Things to do in Perthshire & Kinross
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Kerachers
This classic seafood restaurant keeps things simple, combining fresh seafood with ingredients that add hints of flavour to complement but not overpower the dishes − a recipe for success!
reviewed
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Scone Palace
'So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of this place (pronounced 'skoon'), 2 miles north of Perth. The palace itself was built in 1580 on a site intrinsic to Scottish history. Here in 838, Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of a united Scotland and brought the Stone of Destiny, on which Scottish kings were ceremonially invested, to Moot Hill. In 1296 Edward I of England carted the talisman off to Westminster Abbey, where it remained for 700 years before being returned to Scotland.
These days, however, Scone doesn't really conjure up ye olden days of bearded warrior-kings swe…
reviewed
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Castle Menzies
About 1½ miles west of town by the B846, Castle Menzies is the impressive restored 16th-century seat of the chief of the clan Menzies (ming-iss). The Z-plan tower house is magnificently located against a backdrop of Scottish forest. And inside it doesn’t disappoint: the place smells just like a castle should – musty and lived in. It reeks of authenticity despite extensive restoration work and is a highly recommended ramble. Check out the fireplace in the dungeon-like kitchens and the gaudy great hall upstairs, with windows unfurling a ribbon of lush, green countryside extending into wooded hills beyond the estate. You’ll get in for free if you share a surname with the ca…
reviewed
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Moulin Hotel
A mile away but a world apart, this atmospheric hotel was trading centuries before the tartan tack came to Pitlochry. With its romantic low ceilings, ageing wood and booth seating, the inn is a wonderfully atmospheric spot for a house-brewed ale or a portion of Highland comfort food: try the filling haggis or venison stew. A more formal restaurant (mains £13 to £16) serves equally delicious fare, and the hotel has a variety of rooms (single/double £60/75) as well as a self-catering annexe. The best way to get here from Pitlochry is walking: it’s a pretty uphill stroll through green fields, and an easy roll down the slope afterwards.
reviewed
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Black Watch Museum
Housed in a mansion on the edge of North Inch, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost regiment. Formed in 1725 to combat rural banditry, the Black Watch fought in numerous campaigns, re-created here with paintings, memorabilia and anecdotes. Little attempt at perspective is evident: there’s justifiable pride in the regiment’s role in the gruelling trench warfare of WWI, where it suffered nearly 30,000 casualties, but no sheepishness about less glorious colonial engagements, such as against the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzies’ of Sudan. In 2006 the Black Watch was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland
reviewed
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Taymouth Restaurant
Kenmore Hotel, touched with a quiet sense of dignity, claims to be Scotland’s oldest inn and dates from 1572. Its quaint, spacious rooms are generously furnished and full of character. On the chimneypiece in the bar look out for the romantic description of the countryside written by Robert Burns in 1787. After a few drinks in the bar, watch out for the low doorways on your way upstairs. The Taymouth Restaurant overlooks Loch Tay and the mouthwatering menu uses Scottish produce in simple but tasty combinations; the service is first class.
reviewed
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Highland Adventure Safari
Highland Adventure Safari is ideal for those wanting to spot some wildlife or simply enjoy Perthshire’s magnificent countryside. Standard trips include the 2½-hour Adventure Safari for £35/13.50 per adult/child, which includes a dram in the wilderness, and the Safari Hike for £60, which includes a walk in the mountains and a picnic. Wildlife you may spot includes golden eagles, osprey and red deer. There’s also gold-panning for kids at the visitor centre. It’s on the B846, just past Castle Menzies.
reviewed
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Orchill Loch Trout Fishery
If you want to throw a line in and have a good chance of being rewarded for your efforts, drop by Orchill Loch Trout Fishery. The main loch (fly fishing) is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and there’s bait fishing too in a separate pond, particularly good for the kids. A four-hour ticket allows three fish and costs £13.50; a full day allows five fish and is only £22. Orchill is on the backroad between Gleneagles and Braco; access is off the A822 or A823.
reviewed
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Breizh
This warmly decorated bistro – the place could define the word – is a treat. Dishes are served with real panache, and the salads, featuring all sorts of delicious ingredients, are a feast of colour, texture and subtle flavours. The blackboard meat and fish specials offer great value and a real taste of northwest France: breakfasts, galettes (Breton buckwheat crêpes), tasty wines... If you like quality food served in an unpretentious way, you'll love it here.
reviewed
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JD Fergusson Gallery
Beautifully set in the round waterworks building, this gallery exhibits much of the work of the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display. Fergusson spent time in Paris, and the influence of artists like Matisse on his work is evident; his voluptuous female portraits against a tropical-looking Riviera background are memorable, as is the story of his lifelong relationship with noted Scottish dancer Margaret Morris.
reviewed
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Glenshee Ski Resort
This resort has 38 pistes and is one of Scotland’s largest skiing areas. After a good fall of snow and when the sun burns through the clouds, you will be in a unique position to drink in the beauty of this country; the skiing isn’t half bad either. The chairlift can whisk you up to 910m, near the top of the Cairnwell (933m). Whenever there’s enough snow in winter it opens daily. Prices are cheaper for beginners.
reviewed
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Loch Leven Castle
Evocative Loch Leven Castle served as a fortress and prison from the late 14th century. Its most famous captive was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was incarcerated here in 1567. Her famous charms bewitched Willie Douglas, who managed to get hold of the cell keys to release her, then rowed her across to the shore. The castle is now roofless but basically intact and makes an atmospheric visit.
reviewed
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St John's Kirk
Daunting St John's Kirk, founded in 1126, is surrounded by cobbled streets and is still the centrepiece of the town. In 1559 John Knox preached a powerful sermon here that helped begin the Reformation, inciting a frenzied destruction of Scone abbey and other religious sites. Perth used to be known as St John's Town after this church; the football team here is still called St Johnstone.
reviewed
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Deans@Let’s Eat
Noted for its excellent service, this award-winning bistro is the best place in town for splashing out on a special meal. Outstanding cuisine comes in the form of creative dishes on a short menu listed by main ingredient: halibut, lamb and beef reliably feature, but the manner of their cooking will change. Enjoy an aperitif on the comfy couches before indulging your palate.
reviewed
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Scottish Crannog Centre
Just outside town on the loch is the fascinating Scottish Crannog Centre. A crannog, perched on stilts in the water, was a favoured form of defence-minded dwelling in Scotland from the 3rd millennium BC onwards. This one has been superbly reconstructed, and the guided tour includes an impressive demonstration of firemaking. It’s an excellent attraction.
reviewed
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Port-na-Craig Inn
Right on the river, this top little spot sits in what was once a separate hamlet. Delicious main meals are prepared with confidence and panache – scrumptious scallops or lamb steak bursting with flavour might appeal, but simpler sandwiches, kids’ meals and light lunches also tempt. Or you could just sit out by the river with a pint and watch the anglers whisking away.
reviewed
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Killiecrankie Visitors Centre
Drop into the Killiecrankie Visitors Centre in this beautiful, rugged gorge, 3.5 miles north of Pitlochry. It has great interactive displays on the Jacobite rebellion, and local flora and fauna. There’s plenty to touch, pull and open – great for kids. There are some stunning walks into the wooded gorge; keep an eye out for red squirrels.
reviewed
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Heathergems
Just behind the tourist office is Heathergems, the factory outlet of a most unusual and beautiful form of Scottish jewellery. The jewellery is made from natural heather stems, which are dyed and pressed to create colourful, original pieces. You can actually view the jewellery being made through windows into the workshop. Definitely worth a browse.
reviewed
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Queen’s View Visitor Centre
Queen’s View Visitor Centre, at the eastern end of Loch Tummel, has a magnificent outlook towards Schiehallion (1083m). There are displays and audiovisual programmes about the area. The centre highlights the brilliant forward thinking of the replanting of Tay Forest 300 years ago. The results are all around.
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Perth Museum
The city's main museum is worth wandering through for the elegant neoclassical interior alone. There's a varied shower of exhibits, ranging from portraits of dour lairds to interesting local social history. A geological room provides more entertainment for the young, while there are often excellent temporary exhibitions.
reviewed
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Paco’s
Something of an institution, Paco’s keeps Perthers coming back over and over, perhaps because it would take dozens of visits to even try half of the menu. There’s something for everyone: steaks, seafood, pizza, pasta and Mexican, all served in generous portions. The fountain-tinkled terrace is the place for a sunny day.
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Bistro No 1
The new kid on the block serves up a good selection of dishes with a couple of veggie options for dinner. Inside is a comfortable set up with modern booth seating ideal for couples or families. Tuck into whole plaice stuffed with a salmon mousse, with lemon and dill oil. Gourmet sandwiches furnish the menu for lunch.
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Festival Restaurant
Admire views from floor-to-ceiling windows and watercolour paintings of Highland scenes in this elegant restaurant at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Dishes such as the grilled corn-fed chicken breast on a potato cake with baby beetroot and snowpeas, followed by Scottish cheeses and oatcakes, go down a treat.
reviewed
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63 Tay Street
Classy and warmly welcoming, this understated restaurant is Perth’s best, featuring a lightly decorated dining area, excellent service and quality food. In a culinary Auld Alliance, French influence is applied to the best of Scottish produce to produce memorable game, seafood, beef and vegetarian plates.
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Bothy
The Bothy is a comfy leather couch and wooden wine rack affair with a certain intimacy – it attracts couples and older diners. For lunch, sandwiches like baked mozzarella and grilled aubergine with olive and natural yogurt feature. Tuck into braised beef olives with white pudding for dinner.
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