The Gateway to the Highlands is one of Scotland’s most historic cities, home to medieval landmarks, a picturesque old town and glorious parks.
With landmarks retelling stories of Scotland’s past, regal gardens alive with color and remarkable art galleries, Stirling is a city of history and culture. Stirling straddles central Scotland’s Forth River and is a gateway to the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
Visit Stirling Castle, a major highlight. Perched on a hill, it affords uninterrupted views of the city and surrounding countryside. Explore halls and gardens for a glimpse into the lifestyle of former royal residents such as Mary Queen of Scots. Spot military memorabilia at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum.
Below the castle, the Old Town is a quaint district of cobblestone streets lined with landmarks. Stroll around the Back Walk to discover several interesting attractions. Among these are the Church of the Holy Rude and Mar’s Wark, a 16th-century Renaissance townhouse. Visit the Tolbooth, an old courthouse now hosting art expositions and concerts. Go to Argyll’s Lodging to experience the life of 1600s Scottish nobility.
Tour the Old Town Jail. Walk in the footsteps of prisoners of a Victorian-era jail and listen to legends of the hangman. Afterward, see a slice of Stirling’s arts culture at the Changing Room Gallery and Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
On sunny days Stirling’s public parks offer a respite from sightseeing. Visit the royal gardens of King’s Knot, famous for its ornamental hedges. Nearby King’s Park has a golf course, children’s play areas and a skate park.
Use Stirling’s public buses to reach attractions outside the city center. Go to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre to learn about Robert the Bruce’s victory over the English. Visit the Wallace Monument, a memorial to the Scottish hero, William Wallace.
Conveniently set in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is less than 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Besides its own attractions, the city is a great base for arranging excursions into the Scottish Highlands. Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are both reachable via daytrips.
