Top 10 FREE activities to keep you busy in Perth!
If you’re starting at UHI Perth, and are looking for things to do in the area, then here are our top 10 FREE activities to keep you busy!
1. Kinnoull Hill
If you’re looking for a beautiful forest walk, with stunning scenes, then this is the one for you! Embark on a strenuous walk up the hill and enjoy the panoramic view from the top over the River Tay. There are plenty of benches for you to sit and take in the view, or for you to enjoy a picnic. Just make sure you are wearing sensible footwear…
2. Perth Art Gallery
Right in the centre of town, the museum and art gallery is definitely worth a visit. From portraits and photographs, to meteorites and Miss Ballantyne’s salmon - there is always a fascinating array of objects on display, complemented by in-gallery activities for families.
Mon: 10am - 5pm
Tues: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thurs: 10am - 7pm
Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm
Find out more here.
3. River Tay walk
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland and the most powerful river in Britain. It flows through the City of Perth and alongside the river is a public art trail - thought–provoking sculptures which draw their inspiration from the river and its wildlife, the city, its history, its poets and its life. Sculptures on the map are numbered, but you needn't follow all the numbers in sequence to enjoy the trail. At a moderate pace, the whole trail should take just over an hour to complete and ends in the city centre - where there are many cafés and restaurants in which to enjoy a well-earned refreshment.
1 Riverside, Perth, PH2 7TR. View map location.
4. Perth Farmers' Market
The market takes place on the first Saturday of every month (except January) in King Edward Street and High Street, from 9am to 2pm. There are around 50 stalls selling a variety of quality local produce. Sample the food, enjoy the atmosphere and purchase some of the finest produce in Scotland!
Find the market dates here.
5. The Fair Maid’s House Visitor Centre
The RSGS Fair Maid's House Visitor and Education Centre is a geographical delight housed in the oldest secular building in Perth. Visitors can watch the planet from space in the Earth Room, see the continents evolve, and learn about the hottest and coldest places on Earth in the Education Room. Admission is free, but donations are very welcome.
The centre is manned entirely by volunteers, so if you are planning a special journey you may wish to check in advance that it will be open. Email enquiries@rsgs.org or phone 01738 455050 for further information about visiting, or to ask about being a volunteer guide.
The Fair Maid's House is around 0.7 Miles walk from Perth Train Station and Bus Station. 📍 North Port, Perth, PH1 5LU
6. South Inch Park
The South Inch is a great open space close to the city centre. It covers an area of approximately 31 hectares and includes the Lesser South Inch which has an extensive area of hard standing, skate park, sports pitches, car parking and toilets. The hard standing is where you will find visiting fun fairs, circuses, shows and other large special events such as fireworks and bonfire nights. If the weather is nice, the South Inch is the perfect place to take a picnic along. If the weather is not in your favour, there is also the on-site Pavillion Café which overlooks the park. Enjoy your coffee and cake with a wonderful view over the park with the hills in the distance.
More information here.
7. The Heather Garden, Norie Miller Walk and Sculpture Trail
Perth’s Norie Miller Park is easily accessible from the city centre by crossing The Queen’s Bridge at the end of South Street. Overlooking the River Tay, the park is filled with indigenous trees, shrubs and waterplants, and from here the whole family can enjoy an easy meander along the Norie Miller Riverside Walk towards Bridgend, across Perth Bridge and back into the city.
Alternatively, head in the opposite direction towards Moncrieffe Island, exploring the landscaped lawns and colourful flowerbeds of Rodney Gardens along the way. Popular with families for walks and picnics, you will find plenty of green space for little legs to run about (bring a kite!), play games and explore the nooks and crannies. Wide, surfaced pathways ensure all-ability access.
Perth’s Riverside Heather Garden is located here, featuring more than 16,000 heather and heath plants as well as native wildflowers, fir and birch trees. It is the largest and most comprehensive heather collection in Scotland.
Finally, challenge the family to follow the River Tay Public Art Trail dotted along both sides of the river. Seek out the 22 art installations inspired by the city and its people, the river and its wildlife – including some cute and quirky animal sculptures wee ones will love.
8. Geocaching
Geocaching brings together the old-fashioned treasure hunt with modern technology. Players try to locate hidden containers, called caches, using handheld GPS systems or GPS-enabled mobiles and then share their experiences online at www.geocaching.com. Caches can vary in size and many contain small collectable items such as geocoins, toys, badges and key rings. The treasure hunt aspect of geocaching makes it a great way for parents to get children and young people out in the fresh air. Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park has become recognised as a great geocaching spot for families - particularly along the Wildwood Safari, where lots of child friendly caches are hidden in the vicinity of the animal sculptures. On average, cachers spend three to four hours in the park.
Find out more on how you can get started here.
9. River Tay to Luncarty Walk
This straight 6.25 mile walk follows the banks of the River Tay from Perth city centre out to Luncarty to the north. Starting at the North Inch – 0.1 miles from the city centre – the walk should take you 2.5-3 hours and the return to Perth can be made by bus.
Find out more here.
10. The City of Perth Salute
Inspired by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo outreach performance in the city, Perth has created its very own event. Every August in Perth city centre, the streets of Perth will be alive with the sounds of music as a range of pipe bands, music bands and other performers come together. International artistes will join local bands in the City of Perth Parade from the South Inch to the North Inch, along Tay Street culminating in an arena performance.
Find out more here.
