The town of Perth is also frequently called to as being the  ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Sited on the banks of the River Tay, Perth was, for centuries, Scotland’s capital and during medieval times the busy small town was known by local folk as Saint Johnstoun (St. John’s Town). The name of the town, or, in the Gaelic, Peairt, is a derivative of a Pictish word which has the meaning of a wood. Today  this picturesque small town is an awesome place as a base for a vacation touring Scotland with a great many bed and breakfasts in Perth to choose from.

Whether stay for one week or two you will discover that there are a great many exciting things to see and do in  the immediate vicinity of Perth and Perthshire. Visitor attractions range from; shopping, restaurants, historical attractions and sport and leisure pursuits and many other entertainments. Not that long ago the town was a prosperous port dealing with exports of linen, bleached products, leather and whisky. In more modern times tourism provides income and employment for the younger folk who keenly take up the opportunities in the large number of Perth hotels and guest houses and related enterprises.

One of the most popular tourist attractions, which is near to Perth, is Scone Palace, one of the finest country homes in the Scottish nation. Here folk are able to discover the interesting history of the palace, where the early kings of Scotland were crowned such as, Robert The Bruce who took to the throne in 1306.

Roughly 3 miles away, from Perth, tourists will find the 16th century Elcho Castle, which features the most breathtaking vistas across the River Tay. The castle dates back to around fifteen seventy when the Wemyss family commissioned it’s building who were it’s owners until 1929. Elcho Castle is now owned by Historic Scotland.

Only a little west of Perth is found the medieval Huntingtower Castle. Built in stunningly beautiful Huntingtower Castle has undergone numerous minor alterations and redevelopments over the centuries. It started out as a pair of separate tower houses but constructed very close together.

Other than the attractions mentioned earlier the town of Perth has countless more, which means that it is a perfect place for a vacation for the family. Tourist attractions and places, worth a visit, found in Perth and Perthshire include the following; Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire Visitor Centre, Perth Ice Rink, Bell’s Cherrybank Gardens and Branklyn Gardens.

If you are planning to have a city break in Perth you will discover a large selection of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will find a huge selection at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/