I am ashamed to say, despite having travelled half way around the world, this was my first visit to Scotland.

Perth is more than 400 miles from Newport, or less scary – a flight and a train ride away.

Banked by stunning scenery, this historic town is often known as the Gateway to the Highlands.

We stayed at the award-winning four-star Parklands Hotel.

It was rather like being asked to stay at someone’s very beautiful, Victorian Town house.

It was very cosy - never more so than when we werein the conservatory tucking into breakfast with the rain hammering on outside.

This wasn’t a hotel you were eager to leave in the morning and the weather on this weekend, only served as a perfect excuse to stay inside.

The room was big and spacious with high ceilings and a king size bed. The en suite bathroom was as generous in size as the bedroom and looking out across South Inch park and beyond that the Perthshire Hills, offered a toilet view tough to beat.

There was the original and high quality design you would expect from a boutique hotel, but without the pretentiousness or try-hard aspect.

Everything was immaculate and a number of amenities offered – including an umbrella, which proved a life saver on this particular weekend.

The hotel prides itself on its food, with both a restaurant and a bistro and it holds a two AA rosette and is listed in the Michelin guide.

Regardless of whether you choose to eat here at night, this means you are guaranteed a wonderful breakfast. As a huge breakfast fan, I was not disappointed. The smoked salmon is a must - you are in Scotland after all. The haggis, however, was not an addition to my fry-up I’ll be taking back home.

Perth was granted city status in 2012 - but city sets the wrong expectations - a town is more likely. The centre is compact - we managed to complete two laps in one afternoon. But that makes it incredibly accessible - allowing you to wander and explore with ease with no danger of going too astray.

It’s easy to see how Perth has become a base for many different travellers - as it is said from here you are no more than 90 minutes from 90 per cent of Scotland. But I did get the sense this is more a stopping place - before venturing further out into the Highlands.

The high street resembles any from around the UK, adorned with the usual suspects and not much else. But the parks - glistening and lush on this weekend despite the weather – I imagine would be beautiful to wander in better conditions.

Scone Palace - the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scotland - would have been a must see but it was still shut for the winter when we visited.

Luckily for us, the Blackwatch Castle and Museum, housed in the dramatic and historic Balhousie Castle, was open. Whether you’re interested in the military or not, the extensive collection about one of Scotland’s most famous regiments is accompanied by excellent notes and guidance making for a truly fascinating experience.

Don’t be put off by the ticket price - there is no expense spared when it comes to the exhibition itself - even the toilets resembled those of a luxury hotel.

On the Saturday night we ate at the hotel’s 63@Parklands, which is clearly popular with locals and guests alike.

To start I went for scallops served with rocket and pine nuts – perfect portion size and very tasty. My main-course hake was only trumped by my partner’s steak. The waitress assured us there was no steak knife offered as one wasn’t required. She was right, the meat cooked medium rare, was tender and fell away with ease.

Presentation was immaculate, helped by friendly service. The wine on both nights - a merlot and a chardonnay - was very good and bottles were reasonably priced.

On our first and only Saturday night in Scotland we thought it only right to explore the town.

On recommendation of a local we headed to a nearby pub. Keen to explore we headed out for the next venue but after an aimless lap of the town centre ended back at the hotel. Pubs and bars keep traditional hours here and if clubbing’s not on the cards, it’s home time.

We left Perth by midday on the Sunday, to arrive in Edinburgh by early afternoon. Having been dark on the Friday, it was only travelling back that we were able to enjoy what was a stunning train journey. Passing through the famous Glen Eagles golf resort the dramatic route cuts between mountains, carving its way through the landscape.

Stepping out at Edinburgh Waverley - it was breathtaking.

The stunning architecture towers up either side of you, leaving you to decide which side first? Leaving our bags at the station we had several hours to explore. What Perth lacked in charming watering holes, Edinburgh more than made up for and with just a few hours we were able to walk the length of the Royal Mile up to the castle and sample a wee offering of the city's finest pubs along the way.

The Cafe Royal in West Register Street was an old oyster bar and offered a slice of Parisian glamour accompanied by Scottish cask ale - somewhat disorientating, but trust me it worked.

A regular bus shuttles back and forth from the city centre to the airport making the city pit-stop an easy and I would say vital, addition.

That evening, I went to bed in Wales, rested and ready for Monday - a feeling not normally accompanied with dashing city breaks. Navigating to Bristol airport really was the most difficult part of the weekend, so for a springtime mini-break there’s no need to cross the ocean, just head north.

Edinburgh is just over an hour’s flight from Bristol airport and EasyJet offers reasonable returns. With short-stay parking just opposite the Bristol terminal - it couldn’t be more convenient.