Exploring the Best Things to Do in Stirling

Stirling packs more Scottish history into a small, walkable town than almost anywhere else in the country, and it sits less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh — perfect for a single unhurried day out.

Stirling Castle

Perched on volcanic rock above the town, Stirling Castle was the seat of Scottish kings and controlled the crossing point between the Lowlands and Highlands. Allow two to three hours for the Royal Palace, the Great Hall and the ramparts, which give the best views over the Forth valley.

The National Wallace Monument

A 246-step climb up this Victorian tower ends with a panorama over the Ochil Hills and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The exhibition inside covers William Wallace and the Wars of Independence.

The Battle of Bannockburn Experience

Two miles south of the centre, the Bannockburn visitor centre uses 3D reconstructions to walk you through Robert the Bruce's 1314 victory. Book a timed slot in high season.

The Old Town and Old Town Jail

The cobbled streets between the castle and the town centre take in the Church of the Holy Rude, Argyll's Lodging and Mar's Wark. The Old Town Jail adds a genuinely entertaining guided performance.

Beyond the town

Stirling works well as a base for the Trossachs, Doune Castle and the Kelpies at Falkirk. Loch Lomond's eastern shore is 40 minutes away — see our Glasgow Airport to Loch Lomond route if you are arriving by air.

Getting to Stirling

Trains from Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley take around 50 minutes. By road it is roughly 27 miles from Glasgow via the M80. A private transfer means door-to-door travel with your luggage and no connections — see fixed fares on our Glasgow to Stirling taxi page, or arrive straight from the airport with Glasgow Airport transfers.

Make it a full day trip

Combining Stirling with the Trossachs or Doune is easy with a driver for the day — see our Scotland tours or book a fixed-price journey now.