10 Things to See & Do in Stirling

We’re starting off strong with an iconic attraction in the heart of the city. Stirling Castle has stood here for centuries and is a stronghold with a turbulent past and has seen many kings and queens throughout its history.

With stunning grounds and gardens to explore, the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, castle exhibition, Regimental Museum, Tapestry Studio and more, you won’t be lost for things to do with the family here.

A prominent feature of the city skyline, The National Wallace Monument is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Learn all about Sir William Wallace, Scotland’s national hero, and the stories and tales of how he led the Scottish army to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Explore the Hall of Arms where you can admire up close the battlesword used against Wallace's enemies, and is today a powerful symbol of his bravery and courage. Climb the 246 steps to the Monument’s Crown to admire the stunning panoramic views that let you see for miles around.

This free attraction takes a deep dive into the fascinating culture and history of Stirling and is home to over 40,000 objects and artworks. Celebrating the people, heritage and culture of the city, this purpose-built Victorian museum and art gallery is a sight to see and boasts various exhibitions, from whale bones and Robert the Bruce to the Bronze-Age and World War II, there is plenty to uncover here.

If you’re looking for gruesome history, you’re in the right place! The Old Town Jail takes a step back in time to showcase the history of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh through self-guided audio tours, a ‘Scene of the Crime’ exhibition and an amazing observation tower, offering some of the best views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Sitting in the shadow of Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most important abbeys, Cambuskenneth. Here you can visit the resting place of King James III and his wife Queen Margaret, admire the fine collection of medieval grave slabs and architectural fragments, and wander through the grounds and gardens marvelling at the ancient exterior as you go.

If you fancy getting out of the busy city for a while, enjoy a visit to Plean Country Park. Located just south of Stirling city centre, explore over 70 hectares of accessible woodland and parkland, with a network of paths, ideal for walking and cycling. Open all year round, the park is home to 80 different species of birds, as well as roe deer, rabbits and foxes roaming freely too, so keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready.

Up there with one of the most famous battles in Scotland, the Battle of Bannockburn Experience delves into the nitty, gritty, gory and gruesome details of this momentous time in history.

Learn about and experience medieval combat like never before with fully-immersive 3D technology, be the commander of your own virtual battlefield, interact with medieval warriors, pages, archers, knights and more as you uncover this turbulent time in Scottish history.

Nearby Stirling is one of Scotland’s most exciting family attractions. Surround yourself with a variety of animal species on an exhilarating safari drive-thru, from lions, antelope, and rhinos, to macaques, tigers and penguins, to name a few, and learn all about their habitats, diets and characteristics as you get up close.

Aside from the animals, explore one of the UK's best dinosaur attractions, or let the kids run wild in the giant outdoor play area. After all of the excitement, tuck into a tasty lunch at one of the food trailers, the BBQ & Grill or in the food court.

A beautiful medieval church dating as far back as the 12th century, Dunblane Cathedral is a real sight to see. Admire the four-storey red sandstone tower, the first and oldest part of the church that was built in the 1100s. The rest of the church was later constructed in the 1200s. Explore the nave and see the weathered interior walls; a part of the church that had no roof for 300 years! Make sure you visit the choir stalls whilst you’re here too. These date back from the 1400s and are rare survivals and some of the finest of their type in Scotland.

A trip to this part of Scotland just wouldn’t be complete without journeying to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. You’ll be met by towering mountains, swooping valleys, glittering lochs and a whole host of outdoor activities to get involved in. Tuck into locally sourced fresh food, join in a seasonal event, or immerse yourself in the wilderness with a wander amongst the scenery.