Name: Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre
Rating: 5.0

Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre

North Port, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 5LU, Scotland

1-90 Years

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Description

The Fair Maid’s House Visitor Centre is the "Geographical Heart of Scotland" and a fascinating historical site located in the city centre of Perth. As one of the best things to do with kids in Perth and Kinross, it is the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) and serves as an interactive museum dedicated to geography, explorers, and the natural world. Housed in the oldest secular building in Perth, dating partly to 1475, it combines medieval architecture with high-tech exhibits.

A visit to the Fair Maid’s House is a great value option for families, as admission is entirely by donation. The centre is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who help bring the exhibits to life for visitors of all ages. While the historic building has some structural limitations, the ground floor exhibits are designed to be engaging and accessible for families.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that is both educational and fun, the Fair Maid’s House is a top choice. From watching the planet from space in the Earth Room to seeing authentic artifacts from legendary expeditions, the centre inspires curiosity about the world. It is an essential stop for anyone visiting Perth who wants to explore the history of discovery in a unique, historic setting.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

The Earth Room: A captivating geological exhibit where visitors can see the continents evolve over millions of years and watch the planet from space.
Explorers’ Room: A treasure trove of history where you can learn about famous explorers and even see Sir Ernest Shackleton’s original desk.
Medieval Architecture: The house itself is a feature, as the oldest secular building in Perth, showcasing 15th-century construction and historic carvings.
Education Room: A dedicated space where children can learn about the hottest and coldest places on Earth through interactive displays.
Library and Reading Nook: The Explorers' Room includes a space to curl up with a book and delve deeper into maps and geographic history.
Touring Exhibitions: The centre regularly hosts guest photography and geographic interest collections, such as "Adventures in The Empty Quarter".

Top 5 Highlights

Shackleton’s Desk: Located in the Explorers’ Room, this is an authentic piece of history from one of the world's most famous polar explorers.
Planet Earth from Space: The Earth Room uses modern technology to show the beauty of our planet from a satellite perspective.
The "Grace and Peace" Carving: Look above the entrance door to see the motto of the Glover Incorporation of Perth, who used the building for over 150 years.
Interactive Maps: Explore the evolution of cartography and how humans have mapped the world over centuries.
RSGS Medals and Collections: Discover some of the prestigious awards and unique artifacts collected by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society over its long history.

Detailed Inventory

Earth Room: Featuring continental drift displays and satellite imagery.
Explorers’ Room: Housing Shackleton’s desk, historic maps, and explorer biographies.
Education Room: Focused on climate extremes and global environments.
RSGS HQ & Shop: Accessible next door for memberships, books, and geographic gifts.
Historic Stair Tower: A original architectural feature of the 17th-century rebuild.
Donation Station: Visitors can contribute to the RSGS charity to support the centre's upkeep.

Facilities

Toilets: Available for visitors within the centre.
Food: While there is no on-site café, the centre is surrounded by Perth’s best eateries, and picnics can be enjoyed at the nearby North Inch.
Parking: No on-site parking. The nearest car park is the multi-storey on Kinnoull Street or street parking on Blackfriars Street.
Accessibility: The ground floor is accessible,

What to see

What Visitors Love

The "hidden gem" feel of the building and its incredible 500-year history.
The interactive nature of the Earth Room, which keeps children focused and learning.
The friendly, non-pressured atmosphere created by the volunteer guides.
The high value for money, allowing families to explore world-class history for a simple donation.

What Visitors Don't Like

The limited opening hours (only three afternoons a week).
The small size of the museum means it's usually a 60-minute visit rather than a full day out.
The historical nature of the building makes full wheelchair access to upper floors difficult.

Targeted FAQ

Is the Fair Maid's House the same as the Perth Museum?: No, it is a separate visitor centre located nearby. While Perth Museum covers local and natural history, the Fair Maid's House specifically focuses on geography and world explorers.
Who is the "Fair Maid" the house is named after?: The house was the setting for Sir Walter Scott's famous novel, The Fair Maid of Perth, which tells the story of Catherine Glover.
Can I see Shackleton's actual desk?: Yes! The desk is part of the permanent collection in the Explorers' Room and was gifted to the RSGS.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Opening Dates: Open from spring until 10th October 2026.
Days: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Hours: 12:30pm – 4:00pm.
Closed: Sunday to Wednesday.

Address: North Port, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 5LU, Scotland

Post Code: PH1 5LU

Council: Perth and Kinross

County: Perthshire

By Car: Use postcode PH1 5LU. Follow signs for Perth City Centre and use the Kinnoull Street car park.
By Bus: Numerous local buses stop at the Mill Street terminal, a 2-minute walk from North Port.
By Rail: Perth Station is roughly a 10-minute walk through the city centre via South Street and George Street.