the Mirror Man, a striking mirrored sculpture standing in the water, and one of Perthshire's most photographed spots.

If you want to make a real week of it, then book in and enjoy it all. The Palace calendar doesn't stop when the Trials pack up.

Perth Racecourse's Auto Services Perth Ltd Raceday on Monday 7 September, will let you squeeze in another equestrian event before you go, and if you're travelling with the dog, Paws at the Palace returns to Scone Palace on Sunday 6 September, with breed parades, agility demonstrations and stalls for both dogs and owners.

And if that isn't quite enough to tempt you, you can find a full list of what's on across Perth and Perthshire during your stay over on Perth City and Towns.