Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025
For thousands of years, castles have shaped the Scottish landscape.
They’ve been home to some of the greatest heroes and villains in the country’s history.
Today, many of them still stand strong and rank among the most striking and visited in the world.
They are icons of Scotland’s historic fighting spirit, bursting with incredible stories of warfare and bloody sieges.
Steeped in hundreds of years of captivating history, Stirling Castle is everything you would want from a castle – it’s rustic, historic and has grit, just like the Scots themselves.
It’s a castle where King James V resided, and his daughter, Mary, was crowned as Queen of Scots in 1542.
It is no coincidence that two of the major battles in Scotland’s struggle for Independence, Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, were fought within sight of this castle – it is guarding a key crossing point on the River Forth.
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Where Is Stirling Castle?
As the name suggests, Stirling Castle is located in the historical city of Stirling – midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The castle – one of Scotland’s largest and most important – sits atop a 250ft extinct volcano and has a real castle wow factor. Steep cliffs surround it on three sides, giving it a strong defensive position.
Back in the day, the castle was of immense strategic importance and was the main residence of Mary Queen of Scots – who was just six days old when she became Queen of Scotland.
If you are planning a trip to Stirling, visiting the castle is a must.
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A Short History of Stirling Castle
”He who holds Stirling holds Scotland” – the significance of Stirling Castle is evident from the often-quoted phrase from centuries past.
Due to the castle’s strategic location and invincible fortifications, it was both a safe refuge for royalty and a focus for conquest.
So much turbulent history occurred around this castle and given the famous names linked to it, including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, I would be remiss not to touch upon it.
Throughout the Wars of Independence with England, Stirling was relentlessly fought over and frequently changed hands between England and Scotland.
The Castle was first mentioned around 1107 when Alexander I wrote of a chapel on the spot where the castle now stands. In 1174, Stirling castle was given as a ransom to Henry II of England in exchange for William the Lion, the then King of Scotland.
Scots took over the castle in 1297 when William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English at the very first battle of Scottish independence – the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
However, the castle fell back into the hands of the English under attack from Edward I in 1304, only to be salvaged by Robert the Bruce following the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn.
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How To Get To The Stirling Castle
Stirling is only a 45-minute drive from Glasgow and around an hour from Edinburgh, making it easily accessible by road. If you plan your day accordingly, you can have a great day trip from either of the cities.
- By Rail – If you wish to travel by rail, you can get a train via ScotRail from Glasgow Queen Street Station or Edinburgh Waverley Station. There are also direct services to Inverness, London, Aberdeen and Dundee.
- Getting Around – Once in town, you’ll find an excellent park-and-ride service which regularly travels through the city centre and up to the old town of Stirling for access to the Castle.
- Local Bus – park-and-ride service runs every 20 minutes during the weekdays. You can look at the route it travels – Castleview – Castle Business Park – City Centre – Castleview and the timetables, clicking on a Stirling Council webpage.
- On Foot – of course, you can easily walk up to the castle, too. But be warned – while the stroll is fairly short, it’s up a steep hill, and the streets are cobbled.
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The Highlights of Visiting Stirling Castle:
The Queen Anne Garden is a wonderful garden with rose beds and plenty of space to walk around. It has great views of the area and a 200-year-old twin beech tree.
The Castle Exhibition – a fantastic interactive section telling the history of Scottish kings and Queens, showing how skeletons discovered on the grounds were identified.
Living History Performers – You’ll find costumed interpreters in various rooms setting the scene and answering visitors’ questions.
The Palace Vaults – a maze of rooms with animated games and hands-on fun. You can try on medieval clothes, learn about jester’s jokes and play ancient musical instruments. This section is very child-friendly.
The Great Kitchens – Learn about the life of cooks and servants in the castle’s kitchens. This is an entertaining area with a video and a recreation of the food in the 16th century.
Don’t miss: The Stirling Tapestries on the Queen’s Inner Hall wall in the Royal Palace were created as part of the £ 2 million project and took 14 years to reinterpret and create.
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Stirling Castle Ghosts
Scotland’s castles are famed for their ghosts; it’s very much part of the folklore, and Stirling Castle is no exception.
Beyond the tales of human history, the castle is shrouded in ghostly legends, with both numerous staff and visitors encountering mysterious sightings.
It is believed that numerous ghosts inhabit the castle, the most famous of which is the ghost of the Green Lady who – according to a legend – was a servant to Mary Queen of Scots.
She can usually be seen shortly before unfortunate events take place.
The other two are a male ghost wearing a traditional Highland kilt who usually appears near the dungeon, the Pink Lady who can be seen walking to the church and the Woman in Black who has been seen roaming on the Back Walk that circles the Holy Rude graveyard.
*Fun Fact – the highland ghost was captured on camera in 1935 by an architect carrying out surveying for upcoming building work.
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Top Places You Should See At The Castle
Stirling Castle is a complex monument of diverse buildings which was built in various stages from the 14th century onwards, with spaces added over the centuries.
With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide what parts of the interior to spend the most time in – especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Everyone should see a few important parts, with the following being the most popular ones.
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1. The Great Hall
The castle’s centrepiece, the Great Hall, has been restored to its 16th-century splendour.
It is the largest of its kind ever built in Scotland – the Scottish oak triple-height ceiling and the ornate stained glass windows are sure to stop you in your tracks. Walking around, you can easily imagine the Scottish monarchs hosting pageants, dances and feasts.
From 1800 to 1964, the Castle was under the wing of the War Office, and during that time, the Great Hall was used as barrack accommodation to house the Argyll and Southerland Highlanders.
In 1991, a government organisation in charge of protecting Scotland’s historic treasures took over guardianship of Stirling Castle and began the challenging task of restoring the Great Hall.
Don’t be surprised to find that the exterior walls are painted in an eye-catching yellow colour as they would have been in the 1500s.
*Insider Tip: I found a fascinating podcast about the restoration of The Great Hall by 99% Invisible called The Great Restoration
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2. The Royal Palace
The other highlight of the castle is the Royal Palace, which lies within the castle walls and is considered to be one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in Great Britain.
It was built by James V, who, together with his French wife Mary of Guise, tended to present themselves as wealthy and sophisticated.
The Palace consists of Royal Lodgings for the king and queen, and each apartment has three capacious rooms – in ascending order of privacy: an Outer Hall, an Inner Hall and a Bedchamber.
Following a major programme of research, the palace has been extensively restored to look much as it may have looked during the 16th century.
You can now tour through the King and Queen’s outer and inner chambers as well as their bedrooms and admire elaborate and colourfully rich decorations.
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Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
Don’t miss this museum within the castle – it’s well worth a visit if you are interested in history and have time to learn about the fascinating stories of the Regiment’s battles.
The museum closed in September 2018 for renovation, which involved creating a new floor to expand the items on show. There are around 5,000 objects in the museum’s collection, including a bible which saved the life of Private Robert Wren.
You’ll find many fascinating and moving stories of the soldiers’ experiences told through their personal belongings, weapons, letters, tools, and uniforms.
The museum is well laid out with various exhibitions giving a splendid look at the regiment in the periods of the Crimean Wars, Boer Wars to WW1, WW2 to Korea, and more recent conflicts.
Opening Times and Ticket Prices
Stirling Castle is open all year round, seven days a week. As with most major attractions around Scotland, the summer months are the busiest. Try to avoid weekends if you want to escape the crowds.
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.
The admission price also includes entry to nearby Argyll’s Lodgings – an elegant 17th-century townhouse built in the middle of the 16th century for a wealthy burgess of Stirling named John Trail.
The house has been carefully restored to replicate its 1680 state. Visitors can see how servants lived as well as admire the luxurious rooms of the owners.
The rooms on the first floor are furnished, and you can see elegantly upholstered chairs, beautifully carved and inlaid tables, hangings and glorious tapestries.
- Castle Opening Times: Open seven days a week, all year
- Admission Price when booked online : Adult £17.50 / Concession £14.00 / Child £10.50
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Other Things To See and Do In Stirling
Besides the impressive castle, there’s lots more to see in Stirling.
Stirling and its beautifully preserved Old Town is beaming with cobbled streets and historic buildings.
Depending on how much time you can dedicate to exploring the city, you can stop by the beautifully arched stone bridge, visit the Church of the Holy Rude and see the ornate facade of Mar’s Wark (wark is an old Scots word for ‘building’).
Some of the must-see tourist attractions you should pay a visit to are:
- National Wallace Monument | Honouring the world-famous freedom fighter Sir William Wallace, the National Wallace Monument is one of the most iconic Scottish monuments. If you wish to learn about the Battle of Stirling Bridge, see the Wallace Sword, catch a glimpse of Scottish history and take in the views from the top of the tower, then you must pay a visit.
- Old Town Jail | Take a tour around the former prison with the help of informative, costumed guides who bring history to life. With the help of guides and an audio tour, you are sure to hear a few gruesome tales. You can also learn a few things about Scottish history, enjoy views from the top and see what the prisoner’s exercise yard looks like.
Read More: A Pocketguide To Help You Witness the Splendid Beauty Of Stirling Town In Scotland
Incredible Places To See Nearby
One of the must-see places near Stirling I would suggest visiting is the impressive Kelpies, stainless steel horse-head sculptures devoted to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland.
While the sculptures are easily seen from the road, getting up close to these giant pieces of public art is a wonderful way to appreciate the size of these monumental sculptures.
The construction of The Kelpies began in the summer of 2013, with workers slotting about 30,000 small plates of steel to put the sculptures together, and it was opened to the public in April 2014.
The Kelpies are equally impressive at night because once the sun goes down, the sculptures light up!
- How to get to the Kelpies | The sculptures are located in Helix Park between Falkirk and Grangemouth, about 30 minutes by car from Stirling
- Kelpies parking fees | The small Helix Car Park, located about a 10-minute walk away, is free of charge, but you have to pay for the one near the Visitors Centre.
- Address | The Helix, Grangemouth, FK2 7ZT
*Fun Fact – the iconic horse heads are 30 metres high and weigh 300 tonnes each.
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Stirling Weather And the Best Time To Visit Stirling
If you are looking to dodge the crowds, then early Spring, from April to May and early autumn, from September to October, are great times to visit, as the weather can be pleasant for walking and exploring.
Late fall tends to be the rainiest time of the year, but as Stirling receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, you have to come prepared.
Over the last few years, we visited Stirling numerous times during early September and always had a fabulous weather condition.
- Summertime | With the temperature ranging between 17⁰C and 20⁰C and with an abundance of daylight hours, June to August is a great time of the year to visit Stirling. If you are visiting the Scottish Highlands in August, bring plenty of insect repellant, as midges can be a nuisance.
- Autumn | During the autumn, the weather is usually cool and crisp, and crowds of visitors thin out considerably. It’s an utterly atmospheric time of the year to be in Scotland, as you can cosy up by a fireplace in a traditional pub.
- Winter | Only the brave visit Stirling in winter, as given its northern latitude, there’s very little daylight. Winters seldom see snow, but given the low temperature, you’ll want to bundle up in layers.
- Spring | From the green hills to blooming wildflowers, spring is a wonderful time to visit Stirling. April to May sees less rain, fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See At The National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburgh
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Stirling Castle? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Scotland and have travel-related questions!
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OUR CROSSINGS 
Another wonderful post about a castle I visited years ago that has stayed in my heart. I found it really interesting and well documented. Thank you so much for bringing back fabulous memories 💗💗💗
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Hello, Luisa on this wonderful Monday moring 🙂 Scotland is home to many incredible castles, and I love the fact they deliver drama, history and even the chance to stay the night. I am glad to hear you had a chance to visit the one in Stirling. One of the reasons why I was so eager to explore it was the magnificent tapestries – they are a sight to behold. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thank you , dear Aiva, both for your kind reply and far all the wonderful posts you share. They are never less than fascinating 💗💗💗
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That’s such a wonderful thing to say, Luisa 🙂 Many thanks from the bottom of my heart 🙂 xx.
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Sending a big hug 🤗
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And right back at you 😘
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Wow Aiva! A very interesting place indeed! Loved the history, the narrative and all the phenomenal information! I am saving this for my next trip to Scotland. And your photographs were outstanding! Cheers and all the best!
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Thanks so much, Francisco 🙂 It’s hard to believe that a small country nestled in the north of Europe can be such an incredible photography destination. Even harder to believe is that there are so many picturesque castles that are just perfect for exploring and visiting. If you love history and castles, then a trip to Stirling Castle is a must. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You are very welcome 🙏🏻 Aiva!
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🥰🥰🥰
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I’m amazed by the size and opulence of castles such as this one. They are unbelievable, compared to the houses that “ordinary” people lived in.
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Same here – I was in awe of the size of the castle and how big the rooms were! Stirling Castle was the favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors flocked to the castle to revel in its grandeur and to attend the spectacular christenings and coronations that took place there. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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An excellent review of Stirling Castle. I visited there a few years ago and enjoyed it as well as looking around the town.
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Thank you, Marion! I first visited Stirling Castle twenty years ago, so it was interesting to come back to it and tour the grounds once more, this time with my family. I loved walking through the Queen Anne Gardens and marvelling at hard-carved medallions that once decorated the palace ceilings in the Stirling Heads Gallery. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Such a fascinating history and castle! I think we just saw this from the highway on one of our tours, I think I’ll have to return to Scotland for another visit 🙂 We saw the Kelpies a lot from the highway too.
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We passed by the Kelpies and the castle a few times during previous trips around Scotland – it’s funny how you can easily see them from the highway! But this time, we decided to stop and explore both attractions and I was in awe, especially by the Kelpies – standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This seriously looks like an impressive castle! I love its hilltop location, its many sections, the decorations of the Queen’s Inner Hall, and the overall appearance of it. Although I have to say I’m not too keen on meeting the ghosts. Thank you for writing about this place which played an important role in the history of Scotland. I’m adding this to the list of things I want to see if I ever get the chance to visit this part of the world.
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I am not a big fan of ghosts, too, Bama but many Scottish Castles have creepy stories and mysterious tales to tell. Fortunately, we didn’t encounter the famous Highlander, who is usually dressed in full regalia and wearing a kilt. According to some tales, many visitors mistake him for a tourist guide, but when they approach him for directions, he just turns away and vanishes in front of them. Stories like these give me goosebumps! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Impressive castle and the tower is amazing. Looks like a lovely place to visit. We have been to Scotland a few times but never to Stirling so we need to add this place on our list if we ever go back to Scotland. (Suzanne)
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It is a wonderful place to explore, I especially love how this mighty fortress stands on a volcanic core and looks out over the City of Stirling. On a clear day, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and mountains from the castle walls. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I remember Stirling and Stirling Castle from our honeymoon trip 47 years ago. It was impressive, even then in the Scottish rain. A great post to revive my memories Aiva. Happy Monday. Allan
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I am glad you have fond memories from visiting Stirling Castle, Allan – even in the rain 🙂 It is one of the largest and most historically significant castles in Scottish history. I was glad to finally explore it and walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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How fun to visit this castle that was involved in so many historical events. I’d love to visit one day. Maggie
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It is a beautiful castle to visit, Maggie and to explore Renaissance-era spaces like the Great Hall, Royal Palace, and Great Kitchens. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Excellent overview of Stirling Castle, Aiva! The history and architecture are both so fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you kindly 🙂 Stirling Castle is a shining example of Renaissance architecture and a must-see if visiting Stirling. I loved that we could look out from its high stone walls to the battlefields of Stirling Bridge where great medieval armies clashed to decide the fate of nations. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Now that’s a castle I haven’t visited and the town sounds fascinating too. I’ve previously whizzed past Stirling enroute to and from the highlands, but it looks well worth a stop. Thanks for sharing.
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Historic Stirling is a wonderful city to explore with plenty of things to see and do and also a wonderfully central place to base yourself. It’s perfectly located in the middle of Glasgow, Perth and Edinburgh– and it’s super easy to jump on the train to explore any of these other cities. It’s also a great base to explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The whole area sounds great – I love the Wallace tower and the Kelpies….
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Wallace Monuments is such an iconic Scottish landmark and it’s crazy to think that just last year, it was the 154th year since it opened its doors for the first time. There’s so much to see in and around Stirling – we devoted two days to the city and still run out of time. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s a castle full of history and I can understand why Scotland should cherish its history through its monuments.
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I think you can easily write a book about the history of Scotland through its monuments and memorials. We walk and drive past them every day, yet we are often only vaguely aware of their existence. They are in cemeteries and parks; on busy streets and in lonely places; they stand by the sea or on the top of hills and commemorate many things: often the dead of history in wars at home and abroad and disasters, both recent and long past, but they also honour the achievements of inventors, writers and explorers and our kings, queens, saints and martyrs. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The castle is beautiful! The Wallace Monument is… odd. It’s a very strange shape. It looks like someone started to build a castle and then just stopped after only one tower. Thanks for the tour and history overview of this famous Castle, Aiva!
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The castle is beautiful and was delighted to roam around its courtyards and lavish rooms once more. The Wallace Monument was initially constructed and built as a large tower with a winding staircase. What makes it special- unlike other national monuments, this one was funded by contributions from the public rather than by the government. It’s a must-see when in Stirling, you will certainly leave with an appreciation for William Wallace and his part in Scottish history. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The location of that castle is so imposing! I can see how it would have been quite the feat to take it over. Looks like there is plenty to see both there and in the surrounding area.
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The castle is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites and the views from its defensive walls are stunning. It’s a fantastic place to visit as it provides visitors with an insight into centuries-old Scottish architecture and culture. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have never been though I have been to see The Kelpies, they are a magnificent sight. The Castle looks beautiful and the Queens Inner Hall looks beautifully restored. X
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Stirling Castle is a must-see for anyone interested in Scotland’s history and culture, especially as it also offers excellent views of Stirling city and the surrounding countryside. It was my first time visiting the Kelpies, and I was taken by the sheer size of the statues and loved learning about Scotland’s shape-shifting water spirits. I wonder how many children the stories saved from drowning. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Stirling Castle is gorgeous. It’s incredible to hear just how old it is. The Queen Anne Garden sounds like a lovely place to go for a stroll.
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It’s a wonderful castle to visit, Linda! There’s so much history – I especially love how the castle is located on a volcanic crag overlooking Stirling city, which makes it easily visible from miles away. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I love how you’ve captured not only the rich history but also the unique charm of the place, making it clear why Stirling Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting Scotland. The personal touches, like the mention of the Queen Anne Gardens and the ghostly legends, add so much depth to the experience. I also appreciate the practical travel tips, especially the info on getting to the castle and navigating the area – super helpful for planning a visit!
In response to your questions:
Best Time to Visit: I agree that visiting in spring or early autumn sounds ideal to avoid crowds. The weather in these months also adds to the experience, with the gardens in bloom and the crisp air perfect for walking around.
Top Highlight: I would personally say the Great Hall is a showstopper! The restoration efforts really bring the history alive, and it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of past royal events.
I can’t wait to visit now—this post really brought Stirling Castle to life!
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Thank you kindly for such a wonderful comment 🙂 Stirling Castle is home to numerous attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture such as the Great Hall, which dates back to the 16th century. I loved the architecture, climbing to the top of the castle’s highest tower, the Queen Anne Garden, to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of many Scotlands historical figures. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Stirling Castle looks like one not to be missed. You had me at the castle wow factor. Women must have some sad stories associated with the castle: Green Lady, Pink Lady, and the Woman in Black.
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And not to mention Mary who was crowned as Queen of Scots at Stirling Castle. She died by beheading after being accused of complicity – her life provided tragedy and romance, more dramatic than any legend. As for the castle itself – it is a must-see given that generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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We loved our visit to the castle and Stirling area. It’s the best castle we’ve seen in Scotland (so far!)
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We loved our visit, too. There’s just something incredible about the castle how it rises from the dome of the rock as a settlement which overlooks the landscape around it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You’ve done it again in capturing my interest in Scottish history. Stirling castle’s accessibility to two major cities and its prominent location on a rocky cliff would be one reason to go there for sure. You’ve also given me interest in watching the new season of Outlander on Starz in the U’S. Do you get that channel where you live? Thanks as always for supporting my travel blog.
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Stirling Castle is a must-see when exploring Scotland as there’s a great variety of different buildings within the historic complex. Then there’s the views and its one of a one-of-a-kind location to make it all even more alluring. In all, Stirling Castle offers a fantastic alternative perspective to Edinburgh Castle. Whereas the latter was predominantly utilised for military purposes and protection, Stirling was most certainly a luxurious space, where the monarchy of the sixteenth century could display their style and their status. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’ve only seen Stirling Castle from a distance while traversing through the Scottish Highlands years ago. It’s a place I haven’t stepped foot in, but I’d love to do so some day. I haven’t returned to Scotland in almost a decade, so perhaps it merits a revisit soon! Thanks for sharing this magnificent castle with us, Aiva 🙂
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Stirling Castle stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring spirit of Scotland and therefore is a must-see when in Scotland. We had a fantastic time exploring it and catching a glimpse into the grandeur and resilience of the Scottish people. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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As always, THANK YOU for sharing photos and traveling/guide tips. Castles are AMAZING, aren’t they!!
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I find castles amazing, too! After all, they are witnesses of history, they are gathering places, although the lords and their courts have been increasingly replaced by their enthusiastic owners, society or the state and visitors, increasingly more numerous. They also have their own history, their own architecture and they make us dream, we would live there if we could, or we find them too big. One thing is sure: they do not leave us indifferent! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Aiva, this castle looks quite grand, and what a history as well. This is inspiring me to take the family to Scotland someday!
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Many thanks 🙂 I was in awe of the castle and surrounding landscape. I loved walking around and taking in its impressive collection of architectural styles and notable features. I hope you get to visit the castle one day. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow, what a stunning place! I’ve only been to Edimburgh in Scotland but I would love to visit other areas of this beautiful county. This castle seems like an amazing visit, and I know I would love to go there in the hopes of seeing a ghost too ahah! Thanks for sharing such detailed information and beautiful pictures!
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Stirling Castle is well worth a visit, Juliette as it is home to numerous attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture. By now, I’ve been to a good few Scottish castles, many of which play host to some hair-raising ghost stories, but never encountered any of the famous ghosts. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! Enchanting indeed! Marvelous places! Thank you for this beautiful tour! I hope one day I’ll be able to see them in person 😉
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Thank you – I loved our visit to the wonderful Stirling Castle. Its incredible architecture and design make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and art and the mix of styles and attention to detail are a testament to Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Fabulous. This is right up my alley. Not a ruin but a massive, seemingly complete castle, and full of so much interesting English history that I love to learn about (given that I’m English by marriage – haha). We’ve recently discussed a “someday” itinerary that includes Scotland (for the climbing of Ben Nevis) and I wonder if we could fit this in. Hmmm…
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Scotland has a wonderful array of castle ruins in picturesque locations, but for that fully immersive experience, I prefer to visit those that are immaculately preserved because many of them – like Stirling Castle – are set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain.
You could easily climb Ben Nevis and visit Stirling Castle in one trip given that you arrive in Edinburgh and travel to the Highlands via Stirling where the castle is located. It really is a must when visiting Scotland because it is a great place to learn about the key moments of Scotland’s long, violent and bloody history- there have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle – all bloody, and rarely successful. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Sterling Castle is definitely on my list for my next trip to Scotland. The castle is so packed full of history that it would take awhile to really understand it all. Historic castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and towns just makes it an all around great destination 🙂
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I am glad to hear that! Stirling Castle is arguably one of the most important places in Scotland. It’s an easy day trip from Edinburgh and is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history and castles, as it is a beautiful castle with very recognisable residents. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks an amazing place to visit Aiva, so full of history and beauty 😊
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Stirling Castle is known as the dividing point between the Scottish Highlands and the rest of Scotland, but it also has incredible historical significance. There’s actually so much to see and do that you can easily spend a few hours walking around and taking it all in. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have been wanting to visit Stirling for a while now. I do need to plan a trip there. Looks like the castle will be on the list. Thank you Aiva for sharing all these information.
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I am glad to hear that my post about the castle inspired you to put it on the wish list! I hope you get to visit historical Stirling Castle as there’s lots to see in and around it, especially as James V was coronated and lived at Stirling Castle and Mary Queen of Scotts was also coronated there. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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One day I need to get to Scotland. I haven’t been there yet. The Great Kitchens sound interesting… It can be easy to overlook how there was so much life happening at the castle, beyond simply the royals living there. And the ghost stories sound fun, too!
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I loved learning about ghost stories but we didn’t get to see or hear anything usual while visiting. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to see the castle without any other visitors and maybe even run into a ghost or two. You know, the castle is really incredible. It is very well preserved and it’s obviously not of a cohesive design, but you can see the layers of building and history, which is quite fascinating. It’s also partly furnished as it would have been when Mary Queen of Scots and King James’ would have lived there, and there are also people dressed up in costumes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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As usual, you write a terrific guide, Aiva. Stirling is ‘one that got away’ for me. I’d love to visit!
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That’s such a wonderful compliment, Jo, thank you kindly 🙂 I hope you get to visit Stirling Castle one day as a lot of work was done to ensure the castle today looks the same as it did several hundred years ago. For a history nerd like me, that’s so appreciated. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wonderful guide to Stirling Castle, Aiva. I love Stirling Castle; it’s so atmospheric and the old graveyard nearby is very cool as well! If you ever write a book about your travels, let me know; I’d love to review it on my site! Your blog has reignited my wanderlust! 😄💜🧳
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Thank you kindly! I’ll let you know if I ever write a book although it won’t happen any time soon as the girls keep me busy enough on any given day. Thanks so much for such a wonderful comment, and have a good day. P.S. Just so you know – your wonderful blog and all the beautiful book reviews inspired me to read more. Cheers, Aiva 🙂
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So many beautiful places still to explore in Scotland. Thanks you for documenting so well this interesting castle
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That’s so true – there’s quite a lot to see and do in Scotland. I lived in Edinburgh for three years and revisited the country for the past 15 and still haven’t had a chance to see everything from my Scotland wish list. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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When we visited Stirling Castle in 1999 the Great Hall had just been refurbished and wasn’t quite finished. It’s interesting to see it now all completed.
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Visiting Stirling Castle was the highlight of our time in Scotland and so was seeing the Great Hall! The space is impressive and seems huge to 21st Century eyes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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