Scotland beckons: discover Scone Palace International Horse Trials

There are few settings more fitting for a great equestrian gathering than Scone Palace in Scotland. Steeped in Scottish history, this iconic attraction provides a majestic backdrop to Scone Palace International Horse Trials, bringing four days of thrilling competition and Scottish hospitality to beautiful Perthshire.

For north of England visitors, it's closer than you might think. Driving from Lancashire or Yorkshire is around a 4-hour drive, and with its prime location in the heart of Scotland, Perth is a central hub for trains all over the UK, making Scone Palace one of the most accessible international events in the UK equestrian calendar.

World-Class Sport

Boasting four days of world-class sport and countryside hospitality, the event brings together elite riders, rising stars and grassroots competitors across a packed programme.

Beyond the top-class international eventing that acts as the headline, the sporting card runs deep. There's major-league British Showjumping, featuring The Malcolm Group Grand Prix with its £1,000 first prize - sure to attract stars from both the showjumping and the eventing worlds, while Arena Eventing, Pony Club Games, Showing and the Scottish Grassroots Championships - the destination event for all Scottish and Northern amateur riders - deliver near-continuous action across three arenas.

Scone Palace's wide variety of showing classes are real crowd-pullers. There's a focus on Scottish native breeds - Highland Ponies and Clydesdales - with the very best of each breed coming forward. The Hunter classes are packed full of quality, as is the Native Pony Society (NPS) show, which features qualifiers for showing's most coveted championships. And, appropriately given that the site combines Perth Racecourse as well as the grounds of Scone Palace itself, there are hotly contested Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes.

More Than Just Horses

As with any great equestrian festival, there's plenty here beyond the arenas. A bustling shopping village brings together country clothing, equestrian brands and artisan producers, while food and drink stalls showcase the best of Perthshire produce.

And when the sporting action winds down, the party gets going!

Three nights of evening entertainment deliver live music, a full-blown Scottish ceilidh and a disco to see the celebrations through to late. Well-stocked bars and Perth Racecourse's own Paddock and Chips keep everyone fed and watered until late, guaranteeing a proper Scottish hoolie to round off each day.

Made for Families

Scone Palace International Horse Trials is a brilliant event for kids, and it won't break the bank either. Under 12s go free, and 12–16 year olds get in from just £12.

Once you're through the gates, head straight for the Horse Scotland Village, packed with things to keep horse-mad kids grinning all day: hop on the Horse Simulator, say hello to the therapy ponies, cheer on the dog classes, and swap stories at the Pony Club Chat.

Add in ice cream vans, delicious pizzas and burgers, and world-class horses jumping right in front of you, and you've all you need for a proper family adventure.

Getting to Perth

Drive from Yorkshire: Driving from Yorkshire to Perth takes about 4.5 hours for the ≈ 230-mile trip. You will head north on the A1(M), cross into Scotland on the A74(M), and take the M8 and M90. Check live traffic with Traffic Scotland before you leave

Drive from Lancashire: The drive from Lancashire to Perth is a straightforward 200 to 225-mile trip that takes about 4 to 4.5 hours via major motorways. Simply head north on the M6 past Carlisle into Scotland, where the road becomes the M74. Near Glasgow, follow the M73 to the M80 and M9 toward Stirling, which seamlessly flows into the A9 and takes you directly into Perth.

By Train: Perth Rail Station is a central hub for trains all over the UK with regular, direct routes form across England.

By Air: Flights into Edinburgh or Glasgow will take you under an hour and Perth sits just an hour's drive from either city.

Staying In the Area

Onsite camping pitches are still available for the full run of the event, letting visitors stay close to the action long after the last horse has left the arena. Starting at only £160 for six people and one car, there’s plenty of reasons to make a weekend of things!

You will also find a mix of hotels, guest houses, campsites and glamping pods across the region, to suit all budgets and requirements.

Scone Palace is situated in the heart of beautiful Perthshire, known for its outstanding beauty and award-winning culture. While you're here, build in time to explore beyond the showground. Perth itself is full of independent shops, riverside walks and excellent restaurants, and makes an easy base for the wider county. From lochs and glens to world-class whisky distilleries, give yourself an extra day or two and turn your sporting trip into a proper Scottish holiday.

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