Last Updated on the 13th of May, 2024
Scotland has a myriad of enchanting towns and villages, but there are only eight cities in the country with Stirling – often nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ – being the smallest and the youngest one.
While it may be petite regarding its size, it’s the best-preserved medieval city in Scotland where the country’s Wars of Independence were fought and won.
The historic city is nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills and offers unobscured views of the surrounding countryside.
Its core is packed to the brim with rather fascinating history, stunning architecture and captivating tales forcing visitors to gasp and gulp.
Once you read the post and see some of the photos we took during our stay, we think you’ll agree that all the fabulous things to do not only in Stirling but all around, make it the perfect place for a holiday.
So, whether you are keen to plan a first-time excursion or make a long-overdue return trip, to help you make the most of your visit to Stirling, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in the city.
Read More: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary For 5 Spell-Binding Days in Scotland
Visit the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
If William Wallace is Scotland’s most famous warrior, Robert the Bruce comes in at a close second.
On the 23rd of June 1314, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots was met by King Edward II of England’s army for a bloody two-day battle, often referred to as one of the most decisive confrontations between the Scots and the English.
This battle is famously known as the Battle of Bannockburn.
The Scots were outnumbered three to one by the English soldiers, but they triumphed through a masterly use of terrain, forcing the English onto a cramped, marshy battlefield with little room to manoeuvre.
The victory cleared the last English troops from Scotland and secured Scottish independence, confirming Robert as king of the Scots.
Today, the Battle of Bannockburn site is home to a fantastic visitor centre offering visitors an immersive digital experience that re-creates the battle.
- Entry Prices – Adult: £7.50, Family: £20.00, Concession: £5.50
Read More: What To See And Do In Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Things For The First-Time Visitors
Climb 246 Steps To The Top of the National Wallace Monument
Located on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, The National Wallace Monument is one of Stirling’s treasures marking the spot where Wallace allegedly watched the preparations of the English Army.
The 67-metre stone tower honours Scotland’s National Hero, William Wallace, who led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge and whose story was fictionalized in the 1995 blockbuster, Braveheart.
Once you arrive at the visitor’s centre, you can either walk 20 minutes to reach the monument or use their shuttle bus.
On your way up the spiralling stone staircase, you will find several exhibits telling you about the life of Scotland’s most famous hero and warrior and in the Hall of Heroes, you’ll get to see the fearsome Wallace Sword.
While the views from the crown of the tower let you take in the views of Forth Valley, the Ochil Hills, and the Trossachs, I find that the towering monument is best enjoyed from a distance; it is an iconic landmark on the Stirlingshire skyline.
Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh at Least Once
Discover Over 900 Years of History in Stirling Castle
The iconic Stirling Castle is the city’s most significant landmark, which sits high above the town.
Once the most famous royal residence in Scotland, with kings and queens throughout Scottish history being born or crowned there, today, the castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a popular tourist attraction which can easily take several hours to explore.
Some of the highlights of Stirling Castle include the Great Hall, Queen Anne Gardens, the Palace Vaults, and the Chapel Royal.
While guided tours are available, you can wander around the castle at your own pace. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time for guaranteed and no-fuss entry.
Stirling Castle is also where Mary, Queen of Scots was given her baptism (although the actual chapel where that occurred no longer stands).
- Opening times: Summer (1 April – 30 September): 9:30am – 6pm
Winter (1st October – 31st March): 9:30am – 5pm
Read More: Your Essential Guide To Planning The Best Edinburgh Vacation In Scotland
Stop by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Opened in 1874, at the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith, the award-winning museum and gallery is home to more than 40,000 objects and art pieces. They celebrate the people, heritage and culture of the city by telling the story of Stirling’s rich past.
With free admission, it is a fantastic budget-friendly option to learn about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. If you have little ones in tow, they can dress up in kids’ costumes.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the gallery of temporary exhibitions, a cafe and a lecture theatre. Gallery 2 exhibits community and special interest exhibitions such as local paintings or photographs.
Gallery 3 is devoted to the Stirling Story, tracing the history of Stirling from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Read More: Some of The Best Things To See At The National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburgh
Walk in the Footsteps of William Wallace Across the Old Stirling Bridge
Stirling’s Old Bridge is a fascinating medieval masonry arch bridge spanning the mighty River Forth. It dates back to the late 15th century and replaces the timber bridges which once stood there before.
The bridge played a role in the Jacobite Rising of 1745 when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south.
The medieval Stirling Old Bridge is situated right in the centre of the city so you will likely drive and walk past it a few times during your visit. If you have a half-hour, sit by the river and watch the world go by.
It is stunning in the autumn as large trees surround the bridge. You also get a great view of the castle from here.
Read More: Your Guide To Some Of The Most Amazing Edinburgh’s Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Discover The City’s Darker Side At The Old Town Jail
Once a place where inmates used to be held, leaving countless grim stories, it now has actors dressed up in costumes portraying different individuals from the prison past taking you on an informative tour of the intricate structure with light humour.
Stirling Old Town Jail was built in 1847 as a necessity when the old Tolbooth Jail became overcrowded and was rated as the worst prison in Britain.
Here, you can put yourself into the prisoner’s shoes and learn about the history of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh of Stirling, including the infamous executioner Jock “The Happy Hangman” Rankin and other well-known Scottish criminals.
You can also explore the cells and enjoy fabulous 360-degree views from its rooftop observation tower of the city as well as attractions like the Wallace Monument and the more distant mountains of the Trossachs National Park.
- Opening Times: The Old Town Jail is open all year round
- Admission: £9.50 per adult / £7.00 Concession / £7.00 for kids
Read More: A Short Guide To The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile In Edinburgh
Visit the Church of the Holy Rude
The church of the Holy Rude was founded in 1129 to serve as the parish church for Stirling. It was known simply as the ‘Church of Stirling’ until Robert II established an altar here, dedicated to the Holy Rude (Holy Cross).
It is the second oldest building in Stirling, right after the castle. The church is located next to the castle and has a long history of hosting royal coronations and baptisms.
While the church was closed during our time visiting Stirling, stealing us a chance to marvel at its spectacular stained glass windows, we loved roaming around the well-maintained cemetery behind it. We found it to be a great way to end our visit to the city.
There are numerous stone crosses, intricate gravestones and snippets of history to discover.
- Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Admission price: Adult: £5.00, concession: £4.00
Pick up a Few Goodies from Made in Stirling
Make sure you wander downtown and visit the award-winning Made in Stirling, a sprawling shop that supports local artists and designers, showcasing all the beautiful art and things made in the area.
This is not just a shop, but a lovely, open and fresh place where you can also find events and workshops for everyone from kids’ classes and drawing classes to gigs, exhibitions and performance nights.
As a creative hub, it also continues to benefit the community with an incredible array of accessible workshops and opportunities.
It’s the perfect spot to get a unique gift or keepsake to remember your epic road trip!
- Address: 44 King St, Stirling FK8 1AY
Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn To Make You Stay For More
Be Awe-Struck by the Star Pyramid
Stirling Castle might be the dominant attraction in the city but a quick jaunt to the nearby Old Town Cemetary is well worth your time to catch a glimpse of an enigmatic monument.
See, when we think of the pyramids, what usually springs to mind are the most famous Egyptian pyramids, but did you know that there is one hiding in plain sight in a cemetery below the castle?
Enclosed by wrought iron railings, the Star Pyramid also known as Salem Rock is a massive sandstone perched beside the Old Town Cemetery. The striking pyramid-shaped memorial is a genuine surprise and a hidden gem in Stirling.
This unusual landmark – built by William Drumond in 1863 – is dedicated to “all those who suffered martyrdom in the cause of civil and religious liberty in Scotland” according to the cemetery’s website.
How To Get To And Around Stirling
By air: To get to Stirling, you can fly to Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. They all have bus or train services that depart for Stirling City with travel times of 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and 45 minutes respectively.
By bus: Stirling is well-served by local and national bus services, with regular connections to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other destinations throughout Scotland and the UK.
The city’s main bus station is in the city centre, close to the railway station.
By train: you can reach Stirling Railway Station in 30 minutes from Glasgow and 50 minutes from Edinburgh by train. It also is well connected throughout the UK, with trains from London. You can book trains online in advance by using TheTrainline.com which makes it super easy to plan your journey ahead of time!
What is convenient about Stirling is that you can get to most places on foot! There is nothing better than walking around and discovering new places.
In the summer months, there is a hop-on-hop-off City Bus. This bus can take you to all of Stirling City’s top attractions! Also, if you have luggage and need a place to keep it for the day – the Willy Wallace Hostel will keep it for you for a fee.
Getting Your Stirling City Pass is a Good Idea
Undeniably, there are many exciting things to do in Stirling.
If you plan to see all the major attractions, then purchasing a Stirling City Pass is a good idea.
This pass includes entry to Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Old Town Jail. The pass costs £ 33 for an adult and £ 19.50 for a child, letting you save around 20%. It can be purchased online before arriving or from the Visitor Centre.
There’s also an Explorer Pass which gives you great value for money and lets you discover many Historic Scotland sites around the country over 7 days.
The pass includes an entry to Fort George, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castles and Skara Brae.
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Stirling? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Stirling and have travel-related questions!
Such a pretty and interesting city. We only spent one day and I would love to go again and stay a few days.
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Stirling is a wonderful city to explore. Just like you, we only had a day yet managed to see quite a lot due to the main attractions being so close together. My favourite place was the William Wallace monument – I just love how it appears out of the skyline wherever you go, adding a touch of magic to the already beautiful landscape and reminding you just how much history has gone down here. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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So much fascinating history. I’ve been to Scotland but not to Stirling but you’ve certainly brought the place alive for me. Great guide for travellers Aiva.
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Thank you kindly, Miriam. Discovering some of Scotland’s most important historic sites is one of the best things to do on a trip around the country. We only had a day in Stirling yet we managed to fall under its charming spell. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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Interesting and informative, thank you
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Thank you, Sheree 🙂 Located atop a hill, the city’s old town is a beautifully preserved jumble of cobbled streets and historic buildings that wind up to the wonderful Stirling Castle and are worth a place on any traveller’s Scottish itinerary. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks Aiva
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I love medieval cities! I always imagine how they used to live and how these cities were once upon a time ☺️ Scotland has so many wonderful things to see! I hope I’ll be able to see it someday! Thank you for this beautiful trip! 😍
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It’s amazing to see that so many towns and cities in Europe have managed to retain their Medieval elements, architecture, charm, and flair. Stirling with its wonderful castle and winding cobbled streets is one such place and given its close proximity to Edinburgh and Glasgow makes for an easy day trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. I hope your move to another country is going smoothly. Cheers, Aiva 🙂 xx
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Yes indeed! My home in Italy is near a medieval city and I love it 😍 Relocation is not easy especially when is in a different country but we’ve almost settled and scheduled everything 😉
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The rugged beauty of Scotland is so appealing; I just love it there. Your photos are so clear and beautiful! I love the one of Stirling bridge. I have been fortunate enough to have visited multiple times and I always enjoy my time there. Thanks Aiva, for sharing. I hope you have a lovely day.
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This was our second time in Stirling and it was as emotional as the first. I mean, as you explore the old town and learn about the tales of the battles and kings and queens that shaped Stirling and Scotland, you are literally walking in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce. It doesn’t get any more powerful than that! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Oh my; talk about living history; amazing experience!
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Thank you for this wonderful article which renewed all the pleasure I felt when I visited Stirling. Have a good day, dear Aiva 🌹🌹🌹
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I am glad you enjoyed it, dear Luisa. We loved discovering the fascinating history of Stirling and visiting its magnificent medieval castle. It was like we stepped back in time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Many thanks to YOU for your wonderful reply, dear Aiva
Have a lovely evening 🌹❤️🌹
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That castle is calling my name! We did a Highlands day trip, but didn’t stop in Stirling. The Stirling Bridge is just so beautiful, you saw it on the perfect day. Scotland is such a beautiful country and so rich in history.
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If you are keen on history, you won’t be disappointed, Lyssy as there are heaps of important landmarks to explore in Stirling and the surrounding area. We visited late in September and were fully prepared for the infamous Scottish weather, but didn’t even get a day of rain and it made a huge difference in terms of what we were able to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have never been there Aiva but it looks so well worth a visit. It seems the Scots always had to fi\ght for freedom and to an extent are still doing so. Happy Thursday. Allan
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That’s a valid point, Allan – Scots are still fighting for independence, and I closely monitor the progress. This year is more than just an election year. It also marks two major constitutional anniversaries in Scotland (almost ten years ago, the first referendum for independence failed with 55% voting against it) and, if trends continue, it may counterintuitively signify the start of a new, more patient phase of the journey towards Scotland becoming independent. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Scotland is my heritage and I really need to visit more. I do not think I have many living relatives there any more. As to the fight, the Sots, like the Irish were subjugated by many other warring nations. It is likely time that they write more of a peace time history as equals. Happy Thursday Aiva. Allan
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Oh it looks absolutely amazing, I’d love to spend more time in Scotland. Looks like you had great weather too with the clear skies xx
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Much to my surprise and delight, we had fantastic weather throughout our stay with plenty of sunshine and gorgeous blue sky which made exploring Scotland’s cities and countryside even more memorable and pleasant. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Splendid photos especially the one of Stirling Bridge Aiva and an excellent review. I haven’t been up to Stirling for awhile but visited several times whilst one of our sons was studying at the University of Edinburgh.
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Thank you, Marion. As I haven’t been to Stirling for over a decade, I was beyond excited to explore it once more and see everything with a fresh set of eyes. We only had a day to do it, but it was just enough to see all the major sights at a leisurely pace. I have to say that the city was much smaller than I initially remembered, nevertheless wonderfully charming. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A sterling report on Stirling. Looks beautiful, historic and very worth visiting. Thank you!
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Thank you kindly, Rebecca 🙂 Stirling is a wonderful combination of fascinating historical landmarks and pretty cobbled streets and we had a great time exploring it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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That bridge is gorgeous, as is the view you were able to see from the top of Wallace Monument. Scotland is just so lovely… I love its medieval cities and green landscape. Thanks for sharing!
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The Middle Ages may have been a time of change and turmoil in Europe, but it is also where we got much of our modern-day folklore and there’s so much of it in Stirling! As you stroll the worn streets your trip gets downright magical as you hear beautiful music from kilt-clad bagpipers and tales of Braveheart himself, William Wallace. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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What a detailed post about Stirling! I’ve only seen its eponymous castle in the distance while driving to and from the Highlands years ago, but I never stopped to visit, let alone see the town itself. I hope to return to Scotland to check it out. Thanks for sharing, Aiva!
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There’s so much to see in and around Stirling, Rebecca. The countryside and lochs are spectacular, and the views from the medieval castle are simply out of this world. If you have time on your hands, you can even visit nearby Trossachs National Park which is located a mere 15 miles from the city to hike up a Munro – the choice is yours. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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Maybe someday I will make it to Scotland.
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I hope you get to visit Scotland one day as it is an incredible country to explore. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You’re welcome and thanks for hoping we can visit
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Lovely visit. I particularly like the Stirling bridge photo with its lovely reflection.
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Seeing the historic Stirling Bridge, especially in such glorious weather conditions, was a trip highlight for me given that the Battle of Stirling Bridge was the first major Scottish victory in the Wars of Independence, placing the country back under Scottish control. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A thoroughly entertaining few days out, Aiva. Stirling is one of those I managed to miss.
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Stirling might be Scotland’s smallest city, but it punches above its weight when it comes to history and beauty and is a fantastic alternative to its bustling metropolis neighbours, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! Phenomenal Aiva, definitely a place I’d visit on my next trip to Scotland! Cheers!
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Thank you kindly, Francisco 🙂 Stirling is a city shaped by magnificent beauty and bloody history. It was a runner-up in becoming the UK City of Culture 2025, Scotland’s only contender for the prestigious title, but was beaten by Bradford. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s always a pleasure Aiva, have a great weekend!
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Fabulous information as always and beautiful photos. 🙂
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Thank you kindly, Glenys 🙂 Stirling, is a fantastic city, with a significant history and many incredible attractions. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow, what an incredible castle. It’s so big. Looks like a beautiful area. As usual, you are an AMAZING tour guide, full of great pictures / travel tips. Thank you, Aiva! 🌺💕
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Thank you kindly 🙂 We had an amazing time exploring Stirling and visiting its historic castle which is a site for coronations for many kings and queens including Mary, Queen of Scots. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You have a great day too!! 💕🏰
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Stirling looks lovely, and the castle and jail look particularly interesting. Say, I thought of you the other day. We were watching the Jeopardy quiz show on TV and although I can’t remember the details of the clue (Which Irish city…), the answer was Sligo!! I turned to The Husband and said, “Our Crossings lives there!” 🙂
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Awww… that’s so sweet – now I can’t stop wondering what the question was about Sligo! Sorry for the late reply, with a sudden rise in temperatures over the weekend, which, as you know rarely happens in Ireland, we dropped everything and took off on a much-needed, multi-day family adventure around Ireland’s national parks. Now I am back and ready to catch up where I left off. As for Stirling – if you love exploring well-preserved Medieval towns then this city is a must! Stirling is a city shaped by a unique history, the beauty of the Ochil Hills and a lively arts scene. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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No problem, Aiva. Glad you were able to take advantage of the nice weather.
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🥰🥰🥰
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What a beautiful town with such a rich and interesting history! I would love to visit Scotland one day, and this place will definitely be on my list! Thanks for sharing!
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If you are looking for a destination filled with history and natural beauty then Stirling would be a great choice as the city uniquely showcases its past, and as you stroll through it, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Stirling looks like such a charming spot to wander around. Love your shot of the Old Stirling Bridge. The Stirling Castle looks lovely and the Salem Rock sounds super interesting.Sounds like there’s a lot to see and learn about!
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You would love to visit Stirling, Linda as it combines the charm of a historic city with the buzz of a young community thanks to 14,000 students who attend Stirling University. Then there’s also the tranquillity of the Scottish countryside and the rolling hills. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s a fact that the buildings in Scotland are striking! Your photo of Stirling Castle with the autumn colours in the foreground is beautiful, as is the reflection photo of the Old Stirling Bridge. If I look at what one can do and see in Stirling, you’re definitely not going to be bored. Happy weekend Aiva.
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When you come to Stirling, you may never want to leave, Corna. At least that’s how I felt upon stepping foot in this historic city. Scotland’s smallest city might be small, but it holds a prominent place in Scottish history with loads to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Excellent travelogue! The pictures are awesome! Fine information shared!
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Thanks so much, and have a good ay 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’ll have to show this to my son, his name is Stirling. Never knew about this place. It looks so beautiful. As always…all your photos are amazing, puts me right there almost.
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That’s so interesting! I don’t think I’ve met anyone named Stirling – it’s such a beautiful name. My eldest daughter’s name is Ericeira and apparently, there’s a small fishing village in Portugal called Ericeira. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Great post and interesting place to find a pyramid! X
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Thanks so much. I wanted to visit the Church of the Holy Rude as Mary, Queen of Scots had her son, King James VI baptised here and was quite baffled to find a pyramid in the surrounding graveyard. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Absolutely gorgeous! A virtual vacation for us readers, but we’d all love to go now!!
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I am glad you enjoyed Stirling through my post and photos. It’s a wonderful place where you can delve into Scottish history and countries natural beauty. Although we visited late in September, we were fortunate to have a warm sunny weather 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Stirling looks like a great Scottish destination. The castle is stunning but the old bridge is gorgeous. Quite the history that goes with these places. A history that I’ve read about, but don’t really know any details. Looks like a fantastic place to explore. Maggie
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The mix of the old and the new in Stirling City makes for a fantastic holiday experience and an unforgettable Scottish adventure, Maggie. While our main idea for visiting the city and medieval castle was to learn more about Scottish history, we were also able to have heaps of fun by dressing up in historical costumes and going for a walk around the castle, pretending to be royalty. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Stirling looks really interesting, with lots to see and do. That castle looks amazing!
Alison
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Stirling Castle is its standout feature, located high above the rest of the city, offering hours of enjoyment and exploration. We had a wonderful time touring its recreated royal rooms and grand gardens. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The reflection in your photo of The Old Stirling Bridge is amazing, Aiva! Crystal clear!
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I am glad you like it, Diana! Seeing the historical Stirling Bridge which played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745 was an exciting moment as it is one of the most important crossing points in Scotland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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We visited Stirling a long time ago. The highlight of our visit were definitely the views from Wallace monument. And I loved the bridge. We didn’t go inside Stirling castle but had a wander around the town
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Same here, Tanja- making it to the top of the tower and taking in the views from the William Wallace were my favourite parts, too. I also loved seeing William Wallace’s sword. But I have to say that it is way bigger than I expected, no idea how a person would swing that thing about! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Yes, it must be very heavy. Ee even got a certificate for climbing it all thr way up from visitor center, later saw there is a shuttle that goes up to tower.
They probably don’t have these certificates anymore
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A certificate would make for a brilliant travel souvenir, but we didn’t get any for climbing to the top. But I’ve received a certificate for climbing the Scott Monument in Edinburgh City – the tower reaches about 61 metres in height and provides stunning views over the city. xx
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I have been wanted to visit Stirling for a while. Your post will help me to plan my visit 🙂.
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I hope you get to visit Stirling and see its many wonderful historic monuments in person. It’s a fantastic place to explore and catch a glimpse into Scotland’s rich heritage and bloodied past. We only had a day and it was just enough to see everything, although a visit to Rob Roy MacGregor’s grave – perhaps one of the most important of all Scotland’s resting places – still remains on my list. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This is such a great guide to visiting Sterling! When I went to Scotland years ago, we had plans to visit here but at the last minute the plan changed and I’ve regretted since not going. So I’ll just save this post for when I get there next time 🙂
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While I was gutted to miss out on visiting the Church of The Holy Rude – it was the crowning place of King James VI of Scotland – we had a very memorable time exploring other attractions in the city, especially the William Wallace monument. I first visited Stirling around 20 years ago but remembered very little from the trip and therefore always had a desire to return. It’s a truly beautiful city and I can highly recommend it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xxx
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I visited Stirling once by train (as a side trip when I was staying in Glasgow for a few days). The walk/climb up to the castle certainly gets the muscles and heart racing! I’d love to go again.
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I agree with you – the walk up to the castle is quite steep. By the time we arrived from Glencoe, the castle car park was already full, and we had to find a spot in town and walk all the way back. Needless to say, we were quite pleased to find beautiful gardens to unwind in as well as heaps of history and stunning views. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I love that you take us to a different place each time you blog Aiva. I did not know that Scotland only had 8 cities!
I fell in love with Scots Baronial style architecture in Pitlochy, Aberfeldy and Crieff. I’d love to explore Stirling
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I am glad to see that you are a fan of the Scots Baronial style, too. I fell in love with it when I lived in Edinburgh for three years and couldn’t stop admiring the zigzag gables over windows and witches’ hat towers as I walked around the Old Town. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you get to visit Stirling one day. Aiva 🙂 xx
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Bookmarking this for when I get to visit Scotland. I haven’t been to Stirling or anywhere else in the country but hope to visit. It looks very charming.
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I hope you get to visit Stirling one day as it is one of the three most important strongholds in Scotland. It’s a fantastic place where you can brush up on history and learn how Stirling was key in the wars of independence between Scotland and England in the 14th century. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wonderful place ❤️
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Thanks so much. Stirling is a wonderful city not too far from Glasgow or Edinburgh, making it the perfect day trip from either city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
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Aiva,
This is a wonderful travel guide for Scotland! It is inspiring me to visit the area someday. I am impressed at how much history is there in addition to all the natural beauty and landscape. The Stirling Old Bridge looks spectacular, and I can see how it would be gorgeous in the autumn season too!
Allie
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Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Allie. Visiting Stirling and exploring its historical castle was the highlight of our trip – it’s a small city, but with great history. There is also a wonderful community spirit, people are very supportive of one another. While most of the visitors stop in Stirling on their way to the Highlands or from Edinburgh, see the main attractions and get back on the road, Stirling deserves much more attention as there are heaps of other things to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks lovely Aiva – and a timely reminder that we haven’t been to Scotland in I’d say nearly 20 years!!
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You know, Marie, I took Scotland for granted when I lived there for three years. I was always working extra shifts and never had enough time to travel around the country which is one of the things I deeply regret. But we try to see and do as much as we can whenever we are in Scotland – it’s such a wonderful country. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The photo of the Old Bridge is breathtaking! And glad to see you at the monument. This is quite an interesting city as your travels attest.
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I loved visiting Stirling and seeing the historic bridge in such wonderful and sunny weather conditions! Stirling has perhaps the finest concentration of medieval buildings in Scotland, and we had a great time hearing fascinating stories from the city’s rich and colourful past. Even if you’re not spending your entire Scotland trip in Stirling, it is definitely a city worth visiting for a few days as there is plenty to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It looks like a treasure.
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🥰🥰🥰
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Those stone walls in Stirling do make quite an impression. Never been.
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From its quaint cobbled streets to the historical castle perched atop a volcanic rock Stirling offers a delightful journey through time and a glimpse into Scotland’s fascinating past and is a great destination for anyone exploring Scotland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Volcanos in Scotland. How interesting!
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