Things to Do in Stirling: Castle, Wallace Monument and Day Trips

Dominated by its castle perched on a volcanic rock, Stirling Stirling has long been the key to Scotland: whoever controlled Stirling controlled the country. From William Wallace to Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart, it's one of the most historically significant cities in the country, less than an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Here's what to do in and around Stirling. Based in the UK since 2012, we include it in our tailor-made trips to Scotland.

In short: In Stirling, don't miss the castle, the former royal residence of the Stuarts, the National Wallace Monument, the old town and the Holy Rude Cemetery, and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn. Nearby, visit Doune Castle, a filming location for Outlander and Monty Python, and the Kelpies of Falkirk. Allow one day for the city itself, and two if you include the surrounding area.

Things to do in Stirling: the must-sees

Stirling Castle

It is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. A favorite residence of the Stuart kings, it was here that Mary Stuart grew up and was crowned here in 1543. Don't miss the restored Renaissance royal palace with its unicorn tapestries, the great hall, and the view over the entire Forth Valley.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Things to do in Stirling: castle, Wallace Monument and surrounding area "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

Question 2 of 5

Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

Question 3 of 5

During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

Question 4 of 5

Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

Question 5 of 5

What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

The National Wallace Monument

This 67-meter Victorian tower, on Abbey Craig Hill, pays homage to William Wallace, hero of Scottish independence and victor of the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Inside, you can see his sword, then climb the 246 steps to the top for an exceptional panorama.

The Old Town and the Holy Rude Church

Between the castle and the center, the cobbled lanes of the old town lead to the Church of the Holy Rude, one of the few churches still in use to have hosted a coronation, that of James VI in 1567. The nearby cemetery offers beautiful views of the city.

Bannockburn

South of the city, the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre offers an immersive experience of Robert the Bruce's victory over the English in 1314. An ideal stop to understand Scottish history.

What is there to see around Stirling?

• Doune Castle, at 15 minutes: Castle Leoch in Outlander and set of Monty Python and the Holy Grail!
• The Kelpies, near Falkirk: two steel horse heads, 30 meters high.
• The Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift unique in the world.
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, at the gateway to the Highlands.

Also read our guide to Outlander filming locations and our selection of most beautiful castles in Scotland.

Our 2-day Stirling itinerary

• Day 1: The castle in the morning, the old town and the Holy Rude, then the Wallace Monument at the end of the day.
• Day 2: Bannockburn, Doune Castle, then the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

Finally, Stirling is a perfect stop on the way to the Highlands. Discover our 10-day Scotland tour and our guide What to do in Edinburgh. More information is available on the official website of the Stirling Castle.

Also read: What to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Frequently Asked Questions about Stirling

How to get to Stirling from Edinburgh?

The train connects Edinburgh to Stirling in under an hour, as it does from Glasgow. By car, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

How long does it take to visit Stirling Castle?

Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the palace, the rooms and the ramparts.

Stirling or Edinburgh: which castle to choose?

Both are worth a visit. However, Stirling Castle is often less crowded, and its restored royal palace is particularly spectacular.

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