9 Incredible things to do in Stirling

Situated high above the city, Stirling Castle offers a fascinating window into Scotland's past. As you wander through its grand halls, it’s easy to picture what life here was once like. Imagine armour clinking, fires crackling and the sounds of a lyre ringing across the floors. 

Once the favourite home of Scotland’s Stewart monarchs, the castle’s Royal Palace still offers a vivid glimpse into Renaissance world. Take a walk through the Great Hall, one of the castle’s grandest spaces, and admire its richly restored interiors. Take in the carved details and vibrant colours before stepping into the Great Kitchens, where you can get a feel for the scale of preparing meals for a royal household.  

The Chapel Royal offers a quieter experience, while a walk along the battlements offers sweeping views across the city and the surrounding countryside. 

Visit Stirling Castle

You'll spot this majestic site long before you reach it. Rising dramatically from the trees above Abbey Craig, the National Wallace Monument is impossible to miss. Step inside and discover the story of Sir William Wallace, Scotland’s national hero, and learn about the battles and tales including the Battle of Stirling Bridge. 

In the Hall of Arms, you can get up close to the sword used against Wallace’s enemies, then take the 246 winding steps to reach the Crown of this sandstone tower. You’ll feel the effort in your legs, especially towards the top, but the moment you step outside, the view more than makes up for the climb.  

Admire Stirling stretching out below, with its rooftops, green hills and River Forth meandering through the landscape. On a clear day, the panorama feels endless – perfect to stop and soak it all in. 

Climb the National Wallace Monument 

For a taste of Stirling’s wilder side, pull on your walking boots and set off towards Dumyat. Follow the path cladded with blooming wild heather and leave the noise of everyday life behind. 

At 418m high, this hill packs a lot of scenery for a relatively short climb. As you make your way through lush open grassland, with the Ochil Hills surrounding you, the landscape begins to open. When the weather is favourable, you can see as far as the Trossachs and the Pentlands Hills, with majestic views stretching across the countryside.  

Dumyat will leave you with more than tired legs. Enjoy the cool breeze on your face, let the wind ruffle your hair, and take a moment to look back and appreciate how far you’ve climbed. 

Feel the wind on Dumyat 

Ready to swap Stirling’s grand and romantic stories for something a little more gruesome? Step inside the Old Town Jail and discover the darker side of the city’s past.  

Behind the jail’s cold, stone walls the atmosphere changes immediately. The passages are narrow and the rooms are dimly lit, making it easy to imagine what life might have felt like centuries ago for those who found themselves behind bars.  

Explore the jail through self-guided audio tours or the live-action performance and storytelling that brings its darker stories to life. Then, climb the observation tower for a very different perspective and take in the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside – a striking contrast to the enclosed world behind those walls. 

Discover Stirling’s darker stories at the Old Town Jail 

There are a few more sensory experiences in Scotland than stepping inside a distillery. Follow the rich aroma of botanical and spirit into Stirling Distillery and see the city from a whole new side. 

Join a behind-the-scenes tour for a chance to learn how gin and whisky are made, from the carefully selected ingredients to the traditional techniques used in the process. Feel the warmth of the distilling room, see the gleam of the copper stills, and if you're taking part in a tasting, take your time to savour the flavours and pay attention to the subtle differences that give every spirit its own character. It's a great way to get a real feel for the craft and that goes into every bottle.  

Follow the story of gin and whisky at Stirling Distillery 

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, also known as The Smith, offers an interesting look into the history, culture and heritage of Stirling.  

Uncover fascinating exhibitions, from the turbulent times of the Wars of Independence to stories of industry and the city's changing communities. Once you've explored the historical collections, take time to browse the gallery that houses paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, including works from local artists. Don't miss one of the museum's most intriguing objects – the world-famous football dating from around the 1540s that was discovered during work at Stirling Castle. The collection also includes the world's oldest curling stone, dating to 1511. 

Beyond the galleries, Ailie's Garden provide a quiet space behind the museum – a peaceful place for a leisurely stroll, or simply a quiet moment away from the city. 

See what’s on at Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum 

Located near Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari Park is one of Scotland’s most exciting family attractions.  

Explore the huge parkland setting and encounter animals from around the world. The safari drive-thru gives you the chance to see animals from the comfort of your vehicle. One minute you’re watching a lion roaming free in front of your car, and the next you’re driving past antelopes and rhinos, or have macaques jumping onto the roof of your vehicle and curiously peeking through the window. There are plenty of moments that will leave both children and adults completely captivated. 

The wider park offers cafés, rides, attractions and opportunities to get closer to nature, including a fantastic walk amongst the forest filled with more than 20 life-sized dinosaurs that move and stomp as you make your way along the trail. 

Go wild at Blair Drummond Safari Park 

Doune Castle needs little introduction, especially to fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones. This imposing medieval fortress, surrounded by lush Scottish countryside, feels atmospheric from the moment you arrive. Set beside the River Teith and framed by woodland and open rolling hills, its peaceful setting provides a beautiful background. 

Step through the impressive stone archway and explore the castle's majestic 100 ft-high gatehouse. Inside, the thick stone walls lead to the remarkably well-preserved kitchen, complete with its enormous fireplace. From there, head to the magnificent Great Hall with its weathered walls and timber roof, before following dark windings corridors and narrow staircases leading to the castle's public areas and private chambers. As you stroll around, it's easy to imagine this place once bustling with life. 

Explore the movie magic at Doune Castle 

A trip to this part of Scotland just wouldn’t be complete without venturing into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. As soon as you leave the city, the pace begins to slow, with towering mountains, swooping valleys and glittering lochs creating a real sense of escape. 

There are plenty of ways to experience the park at your own pace. Take a scenic walk along the shores of Loch Lomond, hike The Cobbler or Ben More through the hills for far-reaching views, or get out on the water by kayak, canoe or boat on Loch Katrine. Scenic cruises also depart from Luss, Balmaha or Balloch, while a waterbus can take you across to Inchcailloch Island, where you can wander through woodland trails carpeted with bluebells in spring. 

When you're ready for a break, settle into a café by the water and tuck into locally sourced fresh food, or simply find a quieter spot to take in the views. After, if you feel re-energised and in the mood for a little more adventure, head towards Aberfoyle and Go Ape, where you can climb, swing and zip through treetops. 

Escape into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.