Perth
Your holiday home gives you access, within twenty-five minutes, to the beautiful city of Perth, first settled by the Romans, but properly established by King David in 1125.
It will be a memorable experience, whether you want to visit the vast range of quirky shops, sample the wonderful local produce in the cafes, restaurants and traditional bars; stroll along the riverside walks, or experience the cultural heritage in the museums, galleries, theatre or concert hall. Perth has one of Scotland’s finest leisure pools, a seven-screen cinema, and a bowling and skating facility. This is a city with splendid parks, a monthly farmer’s markets, and, at its heart, a huge reputation for welcoming visitors.
SHOPPING
For lovers of shopping a visit to Perth, only twenty minutes from your holiday property, is an experience not to be missed. From the café quarter in St John’s Place you can decide whether to visit the St Johns Centre, with its range of quality, high street stores.You can wander through Perth’s streets, and try out the individual designers at the 28 independent fashion shops. There are antique shops, art and craft shops, and jewellers. Perth is a city that preserves local traditions, excellence and provides a unique shopping experience. www.perthcity.co.uk list all shops and their locations.
EATING OUT
Eating out in Perth is an exceptional culinary experience. Perth is the first town in Scotland to join Cittaslow (an international network of over 100 European towns where good food, local produce and traditional production methods ensure the highest quality).Whether you want to sample beef from local highland cattle, or salmon and trout from the River Tay, Perth’s restaurants offer a huge range of possibilities.
The Bothy Restaurant and Bar, 33 Kinnoull Street, Perth. Tel 01738 449792, www.g1group.co.uk serves traditional Scottish cuisine.
South Bistro, 47 South St, Perth, Tel: 01738 633334, www.southbistro.co.uk
A full list of restaurants (including Italian, French, Mexican and Thai) , traditional pubs, and nightclubs is found at www.perthcity.co.uk
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Perth has a long history as seen in its architecture, layout and medieval buildings. The cultural experience is reflected in its museums, galleries, medieval buildings, theatre, and magnificent 2005 concert hall. Scone Palace, the Crowning Place of King is only two miles north and not to be missed.
You can explore the history by visiting Perth Museum and Art Gallery, one of Britain’s oldest museums, which houses a collection of art, archaeology, photography, human and natural history. 78 George Street, Perth, PH1 5LB, Tel 01738 632488, www.pkc.gov.uk/ah
The Black Watch Museum, Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth Tel 0131 310 8530 has displays on the military history of Highland regiments www.theblackwatch.co.uk
St John’s Kirk, St John’s Street, Perth is a fine 15th century church housing a collection of 16th – 18th century silver, with splendid stained glass window and tapestries www.st-johns-kirk.co.uk
The Fergusson Gallery, Marshall Place, Perth is a stylish circular building devoted to J.D. Fergusson the Scottish colourist artist. It has changing exhibitons. Tel 01738 441944 and www.pkc.gov.uk/ah
Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish Kings, is two miles north of Perth. Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were crowned here. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield. The palace has fine furnishings, paintings and object d’art. There is a café, food and gift shop, adventure playground and magnificent gardens.
Tel 01738 552 300, www.scone-palace.co.uk or e-mail: visits@scone-palace.co.uk
Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Horsecross, and Perth Theatre, High St, both present all-year round entertainment: comedy, international music of all types, and a varied theatrical program. www.horsecross.co.uk Tel: 0845 612 6325
The Playhouse Cinema, Murray Street, Perth is 7 screen, city centre multiplex cinema. For the programmes see www.caledoniancinemas.co.uk or Tel 01738 623126
SPORT AND LEISURE
Perth Leisure Pool is one of the best in Scotland with its Flumes, Wild Water, Whirl Pools, Outdoor Lagoon, 25 metre pool and teaching pool. There’s a monkey jungle interactive pool for under 8’s, a gym, health oasis and café. Opening times: 10am-8.30pm daily. Tel 01738 635454 www.liveactive.co.uk
Active Kid Adventure Park, Burnside Farm, Stanley, by Perth gives a great day out for all the family: go-kart tracks, trampolines, sand pits, play forts, or you can stroll around the farm or visit the coffee shop. Tel 01738 827286, www.activekidtoys.co.uk
Perth Racecourse (1908-2008) is set in the picturesque grounds of Scone Palace, and has a season from April to September. Rated 6th Best Racecourse in the British Isles, you can takes tours of the course, meet the jockeys and listen to the live band. For admissions and bookings on-line at www.perth-races.co.uk
