Stirling Castle, Stirling (must see)
No tour of Stirling is complete without a visit to Stirling Castle. Early records show that this landmark structure dates back to the early 12th century. This architecturally magnificent castle sits atop a rocky hill known as "Castle Hill" that overlooks the city of Stirling. The grand castle is surrounded on three sides by cliffs.
Of historical importance, this castle was an early childhood residence of Mary, Queen of Scots. She was crowned Queen in the castle chapel in 1543. Mary was only nine months old at the time. In the past, Stirling Castle was the site of multiple sieges. The last took place in 1746 when Charles Edward Stuart, in popular memory known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, failed in an attempt to take over the castle.
Within the high walls of the fortress-like castle grounds are buildings mainly constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries. These historic structures include the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, and the Chapel Royal. Don't miss the Great Kitchens, offering a glimpse into the workings of a 16th-century royal kitchen.
In the castle vaults, there are special exhibitions offering stories to give visitors a little history of the place. Within the castle walls, you'll find a regimental museum displaying a collection of military artifacts and treasures of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a line infantry regiment of the British Army.
Stirling Castle offers extensive grounds and gardens to explore. On the south side of the castle are the Queen Anne Gardens. This gorgeous garden area is well-maintained, with lovely beds of flowers and sweeping lawns. There are also magnificent views of the surrounding town and countryside.
Stirling Castle is a must-see landmark you don't want to miss, with lots to see and experience. The walk up the winding cobbled lanes of Stirling's Old Town is a fun way to explore the city as you make your way to the castle. Special events and tours are available. There are also gift shops and a cafe named for the unicorn statues seen around Stirling Castle.
Of historical importance, this castle was an early childhood residence of Mary, Queen of Scots. She was crowned Queen in the castle chapel in 1543. Mary was only nine months old at the time. In the past, Stirling Castle was the site of multiple sieges. The last took place in 1746 when Charles Edward Stuart, in popular memory known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, failed in an attempt to take over the castle.
Within the high walls of the fortress-like castle grounds are buildings mainly constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries. These historic structures include the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, and the Chapel Royal. Don't miss the Great Kitchens, offering a glimpse into the workings of a 16th-century royal kitchen.
In the castle vaults, there are special exhibitions offering stories to give visitors a little history of the place. Within the castle walls, you'll find a regimental museum displaying a collection of military artifacts and treasures of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a line infantry regiment of the British Army.
Stirling Castle offers extensive grounds and gardens to explore. On the south side of the castle are the Queen Anne Gardens. This gorgeous garden area is well-maintained, with lovely beds of flowers and sweeping lawns. There are also magnificent views of the surrounding town and countryside.
Stirling Castle is a must-see landmark you don't want to miss, with lots to see and experience. The walk up the winding cobbled lanes of Stirling's Old Town is a fun way to explore the city as you make your way to the castle. Special events and tours are available. There are also gift shops and a cafe named for the unicorn statues seen around Stirling Castle.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stirling. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Stirling Castle on Map
Sight Name: Stirling Castle
Sight Location: Stirling, Scotland (See walking tours in Stirling)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Stirling, Scotland (See walking tours in Stirling)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Stirling, Scotland
Create Your Own Walk in Stirling
Creating your own self-guided walk in Stirling is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Stirling Castle Walking Tour
Sitting atop Castle Hill in Stirling, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Before the union with England, the Castle was also one of the most used of the numerous Scottish royal residences, acting as both a palace and a fortress. Several Scottish kings and queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Stirling Introduction Walking Tour
On the River Forth in central Scotland, you'll find the picturesque city of Stirling. Its location at the lowest crossing point over the river made it a strategic spot to start a settlement. The town dates back to ancient Roman times, though much of the city is medieval and Victorian. It was a small market town that grew while becoming known as the "Gateway to the Highlands."
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles