Stirling Landmarks and Monuments

(Stirling, Scotland, UK)

Many of Scotland's most famous and important landmarks are located both in and around Stirling, with a number of significant historic Scottish events taking place here over the centuries. In fact, this was where William Wallace, Braveheart himself, defeated the English and secured the future of Scotland, commemorated here today by the National Wallace Monument.

Stirling Castle, where the royalty and conflict of Scotland's past is on display, is amongst the city's most obvious and noticeable landmarks, being perched high above the cityscape on Abbey Craig.

Other notable sights include medieval churches and abbeys steeped in royalty, bridges crossing the Forth River and one of the most interesting and scenic cemeteries in the UK. Stirling is chock full of history, giving visitors plenty of historic options to choose from, time permitting.

Stirling Castle / Argyll's Lodging

Address: Castle Esplanade, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 450 000
This castle is the ancient protector and icon of Stirling, once serving as a fortress, garrison, and royal palace for Mary Queen of Scots and the Stuart kings during its heyday. It was besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie and taken over by Robert the Bruce. There's an incredible amount of colourful Scottish history in the place. Best of all, in recent years the castle underwent a £12 million renovation to restore it to its Renaissance splendor. You will need to allow a half day to properly explore the Great Hall, the battlements, the Royal Chapel and the various courtyards and kitchens. Stirling Castle is without a shadow of a doubt one of Scotland's finest landmarks and the commanding views are simply spectacular.

Those paying a visit to the castle may like to check out the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum and the Royal Burgh of Stirling Visitor Centre, both of which have free admission. Located on the upper approaches of the Castle Wynd, Argyll's Lodging is a 17th-century townhouse with Renaissance architecture, turrets and an elaborately decorated interior. Argyll's Lodging was once the home of William Alexander (1570 to 1640), the first Earl of Stirling, who remains an acclaimed Scottish writer and poet.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 09:30 to 18:00; October to March - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

National Wallace Monument

Address: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 472 140
The views from the top of the hill, where the National Wallace Monument is located, are as magnificent as Braveheart himself. Climb the steps to the top (some 67 metres / 220 feet high) and you will discover a vista stretching from Ben Lomond all the way to Edinburgh. Here you can check out a real statue of this Scottish hero and see the actual two-handed sword Sir William Wallace used during battle at Stirling Bridge. The monument is just a short distance to the north of the centre and also contains the Hall of Heroes, which honours all of Scotland's great personages.
Open hours: March to May and October - 10:00 to 17:00; June - 10:00 to 18:00; July and August - 09:00 to 18:00; September - 09:30 to 17:30; November to February - 10:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Church of the Holy Rude

Address: St. John Street, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 475 275
There's a lot of interesting royal history in this church. Built in the 15th century at the demand of royalty, this grand building has witnessed such events as the coronation of young King James VI in 1567 and the weekly worship of the youthful Mary Queen of Scots. The architectural features of the Church of the Holy Rude are also quite extraordinary, with a remarkable medieval oak-hammer beam roof, giant stone pillars and some lovely stained-glass panels.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Cowane's Hospital

Address: 49 St. John Street, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 472 247
Next to the Church of the Holy Rude and close to the city's golf club, Cowane's Hospital began its life in the late 1630s as an almshouse, being commissioned by local merchant John Cowane. Those born in this part of Scotland may like to come here to use the hospital's extensive family tree database, while others come for the exhibitions and the traditional Scottish banquets. Neighbouring attractions are in plentiful supply and include the Argyll's Lodging townhouse, the Mercat Cross, the Mar's Walk building and the Tolbooth.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: free

Old Stirling Bridge

Address: Stirling, Scotland, UK
Stirling is very much a river town and this bridge has been an essential link since it was constructed in 1550. Its great moment came in 1745, when Highland troops tried to cross at the same time as the English army during the Jacobite rebellion. The bridge's older predecessor lies downstream and was the site of Braveheart's great defeat of the English in 1297. The New Stirling Bridge, just upriver, is a mere 150 years old, but does offer some great views of the city and the Forth River.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Old Town Cemetery

Address: Broad Street, Stirling, Scotland, UK
As far as Scottish graveyards go, the Old Town Cemetery is perhaps the most appealing of them all. Covering the green valley between the Church of the Holy Rude and Stirling Castle, there are three separate sections to explore. Countless merchants and craftsmen are buried here, with their tombs wonderfully carved in the historic 'kirkyard' next to the church. Drummond's Pleasure Ground joins the cemetery and is full of statues of past Protestant martyrs and heroes. Climb up Ladies' Rock for some of the best views over the valley and the spreading cityscape. The poet Wordsworth knew about this spot, praising it in his verse.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Address: Cambuskenneth, Near Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01316 688 885
Located in between the Forthbank Stadium and the Stirling County RFC (Rugby Football Club), and alongside a stretch of the River Forth, this abbey was one of the wealthiest in Scotland during its day and quite favoured by the royals. All that remains in the ruins is the bell tower (campanile) and the tombs of King James III and Queen Margaret of Denmark. This is amongst the closest medieval ruins to Stirling and it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, being situated right in the quaint village of Cambuskenneth, within the city's north-easterly suburbs. Now managed and owned by Historic Scotland, Cambuskenneth Abbey is only open to the public during the summer months, although the upper floors of the campanile are generally closed and only opened on special occasions.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

University of Stirling

Address: Airthrey Road / Hill Foots Road, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 473 171
The University of Stirling is to be found in the northerly Causewayhead suburb of the city, in the Airthrey Estate, and was established in 1967 by Royal Charter. With some 12,000 students and almost 2,000 staff, the university campus sits just 3 km / 2 miles from the city centre and is well connected by public transport. Nestled at the base of both the Ochil Hills and Abbey Craig, the campus covers roughly 300 acres / 120 hectares and is centred around the Airthrey Loch. In 2008, the Scottish Government designated this as the University for Sporting Excellence in Scotland.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free