10 Best Things to Do in Stirling, Scotland | Castles & More
There are plenty of things to do in Stirling, a historic city in central Scotland. Once the capital of Scotland, it played an important role in the country’s history and is best known for its medieval Stirling Castle, historic Old Town, and connection to William Wallace. Despite its relatively small city center, it packs plenty into a compact area, making it a great place to explore on foot.
Wandering through the Old Town, visiting the castle, admiring the views from the Wallace Monument, and learning about the city’s fascinating past are just a few of the activities to enjoy here. You can also venture beyond the center to enjoy the surrounding countryside, making Stirling a good option if you want to combine history and outdoor adventures during your trip.
Stirling also makes an easy day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow, although staying overnight gives you more time to explore at a slower pace and see beyond the main sights. You could also include the city as part of a longer Scottish road trip, including a journey to the Isle of Skye.
Whether you’re interested in Scottish history, historic architecture, or simply looking for what to do in Stirling for a day, this guide covers the main sights and experiences to add to your trip.
This is a guest post by Rachel and Nico from Average Lives. They are passionate travelers who run a travel blog focused on affordable travel, outdoor adventures, and road trips.
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Stirling at a Glance
- Where is Stirling? Central Scotland, between Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Best known for: Stirling Castle, Scottish history, and the Wallace Monument
- Best time to visit: May to September for longer days and generally milder weather
- How long do you need? One day is enough for the main sights, while staying longer allows for a slower trip
- Best for: History, castles, architecture, walking, and outdoor adventures
- Getting around: The historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot
- Best day trip: Easy day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Worth staying overnight? Yes, if you want more time to explore beyond the main attractions
10 best things to do in Stirling
When wondering what to do in Stirling, there are actually a handful of activities to enjoy. Its main sights charge an admission fee, so if you plan on visiting several of them, consider looking into the Stirling City Pass. Find more details on whether it’s worth it down below.
Visit Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of the first places many visitors head to and one of the most important places to visit in the city. Perched above Stirling’s Old Town, the castle was once home to the Scottish royal family and played an important role in the country’s history.
Inside, you can explore the Great Hall and Renaissance Palace, which offer a glimpse into royal life in 16th-century Scotland. The castle is also a good place for panoramic views across the city and the surrounding landscape.
Remember to book tickets online in advance for the best price. Adult admission starts at 18.50 GBP online, compared with 20.50 GBP when purchased in person, although prices and opening hours can change.
→ Check the official website for availability and to book your spot
Visit Argyll’s Lodging
Just below Stirling Castle, Argyll’s Lodging is a beautifully preserved 17th-century townhouse and one of the oldest surviving of its kind in Stirling. Built for a wealthy noble family, it was later used to accommodate important visitors to the royal court.
The building gives you another perspective on how Scotland’s wealthy families lived during the period, with historic interiors and architectural details to explore.
Entry to Argyll’s Lodging is included with admission to Stirling Castle, so it makes sense to visit the two together.
Explore Stirling Old Town Jail
Located between the city center and the castle, the Stirling Old Town Jail offers a very different look at the city’s past, making it one of the interesting things to see in Stirling. The Victorian prison opened in 1847 and was designed around the idea of reform, education, and rehabilitation before later changes to the system brought a return to harsher discipline.
Today, visitors can join an immersive performance tour with actors bringing stories of the jail and its former prisoners to life. You can also explore the cells at your own pace and head up to the Observation Tower for some of the best views over Stirling, the Ochils, and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you may even see as far as Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridges.
The experience is suitable for families and takes around 45–90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend exploring. Current performance tour admission is 15 GBP for adults, with separate prices for children. Booking ahead is recommended, although tickets are also available on arrival.
→ Check Stirling Old Town Jail tickets and availability
The National Wallace Monument
Standing 75 meters tall on Abbey Craig, the National Wallace Monument commemorates Sir William Wallace, one of the most famous figures in Scottish history, and is one of the spots to include in your itinerary when visiting Stirling. Although it sits just outside the city center, it is easy to reach.
There is free parking at the bottom of Abbey Craig, and from here you can either walk uphill through the woodland or take the shuttle service to the monument. Once at the top, you can climb the 246 steps through the tower to reach the Crown, where you’ll find panoramic views of the Stirling skyline and Scottish Highlands.
Inside, the monument also houses exhibitions about William Wallace and Scotland’s history, making it an interesting stop even if you’re not up for the climb to the top.
→ Check National Wallace Monument tickets and availability
Walk through Stirling Old Town
One of the easiest things to do in Stirling is simply to wander through its Old Town and take in its historic streets and medieval buildings. This is the heart of the city and where you’ll find many of the main attractions, including the Church of the Holy Rude.
Walking around the Old Town is also a good way to get a feel for the city beyond its individual attractions. If you want to learn more about its history and the stories behind the buildings, you can join a guided walking tour with a local guide.
Cross the Old Stirling Bridge
The stone bridge stands close to the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace and Andrew Moray led Scottish forces to victory over an English army in 1297 during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The current bridge dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, so it isn’t the bridge used in the battle, but it remains an important historic landmark.
Today, you can walk across the bridge, enjoy views along the river, and take photos of the surrounding landscape, making it one of the easiest things to do in Stirling for free.
Go inside the Church of the Holy Rude
Visiting the Church of the Holy Rude is a great choice if you’re interested in the city’s history. The church dates back to the 15th century and is still an active place of worship today.
You can go inside the church outside of services to admire its historic interior, while the graveyard beside it is arguably just as interesting. The churchyard is filled with old gravestones and offers a peaceful place to explore while you’re in the heart of the city.
Get a drink at a traditional Stirling pub
One of the fun things to do in Stirling for adults is to finish a day of sightseeing with a drink in one of the city’s traditional pubs. You could even turn it into a casual pub crawl if you’re staying overnight.
If you only have time for one, head to the Settle Inn. Dating back to 1733, it is one of Stirling’s oldest pubs and has a long history of serving locals and visitors alike. It’s also a good option if you’re wondering what is there to do in Stirling at night after the main attractions have closed.
Go shopping at Independent Stores
Believe it or not, shopping in Stirling, Scotland can be a fun addition to a sightseeing itinerary. If you’re looking for familiar brands, head to Thistles shopping center, while the beautiful Stirling Arcade is a better choice for independent shops and smaller businesses.
The Victorian arcade is worth a browse even if you’re not planning to buy anything, and you can also look out for local farmers’ markets taking place around the city. They’re a good opportunity to pick up local produce and support independent businesses during your visit.
Take a trip to Doune Castle
If you’re a fan of period dramas and TV shows, add Doune Castle to your Stirling itinerary. This well-preserved 14th-century medieval castle is around a 15-minute drive from Stirling city center and makes an easy addition if you have more than one day in the area.
Doune Castle appeared as Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones and is also featured prominently in Outlander. Fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail may recognize it from the film, too.
Even if you don’t recognize it from the screen, the castle is worth visiting for its medieval architecture and fascinating history. You can explore the castle at your own pace with an audio guide narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
My favorite Stirling tours
How to get to Stirling
Stirling is easy to reach from other parts of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow, and you can get there by train, bus, car, or plane. Its central location makes it a convenient stop on a Scottish itinerary, whether you’re planning a Stirling day trip or staying overnight.
By train
The train is one of the easiest ways to visit Stirling without a car. Stirling Railway Station has regular connections with both Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as longer-distance services to destinations including Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness. There are also services connecting Stirling with London, although journey times are considerably longer.
From Edinburgh to Stirling, trains take around 50 minutes, while the journey from Glasgow is around 30 minutes, making both cities convenient bases for a day trip. Check timetables and fares before traveling, as journey times and schedules can change.
→ Check Omio for train times and tickets
By bus
Regular bus and coach services connect Stirling with other Scottish cities and towns. Buses can be a useful alternative to the train, particularly if you’re traveling on a budget, although journey times vary depending on your starting point and traffic.
If you’re planning a Stirling day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow, compare both train and bus options before booking to find the most convenient connection.
→ Compare train and bus tickets and times at Omio
By car
Driving is another convenient way to get to Stirling, especially if you’re including the city in a wider Scottish road trip.
Stirling is approximately 41 km from Glasgow and 58 km from Edinburgh. Both journeys usually take around 30–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Having a car can also be useful if you plan to visit attractions outside the city center, such as Doune Castle, or continue your journey into the surrounding countryside.
→ Check DiscoverCars for renting your own wheels
Where to stay in Stirling
When considering where to stay in Stirling, the obvious answer is to be in or close to its city center, as most of the main attractions are concentrated around the historic center and are within reach.
If you’re looking to choose your accommodation, here are a few hotels to check out, ranging from a historic four-star property to a small bed and breakfast.
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, The Stirling Highland Hotel is a four-star hotel with a spa, fitness center, and indoor swimming pool. It’s a good option if you want to combine sightseeing with some time to relax during your stay.
Hotel Colessio
Housed in a restored Victorian mansion, Hotel Colessio offers a more boutique-style stay in the city center. The hotel has 40 rooms combining traditional details with modern comforts, as well as a restaurant serving contemporary Scottish cuisine.
The Golden Lion Hotel
Dating back to the 18th century, The Golden Lion Hotel is one of the historic accommodation options in Stirling. It offers a range of rooms, from singles to suites, along with a bar and central location that’s convenient for exploring the city.
The Old Tramhouse
For a smaller and more intimate stay, The Old Tramhouse is a bed and breakfast in a converted tram depot. With just three rooms, it offers a quieter alternative to a larger hotel and is within walking distance of Stirling Castle.
Is the Stirling City Pass worth it?
Buying individual tickets can quickly add up when constructing your Stirling trip; therefore, if you plan to visit several of the main attractions, the Stirling City Pass is worth considering. It includes admission to Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Old Town Jail, and also offers discounts on selected tours and experiences around the city.
If only one or two sights interest you, you’re likely better off paying for individual admission.
You can purchase the Stirling City Pass online or through the city’s visitor information center at Stirling Old Town Jail.
FAQ about visiting Stirling
Is Stirling worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Scottish history, castles, historic architecture, and exploring compact cities on foot. Stirling’s main attractions are relatively close together, so you can see several of them in one day without spending much time traveling between sights.
Its location also makes Stirling convenient for a day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow, while staying for a couple of nights gives you more time to explore at a relaxed pace and visit nearby attractions such as Doune Castle.
When is the best time to visit Stirling?
The best time to visit Stirling is generally from June to early September, when you have longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. July is typically the warmest month, with average highs around 20°C, but it is also one of the busiest times to visit.
As with much of Scotland, Stirling’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is possible throughout the year. Temperatures can also feel cool outside the summer months, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of when you visit.
How many days do you need in Stirling?
You can see the main attractions in Stirling in one day, making the city a convenient day-trip destination. A one-day itinerary gives you enough time to visit Stirling Castle, explore the Old Town, see the Wallace Monument, and visit some of the city’s other historic sights.
If you prefer a slower pace or want to use Stirling as a base for exploring nearby destinations, two to three days would give you more time. You could also combine your stay with day trips to Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Loch Lomond.
How do you spend a day in Stirling?
If you only have one day, start with Stirling Castle before exploring the Old Town and visiting the Church of the Holy Rude and Stirling Old Town Jail. After lunch, head to the National Wallace Monument and finish the day with a walk across Old Stirling Bridge or a drink at one of the city’s traditional pubs.
What can you do for free in Stirling?
There are several things to do in Stirling for free, particularly if you enjoy walking and exploring historic areas. Wander around Stirling Old Town, admire the historic buildings, walk across Old Stirling Bridge, and explore the streets around the castle.
Most of Stirling’s major attractions charge an admission fee, so if you’re traveling on a budget, combining free activities with one or two paid attractions is a good way to keep costs down.
Can you walk around Stirling?
Yes. Stirling city center is compact, and many of the main sights can be reached on foot. You can easily combine the Old Town, Stirling Castle, the Church of the Holy Rude, Argyll’s Lodging, and Stirling Old Town Jail in a walking itinerary.
Keep in mind that Stirling is built around a hill, so some of the streets around the Old Town and castle are steep.
Is it easy to get around Stirling without owning a car?
Yes, particularly if you’re focusing on the main attractions in the city center. Stirling is well connected by train and bus, and many of the central sights are within walking distance of each other.
A car becomes more useful if you want to explore outside Stirling, including places such as Doune Castle and the surrounding countryside. For a short city break or day trip, however, you can easily visit Stirling without hiring a car.
This is a guest post by Rachel and Nico from Average Lives. They are passionate travelers who run a travel blog promoting affordable travel, outdoor adventures, and road trips.