{"id":5287,"date":"2026-11-10T09:58:01","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T08:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/guides\/que-faire-a-stirling\/"},"modified":"2026-11-10T13:45:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T12:45:30","slug":"what-to-do-in-stirling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/what-to-do-in-stirling\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Stirling: Castle, Wallace Monument and Day Trips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dominated by its castle perched on a volcanic rock, Stirling<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to discover Stirling?<\/strong> Our local French-speaking team integrates it into your tailor-made trip to Scotland<\/a>.<\/div>
Get my free quote<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Stirling: the must-sees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stirling Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stirling
Stirling Castle, perched on its volcanic rock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The National Wallace Monument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Old Town and the Holy Rude Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bannockburn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is there to see around Stirling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n