Best Landmarks in Perthshire

Edinburgh's most iconic thoroughfare stretches nearly a mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, forming the spine of the historic Old Town. This atmospheric cobbled street is lined with medieval tenements, hidden closes (narrow alleyways), world-class museums, and atmospheric pubs. Home to St Giles' Cathedral, Mary King's Close, and countless shops and restaurants, the Royal Mile offers an immersive journey through Scottish history and culture in one unforgettable walk.

The Scott Monument is a towering Gothic spire located in East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. Built between 1840 and 1846, it honors the celebrated Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. Standing 61 meters tall, it is the largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world. Visitors can climb its 287 narrow steps across four levels to reach viewing platforms with panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the castle and New Town. The monument also houses a museum room featuring stained-glass windows and exhibits about Scott’s life and works.

Nestled in the scenic town of Pitlochry, Atholl Palace Hotel is a grand 4-star Victorian hotel offering luxurious accommodation, spa facilities, and stunning views over the Scottish Highlands. With its rich history, elegant architecture, and extensive grounds, it combines heritage charm with modern comfort, making it a favored destination for relaxation, weddings, and exploring Perthshire’s natural beauty.

Ballathie House Hotel is a distinguished 19th-century country house hotel nestled on the banks of the River Tay near Perth, Scotland. Set within a sprawling 1500-acre estate, it offers 41 traditionally styled bedrooms across the main house, riverside cottages, and a lodge, blending period charm with modern comforts. Renowned for its award-winning 2 AA Rosette dining and warm Scottish hospitality, Ballathie provides a tranquil retreat amid scenic Perthshire countryside, ideal for relaxation, fine dining, and outdoor pursuits such as fishing and shooting.

Calton Hill is a volcanic hill rising dramatically at the eastern end of Princes Street, crowned with neoclassical monuments and offering some of Edinburgh's most iconic panoramic views. This UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies 19th-century ambitions to make Edinburgh the 'Athens of the North', featuring the striking National Monument (modelled on the Parthenon), Nelson's Monument, and the City Observatory. Free to access 24/7, the hill provides a peaceful yet inspiring vantage point over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth.

Smeaton's Bridge, also known locally as Perth Bridge or the Auld Brig, is a distinguished 18th-century stone bridge spanning the River Tay in Perth, Scotland. Designed by renowned engineer John Smeaton and completed in 1771, this Category A listed structure is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, historical significance, and resilience against floods. The bridge connects Perth’s city centre with Bridgend, offering scenic river views and a glimpse into Scotland’s engineering heritage.

Hamilton Mausoleum, located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, is a grand 19th-century mausoleum renowned for its massive dome, intricate sandstone carvings, and one of the longest echoes in the world. Built as the resting place for the Dukes of Hamilton, this historic landmark offers guided tours revealing its architectural grandeur, masonic symbolism, and fascinating history. Access is by pre-booked tours through Low Parks Museum, with the mausoleum surrounded by protective fencing to preserve its splendor.

The Witches' Well is a cast iron memorial fountain located just outside Edinburgh Castle, honoring the thousands of people, mostly women, accused of witchcraft and executed between the 15th and 18th centuries. Commissioned in 1894 by Sir Patrick Geddes and designed by artist John Duncan, the fountain features intricate carvings symbolizing the duality of good and evil, with a bronze relief of witches’ heads entwined by a snake, foxglove plants, and healing hands. Though no longer functioning as a water fountain, it remains a poignant tribute to a dark chapter in Scottish history.

Located in Hamilton, Scotland, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Regimental Museum preserves the nearly 300-year legacy of this distinguished infantry regiment. Housed within Low Parks Museum, it showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, uniforms, medals, and memorabilia that tell the story of the regiment’s unique religious origins, its service across global conflicts, and its proud decision to disband in 1968 rather than amalgamate. Visitors can explore the regiment’s history from its 17th-century roots through both World Wars to its final postings.

Abernethy Round Tower is a rare medieval Irish-style stone tower located in the village of Abernethy, Perthshire, Scotland. Dating from around 1100 CE, this 22.5-meter tall tower once served as a bell tower and refuge, and is one of only two such towers in Scotland. It features a distinctive Pictish stone mounted on its exterior and offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside when accessible.