Perth & Kinross: The Best Things to Do

Perth & Kinross

Perth and Kinross is bordered by the Highland council area to the north, Angus to the east, Dundee to the southeast, Fife to the south, Clackmannanshire and Stirling to the southwest, and Argyll and Bute to the west.

This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader reaches of Scotland but it’s worth visiting on its own merits as it features a blend of lowland pastures, hilly terrain, and high mountains.

The River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, winds its way through the area and the region is also home to Loch Leven, the largest freshwater loch in the Scottish Lowlands. The Lomond Hills, meanwhile, offer magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Perth, the administrative centre of the region, is a city steeped in history and offers a range of attractions such as Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park and the Black Watch Castle and Museum. Its bustling city centre, brimming with shops, restaurants, and galleries, has a relaxed atmosphere and makes a great base to explore the region’s famous ‘big tree country’.

Kinross is another significant town in the region and it’s a haven for nature lovers thanks to the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve which is a major attraction for locals and tourists alike.

This RSPB-managed loch is surrounded by a plethora of wildlife and is a popular spot for birdwatching, while Historic Environment Scotland allows visitors to explore an island in the loch which is home to Lochleven Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned.

Among the quaint villages of Perth & Kinross, the Victorian charm of Pitlochry stands out as it boasts two unique attractions – the Pitlochry Dam salmon ladder and the enchanting Blair Castle.

Aberfeldy, meanwhile, with its Dewar’s whisky distillery and the Birks of Aberfeldy nature trail, is another village that attracts visitors from far and wide.

In addition, history buffs can explore the region’s rich past at sites like Stanley Mills, a preserved 18th-century mill, and Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings, while for outdoor enthusiasts there are a range of activities from canoeing and hiking to mountain biking.

Find places to visit and things to do in Perth & Kinross with these visitor guides.

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Craig Neil

Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions. Over the last 15 years he has explored Scotland from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders, and he shares his travel experiences in Out About Scotland.