Perth, Scotland

Article about Perth for mature travellers includes references to Scotland and the Scottish isles. Small group tours for senior couples and solo travellers that include Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow to support your travel plans.

27 Jul 21 · 4 mins read

Perth, Scotland

Perth, Scotland
Perth, Scotland

Perth, which lies elegantly on the River Tay, regained its city status in 2012. Once thought to be the ancient capital of Scotland, Perth built its fortune on weaving, fishing and brewing industries, giving the country two of its most famous whiskies, Dewars and Bells. Often called the ‘Fair City’, Perth is home to beautiful architecture, interesting galleries, vibrant restaurants, an intriguing and unique history and gorgeous surrounding scenery. It takes just over an hour on public transport to get to the city from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is only 20 minutes from Dundee by train.

What to See in Perth

Scone Palace
Scone Palace

One of Perth’s most regal attractions is Scone Palace, a Category A listed historic house built of red sandstone with a castellated roof. The palace is steeped in history – for nearly 1000 years it was the crowning place of Scottish monarchs, making it one of the most important castles in Scotland. This is made reference to in Shakespeare’s Macbeth when, after Macbeth’s death, Malcolm says ‘So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.’ The original palace was rebuilt in the mid-19th century in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. With this, it was transformed into the elegant and luxurious Georgian mansion one sees today. The castle is open to the public between April and October, with the option of touring the palace at one’s own speed or being part of a group tour.

Balhousie Castle, Perth
Balhousie Castle, Perth

Housed in the impressive Balhousie Castle is the Black Watch Museum, a museum which tells the fascinating story of Scotland’s elite military regiment , the Black Watch, whose history stretches back almost three centuries from 1739. The museum looks at the pivotal moments in history which the regiment were a part of from the First and Second World Wars to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Le Manteau Chinois by JD Fergusson
Le Manteau Chinois by JD Fergusson

The Fergusson Gallery is in a circular cast-iron building that was once a waterworks and is home to an extensive collection of paintings by the Scottish colourist JD Fergusson. The art gallery also offers an insight into his relationship with the well-regarded Scottish dancer, Margaret Morris. Morris is regarded as a pioneer of modern dance and the gallery also exhibits photos of her work.

St John's Kirk
St John’s Kirk

St John’s Kirk is the oldest building still standing in Perth, making it one of the architecturally and historically significant buildings in the city. The original church was built around the 12th-century but there is archaeological evidence to suggest there was a church on the site up to three centuries earlier. The heart of King Alexander III was buried at the church in 1286, after his tragic death (he was killed while riding his horse to Fife, his body was found on the beach at Kinghorn). The church fell into disrepair in the mid-12th century and the majority of the present church was constructed between 1440 and 1500. It continues to be a centrepiece of the city’s skyline today and remains an active parish church of the Church of Scotland. Visitors are welcome to wander around the church whenever a Church Officer is present.

Given Perth’s reputation as the home of Dewars and Bells, a visit to a whisky distillery is a must. Dewar’s Distillery is situated in Aberfeld, in the heart of Highland Perthshire, an hour or so out of Perth. The distillery has been producing single malt whisky since 1898 and there are tours, tasting sessions and a heritage exhibition to be enjoyed. The Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest working distillery and has been making Scottish whisky since 1775. Visitors can experience the traditional whisky making experience, eat at the on-site restaurant and enjoy tasting sessions.

Perth’s city centre boasts plenty of amazing bars and restaurants serving hearty Scottish fare. Expect to enjoy juicy scallops, beef from the Scottish Highlands and delicious fruit and veg thanks to the area’s fertile soil. Perth’s compact size means that it is great city to explore on foot and you can walk around to most of the main sights easily. A wander along the banks of the River Tay is also a pleasant activity.

If you’re interested in seeing Perth, please have a look at our tours that visit the city. Our Scottish Whisky and Other Wonders of Scotland Tour spends two nights in Perth, as does our History of the Jacobites tour.

Perth scotland perthshire

Articles about Scotland published by Odyssey Traveller

The following list of articles published by odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Scotland when visiting;

For all the articles published on Scotland by Odyssey Traveller, please click through on this link to view.

External articles about the City of Edinburgh and Scotland for travellers.

We also publish articles to give more information to our loyal and prospective clients. You can start by reading our our country spotlight on Scotland.

Updated July 2021

Related Tours

Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

17 days

Aug, Jul

Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

Visiting Scotland

Small group tour on the Jacobites commences in Edinburgh. During the 19 days you visit 19 locations including the Culloden battlefield as you travel from Edinburgh as far north as Inverness to finish in Glasgow. Learn from 10 specialist guides about the Jacobites.

From A$13,250 AUD

View Tour
Modern pot stills in a distillery in Scotland

19 days

Jul

Whisky and Other Scottish Wonders

Visiting Scotland

A guided small group tour of Scotland is a day tour collection that includes Edinburgh, the royal mile, Edinburgh castle, and the old town a UNESCO World heritage site Experience and learn about, Kellie castle, St Andrews, Skye, Balmoral castle, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness as well touring the Scottish highlands to finish in Glasgow.

From A$16,695 AUD

View Tour
City of Edinburgh at dusk

5 days

Jun, Jul

Edinburgh City Tour

Visiting Scotland

A guided tour of the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a day tour collection with a tour leader and local guides. The old town of Edinburgh including the Royal mile and New town of Edinburgh are a UNSECO world heritage site and are included in our itineraries as well the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From A$2,450 AUD

View Tour
tours of scotland

22 days

Jul, Sep

Scotland small group tour | Tracing 5,000 years of history

Visiting Scotland

This guided tour of Scotland with a tour leader and local guides includes the isle of Skye, Orkney islands, the Scottish highlands with breathtaking scenery. Edinburgh including the royal mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Fort William, Urquhart castle, Stirling castle, loch lomond, Hadrians wall and New Lanark also a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$13,995 AUD

View Tour
Scotland

13 days

Jun, Aug

Scotland's Great Trails Walking Tour

Visiting Scotland

An escorted walking tour of Scotland. This trip is mainly in the Scottish Highlands. Your tour leader guides you to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Craignorms National park with experienced local guides. The tour for mature couples and solo travellers finishes in Edinburgh with time to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal mile a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$9,250 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

20 days

May, Jul, Sep

Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tours for seniors

Visiting Scotland

An escorted small group tour for couples and solo travellers of the Scottish isles including the isle of Skye draws on local guides to share their knowledge of the destinations in this unique part of Scotland. UNESCO world heritage site are visited as breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences are shared in a group of like minded people on this guided tour of remote Scotland.

From A$14,450 AUD

View Tour
Lindisfarne

22 days

Apr, Aug

Seven Ages of Britain, snapshots of Britain through the ages.

Visiting England, Scotland

This guided small group tour starts in Scotland and finishes in England. On Orkney we have a day tour to the UNESCO World heritage site, Skara Brae, before travelling to city of York. Your tour leader continues to share the history from the Neolithic to the Victorian era. The tour concludes in the capital city, London.

From A$13,995 AUD

View Tour

Related Articles

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeen - Scotland

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen, article to assist senior couples and mature solo travellers learning about Scotland, its history and the islands of Skye and Orkney or the Whisky on a small group tour.

3 Feb 20 · 3 mins read
Read Article
City of Edinburgh at dusk

Edinburgh, Scotland

Article about the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Senior couple and mature solo travellers explore this city and Glasgow plus the Scottish isles in writing and on a small group tour with like minded people.

12 Aug 21 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Fort William, Scotland

Fort William, Scotland

For mature solo travelers and senior couples interested in joining escorted small group tours to historic Scotland and/or the Scottish isles.

5 Feb 20 · 4 mins read
Read Article
Nelson Mandela Pl. Glasgow

Glasgow; Nelson Mandela Place

How Glasgow stood with the South African Leader Against Apartheid as part of learning about Scotland before joining a small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

12 Jun 19 · 6 mins read
Read Article
Grantown-on-Spey in winter

Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland

Article for senior couples and mature solo travellers seeking to learn about Scotland, the Highlands, the Scottish isles. As well as the history on an escorted small group tour.

6 Feb 20 · 3 mins read
Read Article
River Ness Footbridge, Inverness, Scotland

Inverness, Scotland

Article about Scotland's Inverness. A place for learning about Whisky, Loch Ness and more about the history of Scotland and the Scottish isles, for senior couples and mature solo travellers on a small group tour.

4 Feb 20 · 5 mins read
Read Article
Oban, Scotland

Oban, Scotland

Article about Oban for senior couples and mature solo travellers on an escorted small group tour to Scotland and the Scottish isles. Learn about Scottish history, whisky and the landscapes complete with standing stones.

5 Feb 20 · 3 mins read
Read Article
Thurso's beaches

Thurso, Scotland

On the Atlantic coast is Thurso where extreme weather shapes the livelihoods of the people. Explore this town and Orkney, the outer Hebrides including Mull on a small group tour of the isles of Scotland. For senior couples or solo travellers.

27 Jul 21 · 4 mins read
Read Article
travellers exploring Glasgow

Travellers exploring Glasgow's Architectural Heritage

Article about Glasgow Architectural heritage, led by the Industrial revolution, in Victorian Britain, wealth flowed to Scotland to Glasgow and Edinburgh. See and learn on a small group tour for senior couples or mature solo travelers.

11 Aug 21 · 11 mins read
Read Article

Articles about Scotland

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$350 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles