WHY?

Sitting at the gateway to the Highlands and Islands, you’re never far from jaw-dropping scenery and a rich cultural heritage. With castles, battlegrounds, museums, and historical sites to explore (hello, Scone Palace!), history buffs will be in their element. And if that’s not enough, the city itself is brimming with culture, with top-notch performances at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.

EAT

Known as Scotland’s larder, Perth was the inaugural winner of Scotland’s Food Town in 2018 and is renowned for its mouth-watering selection of cafés, restaurants, tea rooms, award-winning chefs and the Perth Farmers’ Market is foodie heaven. This gastro goodness flows through the entire region, from world-class dining to simple, wholesome street food. Start your day by popping into The Bean Shop for your artisan caffeine fix. Grab lunch at  North Port, set in an 18th-century cottage at the edge of the city centre. With historic oak panelled interiors the menu champions the finest Scottish ingredients. Don’t leave without trying their legendary homemade haggis. 

If you’re after something fancier, 63 Tay Street is your go-to for Michelin-recommended dining with stunning views of the River Tay. Or, for something a little different, Tabla serves up mouth-watering Indian cuisine that’ll have you coming back for more. And let’s not forget Saorsa 1875 in Pitlochry, the UK’s only vegan hotel with a fine dining experience. Perthshire also boasts two of Scotland’s Michelin-starred restaurants: Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, where luxury dining reaches its peak, and The Lalique at Glenturret, where food meets art in a stunning setting. 

SHOP

Perth’s shopping scene is eclectic. You’ve got the usual high-street suspects, but it’s the independents that really shine. Tayberry Gallery is your go-to for artsy finds, with a curated collection of Scottish craft and jewellery. For fashionistas, Eva Lucia is chic with a quirky twist. 

Looking for gifts? Opposite Perth Concert Hall, check out Precious Sparkle. Lovely jewellery and twinkly treats, all sourced from indie designers. Don’t miss Boo Vake, a colourful gallery and shop with jewellery, accessories and artwork, crafted by artists, makers and small design companies, many of whom are based in Scotland. 

HEALTH & WELLBEING

For those keeping fit (or trying to burn off all that shortbread), Perth has plenty to offer. The Live Active network offers gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes galore. If yoga’s your thing, Perth Yoga Studio will sort you out with everything from beginners’ classes to zen-like restorative sessions. And if you prefer the great outdoors, why not try your hand at watersports on the river Tay everything from kayaking to wild swimming. An hour’s drive is Glenshee, known as the ‘Glen of the Fairies’ in Gaelic. As the UK’s largest ski resort, it sprawls across a whopping 2,000 acres, covering four mountains, three valleys, and boasting 21 ski lifts.

COMMUNITY

Perth is a proper community town with a calendar packed full of events. Perth Festival of the Arts is one of Scotland’s oldest and most well-loved festivals, bringing theatre, opera, music, and more to the town every May. Plus, if you’re into your classical music, the Scottish Ensemble – a much raved about string orchestra based in Scotland regularly performs here.  Whether it’s book clubs, hiking groups, or volunteering opportunities, Perth’s got a community spirit you’ll want to be part of.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

A stone’s throw from Perth is Scone Palace, the historic crowning site of Scotland’s kings – and Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s 2000 wedding. It’s surrounded by stunning gardens and grounds, and there are even Highland cows to coo over. You’ve also got Kinnoull Hill, offering panoramic views over Perth and the Tay – perfect for walking, cycling, or just sitting and taking in the scenery.

Looking for adventure? Loch Leven is just a short drive away and offers everything from boating and birdwatching to a lovely 13-mile circular walk. If history’s more your thing, take a trip to Elcho Castle, a peaceful ruin tucked away by the river, or head over to the Black Watch Museum to brush up on Scotland’s military history.

CULTURE

Perth’s cultural offerings are seriously impressive. The Perth Concert Hall is a stunning venue that hosts everything from classical concerts to comedy nights. Over at Perth Theatre, you’ll find a mix of contemporary plays, Shakespearean classics, and even a panto or two at Christmas. For rock, blues and soul, and open mic nights call into The Twa Tams pub.If you’re in need of a museum fix, look no further than Culture Perth and Kinross – the charity trust set up in 2016 that’s preserving, showcasing, and celebrating the rich history and vibrant creativity of the area. 

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

Average property prices are a seductive £186,214, but larger detached homes with gardens will set you back around £350,000. Dreaming of a country estate? You can snap one up in the nearby countryside for a cool £500,000 – just imagine those views.

HOT PROPERTY

NURSERIES

Got little ones? Perth has some fantastic nurseries, including Oakbank Nursery, which offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor learning, and Letham Primary School Nursery, which is praised for its nurturing environment and community feel.

SCHOOLS

Perth offers a range of schooling options, from top-rated primaries like Viewlands Primary and Craigie Primary to the well-respected Perth Academy and Perth High School for secondary education. Going private Glenalmond College is both nearby, offering an exceptional education in gorgeous settings. (Unfortunately, Kilgraston School has just closed and no longer taking pupils). 

BEST KEPT SECRET

Perth is home to the biggest hedge in the world! Planted in 1745, Meikleour Beech Hedges stands at a whopping 30m high and 530m long, and is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest hedge in the world. It was thought to have been planted by men who were then called to fight in the Jacobite Rebellion, only to never return.

COMMUTE

Commuting from Perth is a breeze – Edinburgh and Glasgow are both just over 1hr by train and Dundee is a mere 30 mins drive. Regular bus services run to the surrounding towns, and the M90 motorway gives you easy access to the rest of Scotland. Trains run direct to London Kings Cross, making Perth a viable option for those with city connections.

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.