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Stirling Castle

  1. Home
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  3. Scotland's Cities
  4. Stirling

Stirling

A small city with a big history, Stirling is known for historic attractions and spectacular scenery, not to mention shopping, places to eat and exciting events. Plus it's an ideal base for exploring the surrounding towns, villages and stunning countryside.

Great things to do in Stirling

There is plenty to be getting up to on your visit to Stirling. Find out about some of the most defining moments in Scotland's history before setting out to enjoy the beautiful nearby countryside.

11 Must-visit hidden gems in Stirling

Find out about 11 hidden gems in Stirling including places to eat, attractions to visit and fun things to do for families

Family fun in Stirling

Find exciting things to see and do for the family to enjoy from animal farm parks to interactive museums.

Shopping in Stirling

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy with high street brands as well as local shops.

Accessible Stirling

Find out more information on accessible attractions, accommodation and more in the wider Forth Valley area.

5 Fantastic day trips from Stirling

Hop on the bus or train and discover an array of fantastic day trips easily accessible from Stirling.

Walking & cycling around Stirling

Whether you fancy a short amble, ride with the kids or a more challenging long-distance trek or cycle, you won’t be disappointed.

Top days out ideas

From castles to adventure parks, enjoy a thrilling day out in Stirling.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens.

National Wallace Monument

An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Battle of Bannockburn Experience

Delve into the intricate details and history at this educational attraction.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Drive your own car through the animal reserves and get up close to camels, rhinos, antelopes, lions, and free-roaming lemurs.

Doune Castle

Explore this 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland.

Dumyat

Enjoy spectacular views over Stirling from Dumyat Hill.

Stirling Old Town Jail

Enjoy tours and escape rooms as you delve into the history of this award-winning attraction.

Stirling Distillery

Whisky-making has returned to Stirling - in style! Stirling Distillery named a winner at the World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2025.

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

Sometimes the best way to explore Scotland's towns and cities is on two feet or two wheels.

The Tolbooth

Follow a route

There are even itineraries and guided tours to follow along if you're not sure where to start.

  • Women in Stirling Trail
  • Explore hikes and hill climbs in Stirling
Find more ideas

See what's on in Stirling

Enjoy a taste of local life at a fantastic Stirling event.

Stirling city centre

Stirling city centre

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Events

Find out what's happening in Stirling, from big hitting live music to events in the historic castle.

  • Stirling Whisky Festival
  • Culture Night Stirling
  • Back Doune the Rabbit Hole
  • Stirling Pride
Explore all events in Stirling

Map of Stirling

Explore Stirling

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How to travel to and around Stirling

Stirling is easy to get to and travelling around should be no problem!

Getting to Stirling

Bus and coach

There is an hourly non-stop coach service from:

  • Glasgow (40 mins)
  • Edinburgh (1 hour)

There is a regular bus service from:

  • St Andrews (1 hour 30 mins)
  • Perth (45 mins)

Find out more about schedules and timetables at Traveline Scotland

Train

Stirling's railway station is located just a couple of minutes from the city centre.

Stirling is about 35 minutes from Glasgow by train (Queen Street Station) with three direct services an hour.

It takes 50 minutes from Edinburgh (Haymarket and Waverley stations) with two direct services an hour.

You can also find direct services from:

  • London (6 hours)
  • Aberdeen (2 hours)
  • Dundee (1 hour)
  • Inverness (3 hours)

For timetables visit Traveline Scotland

Driving

Stirling is a very central and accessible city, with many major roads connecting the city with nearby towns, villages and other major cities across Scotland.

There are various vehicle hire companies across Scotland where you can hire a car, van or motorhome to continue your travels around Scotland.

Learn more about driving in Scotland

Find information about car hire in Scotland

Flying

If you're flying to Scotland, the closest airports to Stirling are Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick. These airports offer public transport connections, car hire or taxi services for travelling into Stirling.

Getting around Stirling

Cycling

Located at the railway station, the Stirling Cycle Hub helps you explore on two wheels. You can also register to use nextbikes, with hubs across the city.

How to travel around Stirling by bike

Walking

The city centre is compact and easy to navigate on foot, and the whole area is well connected by bus, rail and taxi services, as well as miles of cycle paths.

Find out more on getting around Stirling

The Stirling Highland Hotel

Places to stay in Stirling

From luxury hotels and cosy B&Bs, to budget friendly hostels and rural retreats, there are plenty of accommodation options for your holiday in Stirling.

  • Accommodation in Scotland

The Gallery Restaurant

Places to eat in Stirling

Tuck into delicious dishes and a range of local produce at cafes, bar and restaurants across Stirling. 

  • Forth Valley Food Tales
  • Restaurant info and reviews from Tripadvisor
Browse food & drink options

Steamship Sir Walter Scott

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Find information on accessible trips

Whether you’re travelling with kids, need a mobility scooter or you’re a wheelchair user, you’ll find that many parts of Stirling are easily accessible. 

  • Euan's Guide to accessible gardens, nature and open spaces
  • Euan's Guide to Stirling

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