Fair Maid's House Perth
Perth's oldest secular building, now home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, offering interactive exhibits on geography and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Fair Maid's House Perth
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Perth's oldest secular building, now home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, offering interactive exhibits on geography and history.
"A fantastic, well-worth-it visit with engaging exhibits and incredibly helpful volunteers!"
🗺️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Earth Room
Fair Maid's House
See continents evolve from space in this captivating geological exhibit.
Explorers' Room
Fair Maid's House
Explore maps, learn about famous explorers, and see Shackleton's desk.
Medieval Architecture
Exterior of Fair Maid's House
Admire the oldest secular building in Perth, a rare glimpse into 15th-century construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Perth's Oldest Building
Engage with Geography and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ 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.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Volunteers enhance the visit with helpful insights and stories.
📜 Local History Insights
Learn about the building's past as Glovers Hall and its connection to Perth's history.
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.
👨👩👧 Kids Love the Interactive Displays
Engaging exhibits make it a great learning experience for children.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Volunteers enhance the visit with helpful insights and stories.
📜 Local History Insights
Learn about the building's past as Glovers Hall and its connection to Perth's history.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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. 
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during quieter weekday mornings to allow children ample time to explore the displays without feeling rushed. The central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Perth.
📚 History Buffs & Geography Enthusiasts
Beyond the RSGS exhibits, the building itself is a historical artifact. Its status as Perth's oldest secular building offers a chance to appreciate medieval architecture and understand the city's past. The blend of historical structure and contemporary geographical information makes for a deeply rewarding visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society at Fair Maid's House
Within the Explorers' Room, you can delve into the world of cartography, learn about legendary explorers, and even find a quiet corner to read. A particularly poignant exhibit is Shackleton's desk, offering a tangible connection to Antarctic exploration. The RSGS presence transforms the Fair Maid's House into an engaging educational resource, appealing to a wide range of interests from geology to history and beyond.
The society's commitment to geography is evident in the curated displays, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in our planet and the people who have explored it. The volunteers here are often passionate about the RSGS's mission and are eager to share their knowledge, enhancing the visitor experience significantly.
Historical Significance and Architectural Charm
Despite its age, the Fair Maid's House has been preserved and adapted over the centuries. Its survival makes it a crucial landmark for understanding Perth's urban development and the importance of its trade guilds. The building's enduring presence on Curfew Lane provides a tangible link to the city's rich heritage, offering a stark contrast to more modern surroundings.
Visiting the Fair Maid's House is an opportunity to connect with history on a personal level. The structure itself tells a story of craftsmanship and community, making it a significant site for anyone interested in Scottish history and architecture.
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