3-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Birnam

Scone Palace is a Category A-listed historic house near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Built in red sandstone with a castellated roof, it is a fine example of Gothic Revival style. For centuries the site held the Stone of Scone, on which early Scottish kings were crowned, and Robert the Bruce was crowned here in 1306.

Tip: To follow the Stone of Destiny story further, Perth Museum displays it; tickets for that are booked through the museum's own website.

Perth Museum sits in the former Perth City Hall, an Edwardian building that once hosted markets, concerts and political conferences. At its heart is the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, used to crown Scottish monarchs and still used in coronations of the UK's kings and queens. It has returned to Perthshire after more than 700 years.

Tip: The Stone of Destiny experience needs a timed ticket, which you book at the front desk, so sort this out early in your visit.

Huntingtower Castle sits about 5 km north-west of the centre of Perth, beside the A85, and is in the care of Historic Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565 while on honeymoon with Lord Darnley, and the castle has seen plenty of other dramatic episodes, including the Raid of Ruthven in 1582, when the young James VI was seized here.

Tip: Tickets can be booked online for a set date and time, so book ahead before you go.

Blair Castle, near Blair Atholl, has been the home of the Atholl family for centuries. Its 30 rooms show off fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, with collections of weapons, paintings, furniture and needlework. The story runs from medieval times to the present day, and takes in the Jacobite risings and a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Tip: Buying tickets online in advance is cheaper than at the ticket office, which takes card payments only. If you want to see the red deer feeding, call ahead to check days and times.

Blair Drummond is a family safari park just outside Stirling, set in a 120-acre estate with over 300 animals. You can set out on a drive-through safari past the African reserve, home to Grant's zebra and southern white rhinos, the lion reserve and the Asian reserve with Bactrian camels and Père David's deer.

Tip: Tickets are online only and none are sold at the gate, so book ahead, especially at weekends and school holidays when it often sells out.

Blair Athol is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery on the south edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire, close to the River Tummel. It takes its water from the Allt Dour burn, which gave the distillery its first name, Aldour.

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. It stands on a volcanic crag with steep cliffs on three sides, and the rock has been fortified since ancient times. Generations of Scottish monarchs enlarged and embellished it, and Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned here in 1542.

Tip: Book your visit online in advance for a set date and time; the Great Hall and Royal Palace are the parts to head for first.

Deep Sea World is an aquarium at North Queensferry in Fife, set in a disused quarry below the Forth Rail Bridge. Its star feature is a 112 metre transparent underwater tunnel, one of the longest of its kind in the world. Most animals in the main tank come from British waters, alongside a large collection of sand tiger sharks.

Tip: Check the talk and feed times when you arrive and allow a couple of hours before closing so you don't miss them.