Stirling guidebook
Sightseeing
One of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, dates from 1107. Once you are inside (paid admission) the free, guided tour is excellent and helps bring to life the rich history. Can easily spend hours here as there is so much to see. There are fabulous views across the local area. There is also a tearoom if you are in need of sustenance.
321 locals recommend
Stirling Castle
Castle WyndOne of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, dates from 1107. Once you are inside (paid admission) the free, guided tour is excellent and helps bring to life the rich history. Can easily spend hours here as there is so much to see. There are fabulous views across the local area. There is also a tearoom if you are in need of sustenance.
Atmospheric tour of old jail and how crime and punishments were handled in the past.
29 locals recommend
Stirling GhostWalk & Old Town Tour
Saint John StreetAtmospheric tour of old jail and how crime and punishments were handled in the past.
While it has featured in a number of films and TV productions: in Monty Python and the Holy Grail: as Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones and as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Doune is actually a Royal Castle from the 14th century.
91 locals recommend
Doune Castle
Castle HillWhile it has featured in a number of films and TV productions: in Monty Python and the Holy Grail: as Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones and as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Doune is actually a Royal Castle from the 14th century.
Great place for a day out if the weather is nice - pack a picnic and take the boat across Scotland's only lake (the rest are lochs). Explore the island and what's left of the Priory, then find a quiet spot to eat lunch and enjoy the scenery.
25 locals recommend
Inchmahome Priory
Great place for a day out if the weather is nice - pack a picnic and take the boat across Scotland's only lake (the rest are lochs). Explore the island and what's left of the Priory, then find a quiet spot to eat lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Go on a clear day for fantastic views and exhibits telling the story of William Wallace. Although there are winding, steep staircases and no lifts, so is not suitable for everyone.
181 locals recommend
The National Wallace Monument
Hillfoots RoadGo on a clear day for fantastic views and exhibits telling the story of William Wallace. Although there are winding, steep staircases and no lifts, so is not suitable for everyone.
City/town information
The city centre is fairly compact and easily covered on foot. The old town has many interesting old buildings and sights from Stirling Castle to the 'puggy' - the monument marking the old market cross where the town crier made proclamations. There are a wide variety of shops, including the Thistle Centre mall. Stirling is also home to a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafes.
77 locals recommend
Stirling
The city centre is fairly compact and easily covered on foot. The old town has many interesting old buildings and sights from Stirling Castle to the 'puggy' - the monument marking the old market cross where the town crier made proclamations. There are a wide variety of shops, including the Thistle Centre mall. Stirling is also home to a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Small town with a selection of amenities and tourist sights such as Dunblane Cathedral and the Golden Post Box honouring local hero Andy Murray's gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
11 locals recommend
Dunblane
Small town with a selection of amenities and tourist sights such as Dunblane Cathedral and the Golden Post Box honouring local hero Andy Murray's gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
Bridge Of Allan
Local town with a range of speciality shops and restaurants.
Food scene
Outdoor coffee bar serving a selection of delicious home-baked treats, ice-cream and other savoury food. A favourite with locals and also their pets - serves doggy ice-cream!
James’ Speciality Coffee Bar
Outdoor coffee bar serving a selection of delicious home-baked treats, ice-cream and other savoury food. A favourite with locals and also their pets - serves doggy ice-cream!
Excellent local cafe offering a wide selection of savoury and sweet items. The afternoon tea is delicious and a huge amount of food!
7 locals recommend
Another Tilly Tearoom
87 High StExcellent local cafe offering a wide selection of savoury and sweet items. The afternoon tea is delicious and a huge amount of food!
One of the best restaurants in the area offering a mix of fresh, Scottish produce with usually a few Austrian inspired items on the menu reflecting the owner's heritage.
9 locals recommend
Hermanns
58 Broad StOne of the best restaurants in the area offering a mix of fresh, Scottish produce with usually a few Austrian inspired items on the menu reflecting the owner's heritage.
Corrieri's
7 Alloa RdFabulous local Italian cafe, is close to the Wallace Monument.
Farm shop selling local produce - butcher meat and vegetables. On-site cafe with excellent breakfast and lunch options.
16 locals recommend
Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop
Farm shop selling local produce - butcher meat and vegetables. On-site cafe with excellent breakfast and lunch options.
Shopping
Sterling Mill Designer Village
Out of town, outlet centre if that's your thing!
Shopping mall in town with all the major retail chains represented.
24 locals recommend
The Thistles Shopping Centre
Goosecroft RoadShopping mall in town with all the major retail chains represented.
Entertainment
Local multiplex if looking for some down time. Shows all the latest blockbusters - is either a short walk across the footbridge next to Stirling train station or via car and has a large car park. There are also some food outlets here: Nando's, a Beefeater and some smaller places.
25 locals recommend
Vue Cinema Stirling
Forthside WayLocal multiplex if looking for some down time. Shows all the latest blockbusters - is either a short walk across the footbridge next to Stirling train station or via car and has a large car park. There are also some food outlets here: Nando's, a Beefeater and some smaller places.
Local theatre space, hosting everything from comedians, concerts and even Scottish Opera. Check listings to see what is on during your visit: https://www.whatsonstirling.co.uk/listings/the-albert-halls/
Albert Halls
Dumbarton RoadLocal theatre space, hosting everything from comedians, concerts and even Scottish Opera. Check listings to see what is on during your visit: https://www.whatsonstirling.co.uk/listings/the-albert-halls/
Local venue for arts and live music. Check listings for what is on during your visit: https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/
14 locals recommend
The Tolbooth
Jail WyndLocal venue for arts and live music. Check listings for what is on during your visit: https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/
Things to do
Great day out for families. There is so much to do that you can easily spend the whole day here (although much is outdoors so helps if the weather is cooperating!)
130 locals recommend
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Great day out for families. There is so much to do that you can easily spend the whole day here (although much is outdoors so helps if the weather is cooperating!)
Deanston Distillery
Teith RoadLocal whisky distillery with onsite restaurant and shop.
Immersive experience using projections and sounds to learn about the battle and the strategies used.
45 locals recommend
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Immersive experience using projections and sounds to learn about the battle and the strategies used.