Stirling Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stirling which includes a small town or village
Stirling which includes landscape views, a river or creek and a small town or village
Church of the Holy Rude showing a cemetery and a church or cathedral
Stirling showing a river or creek and a bridge
Stirling featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and a bridge

The Gateway to the Highlands is one of Scotland’s most historic cities, home to medieval landmarks, a picturesque old town and glorious parks.

A city of history and culture, Stirling is the Brave Heart of Scotland. It straddles central Scotland’s Forth River and is a gateway to the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Get an overview of the city at Stirling Castle. Perched on a hill, it affords uninterrupted views of the city and surrounding countryside. Explore halls and gardens for a glimpse into the lifestyle of former royal residents such as Mary Queen of Scots. Join locals as they welcome in the New Year at the castle during Hogmanay Celebrations, which feature fireworks and live entertainment.

Below the castle, the Old Town is a quaint district of cobblestone streets lined with landmarks. Stroll around the Back Walk to discover several interesting attractions. Go to Argyll’s Lodging to experience the life of 1600s Scottish nobility.Opposite the historic Church of the Holy Rude, join costumed local guides on a Stirling Walking Tour of the Old Town. Enjoy comedy and drama on these entertaining journeys, which cost a small fee.

Take the family to some of Stirling’s public parks. Visit the royal gardens of King’s Knot, famous for its ornamental hedges. Nearby King’s Park has a golf course, children’s play areas and a skate park. Admission is free at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museumwhere Allie's Garden has been designed with children in mind. Inside the museum, view interesting artifacts including the world’s oldest football.

Use Stirling’s public buses to reach attractions outside the city center. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of medieval combat at the Battle of Bannockburn Experience. This attraction uses 3-D technology to put you in the center of the battle in which Robert the Bruce was victorious over the English. At the National Wallace Monument, a memorial to the Scottish hero, William Wallace, climb 246 to the top and enjoy views over Stirling.

Conveniently set in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is less than 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The city is a great base for arranging excursions into the Scottish Highlands and other attractions. Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are both reachable via daytrips.

The Stirling Highland Hotel
The Stirling Highland Hotel
4 out of 5
29 Spittal Street, Stirling, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
The perfect hotel in the perfect location
"Our first trip to Stirling and The Stirling Highland Hotel was the perfect hotel for the trip. A beautiful building with friendly helpful staff located in the centre of Stirling. So we were able to park the car for two days and walk everywhere. The only time we drove was up to the Wallace ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

The Stirling Highland Hotel
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
4 out of 5
Drip Road, Stirling, Scotland
The price is NZ$291 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$291
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly inn in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (823 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland
The price is NZ$290 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$290
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (848 reviews)
"Beautiful property with lovely gardens. Very peaceful and meditative."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
King Street Aparthotel
King Street Aparthotel
3 out of 5
45 King St, Stirling, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Stirling Castle and Blair ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Great accommodations!"

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

King Street Aparthotel
Stronachlachar Lodge - spacious with cinematic views, direct access to loch.
Stronachlachar Lodge - spacious with cinematic views, direct access to loch.
Stirling
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Loch Lomond and The Trossachs ...
Stronachlachar Lodge - spacious with cinematic views, direct access to loch.
Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Stronachlachar, Stirling
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Loch Lomond and ...
Patel
"The house was at a great location and well organised.We had a fabulous time. A few things that can be changed for it to be very nice and modern but not that important- Overall fab place for a get together with family or friends. And the location is on a lake with all mountains and beautiful walks ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Stirling

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Stirling Castle is worth a visit as is the Falkirk Wheel.

2/5 - Disappointing

Darrin

I would not stay there again due to the lack of acknowledgment from managerial staff regarding disruptive events. Reading other reviews, this is not the first complaint about the fire alarm and actions taken by managing staff.

Cities near Stirling