Perth preserves one of Scotland's most complete networks of medieval vennels — narrow covered alleys cutting between the main streets. The word "vennel" is Scots for lane or alleyway, and Perth's examples follow the medieval property boundaries that have defined the city centre since at least the 12th century.
The most visited run off the High Street and South Street, connecting the main shopping streets to the older closes behind them. Some are atmospheric, stone-walled passages barely wide enough for two people to pass; others open unexpectedly into small courtyards. Walking the vennels is one of the better ways to understand how Perth's medieval street plan has survived under successive layers of development. The Perth Museum has information on the historic street network.