Stirling Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Stirling, Scotland, UK)

Some of the greatest icons in Scotland's history are found in and around Stirling. You won't want to miss tourist attractions like Bannockburn, the National Wallace Monument and King's Knot, a former royal hunting ground turned public park situated just beneath Castle Hill.

A good way to begin your sightseeing is to take the Back Walk, a historic trail just outside the ancient walls of the town. Starting at Rob Roy's statue, close to the Guildhall, tourists will pass some interesting attractions and historic sights, like the old watchtower, whilst enjoying great city views before ending up at Stirling Castle.

Walking Tours

On a day when the Scottish sun is shining down, there really is no better way to sightsee in Stirling than on foot. Walking around the medieval town wall is a real delight and this ancient wall dates back five centuries, being the best surviving town wall remaining in the whole of Scotland. The 'Back Walk' follows the wall from Dumbarton Road to the city's castle, and then on to Castle Rock before returning to the Old Town.
Open hours:
Admission:

City Sightseeing Bus Tours

Tel: +44 01786 446 611
All through the year, City Sightseeing buses provide popular guided tours of the city's principal attractions, with informative commentary along the route. These buses come with hop-on / hop-off tickets, allowing you to alight at your chosen stop, spend some time exploring what's on offer and then re-board when the next bus comes along. Sightseeing buses run from Stirling Castle, passing Bridge of Allan town and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, and finally reaching the Wallace Monument.
Open hours: April to October - every 45 minutes, November to March - every hour
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Old Town

Lying just beneath the castle, Stirling's Old Town is a slice right out of the history books. Its roots are the small settlement that evolved at the foot of Castle Rock, and even today it looks much as it did in the 16th century. This is Scottish architecture at its most traditional, so take your time wandering past sights like the Tolbooth, the Mar's Wark building and the Mercat Cross. Stroll up Spittal Street, which is lined with classic merchant homes, and back down Broad Street, where purple plaques on the fronts of buildings give you a story about their individual histories.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Old Town Jail

Address: St. John Street, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 450 050
One of the really cool things to see in Stirling is its Old Town Jail. When you enter this 19th-century prison, the idea is to be able to place yourself in the shoes of an actual inmate from the past. You'll hear the tales of the hangman, a fellow inmate and a reformer, dramatised by actors playing the roles. It is part performance, part historical display and very entertaining, especially for those on holiday with children. At the end of the tour, you make it to the rooftop and soak in the views over the city.
Open hours: late May to late October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Bannockburn Heritage Centre

Address: Glasgow Road, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 812 664
Scotland's most famous battle took place at Bannockburn in 1314, when King Robert the Bruce confronted the English army and against the odds defeated them. This pivotal event shaped modern Scotland, and you can stand at the Borestone command post and look over the battlefield exactly as Bruce did on that fateful day. The battlefield is located just 3 km / 2 miles to the south of Stirling and is interesting to walk around. The informative onsite Bannockburn Heritage Centre provides the background details, with its diorama recreations and battle-related exhibits.
Open hours: daily, March - 10:30 to 16:00; April to October - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

King's Knot

Address: King's Knot, Stirling, Scotland, UK
The most popular green space in Stirling is without a doubt King's Knot. The park itself is a wonderful place to walk around and relax, with its topiary and formal parterres, and this large grassy mound was established in 1630 for use as a royal garden. However, there's one feature within that lures visitors - many speculate that the mound itself is much older, and medieval writers referred to it as the Round Table. This has given impetus to the idea that King Arthur once held court here in the city, accompanied by Merlin and his legendary knights.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free