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The Best Things to Do in Stirling

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Top attractions in Stirling

National Wallace Monument ©
Monument
National Wallace Monument , Stirling
4.5
Learn the story of Scotland's Braveheart at National Wallace Monument. Wherever you are in Stirling, it's hard not to notice the 67 m (220 ft
Tours from $668
Stirling Castle
Castle
Stirling Castle , Stirling
4.4
Stirling Castle was not only the home of Mary Queen of Scots, but also an important center of art and culture in the 16th century. Still domi
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park ©
Safari
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park , Stirling
4.5
View large and exotic animals from a vehicle, from a boat, and on foot at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. The park covers 49 hectar
Doune Castle ©
Castle
Doune Castle , Doune
4.5
Visit a late 14th-century courtyard castle at Doune Castle. Marvel at the 30 m (100 ft ) gatehouse, which includes Lord's Hall and its musici
Tours from $44
The Kelpies & The Helix ©
Monument
The Kelpies & The Helix , Falkirk
4.6
Tours from $55

Recommended Stirling tours

FROM $64 BOOK WITH VIATOR West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
4.6
Duration: 10 hours
Tours from $64 »
FROM $56 BOOK WITH VIATOR Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
4.5
Duration: 9 hours
Tours from $56 »
FROM $48 BOOK WITH VIATOR Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
4.6
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $48 »
Trip Planner :  Europe  /  UK  /  Scotland  /  Stirlingshire  /  Stirling  /  Things to do in Stirling

Stirling

4.2
Castles · Monuments · Safaris
Stirling is a city in central Scotland. The market town, surrounded by rich farmland, grew up connecting the royal citadel, the medieval old town with its merchants and tradesmen, the bridge and the port. Located on the River Forth, Stirling is the administrative centre for the Stirling council area, and is traditionally the county town of Stirlingshire. Proverbially it is the strategically important "Gateway to the Highlands".It has been said that "Stirling, like a huge brooch clasps Highlands and Lowlands together". Similarly "he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland" is often quoted. Stirling's key position as the lowest bridging point of the River Forth before it broadens towards the Firth of Forth, made it a focal point for travel north or south.When Stirling was temporarily under Anglo-Saxon sway, according to a 9th-century legend, it was attacked by Danish invaders. The sound of a wolf roused a sentry, however, who alerted his garrison, which forced a Viking retreat. This led to the wolf being adopted as a symbol of the town as is shown on the 1511 Stirling Jug. Arrange all the small, but important details of your Stirling trip itinerary using our United Kingdom itinerary planner.

Side trips from Stirling

The Kelpies & The Helix ©
Monument
The Kelpies & The Helix
Falkirk
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Falkirk Wheel ©
Architectural Building
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Rosslyn Chapel ©
Church
Rosslyn Chapel
Roslin
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Glen Coe ©
Valley
Glen Coe
Glencoe
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Stirling

Loch Lomond ©
Water Body
Loch Lomond
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Argaty Red Kites ©
Wildlife Area
Argaty Red Kites
Doune
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
Church of the Holy Rude ©
Religious Site
Church of the Holy Rude
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
The Old Town Jail ©
Historic Site
The Old Town Jail
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes

Historic Sites in Stirling

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Dumyat Path
Historic Walking Area
Dumyat Path
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Rob Roy's Grave ©
Historic Site
Rob Roy's Grave
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Stirling Bridge ©
Battlefield
Stirling Bridge
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
Old Town Cemetery ©
Cemetery
Old Town Cemetery
4.7
Duration: 30 minutes

Museums in Stirling

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum ©
Military Museum
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum ©
Art Museum
Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Engine Shed ©
Specialty Museum
Engine Shed
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
Great Kitchens ©
Specialty Museum
Great Kitchens
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes

Wildlife in Stirling

The Alpaca Trekking Centre ©
Nature / Wildlife Tour
The Alpaca Trekking Centre
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min

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Places to visit with Stirling

EdinburghTrip planner BEST FOR: Castle, Landmark, Specialty Museum InvernessTrip planner BEST FOR: Distillery Tour, Water Body, Historic Site Fort WilliamTrip planner BEST FOR: Mountain, Specialty Museum, Landmark GlasgowTrip planner BEST FOR: Art Museum, Specialty Museum, Nightlife GlencoeTrip planner BEST FOR: Valley, Scenic Walking Area, Hiking Trail

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Where to stay in Stirling

Stirling Castle
Stirling's central location in Scotland means most of its many lodging options are quickly reachable from nearly anywhere in the country. Hotels located close to the city's iconic castle offer easy access to all of the area's celebrated historical sites. Though they provide the finest modern conveniences, hotels in this central part of town occupy buildings steeped in history and heritage. Just outside of town, explore a world of boutique hotels and quaint B&Bs, a perfect base from which to explore the picturesque Central Lowlands.
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