Steeped in history and surrounded by hills and forest, Perth offers easy access to the outdoors.
An elegant and compact city that sits on the banks of the River Tay, Perth is the ideal base for exploring the magnificent Perthshire countryside. Long known as the “Fair City,” Perth and its nearby surroundings are home to plentiful green spaces, with plenty of walking trails and cycling routes. Other popular activities here include golf, watersports and horse riding, as well as exploring the fascinating Black Watch Castle and Museum and, on the city’s outskirts, the grand Scone Palace. Those wishing to set up camp nearby will find plenty of options, from the elegant palace grounds to a yurt with its own hot tub.
Just a couple of miles north of Perth’s city centre, Scone is famed for its Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. After exploring the palace’s opulent interiors, you can take a stroll in the lush surrounding gardens and woodland. On the palace’s estate, campers can find grass and hardstanding pitches, as well as safari tents.
A 20-minute drive southwest of Perth, Auchterarder is a pretty village that is best known as home to the Gleneagles championship golf course. Those not staying at the ritzy Gleneagles resort can opt for a nearby glamping experience in a yurt with hot tub or cabin on wheels.
Below the Lomond Hills, Falkland is famed for its 16th-century Falkland Palace, once the favoured countryside retreat of the Stuart monarchs. It’s also a prime location for walkers, who can embark on a number of low-level walks in the nearby Lomond Hills Regional Park, and wildlife watchers who can see abundant birdlife on Loch Leven. On the edge of the park, find basic pitches for tents and small campers.
A 30-minute drive north of Perth, The Hermitage is an unmissable attraction due to its Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors, a folly made with mirrors, sliding panels, and paintings to create a dramatic view of the Black Linn waterfall. Expect pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes in the area.
With its promise of good weather, long days and a full event calendar, summer is the most popular time to visit Perth. However the season can bring crowds and booked-up campsites in the Perthshire region. If planning to visit in the summer, try to avoid travelling during the school holidays in July and August. Autumn is a good alternative as the countryside will be ablaze in rich colours and blooming purple heather.