The city of Perth enjoys a beautiful position on the banks of the River Tay, just where it starts to widen on the last stages of its journey to the sea.

With a history that stretches back over 8,000 years, Perth has served as its country’s capital and has always been one of the most important political, judicial and commercial centres in Scotland. Forty two Scottish Kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny that was kept at Scone, on the outskirts of Perth and Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie are just three of the famous historical figures who left their mark on the city.

Today, Perth is a bustling city with around 50,000 inhabitants. It acts as the county town for a wide agricultural hinterland and, as such has an excellent choice of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Indeed, it is recognised as one of Scotland’s premier culinary centres. Perth is also renowned for its parks and flowers and has won ‘Britain in Bloom’ awards on numerous occasions, including the award of ‘Champion of Champions’ in 2000 and ‘Best Large Town’ in 2002.

For history, scenery and choice, there are few places in Britain to match Perth.

Perhaps the first aspect of Perth that most visitors notice is its greenery. The North Inch and South Inch are two huge and renowned parkland areas in the city centre beside the river. They are linked by Tay Street, where landscaped promenades and platforms give sweeping views across the Tay to wooded hills. Look out for seals that can sometimes be seen frolicking in the river around here.

Gardens such as Branklyn Gardens, Rodney gardens and Bell’s Cherrybank gardens complement the colourful hanging baskets and floral displays you will see throughout the city, thanks to the volunteers of Perth in Bloom. Branklyn is a member of the Perthshire Gardens Collection, a new initiative giving discounted entry to eight local gardens, while Cherrybank houses the National Heather Collection and will be site for the new Scotland’s Garden project, a massive public garden that will showcase the best of Scottish horticulture. It will open in stages over the next decade.

Lovers of history will find much to explore in the old Vennels or alleyways of the city centre, many of which have detailed information explaining the diverse trades that they once accommodated. Nearby, Balhousie Castle houses the Black Watch Museum, with over two centuries of the history of this famous regiment.

Huntingtower castle, on the western edge of the city, has two complete 15th and 16th century towers, as well as fine painted decoration.

Local history and art can also be enjoyed in Perth Museum & Art Gallery, one of the oldest museums in Britain, and the Fergusson Gallery, devoted to the works of the Scottish Colourist J. D. Fergusson, and housed in what used to the city waterworks.

To view contemporary arts and crafts, visit Cross Keys Art Gallery, a short walk from the city centre across Smeaton’s Bridge, and Caithness Glass Visitors Centre at Inveralmond to the north of the city, where you can marvel at the skills of the paperweight makers. Another popular visitor centre is Noak’s Ark, a vast entertainment complex with a children’s indoor play area, ten pin bowling, Noak’s Ark Ceramics, a golf driving range and indoor karting for all he family. Also on the Western Edge of the city, shopping is available at the Huntingtower Retail and Business Park.

Sports lovers will be spoilt for choice in Perth. If you are simply a spectator, the popular National Hunt meets and Perth Racecourse and the Scottish League football matches at McDiarmid Park, home of St Johnstone FC, will provide plenty of entertainment. There are also regular national and international sporting events at Bells Sports Centre and Dewars Centre, where you could try out a host of sports for yourself, including the newly rediscovered joys of curling. Alternatively, get in the swing at one of the city’s golf courses or splash out at the impressive Perth Leisure Pool. Skateboarders will also be impressed with Perth’s brand new Skate Park.

In the evening, be sure to sample some of Perth’s fine restaurants, many of which are rapidly developing impressive reputations. Perth Theatre is one of Scotland’s busiest live performance venues with its own productions and visiting companies, while Perth Playhouse is a seven screen complex showing the best in film entertainment. Look out too for regular live music in local pubs and clubs and, if you’re feeling lucky, try Kings Bingo – an old favourite enjoying renewed popularity.

Quite simply, Perth is one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities, one of our most historic cities and one of our most entertaining cities.