Located in central Scotland, this historic city sits at the River Forth's lowest crossing point. It's home to Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the University of Stirling.
Stirling, a compact city in central Scotland, sits at the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands. When you visit, you can explore the medieval Stirling Castle, see the 16th-century Church of the Holy Rude, and climb the 220-foot Wallace Monument. The city's position along the River Forth also makes it an ideal starting point for walks in the nearby Ochil Hills.
Exploring Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle sits atop a volcanic crag overlooking the city. As you tour the castle complex, you'll see the Great Hall, Royal Palace, Chapel Royal, and other buildings added over centuries. In the Royal Palace, you can examine recreated 16th century interiors with colorful tapestries and period furnishings. Visit the castle kitchens to learn how cooks prepared royal feasts. From the castle walls, you'll see the surrounding landscape, including the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.
Wandering the Old Town
Below the castle, Stirling's Old Town maintains its medieval street layout with narrow lanes and historic buildings. As you walk down the cobblestone streets, you'll pass merchant houses and churches dating back to the 15th-17th centuries. Stop by the Church of the Holy Rude, where infant King James VI was crowned in 1567. At the Old Town Jail, you can join tours about crime and punishment in centuries past. For a view of the city, follow the Back Walk, an 18th century footpath circling Castle Hill.
Visiting the Wallace Monument
Just outside the city stands the Wallace Monument, a 220-foot tower honoring William Wallace. When you climb the 246 steps to the top, you'll see Stirling and the surrounding countryside. Inside, exhibits tell the story of Wallace's life and the Wars of Scottish Independence. The monument's tall stone tower, built in the 1860s, is visible from many parts of the city.
Exploring the Battlefield of Bannockburn
About 3 miles south of Stirling is the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English army in 1314. At the visitor center, 3D technology shows how the battle unfolded. Outside you can walk the battlefield and see a large equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce. This battle changed the course of the Wars of Scottish Independence, and you'll hear it mentioned often as you explore Stirling.
Getting There and Around
You can reach Stirling by train from Edinburgh (50 minutes) or Glasgow (30 minutes). The compact city center is walkable, with most sites within a mile radius. Local buses can take you to places further out like the Wallace Monument. If you rent a car, you can more easily explore the surrounding countryside and nearby lochs and mountains. Stirling serves as a good base for day trips into the Highlands or to nearby towns like Bridge of Allan.
