Things to Do in Stirling

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There’s plenty of things to do in Stirling, where you can explore the beautiful historic city in the heart of Scotland’s bustling central belt and learn about the country’s rich heritage. Stirling is Scotland’s heritage capital, where the Wars of Independence were fought and won, where for three centuries monarchs ruled in regal splendour, and where merchants and craftsmen plied their trade below the castle rock.

History and Heritage

Nowadays you can still feel the sense of history and heritage, Stirling’s trademark, as you enter the spectacular castle perched high above the city. Within the castle walls discover the opulent royal apartments and costumed interpreters who bring the history of Stirling Castle to life.

The compact heritage mile that links Stirling’s Old Town with its bustling modern city centre boasts the finest concentration of historic buildings in Scotland. Beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance churches and mansions cluster around the Old Town, flanked by cobbled streets, period street furniture and Victorian styled iron work.

The Back Walk is a scenic pathway around the Castle and Old Town that rivals the city walls of York or Chester. Overlooking the scene of one of Scotland’s most famous battle sites, Stirling Bridge, is the 220 ft high National Wallace Monument. Climb the 246 steps for glorious views from the Forth bridges to Loch Lomond.

Activities and Attractions

With a wide and varied range of attractions you’ll be spoilt for choice on a trip to Stirling. If you want to brush up on your history, a visit to Stirling Castle full of splendour and colour takes you back to the world of Scotland’s renaissance Kings and Queens. Step into a world of plots, passion, intrigue and high fashion with the people of the palace.

In addition Doune Castle, the former home to Robert Stewart the first Duke of Albany, boasts impressive architecture including a 100ft high gatehouse. This has made it popular with production companies such as for Game of Thrones and Monty Python who have regularly featured the site.

With other historical sites such as The Old Town Jail in Stirling and the National Wallace Monument there are plenty of world famous landmarks for you to visit in Stirling. If you and your party are interested in wildlife Blair Drummond Safari and Zoo, spread over 120 acres, offers a drive through reserve, boat safari and a free safari bus for visitors ticking all the boxes for a day out in Stirling. With a wide range of walking and cycling routes you can keep active while you’re away and enjoy the stunning Stirling countryside.

Food and Drink

Tantalise your taste buds in Stirling. Across the region you can enjoy mouth-watering food and drink at award-winning bars and restaurants, sample unique Michelin-starred dining on the banks of Loch Lomond or city drinking in Stirling’s bars and pubs. The region also boasts a selection of excellent tearooms and bistros where you can savour delicious home baking and light snacks.

Why not cook up your own delight by heading right to the source and pick up some fabulous fresh local produce at one of the many delis, farmers’ markets, and farm shops across the area? You can also visit a brewery to learn all about how to create the perfect ale or take a behind the scenes tour at one of the region’s whisky distilleries and visitor centres.

It’s clear to see there’s so many things to do in Stirling, so don’t hesitate in booking a stay in a pub today!

Photo by neostalgic on Unsplash

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