At Witch's Pool you are just a half hour's drive away from the city of Perth, which is located right on the banks of the River Tay. Witch's Pool is secluded and calm and brilliant for a relaxing get-away, but if you fancy a bit of hustle and bustle or you're craving the buzz of city life, why not take a day trip to Perth and enjoy some of the city's attractions?
A little background
There has actually been a settlement in Perth since prehistoric times, but it was more recently that the city became an important centre. In the 12th century Scone Abbey was built nearby and would become the location for a number of important royal duties. Not only was the abbey positioned next to the coronation site for the Scottish Kings but it also housed the Stone of Destiny.
Later still Perth adopted the epithet 'The Fair City' following the publication of The Fair Maid of Perth (1828), a novel by Sir Walter Scott. You'll see nods towards the tale throughout Perth, firstly the bronze statue of the maiden which sits on a bench in the high street, and secondly the Fair Maid's House. This is thought to be the oldest secular building in the city and now houses the public visitor and education centre.
A taste of History
If it is history you're interested in, there are plenty of tourist attractions to discover:
Elcho Castle
The 16th century tower house is located on the banks of the River Tay. It has not been inhabited for around 200 years but is still owned by its original family and has been kept in good repair. You can access the building at the ground floor, and parts of the wall walk as well. www.visitscotland.com
Scone Palace
This beautiful stately home just outside of Perth is a gothic building that was built in the Georgian period. In its grounds is the medieval Scone Abbey, so make sure to have a wander while visiting, to see if you can find it. The palace is a fascinating place to explore, both inside and out.
At the front of Scone Abbey you'll see a replica of the Stone of Destiny. A lot of mystery surrounds the stone: there are a number of stories concerning its theft, one even involves Edward I of England. To this day there are still rumours that the real stone (now in the care of Edinburgh Castle) is actually not the original!
Take a look at all there is too see and do at Scone Palace.
Black Watch Museum
Located in the Balhousie Castle, this museum has a great range of collections and exhibitions displayed throughout a number of themed galleries. An interesting tour of the rooms will walk you through centuries of Scottish history and will introduce you to collections of incredible artefacts, and the stories behind them. Take a look at the website to plan your visit.
Stay outside
If it's a lovely day you might not fancy wandering about inside, so explore one of these charming places instead.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park
Overlooking the River Tay is a woodland area that surrounds Kinnoull Tower, a folly built on a cliff by Lord Grey in 1829, which can be reached easily by a footpath. The woodland park is a tranquil haven that is great for walking and home to a large variety of flora and fauna. There is a collection of woodland sculptures located throughout so see if you can spot all 14 of them.
Branklyn Garden
This nearby National Trust property is a good one if you want to stretch your legs. There are two acres of gardens to explore and a good collection of rare and unusual plants to discover as you go. www.nts.org.uk/BranklynGarden
Image: Rhododendrons at Branklyn Garden – © Copyright Dr Richard Murray and licensed for reuse.
Make a day of it
If you're in Perth for the whole day, why not do something a little special in the evening and pay a visit to the concert hall? There's always a great range of shows and events on so round off your day with an evening performance. The venue hosts workshops, films and exhibitions too, so take a look at the website to see what's on.
Discover Perth for yourself while you're staying at Witch's Pool. Simply pop your details in at the bottom of the page to learn how.
