15Views 0Comments
A Pocket Guide To Help You Witness The Splendid Beauty of Stirling Town in Scotland – OUR CROSSINGS
Last Updated on the 24th of September, 2025
Scotland has a myriad of enchanting towns and villages, but there are only eight cities in the country, with Stirling – often nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ – being the smallest and the youngest one.
While it may be petite in size, it’s the best-preserved medieval city in Scotland, where the country’s Wars of Independence were fought and won.
The historic city is nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills and offers unobscured views of the surrounding countryside.
Its core is packed to the brim with rather fascinating history, stunning architecture and captivating tales forcing visitors to gasp and gulp.
Once you read the post and see some of the photos we took during our stay, we think you’ll agree that all the fabulous things to do, not only in Stirling but all around, make it the perfect place for a holiday.
So, whether you are keen to plan a first-time excursion or make a long-overdue return trip, to help you make the most of your visit to Stirling, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in the city.
Read More: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary For 5 Spell-Binding Days in Scotland
Visit the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
If William Wallace is Scotland’s most famous warrior, Robert the Bruce comes in at a close second.
On the 23rd of June 1314, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was met by King Edward II of England’s army for a bloody two-day battle, often referred to as one of the most decisive confrontations between the Scots and the English.
This battle is famously known as the Battle of Bannockburn.
The Scots were outnumbered three to one by the English soldiers, but they triumphed through a masterly use of terrain, forcing the English onto a cramped, marshy battlefield with little room to manoeuvre.
The victory cleared the last English troops from Scotland and secured Scottish independence, confirming Robert as king of the Scots.
Today, the Battle of Bannockburn site is home to a fantastic visitor centre offering visitors an immersive digital experience that recreates the battle.
- Entry Prices – Adult: £7.50, Family: £20.00, Concession: £5.50
Read More: What To See And Do In Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Things For First-Time Visitors
Climb 246 Steps To The Top of the National Wallace Monument
Located on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, the National Wallace Monument is one of Stirling’s treasures, marking the spot where Wallace allegedly watched the preparations of the English Army.
The 67-metre stone tower honours Scotland’s National Hero, William Wallace, who led his troops to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and whose story was fictionalized in the 1995 blockbuster Braveheart.
Once you arrive at the visitors’ centre, you can either walk 20 minutes to reach the monument or use their shuttle bus.
On your way up the spiralling stone staircase, you will find several exhibits telling you about the life of Scotland’s most famous hero and warrior and in the Hall of Heroes, you’ll get to see the fearsome Wallace Sword.
While the views from the crown of the tower let you take in the views of Forth Valley, the Ochil Hills, and the Trossachs, I find that the towering monument is best enjoyed from a distance; it is an iconic landmark on the Stirlingshire skyline.
Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh at Least Once
Discover Over 900 Years of History in Stirling Castle
The iconic Stirling Castle is the city’s most significant landmark, which sits high above the town.
Once the most famous royal residence in Scotland, with kings and queens throughout Scottish history being born or crowned there, today, the castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a popular tourist attraction which can easily take several hours to explore.
Some of the highlights of Stirling Castle include the Great Hall, Queen Anne Gardens, the Palace Vaults, and the Chapel Royal.
While guided tours are available, you can wander around the castle at your own pace. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time for guaranteed and no-fuss entry.
Stirling Castle is also where Mary, Queen of Scots, was given her baptism (although the actual chapel where that occurred no longer stands).
- Opening times: Summer (1 April – 30 September): 9:30am – 6pm
Winter (1st October – 31st March): 9:30am – 5pm
Read More: Your Essential Guide To Planning The Best Edinburgh Vacation In Scotland
Stop by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Opened in 1874 at the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith, the award-winning museum and gallery is home to more than 40,000 objects and art pieces. They celebrate the people, heritage and culture of the city by telling the story of Stirling’s rich past.
With free admission, it is a fantastic budget-friendly option to learn about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. If you have little ones in tow, they can dress up in kids’ costumes.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the gallery of temporary exhibitions, a cafe and a lecture theatre. Gallery 2 exhibits community and special interest exhibitions, such as local paintings or photographs.
Gallery 3 is devoted to the Stirling Story, tracing the history of Stirling from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Read More: Some of The Best Things To See At The National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburgh
Walk in the Footsteps of William Wallace Across the Old Stirling Bridge
Stirling’s Old Bridge is a fascinating medieval masonry arch bridge spanning the mighty River Forth. It dates back to the late 15th century and replaces the timber bridges which once stood there.
The bridge played a role in the Jacobite Rising of 1745 when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south.
The medieval Stirling Old Bridge is situated right in the centre of the city, so you will likely drive and walk past it a few times during your visit. If you have a half-hour, sit by the river and watch the world go by.
It is stunning in the autumn as large trees surround the bridge. You also get a great view of the castle from here.
Read More: Your Guide To Some Of Edinburgh’s Most Amazing Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Discover The City’s Darker Side At The Old Town Jail
Once a place where inmates used to be held, leaving countless grim stories, it now has actors dressed up in costumes portraying different individuals from the prison’s past, taking you on an informative tour of the intricate structure with light humour.
Stirling Old Town Jail was built in 1847 as a necessity when the old Tolbooth Jail became overcrowded and was rated as the worst prison in Britain.
Here, you can put yourself into the prisoner’s shoes and learn about the history of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh of Stirling, including the infamous executioner Jock “The Happy Hangman” Rankin and other well-known Scottish criminals.
You can also explore the cells and enjoy fabulous 360-degree views from its rooftop observation tower of the city, as well as attractions like the Wallace Monument and the more distant mountains of the Trossachs National Park.
- Opening Times: The Old Town Jail is open all year round
- Admission: £9.50 per adult / £7.00 Concession / £7.00 for kids
Read More: A Short Guide To The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile In Edinburgh
Visit the Church of the Holy Rude
The church of the Holy Rude was founded in 1129 to serve as the parish church for Stirling. It was known simply as the ‘Church of Stirling’ until Robert II established an altar here dedicated to the Holy Rude (Holy Cross).
It is the second oldest building in Stirling, right after the castle. The church is located next to the castle and has a long history of hosting royal coronations and baptisms.
While the church was closed during our time visiting Stirling, stealing us a chance to marvel at its spectacular stained glass windows, we loved roaming around the well-maintained cemetery behind it. We found it to be a great way to end our visit to the city.
There are numerous stone crosses, intricate gravestones and snippets of history to discover.
- Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Admission price: Adult: £5.00, concession: £4.00
Read More: A Local’s Guide: Some Of The Best Things To See and Do In Edinburgh’s New Town
Pick up a Few Goodies from Made in Stirling
Make sure you wander downtown and visit the award-winning Made in Stirling, a sprawling shop that supports local artists and designers, showcasing all the beautiful art and things made in the area.
This is not just a shop, but a lovely, open and fresh place where you can also find events and workshops for everyone from kids’ classes and drawing classes to gigs, exhibitions and performance nights.
As a creative hub, it also continues to benefit the community with an incredible array of accessible workshops and opportunities.
It’s the perfect spot to get a unique gift or keepsake to remember your epic road trip!
- Address: 44 King St, Stirling FK8 1AY
Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn To Make You Stay For More
Be Awe-Struck by the Star Pyramid
Stirling Castle might be the dominant attraction in the city, but a quick jaunt to the nearby Old Town Cemetery is well worth your time to catch a glimpse of an enigmatic monument.
See, when we think of the pyramids, what usually springs to mind are the most famous Egyptian pyramids, but did you know that there is one hiding in plain sight in a cemetery below the castle?
Enclosed by wrought iron railings, the Star Pyramid, also known as Salem Rock, is a massive sandstone perched beside the Old Town Cemetery. The striking pyramid-shaped memorial is a genuine surprise and a hidden gem in Stirling.
This unusual landmark – built by William Drumond in 1863 – is dedicated to “all those who suffered martyrdom in the cause of civil and religious liberty in Scotland”, according to the cemetery’s website.
How To Get To And Around Stirling
By air: To get to Stirling, you can fly to Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, or Glasgow Prestwick Airport. They all have bus or train services that depart for Stirling City with travel times of 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and 45 minutes, respectively.
By bus: Stirling is well-served by local and national bus services, with regular connections to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other destinations throughout Scotland and the UK.
The city’s main bus station is in the city centre, close to the railway station.
By train: you can reach Stirling Railway Station in 30 minutes from Glasgow and 50 minutes from Edinburgh by train. It also is well connected throughout the UK, with trains from London. You can book trains online in advance by using TheTrainline.com, which makes it super easy to plan your journey ahead of time!
What is convenient about Stirling is that you can get to most places on foot! There is nothing better than walking around and discovering new places.
In the summer months, there is a hop-on-hop-off City Bus. This bus can take you to all of Stirling City’s top attractions! Also, if you have luggage and need a place to keep it for the day, the Willy Wallace Hostel will keep it for you for a fee.
Getting Your Stirling City Pass Is a Good Idea
Undeniably, there are many exciting things to do in Stirling.
If you plan to see all the major attractions, then purchasing a Stirling City Pass is a good idea.
This pass includes entry to Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Old Town Jail. The pass costs £ 33 for an adult and £ 19.50 for a child, letting you save around 20%. It can be purchased online before arriving or from the Visitor Centre.
There’s also an Explorer Pass, which gives you great value for money and lets you discover many Historic Scotland sites around the country over 7 days.
The pass includes an entry to Fort George, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castles and Skara Brae.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
Now, over to you!
Have you been to Stirling? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Stirling and have travel-related questions
