Perth has a thriving arts and cultural scene and for a small city, it boasts a surprising number of world-class venues and events. From the award-winning Perth Concert Hall to our annual ten-day Perth Festival of the Arts each May, an array of independent art galleries to live music nights and everyone’s favourite eighties throwback, Rewind, there are a myriad of answers to the question:
What can I do during a short break to Perth?
At the top of the list, is the recently opened Perth Museum; home to the Stone of Destiny, this impressive venue spins a carefully curated story of Scotland’s past and is set to become the country’s newest must-see attraction.
Parklands Boutique Hotel and Dining is situated on the edge of the compact city centre, overlooking the beautiful South Inch Park. Just a ten-minute walk from the new Perth Museum, Perth Theatre, Art Gallery and Perth Concert Hall, we are a first-choice destination for many visiting artists, theatre goers and festival lovers.
Proud to play an active role in the city’s arts and cultural scene, we are an ongoing sponsor of Perth Festival of the Arts and have been supporting this great institution for well over a decade.
If you’d like to visit our beautiful city, and enjoy a cultural break then check out our options for Accommodation in Perth City. Remember, you’ll always find the best rate available for our rooms right here on the Parklands website.
Cultural Attractions and Events in Perth
Perth Festival of the Arts – 22nd May to 1st June 2024
Perth Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of the visual and performing arts hosted over ten days in May. Connecting leading artists from around the world with the rich cultural life of Perth performances are held in Perth Theatre, Perth Concert Hall and other local venues. The Festival features internationally renowned classical artists, traditional music, funk and soul, comedy acts, authors and many more, as well as showcasing emerging talent.
One of our favourites!
Perth Museum
A must-see on your trip to Scotland, the newly opened Perth Museum is the result of an ambitious £27 million redevelopment project. This impressive venue is already being heralded as a world-class cultural and heritage venue of significant national importance.
The star attraction is undoubtedly The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone. As one of Scotland and the UK’s most noteworthy historical objects, the Stone has returned to Perthshire for the first time in over 700 years. Alongside this, Perth Museum boasts a substantial collection of fascinating objects, which have been curated to tell the tale of Scotland’s history through the lens of Perth & Kinross, and the important role it played.
Perth Concert Hall
Loved by artists and audiences alike, Perth Concert Hall boasts an acoustically acclaimed auditorium, which attracts major music and comedy tours, classical orchestras from Scotland and the wider world, as well as many up-and-coming local artists and top international acts.
The 2024 season brings acts such as Craig Charles, Alfie Boe, Rufus Wainwright, and many more.
https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/
Perth Theatre
Perth Theatre’s Victorian auditorium is one of the many reasons this century old rep attracts audiences from across Scotland and the UK. Staging an exciting mix of visiting and own-produced productions from theatre classics to new writing, touring shows and Perth’s family panto, this beautiful venue offers award-winning theatre from its home in the heart of the city.
The 2024 season brings plays such as Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw, Casablanca and more.
https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/
Perth Art Gallery
As well as housing an impressive permanent collection and many touring exhibitions, Perth Art Gallery strikes a breathtaking first impression with its copper domed roof and beautiful exterior columns.
Step inside and you will find one of the UK’s oldest collections featureing works by influential modern artists including Joan Eardley, Sir William MacTaggart, Calum Colvin, and Alison Watt. It is also home to the Fergusson Collection, which features works by JD Fergusson and Maragaret Morris.
Alongside this, there are often touring exhibitions and one-off curations and features.
https://www.culturepk.org.uk/museum/perth-art-gallery/
Black Watch Castle and Museum
Since its formation in 1739, The Black Watch regiment has played many pivotal roles in Scotland’s military history and a visit to the Black Watch Castle and Museum brings this vividly to life.
Hosting daily guided tours with knowledgeable guides, you will find out about the regiment’s history right up to the present day. You will discover the soldiers’ incredible stories told in their own words, and see the objects and artefacts they carried with them. This special collection of uniforms, medals, photographs, diaries and military equipment provides a direct connection to the soldiers of The Black Watch, going back two and half centuries.
River Tay Public Art Trail
This gorgeous art trail leads you along the River Tay, in a series of twenty-five thought-provoking sculptures, all of which draw their inspiration from the river, the city, and the region.
Follow the journey around the city, and along the waterfront in an accessible trail that has been designed to be enjoyed by everyone. Two and a half miles long, beginning and ending in Perth City Centre, this is the perfect way to spend an hour or so exploring Perth while soaking up the culture.
Make sure to stop for a selfie at ‘Millais’ Viewpoint’, a large picture frame located at one of John Everett Millais favourite viewing points
Follow the trail here: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=f69cfc5a10ba4d11aab7c005fa771657
NEW FOR 2024 – Hairy Highland Cow Art Trail – 28 June – 6 September
For ten weeks in summer 2024, a herd of 30 Highland Coo’s will take over Perth and Kinross, each individually designed and painted by talented local artists.
The sculptures will from a trail across the area, and visitors can use a bespoke map and mobile app to help them navigate. You’ll discover new places and unlock exciting rewards and discounts as you go!
More info coming soon
Of course, Parklands is also a great choice for people hoping to explore arts and culture across Scotland. A short, five-minute walk to Perth Rail Station connects you directly to all of Scotland’s major cities and all that they have to offer. Times listed are by train.
- Dundee – 20 minutes away from the V&A Museum, The McManus Galleries, and Slessor Gardens packed programme of events.
- Edinburgh – 1 hour 30 mins from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh Castle, National Galleries of Scotland and much more.
- Glasgow – 1 hour takes you to Kelvingrove Museum, and the stadium sized concerts of The O2 Academy and OVO Hydro and The Armadillo.