Scone Palace sits on the site of the ancient Moot Hill, where Scottish kings were crowned for over a millennium. The present palace, built in the early 19th century on medieval foundations, belongs to the Earl of Mansfield and is open to visitors from April to October. The state rooms contain a serious collection of furniture, clocks, porcelain, and Vernis Martin (French lacquered objects) built up over centuries by the Murray family.
The grounds are worth as much time as the interior. The Murray Star Maze, planted with different varieties of beech, is one of the more interesting mazes in Scotland. A significant collection of conifers was established in the 19th century from seeds brought back from North America. Allow two to three hours for palace and grounds. It's 2 miles north of Perth city centre; easily reached by taxi, or there's a bus from the town centre.