At 447 sq mi or 1,158 km2, Stirlingshire is not only a big area to cover but has a lot to see and learn in its history, and Stirling is a great place to start through its attractions.
This large area lies between Glasgow and Edinburgh and is of historical significance. It is here that the Battles of Bannockburn, Stirling Bridge and Falkirk were fought and where Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument stand. Stirlingshire is another place where you could spend a lot of time exploring and taking photos.
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If you are travelling around the United Kingdom, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Stirlingshire Attractions
The following attractions are in Stirlingshire. Stirling is packed full of attractions for you to learn all about Scottish history.
The Dunmore Pineapple Airth
The Dunmore Pineapple is under the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and it is free to wander the grounds.
Walk around the parkland and gardens or take a picnic to have the grounds in front of the house.
The is plenty of wildlife in the woodland to keep an eye out for.
There is only a small car park here, so time your visit well.
The David Stirling Memorial, Doune
A bit out of the way, the David Stirling Memorial represents the founder of the modern-day SAS.
The memorial is set near his home near Doune. He is remembered for seeing a lack of a specialised force that could cause havoc with only a few men.
Although captured by the Italians in 1943, he managed to escape camps four times before ending up in Colditz Castle.
It’s a lovely lookout over the Southern Highland Hills, on the Hill of Row, just set off the B824.
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Stirling
Only a 10-minute drive out of Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is the place to come for kids and animal lovers.
With large car parks dotted around the grounds, you can drive from one area to another in this 120-acre property to see animals, shows and play on the playgrounds and amusements that are here.
Large areas for picnics and BBQs are next to the car parks. The adventure playground is located next to the central car park amongst the animal enclosures.
Talks, presentations and displays happen throughout the day. The Bird of Prey display shows off the skills of these magnificent birds as they fly right over your heads at times.
Elevated platforms give you great views of the giraffes, lions and tigers. You could also catch a boat trip around Chimp Island, where you can watch them play and learn about their different personalities or walk across the bridge to Lemur Land, where the Lemurs run freely in the walk-through enclosure.
At the end of your day, you drive through the safari to exit. Here you have lions, camels, antelope, rhinos and Barbary macaques that entertain you from the comfort of your car.
Hours
The park is open from 10.00 am daily but as you have to book your tickets, a time block is allocated when you purchase your tickets, so get in early to have a full day of animals and fun.
Prices
Click here to book your tickets on the day and time you wish to visit.
Please note that all tickets must be bought in advance as tickets will no longer be available for purchase on the day.
Please ensure that you have booked the correct time and day as changes cannot be made to tickets that have been booked.
Stirling Stirlingshire Attractions
Home to the Battle of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, this town has so much to offer those interested in Scottish history. This is the heart of Stirlingshire and is full of attractions for you.
Explore Stirling Castle, the old Jail, Wallace Monument, and so much more.
Stirling Old Bridge
Just a short walk out of town is the Stirling Old Bridge.
This bridge would have been built around the 1400s or 1500s, replacing the wooden bridges that came before.
The battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 is when William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English forces.
Today you can see in the distance the National Wallace Monument from this bridge.
Stirling Castle
A visit to Stirling isn’t complete until you visit Stirling Castle.
It’s best to get here early, especially if you’re driving, as the car park fills up very quickly.
You can take a tour and hear about the different areas and rooms of the castle. After the tour, you are free to roam or go back to where you have been to take photos.
It is not only the stately rooms that are on show but the kitchens as well. There is the Regimental Museum, galleries and tapestries to explore, and the Palace Vaults will keep the kids entertained with interactive displays.
Castle Opening Hours
Stirling Castle is open daily from 9.30 am. Last entry and closing times vary by season. Closing times for independent museums vary. The Regimental Museum closes 45 minutes before the castle.
| Summer | Closing Time | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug – 30 Sept | 6 pm | 5.00 pm |
| Winter | Closing Time | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct – 31 Mar | 5 pm | 4.00 pm |
Unicorn Café Opening Times
1 April to 31 March:
9.30 am to 5.30 pm (takeaway only between 10 am and 11 am)
Closed 25, 26 December and 1 January
Check for any unforeseen closures here.
Prices
Historic Scotland ticket holders Free
- Adult (16-64 years) £18
- Child (7-15 years) £10
- Concession (65+ and Unemployed) £14.00
For all other prices, including gate prices, please click here.
Argyll’s Lodging, Stirling
At the moment, Argyll’s Lodging is closed for renovations, as it was when I visited Stirling.
Argyll’s Lodging townhouse is the best example of a Renaissance townhouse that you will find.
Its rooms contain recreated tapestries, painted decoration and fine architecture.
Please check their website for when it’s open.
Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling
Just a short walk down from Stirling Castle is the Church of the Holy Rude.
Holy Rude means Holy Cross and is the second oldest building in Stirling, being founded in 1129.
Inside, you can appreciate all the stonework that has gone into making this beautiful church.
Hours
1 May to 30 September 2022, Mon-Sat from 11 am to 4.00 pm, alternate Sun’s 11 am
Old Stirling Jail
Old Stirling Jail takes you on a journey as a convict with “different people” taking you through. You could have another trusted “prisoner” or the warden talking about the stories back in the day and showing you the cells.
The tour finishes at the top of the observation tower, where you can take in the views over Stirling.
Old Stirling Jail is a definite must-do attraction while you’re in Stirling. It’s a fun way to see what life was like when this was a working jail, even though it wouldn’t have been fun at the time.
Tour Times
Daily every 3o minutes between 10.15 am – 5.15 pm.
Hours
Daily 10.00 am to 6 pm.
Prices
To find the prices and book online, click here.
Battle of Bannockburn, Stirling
Another historical figure in Scotland is Robert the Bruce.
Here at the Battle of Bannockburn site, you can learn all about this battle that pitted King Edward II of England against Robert the Bruce.
Inside the information centre is the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, a digital re-creation of the battle that immerses you in this time.
Out the back are the grounds, and commemorative monuments, including the statue of Robert the Bruce on horseback.
This park is always open and where you can take stunning photos of sunsets over the surrounding hills.
Opening Hours Visitor Centre & Battle Experience
Open daily 3 Jan-21 Dec 10.00–17.00
Closed 22 Dec-4 Jan
The site is always open to visit.
Prices
Battle of Bannockburn Experience
- Adult £8.50
- Family £24.00
- One Adult Family £16
- Concession £7
- Young Scot £1
National Trust for Scotland members is free.
Tickets for the battle experience must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot.
The National Wallace Monument, Stirling
The National Wallace Monument is the place to visit to learn all about this national hero.
From the large car park below you have the visitor centre, shop and cafe at the bottom of the hill. From here, you can either take the shuttle or walk up to the Monument.
To get to the top of the Monument, you need to walk up the spiral staircase and 246 steps. There is no handrail. Anyone who has read my posts before would know that I don’t like spiral staircases. I will only use them if they are open and have a handrail, so I haven’t been up on this one.
The first-floor gallery, The Hall of Arms, displays the sword of William Wallace. Standing at 165cm tall and weighing 3kg, it is hard to imagine someone wielding this weapon. You can also find out all about Wallace’s life separating myth from reality.
On the second floor is the Hall of Heroes, with busts of the people that have shaped Scotland through the years.
On the third floor is The Royal Chamber. In this gallery, you will find information on the Battle of Stirling Bridge, weapons used by both sides and interactive displays.
You can also design your own coat of arms and have your photo taken in front of it on an interactive coat of arms.
There are great views of the Stirling countryside from the top.
Hours
| January & February: | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm |
| March: | 10.00 am – 5.00 pm |
| April to June: | 9.30 am – 5.00 pm |
| July & August: | 9.30 am – 6.00 pm |
| September & October: | 9.30 am – 5.00 pm |
| November & December: | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm |
Last admission – 1 hour before closing.
The National Wallace Monument is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
During the winter period, the opening of the Monument can be affected by adverse weather. As a result, the Monument’s opening times may change at short notice and there may be a disruption to the services we provide for visitors.
Prices
- Adult £11.30
- Senior Citizen (aged 60+) £9.20
- Child (5-15) £7.10
- Child (under 5) Free
- Family from £25.50
For pricing and booking, click here.
Rob Roy McGregor Statue, Stirling
Rob Roy McGregor was an outlaw to some and a folk hero to others.
He had participated in the first Jacobite uprising of 1689 but had also become a respected cattleman until he had to default on his loan. He lost his land and was branded an outlaw until being pardoned after five years in jail.
His statue stands tucked away at the bottom of the Corn Exchange Road, but you can’t help but notice it as you pass by.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling
The Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery were founded in 1874 by the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith.
Starting off as an Art Gallery, it has now grown into a museum as well that covers everything from agriculture to industry, literature to the arts, photography and paintings, and so much more.
There are regular exhibitions showcasing artists, and you can see what’s on when you visit by checking out their website here.
This is a great place to keep the kids entertained as well as keeping dry if the weather isn’t the best.
Hours
Wednesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm.
The Cafe closes 1 hour earlier.
Prices
Free, but you may have to pay for special exhibitions.
Falkirk Attractions
Falkirk is a great place for the whole family to visit. You’ll need your camera ready to capture the mythical beasts of Scotland that call Falkirk home and it’s only a short drive out of Stirlingshire to see these attractions.
The Kelpies and Helix Park, Falkirk
Helix Park is a great place for the kids with a playground and lake to walk around. It also joins with the wetlands and then leads you along the canal to the magnificent Kelpies.
Take a tour inside the Kelpies and learn all about their history.
The Kelpies are lit up from sunset and are even more of a joy to see after dark than during the day.
Hours
Our tours operate daily with each tour lasting approximately 25 minutes.
November – March 10.30, 12.30 and 14.30
April – October 10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30 and 15.30
There may be tours available at these times. For more information just call us on 01324 590600.
Prices
- Adult £8
- Concession £7
- Child £3.50
- Child (2 children with 1 adult) Free
Click here to book.
If you need more information on Falkirk, click the link to my blog Family Fun in Falkirk.
The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk
The Falkirk Wheel is the last place to visit in Falkirk. This engineering masterpiece is excellent to watch in action, lifting a barge from the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Opened in 2002, surprisingly, there is nothing else like it in the world.
Hours
29th March – 31st May
Open 7 days a week 9.45 am – 5.30 pm
1st June – 15th September
Open 7 days a week 9.45 am – 6.00 pm
The Falkirk Wheel turns periodically throughout the day during the summer.
Parking
Just a short walk up from the canal are the parking areas.
£3.50 per day.
Prices
60-Minute Original Tour
- Adult £17.50
- Concession (60+) £15.50
- Child (5-15yrs) £9.50
- Child (under 5) Free
- Registered Carers Free (please advise when booking)
To check prices for activities and book, please click here.
If you need more information on Falkirk, click the link to my blog Family Fun in Falkirk.
Callendar House, Falkirk
Less than a 10-minute drive up the road from the Kelpies or the Falkirk Wheel is Callendar House.
With a museum and extensive grounds to explore, Callendar House is a great spot for a picnic and letting the kids run around before giving them a history lesson that goes back to Roman times.
This is also the location of the TV series Outlander. The authentic Georgian kitchen was used as Bellhurst Manor, the Duke of Sandringham’s estate.
Hours
10 am – 5 pm Wednesday to Monday
Price
Free
If you need more information on Falkirk, click on my blog Family Fun in Falkirk.
Dollar Attractions
Dollar Glen
Although Dollar Glen is in the neighbouring county of Clackmannanshire, it is only a half-hour drive from Stirling and well worth the look.
There are lower car parks for those who want to walk up through the Glen to Castle Campbell.
There are bridges to cross and waterfalls to see as you make your way up and back down the trails.
Walking up through the Glen gives you glimpses of your final destination, Castle Campbell, at the top.
Castle Campbell is part of Historic Scotland, built in the 1400s. The castle is one of the best-preserved tower castles in the country and has views across the Glen below.
Once you have arrived at Castle Campbell, feel free to explore the interior and imagine what it would have been like to live here.
Open
29 Mar to 30 Sept:
Daily, 10 am to 4.30 pm (last entry 4 pm).
Closed for lunch from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm (last entry 12 noon).
1 Oct to 28 Mar:
Closed
Check for closures here.
Admission to Castle Campbell
- Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE
- Adult (16-64): £7.50
- Child (aged 7-15): £4.50
- Child (under 7): FREE
- Concession (65+): £6
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 65+ or unemployed.
Admission prices are subject to change.
Where I Stayed
You can’t beat Stirling YHA for location as it’s right in the heart of all major Stirling attractions.
Most of the attractions in Stirling are within walking distance of the YHA including Stirling Castle, the Old Jail, the Church of the Holy Rude and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Free Wifi
- En Suite Rooms
- Suitable for Groups
- Alcohol Licence
- Laundry Room
- Access with limited mobility
- Suitable for Wheelchair Users
- Private Rooms
- Family Rooms
- Catering
- Lounge/TV Room
- Secure Lockers
- Bike Store
- Free Parking (nearby or onsite)
- Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance
How To Get Here
The YHA in Stirling is conveniently located on St. John Street, right next to Stirling Castle and walking distance to a lot more of Stirling’s attractions.
How to Book
If you would like to stay here and explore this incredible area, you can click here to book.
Conclusion
I hope that you get plenty of inspiration from what I have posted. Stirlingshire is an area with everything from nature to history and I’m sure you will enjoy exploring it through its attractions.
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Links
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- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
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- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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Oh, Stirling Castle was one of my favorite stops when we visited Scotland. We spent nearly the entire day there and wandering around the cemetery next door. We have it on our travel list to go back there and spend more time in Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Thanks for all these ideas.
Thanks, Nancy. Hopefully, you’ll get back to Scotland as there is as much to see outside the cities as in them.
Sure looks like there’s plenty to do and see in the area. I love the old buildings and the beautiful landscape.
Alison
Thanks, Alison.There sure plenty to especially when all the renovations are complete on some attractions.
Stirling Castle was one of my favorite places when our family visited Scotland! I also loved wandering around the cemetery next door. Thanks for this thorough post.
Thanks, Nancy. I really enjoyed exploring Stirling, it has so much to offer.
Lots to do here! Love the pictures
Thanks, Saskia.
These are some fantastic ways to explore Stirlingshire – thanks for all the information!
You’re welcome, Tanya.
The safari park looks so fun! beautiful photos
Thanks, Jennifer. The safari park was fantastic.