8 Things to See & Do in Stirling

There are plenty of things to see and do in Stirling, a fascinating and historic city. Explore attractions, try your hand at a round of golf, taste delicious local produce at restaurants across the city, or venture up the distinctive Wallace Monument.

This pocket of Scotland is steeped in the past, featuring attractions such as the grand Royal Palace of Stirling Castle and Bannockburn, where one of Scotland's most defining battles took place. Come face-to-face with elephants and lions at Blair Drummond Safari Park, or feel the wind on your face as you scale a mountain in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

  1. Stirling Castle Stirling

    Stirling Castle

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  2. The National Wallace Monument Stirling

    The National Wallace Monument

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  3. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery Stirling Area

    A tiger scu;pture made with Tunnocks teacake wrappers

    © The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Hearing Loop
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  4. Old Town Jail Stirling

    Stirling Old Town Jail

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
  5. Battle of Bannockburn Experience Stirling

    The Battle of Bannockburn

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  6. Blair Drummond Safari Park Stirling

    This image shows two lionesses side-on in a stalking pose.

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  7. Dunblane Cathedral Dunblane

    Dunblane Cathedral

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Level Access
  8. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond

    Loch Lomond Shores

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    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.

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