The Black Watch Museum, Perth, Scotland, is full of extraordinary history, from the trenches of world wars to many key moments in military history.
Housed in the historic Balhousie Castle, the Black Watch Regimental Museum has tons of displays and rare collections of world history, ranging from the French wars, Napoleonic wars and the First World War to the early years of the Black Watch Regiment.
You’ve got wax figures, stunning old flags, and even the bible that stopped a bullet in World War I! And it doesn’t stop there, either – the regimental museum can offer private dining, an enjoyable shopping experience, and more.
Details to Know About the Black Watch Museum
Heading to the Scotland Black Watch Museum? Make sure you’ve got all the details down!
The Black Watch Museum Opening Hours
The Black Watch Castle Museum, Perth, is open every day of the week!
From the 1st of November to the 31st of Match, they’re open between 10 am and 4 pm, with the last entry being at 3 pm.
From the 1st of April to the 31st of October, they are open between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm; the last entry is at 3:30 pm.
The Black Watch Museum Tickets
In Summer, Black Watch Regimental Museum tickets are £11 for adults, £8.25 for concession (students and those 60 years or older), £4.75 for children aged 5-15, £26 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children), and under 5s enter for free. A guided tour at 11 am or 1 pm is £10.50 for adults, £8 for concession, £4.50 for children, and £25 for families.
In Winter, it’s £10.50 for adults, £8 for concession, £4.50 for children, £25 for a family ticket, and under 5s enter for free. A guided tour at 11 am is £18.50 for adults, £14.50 for concession, £8.50 for children, and £44 per family.
An annual pass is £18.50 for adults, £14.50 for concession, £12 for children, and £36 for families.
A Private Black Watch Story Tour is £105 for a group of up to six people. These bespoke tours explore the history of Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment in the Scottish castle, and the Black Watch Museum brings life to the soldiers’ personal stories!
How to Get to the Black Watch Museum
Here are all the travel details to get to this very interesting museum!
Car
The Black Watch Castle Museum is in a unique and compelling location right on Hay Street in Perth. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Glasgow along the M80 and A9, and from Edinburgh, expect the same travel time along the M90.
Bus
The Perth bus station can be reached through the Scottish Citylink or a Megabus from Broxden. There are not any direct buses from the bus station to the museum. However, there are taxis available nearby, as well as in the Perth city centre.
Rail
The closest rail station is in Perth, which can be reached directly by ScotRail all over the country.
Accessibility
There is level access to the front door entrance, but stairs from North Inch Parklands. There are two Blue Badge parking spaces available. The restaurant, gift shop, and facilities are on the ground floor, and the second floor is accessible via lift.
Accessible toilets are on the ground and second floor. The museum can accommodate prams and wheelchairs, and there are limited wheelchairs to borrow. Induction Loops and Museum Guides in large print are available. Be mindful of low lighting in the World War One gallery.
There is seating in the gallery and gift shop, and benches around the ground and courtyard. Guide/assistance dogs are welcome. There is also museum quiet time twice per month. These sessions are £5 per person, and carers enter for free.
Attractions to See at the Black Watch Museum & Castle
The Black Watch Castle and Museum has tons to offer, from the history of the royal regiment and the stunning Balhousie Castle to quality gifts
The Balhousie Castle
The magnificent Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, was built in the 12th century. Since then, there has been some major redevelopment, and the Hay family leased the building out many times over the years. In 1940, the army took the castle over. The Black Watch have policed the Highlands for over 300 years, have seen tons of intense conflict, and now you can see their heroic history all laid out in the castle!
Explore the 13 Galleries
In these stunning galleries, you’ll find the history of the early years, collections from many important world wars, a look into the modern life of the Black Watch, and more! Some of the top items to see are a gas helmet from World War I, the Regiment’s Honours, a stained glass window showing a Seaforth Highlander guarding Black Watch members, and tons of stories to take in along the way!
Black Watch Museum Cafe
The Bistro is a fun and friendly dining experience, with awesome seasonal menu offers, a delicious afternoon tea, and dessert to top it all off!
Black Watch Museum Shop
A visit to the popular castle gift shop offers stunning jewellery, local food and drinks, gifts for the kids, beauty products, toys, and Black Watch Regimental apparel!
Events
Keep an eye on their events page for new exhibitions and interactive displays. The Black Watch Museum also offers venue hire for special dining experiences and events, and you can even host weddings there!
More Scottish Museums to Visit
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Edinburgh Writers Museum
- Glasgow Science Centre
- Highland Folk Museum
- Museum of Childhood
- Museum of Edinburgh
- Museum of the Isles
- Museum on the Mound
- National Mining Museum
- National Museum of Flight
- National War Museum
- People’s Palace
- Riverside Museum
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Scottish Crannog Centre
- Scottish Maritime Museum
- Shetland Museum & Archives
- St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
- Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
- Surgeons’ Hall Museum
- V&A Dundee
