The Fair Maid's House visitor centre.
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Fair Maid's House Perth

4.9
·12 reviews·, United Kingdom

Perth's oldest secular building, now home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, offering interactive exhibits on geography and history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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The Fair Maid's House visitor centre.

Fair Maid's House Perth

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Perth's oldest secular building, now home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, offering interactive exhibits on geography and history.

4.9
(12 reviews)

"A fantastic, well-worth-it visit with engaging exhibits and incredibly helpful volunteers!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Explore the RSGS Exhibits

Don't miss the Earth Room and Explorers' Room for interactive geography and history lessons.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Love the Interactive Displays

Engaging exhibits make it a great learning experience for children.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 12 reviews

Type

Visitor Center

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Earth Room

The Earth Room

Fair Maid's House

See continents evolve from space in this captivating geological exhibit.

Explorers' Room

Explorers' Room

Fair Maid's House

Explore maps, learn about famous explorers, and see Shackleton's desk.

Medieval Architecture

Medieval Architecture

Exterior of Fair Maid's House

Admire the oldest secular building in Perth, a rare glimpse into 15th-century construction.

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Planning Your Visit

Uncover Perth's Oldest Building

Step into the Fair Maid's House, Perth's oldest secular building, dating back to 1475. While not the home of Sir Walter Scott's fictional character, it was once the Glovers Hall and now houses the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Plan for an educational and engaging visit.

Engage with Geography and History

Discover interactive exhibits on geology, maps, and explorers at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society within the Fair Maid's House. It's a fantastic spot for families and anyone interested in local history and the wider world.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Family-friendly atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come to Active Kids in Perth with us! 🙌🏼 what a place, highly recommend if you are nearby or travelling through! #fyp #kidsdayout #Scotland #mumsoftiktok #mumlife
@ellemacniven
11.1K likes • 506.4K views

🗺️ Explore the RSGS Exhibits

Don't miss the Earth Room and Explorers' Room for interactive geography and history lessons. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Love the Interactive Displays

Engaging exhibits make it a great learning experience for children. Reddit

It's a shame how little is left of Medieval Perth but this wee house is the closest contemporary marker we have to the spot of a royal murder. Now known as the Fair Maid's House, renamed and remodelled after Walter Scott's popular story. It was built on the site of Blackfriars Monastery sometime in the 15th century. That comfortable monastic house was often used by royalty visiting the city inclu...
scotlands_stories
2.3K likes • 0 views
The today Fair Maid's House Visitor centre is in the oldest building in Perth, dated back to 1475. #perthuk #perthshire #perth #scotland #scozia #checkinScozia #ScotSpirit #LoveScotland #VisitScotland #building #architecturephotography #architecture #scotlandtrip #scotlandsites #scotlandlover #scotlandsbeauty #scotland_greatshots #aitb #ig_aitb #travelgram #travelblogger #natgeotravelpic #movesafe...
estebanbagna88
869 likes • 0 views

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Volunteers enhance the visit with helpful insights and stories. Reddit

📜 Local History Insights

Learn about the building's past as Glovers Hall and its connection to Perth's history. Instagram

FAIR MAIDS HOUSE, PERTH I created this whilst working for @nicoll_russell_studios leading a townscape and Placemaking walk, talk and draw workshop at the @rtpiscotland conference in Perth. The conference was held at @perththeatreandconcerthall and I was keen to focus their attention close to the theatre so walked with them down Curfew Lane and Blackfriars, remnants of an older Perth which were out...
thearchitectssketchbook
73 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Explore the RSGS Exhibits

Don't miss the Earth Room and Explorers' Room for interactive geography and history lessons. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Love the Interactive Displays

Engaging exhibits make it a great learning experience for children. Reddit

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Volunteers enhance the visit with helpful insights and stories. Reddit

📜 Local History Insights

Learn about the building's past as Glovers Hall and its connection to Perth's history. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Fair Maid's House for its engaging exhibits, particularly the geological and geographical displays hosted by the RSGS. The friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are frequently highlighted for enhancing the experience, making it educational and enjoyable for all ages. It's considered a worthwhile visit for its historical significance and interactive content.

"Loved the visit. Being rock enthusiasts, we truly enjoyed the layout, maps, historical and educational information. The story of fairmaid's house was just as intriguing. Loved the geological collections. Great visit, and the staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful."

Viresse D Lighthaven

"Fantastic, well worth a visit"

Mark Simmons

"I'd give it six stars as the volunteers there were very helpful and made it a great experience for my kids"

M Triggs

What People Like

Engaging RSGS exhibits
Friendly and helpful volunteers
Historical building

What People Dislike

Limited parking nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fair Maid's House is centrally located in Perth, making it easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city. Public transport options include local bus services that stop nearby. If driving, check for local parking availability as the immediate area can be busy. Instagram

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the Fair Maid's House, several public car parks are available within a short walking distance in Perth city centre. It's advisable to check local signage for the most convenient options. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Fair Maid's House, which houses the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, is generally free. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for any updates on admission policies or special events. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, especially as it hosts the RSGS and sometimes exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official Royal Scottish Geographical Society website or the Fair Maid's House listings for the most current opening times before your visit. Instagram

While specific guided tours might not always be available, the knowledgeable volunteers at the Fair Maid's House are often happy to share insights and stories about the building and its exhibits. Inquire upon arrival about any available information sessions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Fair Maid's House is home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, featuring interactive exhibits on geology, maps, and explorers. You can explore the Earth Room, learn about geographical extremes, and see historical artifacts like Shackleton's desk. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Fair Maid's House is very family-friendly. The interactive displays in the Earth Room and Explorers' Room are particularly engaging for kids, making it a fun and educational outing. Reddit

It is the oldest secular building in Perth, dating back to 1475. Although named after a fictional character by Sir Walter Scott, it was historically the Glovers Hall and is a significant piece of medieval architecture. Instagram+1

The Fair Maid's House occasionally hosts exhibitions, including degree shows from local art institutions. It's worth checking their social media or website for any upcoming events or temporary displays. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Fair Maid's House itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, being in the heart of Perth, you'll find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants just a short walk away, offering a variety of dining options. Instagram

Perth city centre offers a wide range of eateries. You can find traditional pubs for hearty meals, cafes for lighter bites and coffee, and various international cuisine options within easy walking distance of the Fair Maid's House. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Fair Maid's House, but it's always best to be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. Instagram

Capture the historic exterior of the building, especially its medieval architecture. Inside, the detailed maps and exhibits in the Explorers' Room offer unique photographic subjects. Instagram+1

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