Summer Day Out Inspiration

29 April 2026

Large Scottish palace and its grounds with blue skies, green lawns and trees
Looking for inspiration for a great day out in Scotland? Perth City and Towns has it covered. With all attractions open and events underway, spring / summer 26 is well and truly in full swing, making it the perfect moment to get out and explore our beautiful area. Whether you’re planning a family day trip, a cultural fix or an outdoor escape, you’ll quickly discover one day isn’t quite enough!

Things to do with kids

Keeping everyone entertained over weekends and school holidays doesn’t need to be a challenge.

Start in Perth City, where Perth Museum offers a fresh, interactive way to dive into Scotland’s story. With both the Stone of Destiny and Vennels: Perth’s Little Streets both currently on display, there’s plenty to hold the attention of youngsters and adults alike. A short walk through the North Inch and you will find The Black Watch Castle and Museum, bringing history to life through powerful storytelling and immersive displays.

For something more hands-on, take the scenic drive north to the stunning surroundings of Loch Tay and The Crannog Centre, where families can experience what life was like on the water thousands of years ago.  They’ve plenty to see and do over the Easter break, making learning fun and immersive.

Or head south of the city, for a day at Loch Leven Castle, combining a boat trip with a walk through one of Scotland’s most iconic historic sites.

Add in seasonal trails, outdoor activities and special events running across the region, and you’ve got more than enough to fill a full day or long weekend.

Plan a great days out

You might start the morning with coffee and a wander through Perth’s compact city centre, take in a gallery or museum, then head out into the countryside by lunchtime. Within minutes, the scenery shifts from urban streets to open landscapes, riverside paths and woodland walks.

Perth Art Gallery’s recently opened Scottish Colourists Exhibition is just one of the reasons to spend an afternoon wandering through this city centre attraction which is famed for its varied collection.

A visit to Scone Palace is a must, offering a mix of history, heritage and beautifully kept grounds that come into their own in spring. For something more active, the Cateran Ecomuseum and Trail provides routes that connect communities, landscapes and stories, ideal for walkers looking to explore beyond the obvious.

For a real taste of Scotland, book into the country’s oldest distillery, The Glenturret, where traditional craft meets a modern visitor experience. Or if you prefer something a little faster paced, you can go all out for thrills at one if Perth Racecourse’s award-winning summer jump racedays.

Evenings to Remember

When evening rolls round, both Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall come alive with big names and diverse performances.  Located in the heart of the city, these award-winning venues offer everything from touring productions to live music and comedy.

Head north and the cultural offering continues. Pitlochry Festival Theatre pairs high-quality productions with a stunning Highland backdrop and Birnam Arts Centre delivers an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, film and live performance in a more intimate setting.

Alongside these favourite venues, a full programme of events and festivals is revving up for summer; check out the full calendar on the Events and Festivals page here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Stone of Destiny, or Stone of Scone, is an ancient stone used for centuries in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs at Scone Palace. It is a powerful symbol of Scottish nationhood and sovereignty, known for its deep historical roots and myths surrounding its origins. Geological studies have identified it as a "lower Old Red Sandstone," which was quarried in the Perth area of Scotland, contrary to legends of it originating in the Holy Land. 

From at least the 9th century to the 13th century, it was used as a crowning seat at Scone Palace in Scotland. In 1296, King Edward I of England seized the stone during the Wars of Independence, taking it to Westminster Abbey, where it was placed under the Coronation Chair. 

In 1950, four Scottish students took the stone back in a famous heist, but it was later returned to Westminster. The stone was officially returned to Scotland in 1996 and was kept at Edinburgh Castle until its move to Perth Museum in 2025.

The Stone of Destiny is free of charge to all visitors. 

Yes. There are regular Stagecoach bus routes to all surrounding towns in Perth and Kinross, as well as a north-bound Scotrail train that travels to Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Blair Atholl.

Scenic highlights include the River Tay, Dunkeld and Birnam, Loch Tay, and Highland Perthshire landscapes. These areas offer waterfalls, woodland walks, loch views, and picturesque towns within short driving distances. 

Yes, indoor attractions such as Perth Museum, Perth Art Gallery, and local cafés provide excellent rainy-day alternatives. Many castles and historic houses also offer indoor exhibitions and tours.

Yes, many attractions in Perthshire are close together, allowing visitors to combine castles, gardens, towns, and viewpoints in a single day. For example, visitors often pair a town visit with a nearby walk or heritage site.

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