Once Scotland's Capital City, Perth enjoys an air of elegant prosperity and retains the genuine atmosphere of a true county town with a rich history and tradition of welcoming visitors. A climb or drive through the wooded slopes of Kinnoull Hill is an ideal introduction to Perth. Enjoy the breathtaking views to the north and west or explore Perth on foot; Tourists can follow the Old Perth Trail (leaflet available from Perth Tourist Information Centre). Perth has been a market town for hundreds of years. Today, long established family businesses, specialist retailers and familiar chain stores sit alongside one another on the traffic-free High Street and in St Johns Shopping Centre. History lovers find that Perth offers unsurpassed delights. Not to be missed is Scone Palace (pronounced Scoon) original home of Scotland's Stone of Destiny where 42 of Scotland's Kings were crowned. Other wonderful houses to visit include Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Megginch Castle at the Carse of Gowrie and last, but not least, Balhousie Castle, - home to the Black Watch Museum. Colourful floral displays and wonderful lush green parklands enhance Perth. These parklands survive today as the North and South Inches; superb public parks. While here, also enjoy the kaleidoscope of colours at Perth's many gardens including Rodney, Branklyn and Cherrybank Gardens (the latter incorporates the Bells National Heather collections). Reminders of medieval times are plentiful and in the city centre visitors will find the striking St John's Kirk. Around St John's Kirk and Perth City Hall is the perfect place to pause and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many restaurants and coffee shops of the Café Quarter.