Stirling - 22 Great Things To See & Do In Stirling, Scotland
Stirling has a very important place in Scotland’s history. Its strategic location as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands resulted in many battles for freedom and it’s no wonder that so many people visit every year to uncover its fascinating history. I really hope you enjoy the video and that it inspires you to visit this fascinating Scottish city.
Visitors have plenty to see and do in Stirling itself, including visiting Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, Argyll’s Lodgings, Bannockburn Visitor Centre – and much, much more. Plan for at least a day in Stirling.
Stirling is located in the Forth Valley, a wonderful region to tour, with lots of picturesque villages and great landscapes to explore. The region offers visitors a variety of attractions, including the rugged Ochil Hills, the marvellous Falkirk Wheel and the Antonine Wall – to name but a few. The historic town of Falkirk should also be on every visitors list and in particular its magnificent Callendar House, which will entertain the whole family. A trip along the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals is also very worthwhile, as is the town’s excellent heritage trail.
Stirling is located in central Scotland where the River Forth meets the Firth of Forth estuary. It is the smallest Scottish city with a population of just 33,700, which is smaller than many major Scottish towns.
It’s uncertain where Stirling actually got its name from, but some believe it derives its name from the Scots or Gaelic terms for battle or struggle. Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling was given the formal status of being a city in 2002 as part of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The city developed over many centuries around the large fortress we know today as Stirling Castle and the medieval town which sprung up around it. The city was strategically important over the centuries as the “gateway to the Highlands” and for its close proximity to the River Forth where a river crossing and busy port developed. Stirling’s strategic location can be easily appreciated by observing its surrounding geography. This is the point where the low lying and gently undulating Scottish lowlands meet the ascending slopes of the Highland hills and mountains at a point along the Highland Boundary Fault.
Major Battles took place in and around Stirling during the wars of Scottish Independence, most notably at Stirling Bridge in 1297 and at nearby Bannockburn village in 1314, involving the iconic Scottish warriors William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, respectively.
The second oldest building in Stirling, after the Castle itself, is the Church of the Holy Rude which dates back to 1129 and is thought to be the only existing church in the UK, apart from Westminster Abbey, to have held a Coronation Ceremony.
Economically the city’s port and harbour played a significant part in the good fortune of the city until its demise with the rise and dominance of the steam locomotive.
Stirling was primarily a market town and local farmers enjoyed being surrounded by some of the flattest and most agriculturally productive land in Scotland. Agriculture still plays a part in Stirling’s economy today, but in a much lesser way.
Financial services and the tourism industry are now some of the biggest employers in Stirling thanks to the Prudential Offices at Craigforth and the more obvious tourist attractions such as the castle and the National Wallace Monument. Other major employers in Stirling are the University of Stirling’s Innovation and Science Park which has encouraged around 40 different research and development companies to the city since 1993.
Stirling has an excellent and internationally well-regarded University which opened in 1967. Stirling University now attracts around 11,000 students yearly to study there from over 80 different countries around the world. The University and city are also a major centre for sports education and training, with the Scottish Institute of Sports headquarters based in the university campus. Similarly, the Scottish National Swimming Academy and the Grannochy National Tennis Centre are also located on campus.
Unknown to many even in the city itself, Stirling was home to brothers Frank and Harold Barnwell who in 1909 designed and flew the first powered aircraft in Scotland. A monument to their outstanding achievement exists to this day.
Stirling has an interesting reputation for large amounts of paranormal activity, the most famous ghostly sighting being of “the Green Lady of the Castle” who has been seen by many a startled soldier on night sentry. The nearby Settle Inn is also said to be highly active.
Spending a Day in Stirling
Stirling is a remarkably historic city for its size, but not for its location. It was geographically significant for many centuries as the nearest foot bridge crossing over the River Forth to the north and the Highlands. This strategic importance led to two famous Scottish battles being held here: The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 when William Wallace defeated the English army and The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 when it was Robert the Bruce’s turn to overcome the English invaders.
Stirling, as a result of all this history, is a fascinating city to visit and is a small, compact place with most attractions within a short journey of each other.
Stirling Castle is undoubtedly Stirling’s most recognisable icon and is regarded by many to be the finest castle in Scotland – perhaps even better than Edinburgh. Surprisingly, the castle has some delightful gardens and lawns which really softens the old castle walls and battlements. It’s a very exciting castle to visit, with lots of hidden nooks and crannies to get lost in and it’s very easy to spend the best part of a day here exploring its many treasures.
There’s a very good exhibition telling the story of the castle’s unique history and the restored Great Hall, The Palace and the Chapel Royal are all some of the highlights of a visit. The Douglas Gardens are a particularly lovely part of the Castle, offering superb views to the Highlands and a visit to the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum is also very worthwhile. Also worthy of note are the newly commissioned seven reproduction Stirling Tapestries of which four are being woven at the castle itself. You can see the tapestries being hand woven in a purpose built studio within the castle.
While visiting the Castle it’s also worthwhile visiting Argyll’s Lodging at the top of the Castle Wynd *. This is an atmospheric renaissance townhouse built by Sir William Alexander in the 17th Century. Highlights of this impressive house include its spectacularly decorated High Dining Room and the Drawing Room with its specially recreated tapestries and chair of state.
(*please check it’s open, as it has been closed recently for renovation)
At St John Street in the city’s historic quarter is a rather unusual attraction – Stirling’s Old Town Jail. This famous Victorian prison is great fun to visit, especially for children, and gives an interesting insight into what the poor Victorian inmates once had to endure. Costumed character actors do a great job of telling the story of the jail and its famous prisoners and you really do find yourself transported back in time. When you’ve finished the tour it’s very worthwhile heading up to the rooftop viewpoint which delivers amazing views across the city to the Trossachs, the Forth Valley and the Ochil Hills.
The Old Town Jails predecessor is also nearby – The Tolbooth which was once the city’s infamous court house and jail. Nowadays it’s the base for Stirling Council’s Arts & Events Team and is the city’s premier venue for live music and the arts. If you’re at a loose end in the evening it’s very worthwhile checking out what’s on in this very popular venue.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, just outside the city centre, is an excellent place to visit to find out more about Stirling’s history and houses many rare and unique Scottish artefacts. It even has the world’s oldest known football! There’s also excellent galleries of local, contemporary arts, crafts and photography. The Stirling Smith also has a lovely garden in the grounds called Ailie’s Garden which aims to teach visitors about the Scottish countryside, biodiversity and waste management. If you get peckish here, there’s also a really good Gallery Cafe which offers home baking and light lunches.
A little further a field, around a mile and a half north of the city centre, is the instantly recognisable and iconic National Wallace Monument. Built in the 1860’s as a tribute to William Wallace the “freedom fighter”, the tower marks the spot and commemorates the scene of his most famous victory – The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Wallace’s huge broadsword is on display here and you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about his incredible campaign for Scottish freedom.
The tower also commemorates other Scottish giants in the fields of science, industry and the arts in the magnificent Scottish “Hall of Heroes“. The highlight of any trip to the monument, however, is the tremendous views at the top over to the Trossachs, the Forth Valley, the Ochil Hills and the Pentlands. On a clear day the views are some of the most impressive in Scotland. Being a little out of town, there’s also an excellent cafe serving all kinds of refreshments, light lunches and snacks.
No trip to Stirling, however, would be complete without a visit to the Battle of Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Located around 2 miles south of the city the heritage centre commemorates the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when King Robert the Bruce famously overcame King Edward II’s English army, ultimately resulting in The Declaration of Arbroath and independence from England.
The centre has an excellent audiovisual presentation and teaches a lot about the battle itself and the Scottish Wars of independence. Bannockburn was an important and pivotal turning point for the Scottish nation and it still resonates down through the centuries in the Scottish psyche to this day. To understand this battle, the reasons for it and the consequences of the victory is to understand a great deal about the Scots as a proud and resilient nation. There’s also an excellent restaurant here overlooking the battlefield.
Stirling is a great place to visit and should never be overlooked by those heading straight for the Scottish Highlands, Glasgow or Edinburgh. There is a wealth of history to discover here and a visit to Scotland would be incomplete without visiting this historic city.
Stirling Visitor Attractions
Stirling has some fascinating visitor attractions, contained within a compact old town, that makes it a must see for anyone visiting Scotland.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is considered by many to be the most important castle in Scotland and is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Scotland. Highlights include The Great Hall – the largest medieval banqueting hall in Scotland and The Palace, which remains one of the most splendid Renaissance buildings in Britain. There is so much to see and do at Stirling castle that you must set aside plenty of time!
Stirling Old Town Jail
Opened in 1996 and located in the city’s historic quarter, the Old Town Jail is an interesting insight into how prisoners were dealt with in Victorian times. The story of the prison is told through costumed actors and the view of Stirling from the rooftop viewpoint is not to be missed.
The Wallace Monument
Constructed in the 1860’s, this iconic national monument, dedicated to freedom fighter William Wallace, tells the story of his brave campaign for Scottish independence. Other Scottish heroes are also celebrated in the Hall of Heroes for their contribution to science, industry and the arts and the views from the top are stunning! There’s an excellent cafe if you want to grab some breakfast or lunch.
Stirling Arcade
Stirling Arcade is a beautiful Victorian shopping arcade with a diverse range of independent retailers and cafes. Built in the early 1880’s, in the heart of Stirling’s old town, the arcade itself has some lovely architectural and decorative features that make it a very stylish and relaxing place to shop or have a coffee. Shops sell everything from musical instruments to jewellery, lingerie and furniture!
Argyll’s Lodging
Located near Stirling Castle, Argyll’s Lodging is a fantastic example of an aristocratic 17th-century townhouse. As well as the impressive Renaissance architecture, highlights include the High Dining Room with its splendidly elaborate painted decoration and the Drawing Room with its amazing recreated tapestries (has been closed for renovation - please check it’s open before visiting).
Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
Established in 1874, this excellent gallery and museum houses an amazing collection of rare artefacts and fine art from all over the world, including a permanent exhibition on the story of Stirling and its earliest origins. The Smith hosts new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year and has an excellent cafe and shop for visitors to enjoy.
Bannockburn Heritage Centre
This excellent visitor centre tells the story of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over Edward II’s English army on 23 & 24 June 1314 at Bannockburn. Despite all the odds, Bruce overcame a much larger professional army to win freedom from the English and the outcome changed the course of Scottish history forever. The exhibitions do a great job in explaining the importance of Bruce’s victory to Scotland. There’s a really good cafe here with a nice outlook over the battlefield area.
The Tolbooth Stirling
The Tolbooth is located in Stirling’s old town and is Stirling’s leading venue for the arts and live music. It re-opened in 2002, after extensive refurbishment, and is now home to many of Scotland’s best musicians and performers. For live music in Stirling it’s the place to go!
Stirling Ghost Walk
The Stirling Ghostwalk started life as a community project about 20 years ago. It’s still a hugely enjoyable way to explore Stirling’s old town and learn about some of its past colourful characters. Using professional performers, the old town becomes an atmospheric back drop for a brilliantly entertaining mix of drama, comedy and storytelling.
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park
Located a short journey to the north west of Stirling on the A84, Blair Drummond is a fantastic place to take the kids. With a zoo, boat trip and adventure playground, there’s no shortage of entertainment for all the family. On a more serious note the park has a worthwhile animal conservation and education programme that all visitors should support as much as possible. (Note: the Park is closed in the winter).
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