Stirling Castle
Search results
Stirling (/ ˈ s t ɜːr l ɪ ŋ /; Scots: Stirlin; Scottish Gaelic: Sruighlea [ˈs̪t̪ɾuʝlə]) is a city in central Scotland, 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Glasgow and 37 miles (60 km) north-west of Edinburgh.
- 6.4 sq mi (16.7 km²)
- 2002
- 01786
- Scotland
- Stirling Castle Stirling. Stirling Castle. We’re starting off strong with an iconic attraction in the heart of the city. Stirling Castle has stood here for centuries and is a stronghold with a turbulent past and has seen many kings and queens throughout its history.
- The National Wallace Monument Stirling. The National Wallace Monument. A prominent feature of the city skyline, The National Wallace Monument is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
- The Stirling Smith Art Gallery Stirling Area. A tiger scu;pture made with Tunnocks teacake wrappers. © The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. This free attraction takes a deep dive into the fascinating culture and history of Stirling and is home to over 40,000 objects and artworks.
- Old Town Jail Stirling. Stirling Old Town Jail. If you’re looking for gruesome history, you’re in the right place! The Old Town Jail takes a step back in time to showcase the history of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh through self-guided audio tours, a ‘Scene of the Crime’ exhibition and an amazing observation tower, offering some of the best views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Stirling is a historic city with scenic attractions, shopping, food and events. Celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2024 and explore nearby towns, villages and countryside.
- Stirling Castle
- The National Wallace Monument
- Old Town Jail
- The Church of The Holy Rude
- Cowane’s Hospital
- Guided Walking Tour
- Battle of Bannockburn Experience
- The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
- Blair Drummond Safari Park
- Stirling XP
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Absolute must-do’s include the glorious Stirling Castlewith its Royal Palace – the fabled walls steeped in plotting and intrigue – as well as the Chapel Royal, the Regimental Museum and loads for younger visitors. From its rocky eyrie, this imposing fortress rewards your stroll up Stirling town’s cobbled main street with spectacular views over beau...
Stirling’s famous landmark commemorates the life of the patriot and martyr – Sir William Wallace. Situated on the Abbey Craig just outside Stirling, The National Wallace Monumentoverlooks the scene of Wallace’s greatest victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The exhibition galleries in the Monument tell the story of how the battle was fought and...
At the Old Town Jail,you can gasp, gulp and gape at tales of the horrible history of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh of Stirling. You’ll hear of infamous executioner Jock “The Happy Hangman” Rankin, along with murderers, martyrs and more. The popular and much praised performance tours make your time in jail even more vivid.
Also close to the castle is another jewel in the city’s crown: The Church of the Holy Rude. Founded in the 12th century, and the second oldest building in Stirling, the Church commands a splendid location on the city’s highest hill. The Church of the Holy Rude was the setting for the coronation of James VI in 1567, in a ceremony performed by revolu...
Cowane’s Hospital is a 17th Century Almshouse in the historic city of Stirling and is located in the area known as Top o’ the Town, just below Stirling Castle and opposite the Church of the Holy Rude where King James VI was crowned. It was established in 1637 with a bequest of 40,000 merks from the estate of merchant John Cowane (also referred to a...
You can enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic Old Town with local expert guides. Choose from one of the Guided Walking Toursoffered in Stirling. Walking Tours Scotland
To ramp up the action you can immerse yourself in the Battle of Bannockburn Experience. Learn about the medieval combat on the momentous day when king fought king and Robert the Bruce changed the course of Scottish history.
Once you escape the jail, why not take in something every bit as fascinating but a little more relaxed, elegant and stylish, such as the Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The treasury of objects and paintings all reflect the culture of the town and the county. Any visit to Stirling is enriched by time spent here, surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince ...
Drive through reserves and get up close to camels, zebras, rhinos, ankole cattle, deer and not forgetting every ones favourite – the lions! With a programme of events throughout the year, an adventure playground and many food and drink outlets, Blair Drummond Safari Parkis the perfect way to have a great day out with the family.
See Stirling like you never have before. Navigate the city with the help of a 3D map, learn more about the attractions above and collect the creatures of Stirling.
Discover the historic and cultural treasures of Stirling, from ancient castles and battlefields to art galleries and museums. Explore the stories of Scottish heroes and legends, such as William Wallace, James VI and Robert the Bruce.
- Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle is a stunning landmark that dates back to the Middle Ages. The city is visually dominated by the shining example of Renaissance architecture that is the magnificent castle.
- The National Wallace Monument. Another treasure of Stirling is the Wallace Monument – a grand stone tower which overlooks the city. This beloved landmark stands tall on a hilltop and commemorates William Wallace.
- David Stirling Memorial. A memorial to the founder of the Special Air Service, David Stirling. He was a fascinating and inspirational Scottish officer who saw active service during the Second World War.
- Church of the Holy Rude. This medieval parish church was founded in 1129, during the reign of David I. It is the second oldest building in Stirling, right after the castle.
History. Stirling Castle has been likened to ‘a huge brooch clasping Highlands and Lowlands together’. From high on a volcanic outcrop, the castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries. Today it remains a great symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history features:
Stirling. This impressive Victorian prison building lay derelict from the 1960s until 2015, when it was reopened as a visitor attraction. Costumed guides lead tours… National Wallace Monument. Stirling. Perched high on a crag above the floodplain of the River Forth, this Victorian monument is so Gothic it deserves circling bats and croaking ravens.
