Stirling Castle
- Address:Castle Wynd, Stirling
- Hours:Open daily 9:30am - 6pm (until 5pm in winter)
- Admission:Adults: £9, Children (5-15yrs): £5.40
11:36 AM Saturday, May 26
Sunny. Mild.
7 day forecast »
In a country of castles, Stirling Castle may just be the ultimate royal stronghold. In fact, it was once rumored to be the home of King Arthur and his knights. Like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle dominates the surroundings, looming over it from a plug of volcanic rock. This impressive pile has seen it all, from a sacking by Robert the Bruce to the coronation of the infant Mary Queen of Scots to the premiere of the movie Braveheart in 1993.
The castle has been involved in some famous battles (most notably the Battle of Bannockburn, after which Robert the Bruce took the castle from the English), but it was also a royal residence. The Stewart monarchs roamed the gardens, watching archery, playing bowls and mingling with peacocks and cranes. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have fell in love here. Kings hunted red deer and wild boar in the park.
Today you too can wander in those gardens, as well as taking in a regimental museum, the Chapel Royal with its elaborate frieze, and the splendid medieval Great Hall. You can also see a medieval-style feast being prepared in the Great Kitchens and the Stirling Heads, a marvel of Scottish Renaissance carving.
Latest Reviews All Stirling Castle Reviews »
The trip was beautiful. I would definitely recommend it. Both Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond were breathtaking. Ewan, my tour guide, was very entertaining, knowledgeable, and personable. He added a lot to the overall experience. I will definitely go again when I come back for vacation.
Continue Reading »
This was the perfect day trip! Eric, our tour guide, was excellent - I wish I could have kept him along for the rest of our time in Edinburgh. His wealth of knowledge about his home country from a cultural, historical, geological, and political perspective is what made this day so special. I hope other tour guides and people can learn from his knowledge.
The sites are impressive too, even in winter. Stirling castle was everything we expected it to be and the quaintness of the Highlands was the perfect contradiction to our city visit. Viator and Rabbies made this incredibly easy and I would travel again with these organizations.
A brilliant trip with our guide Juliette. Our guide, Brian ,at Stirling Castle was hilarious. Then to top it off the whisky was very smooth and drinkable, and I don't particularly like whiskey. A lovely day out.
Continue Reading »Practical Info
The Stirling Castle is in the center of town (you can't miss it!) and Stirling is easily reached from both Edinburgh and Glasgow; if you're not driving, a train is probably your best option.
