Top 10 Things to do in Stirling, Scotland

June 25, 2021 Venice Greaves

Enjoy a compelling glimpse into the epic history of Stirling and its surrounding area by going back in time at Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Then explore other family-friendly attractions and the vibrant, independent boutiques around the Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade. And be sure to budget time to visit majestic Loch Lomond – Britain’s largest body of water – and the Trossachs National Park, just a short ride away.
Restaurants in Stirling

1. Argaty Red Kites

Lerrocks Farm Argaty, Doune, Stirling FK16 6EJ Scotland +44 1786 841373 [email protected] http://www.argatyredkites.co.uk
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 227 reviews

Argaty Red Kites

Reviewed By karensheps81 - Bath, United Kingdom

A great little find, we stopped by here on our way to Edinburgh and despite poor weather we saw many birds along with a red squirrel. Seeing them feeding at such close range in their natural habitat made for stunning viewing, great value for money.

2. Stirling Distillery

9 Lower Castlehill, Stirling FK8 1EN Scotland +44 1786 596496 [email protected] http://www.stirlinggin.co.uk
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 219 reviews

Stirling Distillery

Stirling Gin was founded in October 2015. Situated at the foot of Stirling's beautiful castle, Stirling Distillery opened in Summer 2019 and operates informative guided tours each day which cater to gin enthusiasts. All of their tours include a walk through Stirling's dark and dramatic history, the transformation of the building, an in-depth look at distilling and a complete tasting session.

Reviewed By Nicolacola - Horsham, United Kingdom

Very interesting gin tour, our tour guide Clare, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Loved the history of the building and the gin was great too! Highly recommend xx

3. Stirling Castle

Castle Esplanade Upper Castle Hill, Old Town, Stirling FK8 1EJ Scotland +44 1786 450000 [email protected] http://www.stirlingcastle.scot
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,220 reviews

Stirling Castle

Dominating the skyline for miles around, Stirling Castle is a shining example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can look out from its high stone walls to the battlefields of Stirling Bridge where great medieval armies clashed to decide the fate of nations. Home to generations of Scottish monarchs including, Mary Queen of Scots, the Castle is an enduring and powerful reminder of our fascinating history.

Reviewed By GordonYates - Stirling, United Kingdom

This was a wonderful day out - we went with our 7 year old twin grand daughters who had a whale of a time! They found the experience a great adventure The Castle was well organised and managed with knowledgeable and friendly staff that all added to the experience We all enjoyed a snack at the Unicorn Cafe - again well run and organised, in fact the coffee was good Most of castle was opened, in fact not much is closed off!

4. National Wallace Monument

Hillfoots Road Abbey Craig, Stirling FK9 5LF Scotland +44 1786 472140 [email protected] http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,560 reviews

National Wallace Monument

A national hero - a national landmark. For 150 years The National Wallace Monument has been standing proudly on The Abbey Craig, outside the historic city of Stirling, and telling the thrilling story of Sir William Wallace, Patriot, Martyr, and Guardian of Scotland.

Reviewed By MiaCD - Fareham, United Kingdom

The climb up to the top of the Monument is well worth the climb and the viewing of the artifacts within are breath taking, the gift shop is reasonably priced as well, we will be back to climb those stairs again!

5. Loch Lomond

Stirling Scotland http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 522 reviews

Loch Lomond

The largest fresh-water loch in the United Kingdom.

Reviewed By Gibbo1964 - Melbourne, Australia

My wife and I walked virtually the full length of the loch on the eastern side on days 2 and 3 of the West Highland Way. We were very lucky with great weather. The loch was a real highlight of the walk.

6. Doune Castle

Castle Hill, Doune, Stirling FK16 6EA Scotland +44 1786 841742 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,363 reviews

Doune Castle

Doune Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Explore this 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland. The formidable Doune Castle was built for the Regent Albany. The striking keep-gatehouse combines domestic quarters including the splendid Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. This was used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As well as being heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle was also used for the castle known as Winterfell in the pilot of the award winning TV series Game of Thrones as well as Castle Leoch in Outlander.

Reviewed By LouiseT2115

As a Monty Python fan we had to visit! Little did I know that there is also a Game of Thrones connection too!! Gorgeous castle, fascinating history (the free audio guide is a MUST!), incredibly kind, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Don't miss this castle if you are visiting the area!

7. Church of the Holy Rude

St. John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED Scotland +44 1786 475275 http://www.holyrude.org
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 438 reviews

Church of the Holy Rude

Reviewed By 9alba

I went on a church walk as part of the Stirling Photography Festival in August 2019. There is plenty to see in and around the church which is at the top of the town near the castle. The graveyard has a number of important grave sites and the church itself has a fascinating history.

8. Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

Deanston Distillery Near Doune, Stirling FK16 6AG Scotland +44 1786 843010 [email protected] http://www.deanstonmalt.com
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 917 reviews

Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

Deanston Distillery is located 8 miles north of Stirling on the A84 near Doune, at the gateway to the dramatic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. No ordinary 'run of the mill' whisky tour, we are just 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit us and experience our traditional open mash tun, gleaming copper stills and our maturation warehouse 2b. During your visit taste our distinctive single malt whisky which is fruity with a malty spiciness on the palate. Our distillery cafe, The Coffee Bothy is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee and cake. Either 'pre-tour' or 'apres-tour' make time to visit The Coffee Bothy where all our food is freshly prepared and handmade in the distillery kitchen. Our friendly and knowledgable team look forward to welcoming you to Deanston Distillery. - Free Parking - Disabled Access - Distillery Shop - Distillery CafeAdditional Information:Set in the heart of Scotland, Deanston Distillery is an ideal starting point to take in the best of what Scotland has to offer. Having visited our whisky distillery other Scottish icons nearby include castles, lochs, glens and wild animals! Doune Castle, backdrop to the Monty Python film 'Knights of the Holy Grail' is 20 minutes walking distance, Stirling Castle the favoured residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens only 8 miles away. Loch Katrine surrounded by beautiful scenery is 30 minutes by car and the Blair Drummond Safari Park just down the road. Combined with the local villages of Doune, Callander, Dunblane and the City of Stirling there is much to see and do.

Reviewed By noel617 - Boston, United States

This was a good your through a distillery actually in production when we visited. Jason was a great tour guide - engaging and knowledgeable. Get 2 samples not one!

9. The Old Town Jail

St. John Street, Stirling FK8 1EA Scotland +44 1786 595024 [email protected] http://www.oldtownjail.co.uk
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 549 reviews

The Old Town Jail

Visit our top-rated independent visitor attraction in the heart of the Old Town - just two minutes walk from Stirling Castle. Our new self-guided audio tours take you on a fascinating journey through the history of local crime and punishment as you explore our cells before taking in the outstanding views from our rooftop observation tower.

Reviewed By 237colin

Really great place to spend an hour or two. During Covid they give you an audio set as part of the tour which helps you understand the history and workings of the jail really well. The observatory is a real gem and the views are fantastic . All the staff were helpful and friendly and it is a great place to visit .

10. The Battle of Bannockburn Experience

The Battle of Bannockburn Centre Glasgow Road Whins of Milton, Stirling FK7 0LJ Scotland +44 1786 812664 http://www.battleofbannockburn.com
Excellent
51%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
8%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,516 reviews

The Battle of Bannockburn Experience

An incredible new experience that changes how you learn about Scottish history. The brand new Battle of Bannockburn visitor experience; an innovative attraction with state-of-the-art 3D battle simulation that transforms the way visitors of all ages learn about Bannockburn.

Reviewed By CAmos75 - Corbridge, United Kingdom

Was trying to work out if you need to pay to just walk in however I can confirm based on my visit on 8 September.... 1. Parking is FREE 2. Walking up to the Battle Circle is FREE 3. You only pay to enter the museum (whcih apparently brings ithe battle to life) Enjoy - Great insight into some scottish history and worth a stop and a visit to the cafe too (if it is open) and to use the toilets.

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