Cultural
Overview
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Day One: Perth Art Gallery, Perth Theatre Cafe, Show at Perth Theatre
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Day Two: Perth's Independent Galleries, River Art Public Art Trail, Birnam Arts
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Day Three, Public Transport Option: Pitlochry's Independent Galleries, Explorers Garden, Pitlochry Festival Theatre
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Day Four, Self-Drive Option: Drummond Castle Gardens, Caithness Glass, Strathearn Arts
Explore Perthshire through a cultural journey shaped by history, creativity and storytelling. Over three days, discover a region where museums, galleries and historic landmarks sit alongside vibrant arts venues and inspiring collections.
Begin in Perth, where galleries, museums and historic architecture reveal the city’s layered story, before travelling on to nearby towns and villages with their own unique cultural identity. Along the way, you’ll uncover heritage sites, creative spaces and welcoming venues that celebrate local talent and storytelling.
From theatre and exhibitions to historic houses and inspiring collections, this itinerary offers a relaxed and engaging way to experience Perthshire through its people, places and cultural traditions.
Day One
Located in Perth city centre, Perth Art Gallery houses one of the UK's oldest collections and offers a striking showcase of creativity and innovation. Works by celebrated Scottish artists such as Joan Eardly, Sir William MacTaggart, Calum Colvin and Alison Watt are displayed through a range of engaging exhibitions.
Sitting next door to the art gallery is Perth Concert Hall and along the road is Perth Theatre, two buildings deeply entwined within Perth’s culture. Inside the restored theatre building you’ll find Perth Theatre Cafe, the perfect place to sit down and have lunch after viewing the everchanging art works on display.
To finish the day, soak up some of Perth’s fine entertainment at the Concert Hall or Theatre. There are several shows that run throughout the year; from theatre productions to music performances and special talks, you won’t be stuck for choice for tonight!
Perth Concert Hall
Find artwork in different styles across different eras
Day Two
Perth’s independent creatives give the city a flair for the arts, with galleries and studios showcasing everything from fine art to handcrafted jewellery. Discover unique places such as Boo Vake, Frames Gallery, and Silver Linings Jewellery Design Studio.
Crossing the River Tay, Norie Miller Park and Rodney Gardens offer a striking outdoor gallery space, where thought-provoking sculptures reflect the river, wildlife and heritage of Perth. Together, they form part of the River Tay Public Art Trail, celebrating the city’s natural and cultural story.
A short journey on to Dunkeld reveals Birnam Arts, a vibrant community venue hosting exhibitions, film, theatre, music and more. Highlights include its permanent Beatrix Potter exhibition and nearby gardens inspired by the story of Peter Rabbit, offering a creative and family-friendly cultural experience.
Unique sculptures with a rich back story
A collection of gifts and trinkets
Day Three
In Pitlochry, discover a vibrant mix of independent shops and galleries, including Martin Ridley’s Gallery, the Melt Gallery and Heathergems, all showcasing local creativity and craftsmanship.
Spend the afternoon at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, set within 11 acres of gardens, woodland and riverside scenery. Explore the Explorers Garden, which celebrates Scottish plant hunters and features rare species alongside unique outdoor performance spaces such as the Pagoda, Pavilion and Amphitheatre.
Be sure to stay in the area and catch a show at one of the theatre's many stages and performance areas. A variety of shows run throughout the year including musical theatre performances, live music, dance, comedy and many more. And why not stay for a pre-show meal and drink!
Wonder around the beautiful landscape
Loch Faskally
Day Four
Venture to Drummond Castle Gardens near Crieff, a spectacular 17th-century landscape renowned for its formal design and Renaissance character. Among Scotland’s finest gardens, it has featured in productions such as Outlander and even hosted a Dior event in 2023.
On the return to Crieff, stop at the Crieff Visitor Centre, home to Caithness Glass. Watch skilled craftspeople at work through the viewing studio before browsing a wide range of handcrafted glassware and Scottish gifts.
Round off your cultural journey at Strathearn Arts, a lively multi-artform venue hosting theatre, music, comedy, exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, alongside a shop featuring work by local artists, authors and makers.
Beautiful hand-crafted glassware