HUNTINGTOWER & RUTHVENFIELD
On the fringes of Perth there are many villages you can explore. Huntingtower and Ruthvenfield has a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Almond and was once a bustling hub for industrial bleaching, due to the unique properties of the water. The Romans are said to have built an aqueduct on this spot for this very purpose – just one of the intriguing historical facts about this sleepy hamlet.
Street secret: The nearby ruined Huntingtower Castle is where Mary Queen of Scots and her ill-fated husband, Lord Darnley, stayed during the infamous Chaseabout Raid during which the couple thwarted a rebellion. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of the tragic ‘Lady Greensleeves’.
TAY STREET
This elegant tree-lined street on the banks of the River Tay in the heart of Perth features beautiful period buildings, including the immense Gothic church of St Matthew’s with its much-photographed towering steeple, and is home to a fine selection of bars and restaurants. The bustling High Street and major attractions and venues, such as Perth Museum, Horsecross, the Fergusson Gallery and King James VI Golf Course, are all within walking distance.
Street secret: In 1848, Queen Victoria stayed on Tay Street at the George Inn. The hospitality she received so impressed her that it was renamed the Royal George Inn in her honour. Today, you can still see the Royal Warrant on display as well as two lamps fashioned from the bed frame she slept in.
THE SOUTH INCH
The South Inch is one of the two expansive parks located to either side of the historic centre of Perth. Spread out along the banks of the River Tay, criss-crossed with avenues of beautiful mature trees against a backdrop of leafy hillsides, it offers a natural escape just minutes from the bustling city centre.
Street secret: During the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, the troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie would undertake their daily drills on both the South and North inches. In the previous century, Oliver Cromwell erected a fortified citadel here following his victory in the English Civil War.
Stay: The Townhouse, 17 Marshall Place. This gorgeous Georgian terraced home that overlooks the South Inch has been meticulously restored by its owners. The understated, but pristine rooms, boast antique décor and a complete range of modern amenities including WiFi and fl at screen TVs.
SOUTH STREET
South Street is a busy and historic street in the city centre. Long-standing Perth businesses, centuries-old vennels and Victorian and Georgian townhouses lend it an old-world character. It also intersects with St John Street. Located off the High Street, this pedestrianised street is crammed with beautiful historic buildings, including St John’s Kirk, which is Perth’s oldest building, the impressive former Central Bank building (now Lakeland), and Cairncross of Perth, a jewellers which has been trading here since 1869, as well as plenty of cafés and coffee shops.
Street secret: Bonnie Prince Charlie isn’t the only famous person to have been a guest at the Salutation. The Beatles checked in during their mini-tour of Scotland in 1963 when they played at the Caird Hall.
WEST MILL STREET
This cobbled street is lined by a cluster of former watermill buildings which once formed part of what was known as the Perth City Mills. This complex was built around the Perth Lade, a stream that flows through the city from the River Tay, and which powered large water wheels which turned wheat, oat, barley and other ingredients into flour, bread and beer. Today, the Lade is home to a flock of resident ducks.
Street secret: The Mercure Perth Hotel is home to one of Perth’s most unique restaurants. The Mill stream can be viewed below the glass floor of its reception and the Bar & Brasserie.
Stay: Mercure Perth Hotel, West Mill Street. Set in the heart of Perth, this 15th century watermill has been transformed into a stylish hotel and retains many of its original period features including its thick stone walls and solid oak beams. It also boasts lovely views of the stream from its windows.
CRIEFF
This genteel market town is located under an hour from Crieff and is a popular resort celebrated for its golf, fishing and whisky distillery, which attract as many tourists now as they did in the Victorian era. Nestled in a valley amid some glorious Perthshire countryside, it boasts a fine array of restaurants and places to stay. In short, it’s an ideal base for exploring this corner of Scotland.
Street secret: Did you know Crieff Hydro is home to Scotland’s first-ever dry bar – one of just two found in the country today? Since its opening in 1994, the bar remains one of the hotel’s most popular offerings. Sit back and relax with a ginger beer on the rocks.
Stay: Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff. This purpose-built hotel was opened in 1868 as the Crieff Hydropathic Establishment by Dr Meikle and originally offered a range of hydrotherapy treatments combining exercise, healthy produce, and fresh Highland Perthshire air. Today you can enjoy a huge choice of outdoor activities including an 18-hole golf course, quad biking, as well as two swimming pools, an off-road driving course and state-of-the-art spa.
MEIKLEOUR
This quaint conservation village in Highland Perthshire is better known as the site of the Meikleour Beech Hedge, which has been recognised as the tallest and longest hedge on earth. But the village itself has much to offer visitors. Strikingly pretty, much of Meikleour’s buildings date from the 18th century and earlier. See charming rows of cottages and relics which hark back to the settlement’s past as a major trading hub and market, including the mercat cross and tron. Travel just an hour south to the village to admire the French château-styled mansion of Meikleour, the home of the family which planted the famous hedge.
Street secret: The Meikleour Arms boasts its own ale, more than 50 malts and an array of artisanal gins, so you’ll have no problem finding the perfect tipple to raise a glass for every occasion at this 19th century coaching inn.
Stay: The Meikleour Arms, Meikleour. This boutique hotel and pub is owned and run by the Meikleour Estate, one of the oldest estates in east Scotland. The current owners can trace their origins to the Mercers of Perth, wealthy merchants of French origin who acquired the estate in the 12th century. Everything from the décor to the menus reflects their ancestry with a delightful French twist.
Source: https://t24hs.com
