Stirling

Travel Guide
Stirling showing a river or creek, landscape views and a small town or village
The Gateway to the Highlands is one of Scotland’s most historic cities, home to medieval landmarks, a picturesque old town and glorious parks.

With landmarks retelling stories of Scotland’s past, regal gardens alive with color and remarkable art galleries, Stirling is a city of history and culture. Stirling straddles central Scotland’s Forth River and is a gateway to the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Visit Stirling Castle, a major highlight. Perched on a hill, it affords uninterrupted views of the city and surrounding countryside. Explore halls and gardens for a glimpse into the lifestyle of former royal residents such as Mary Queen of Scots. Spot military memorabilia at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum. 

Below the castle, the Old Town is a quaint district of cobblestone streets lined with landmarks. Stroll around the Back Walk to discover several interesting attractions. Among these are the Church of the Holy Rude and Mar’s Wark, a 16th-century Renaissance townhouse. Visit the Tolbooth, an old courthouse now hosting art expositions and concerts. Go to Argyll’s Lodging to experience the life of 1600s Scottish nobility. 

Tour the Old Town Jail. Walk in the footsteps of prisoners of a Victorian-era jail and listen to legends of the hangman. Afterward, see a slice of Stirling’s arts culture at the Changing Room Gallery and Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. 

On sunny days Stirling’s public parks offer a respite from sightseeing. Visit the royal gardens of King’s Knot, famous for its ornamental hedges. Nearby King’s Park has a golf course, children’s play areas and a skate park.

Use Stirling’s public buses to reach attractions outside the city center. Go to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre to learn about Robert the Bruce’s victory over the English. Visit the Wallace Monument, a memorial to the Scottish hero, William Wallace. 

Conveniently set in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is less than 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Besides its own attractions, the city is a great base for arranging excursions into the Scottish Highlands. Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are both reachable via daytrips.

Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
4 out of 5
Drip Road, Stirling, Scotland
The price is ¥9,409 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥9,409
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly inn in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (554 reviews)
"Great restaurant with entertainment right next door. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
The Stirling Highland Hotel
The Stirling Highland Hotel
4 out of 5
29 Spittal Street, Stirling, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,693 per night from May 23 to May 24
¥19,693
per night
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Excellent staff, although there’s no AC, and rooms and en-suites are looking a little rough around the edges, the walls are thin and the floors are creaky, doors slam everywhere, not the clientele, just the nasty door closers. don’t let that put you off, Great location, even better staff"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Stirling Highland Hotel
Stirling Court Hotel
Stirling Court Hotel
3 out of 5
University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
The price is ¥14,606 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥14,606
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (885 reviews)
"Nice location quiet to walk around campus ."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Stirling Court Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Unique 6 Bedroom Lodge, Views Of Loch / Sir Walter Scott Steamboat, Pier Cafe
Unique 6 Bedroom Lodge, Views Of Loch / Sir Walter Scott Steamboat, Pier Cafe
Stronachlachar
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Loch Lomond and The Trossachs ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Absolutely Fantastic
"Perfect setting for a celebration weekend for all our family. We cooked our meals and sat around the super size dining table in amazing surroundings. We went for walks as we were lucky to have good weather in March. One of us went cold water swimming!! (Very brave) We played family games, had a pool ..."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Unique 6 Bedroom Lodge, Views Of Loch / Sir Walter Scott Steamboat, Pier Cafe
The Steading Farm Cottage In The Trossachs With Pool And Hot Tub
The Steading Farm Cottage In The Trossachs With Pool And Hot Tub
Stirling
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Stirling. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Doon Hill and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
Views to die for
"Beautiful place, hosts are just lovely, so accommodating and friendly. Hot tub and pool are very relaxing with the best of views from the hot tub. Only downside is the road up but it's worth it"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

The Steading Farm Cottage In The Trossachs With Pool And Hot Tub
Lochside House, Loch Katrine, in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Lochside House, Loch Katrine, in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Stronachlachar, Stirling
Stay at this vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Loch Katrine ...
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Restful,comfortable and energetic if you wanted.
"Lovely warm spacious house. Some of us did nothing much but others explored the area. It was a great break"

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

Lochside House, Loch Katrine, in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Stirling

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
43
" "5 - Excellent 59.72222222222222%
4 - Good
23
" "4 - Good 31.944444444444443%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 8.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 16, 2020

Love this town, absolutely gorgeous

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 5, 2019

Great quaint and friendly city!

4/5 - Good

AEForslund
Jul 31, 2019

Good place for one night to see castle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 1, 2019

Absolutely loved our stay in Stirling!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 25, 2019

Stirling was an unexpected pleasure and we vowed to spend more time there when we return.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 20, 2019

Audio guides had a lot of extra fluff. Would have preferred a more straightforward history without all the storytelling.

Cities near Stirling