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The Black Watch Castle & Museum
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The Black Watch Castle & Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Black Watch Castle & Museum
4.5
999
#2 of 81 things to do in Perth
Military Museums • Speciality Museums • Castles
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9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star multi- award winning visitor attraction located in the Perth. The Black Watch Museum is housed within the historic Balhousie Castle, the origins of which are said to date back to the 12th century. A visit to the ancestral Home of The Black Watch brings this colourful Highland Regiment’s history to life, through artefacts, personal stories and interactive displays. Relax and unwind in the welcome ambience of the Castle Cafe. The seasonal menu offers an appealing selection of meals, snacks, soups, desserts and afternoon tea created with quality ingredients of local provenance. Browse the popular Castle Gift Shop to find a range of quality gifts, regimental memorabilia and branded products with an emphasis on providing an enjoyable shopping experience within a Scottish Castle. The venue is a unique and compelling location which can also host weddings, offer private dining, exclusive use of the Castle, group and bespoke tours.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Steve W
    32 contributions
    Personal military history well told
    We are not great visitors of military museums but we were recommended by our host. The museum is sited in a restored castle and utilises the rooms cleverly. Presented chronologically and well explained with a great emphasis on the personal aspects. This pulls out the realities from the history and some is truly gut renching. You need at least 90 minutes and you could easily spend longer. There were several children there at the time and they were finding lots to interest them . Mock WW1 trench seemed great hit. Good cafe with range of home bakes. Even if you are not a fan of militaria you will enjoy the stories here
    Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review and for recommending us to others. We hope you can visit again soon,
    Written September 27, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 23, 2021
  • Lorraine Z
    19 contributions
    VERY SOBERING!
    Very much wanted to visit the Black Watch Museum on a recent visit to Scotland having had a father who had been in the regiment during WWII. The guided tour was probably one of the best tours we've ever had. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and put things across in such a way as to make it interesting but also very poignant. The Castle itself is a beautiful building. Nice cafe.
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 17, 2022
  • Giulia Z
    Durham, United Kingdom124 contributions
    A great visit
    We visited this museum as it was one of the closer on foot, and we were well rewarded. I knew absolutely nothing about the Black Watch, let alone about Scottish military history. This museum was very informative, with a great range of exhibition styles and really wonderful staff. I loved that it was a well-balanced museum, with lots of interesting things but not too much stuff that bores you out. A good mix of interactive, antiques, modern, and good captions too. Really fantastic stuff, a great surprise and a worthwhile stop to learn about the history of Scottish pride, clothing and a military regiment that is entwined with it.
    Thank you for giving us 5 stars Giulia. It's wonderful to hear you appreciated the Museum and the story told within. We are delighted to choose you to visit us during your trip.
    Written August 12, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Written August 8, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
999 reviews
Excellent
706
Very good
250
Average
34
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Pickinmypocket
Glasgow, UK52 contributions
A touching and informative experience.
Oct 2022
This is a well managed and very well presented museum, which tells the story of the Black Watch without descending into sentiment or military cliché. That being said, there are touching moments of bravery and sacrifice throughout the exhibits, and they are very moving. The number of Victoria Crosses on display speaks for itself, and the manner in which they were earned is both inspiring and touching. Staff were helpful, friendly and informative. The castle stands in lovely grounds and has an excellent café attached along with very good parking. Altogether an excellent visit and highly recommended.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fran B
7 contributions
Terrible unhelpful discriminatory people
Dec 2022 • Couples
Terrible, I booked online and said I was bringing my assistance dog. On arrival I was shouted over from the woman at the till at as to what I wanted. I told her I had booked a tour. She was extremely rude and sent for a manager who asked me what was wrong with me!!!
Not only embarrassed harassed and discriminated against but I was not allowed in. They changed their tune when I wrote a complaint and invited me back. Absolutely no way I don’t do rude people
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MKPaul
Gruissan, France60 contributions
Black Watch regiment's story told with respect
May 2022
Fascinating history brought to life, showing the origins of the Black Watch regiment at the heart of the Scottish national story. There are four elements - memorial garden, well-labelled, museum galleries, café, and gift shop.
Guide materials are also available in French, German and Spanish. Free parking. Outstanding Bistro café is popular with locals, so you're advised to book to guarantee a lunch table (but breakfast is less crowded). Gift shop is not aimed at children.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your 5 star review.
Written August 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carolliddell3
Edinburgh, UK3 contributions
Disappointed
Aug 2020 • Couples
Bought an itison voucher for brunch and tour nov 2019.Booked the brunch and tour for24th March 2020.On 20thMarch they called and cancelled due to Covid lockdown but they would get in touch when they opened again.Never happened so as we are going into level 0 I called to use my voucher. Too late apparently and I have to fight Itison to get my money back . They offered me a complimentary tour and suggested I buy my own brunch ! They say my contract is with Itison not them yet it was them that “ deferred” not cancelled my visit . Very disappointed. The complimentary tour offered is the same price as the money I have already paid so not really complimentary for me.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harry D
South Shields, UK88 contributions
Black watch , Balhousie castle .
Aug 2021 • Family
Visited the castle and while there had a tour around the museum which is full of interesting artefacts and excellent displays about the regiment . As we have family ties both my father and uncle served in the watch we found it especially interesting.
Afterwards we had refreshments in the cafe , which is very reasonable priced.
Well worth a visit if your in Perth , or just a military history buff. Highly Recommended .
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your Bistro visit and found the Museum interesting, which can be especially moving when you have family ties to the Regiment.
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthony H
Suffolk, UK83 contributions
Informative and interesting
Sep 2020 • Friends
What a great little Museum. Friendly welcoming staff, well thought out and executed COVID-19 precautions both in the museum itself and in the shop & cafe as well.
Anyone wanting to learn about the history of the Black Watch will find plenty of information and exhibits and the route through the building gives an easy to follow chronological sequence from the foundation to the present day.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
709leo
Thank you for your 5 star review.
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KT8
Perth, UK177 contributions
Blackwatch Cafe is superb
Feb 2020
We visited with our grandchildren and were made to feel so welcome. The staff were wonderful, taking tome to chat top our grandson and provide him with colouring pencils and picture whilst he waited for his kids portion of macaroni cheese. The kids mac n cheese did not disappoint and he ate thew whole lot.
The cafe was very busy with a large table however we were still well looked after.
The food was good but the staff absolutely make this place. thank you for your welcome, we will definitely be back
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you and your grandson enjoyed your visit. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victoria B
Lincolnshire, UK560 contributions
Best Regimental museum I have visited.
Sep 2021
A well laid out museum in chronological order. Excellent displays of regimental honours and silver, with some very moving paintings.

There is a very good shop and cafe.

Car parking and toilets are also on site. There are gardens surrounding the museum which seemed to be popular with families when I visited.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us Victoria.
Written December 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gerry_Taggart
North Berwick, UK74 contributions
Visit to museum and tea party
Jul 2022
We visited the Black Watch Museum on Saturday with a group of twenty.. What a great venue. The whole place brings together a superb museum (with very knowledgeable guides) and a first-rate bistro.
The attitude of everyone on the team there was to make you welcome in a clean, bright atmosphere.
The City should be proud of this wonderful asset. We shall encourage our friends to visit.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Gerry. We are delighted you enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to seeing and your friends in the future.😀
Written August 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dohapunk
47 contributions
Nemo me impune lacessit
Jan 2023 • Friends
Brilliant experience. Staff were very helpful and went out of their way to find us to talk about our father's time in the Black Watch during WWII.

Excellent exhibits and interactive if you have children.

Gift shop and cafe were an added bonus.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Black Watch Castle & Museum, Perth

Frequently Asked Questions about The Black Watch Castle & Museum
The Black Watch Castle & Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM