Scotland on Screen Film Guide Launches with Scottish Acting Legend James Cosmo

Explore Scotland from Perth

Few places are better placed for exploring Scotland than Perth and Kinross. Sitting at the heart of the country, with excellent road, rail and coach connections, it’s the perfect base for discovering everything Scotland has to offer.

From Perth, you can reach Scotland’s major cities, world-famous attractions and spectacular landscapes with ease. Explore Edinburgh’s historic streets, discover Glasgow’s vibrant food scene, visit Dundee’s award-winning V&A or head north into the Highlands – all without changing your accommodation.

Stay in Perth and Kinross and you’ll spend less time travelling and more time experiencing Scotland.

Mharsanta Glasgow

Glasgow's Restaurants, Markets and Street Food Scene

Scotland’s largest city is also one of its most exciting food destinations. Less than an hour from Perth by direct train, Glasgow is packed with award-winning restaurants, vibrant street food, bustling markets and flavours from around the world.

Whether you’re exploring the city’s famous food scene, discovering independent cafes and bakeries or enjoying dinner in one of Scotland’s most celebrated restaurants, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip. Best of all, you can enjoy the buzz of the city before returning to Perth and Kinross for a relaxing evening.

St Andrews Old Course

St Andrews Old Course and the Home of Golf

For golfers, St Andrews is known around the world as the Home of Golf and the famous Old Course remains one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Less than an hour from Perth by car and easily reached by public transport, St Andrews makes a fantastic addition to any golfing break. Whether you’re lucky enough to secure a tee time or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, visit the R&A World Golf Museum and walk the historic fairways, it’s an experience every golfer should enjoy at least once.

Ruins of a historic castle overlooking a serene lake, with a rainbow arching across a cloudy sky in the background.

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands begin just north of Perth, making the city an ideal base for exploring some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Direct rail and coach services connect Perth with Inverness and the world-famous Loch Ness, home to dramatic scenery, fascinating wildlife and, perhaps, Scotland’s most famous resident.

From mountain views and ancient forests to lochs, glens and Highland communities, some of the country’s most memorable natural experiences are within easy reach of Perth and Kinross.

A panoramic view of Edinburgh Castle, highlighting its stone walls and towers atop a rocky outcrop in Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle and Scotland's Capital

Few places tell Scotland’s story quite like Edinburgh Castle. Perched high above the city, it has witnessed centuries of battles, royal ceremonies and defining moments in the nation’s history.

Just over an hour from Perth by direct train or coach, Scotland’s capital offers visitors the chance to explore the castle, wander the Royal Mile and discover some of the country’s most important historic landmarks. Combined with Perthshire’s own rich heritage, it makes for an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s past.

A woman riding a bike along a waterway, passing a sign that reads "V&A."

V&A Dundee and Scotland's Design Story

Located on Dundee’s revitalised waterfront, the V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum and one of the country’s most striking modern landmarks. Less than 30 minutes from Perth by train or car, it offers world-class exhibitions, inspiring architecture and a fascinating insight into the power of design.

Together with Perth Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the region’s many galleries and museums, it highlights the rich cultural experiences available within easy reach of Perth and Kinross.

Unesco Makers

Discover Scotland's Creative Cities

As Scotland’s first UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, Perth is part of a global network celebrating creativity, culture and innovation. Visitors can also use Perth as a base for discovering Scotland’s other UNESCO cities, including Dundee, the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design, and Edinburgh, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

Together, these cities showcase the creativity, talent and cultural heritage that continue to shape Scotland’s identity and inspire visitors from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exploring Scotland

Perth has long been regarded as the Gateway to the Highlands because it sits at the point where the landscapes of Lowland and Highland Scotland begin to meet. Travelling north from Perth takes visitors into some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, including mountains, forests, glens and lochs that have inspired travellers for centuries.

Yes. Perth has excellent rail and bus connections to destinations across Scotland, including Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and many towns within Highland Perthshire. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of day trips and longer excursions using public transport.

Perth's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring several of Scotland's larger cities and tourist destinations. Visitors can easily reach Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and the Highlands from Perthshire via well-connected railways and public transport.  

Perth provides a convenient starting point for exploring destinations such as Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe and Loch Ness. Whether you're interested in walking, wildlife, castles or scenic drives, there are countless opportunities to discover the beauty of the Highlands from Perth.

Yes. Loch Ness is around a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from Perth, making it possible to visit as part of a full-day excursion. The journey itself takes visitors through some of Scotland's most scenic landscapes, passing through Highland Perthshire and into the heart of the Highlands before reaching the famous loch.

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