Stirling

Travel Guide

Stirling which includes a small town or village
Stirling showing a river or creek, landscape views and a small town or village
Church of the Holy Rude which includes a church or cathedral and a cemetery
Stirling featuring a bridge and a river or creek
Stirling showing a river or creek, heritage elements and a bridge

The Gateway to the Highlands is one of Scotland’s most historic cities, home to medieval landmarks, a picturesque old town and glorious parks.

A city of history and culture, Stirling is the Brave Heart of Scotland. It straddles central Scotland’s Forth River and is a gateway to the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Get an overview of the city at Stirling Castle. 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. Join locals as they welcome in the New Year at the castle during Hogmanay Celebrations, which feature fireworks and live entertainment.

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. Go to Argyll’s Lodging to experience the life of 1600s Scottish nobility.Opposite the historic Church of the Holy Rude, join costumed local guides on a Stirling Walking Tour of the Old Town. Enjoy comedy and drama on these entertaining journeys, which cost a small fee.

Take the family to some of Stirling’s public parks. 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. Admission is free at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museumwhere Allie's Garden has been designed with children in mind. Inside the museum, view interesting artifacts including the world’s oldest football.

Use Stirling’s public buses to reach attractions outside the city center. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of medieval combat at the Battle of Bannockburn Experience. This attraction uses 3-D technology to put you in the center of the battle in which Robert the Bruce was victorious over the English. At the National Wallace Monument, a memorial to the Scottish hero, William Wallace, climb 246 to the top and enjoy views over Stirling.

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

The Stirling Highland Hotel
The Stirling Highland Hotel
4 out of 5
29 Spittal Street, Stirling, Scotland
$90 nightly
The price is $108 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$108 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"The Stirling Highland Hotel is clean, and nearby to restaurants, highly-rated excursions, and historical destinations. Parking is available to guests and there are plenty of spaces (just remember to follow the prompts for registration of your vehicle per the hotel). A spa, restaurant, and bar are ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Stirling Highland Hotel
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
4 out of 5
Drip Road, Stirling, Scotland
$93 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$111 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly inn in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (824 reviews)
"Bedrooms are in a separate building from the main hotel. The meal we had was very nice in a comfortable dining area."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston's Inns
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland
$167 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$201 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (850 reviews)
"Beautiful property with lovely gardens. Very peaceful and meditative."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
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.
King Street Aparthotel
King Street Aparthotel
3 out of 5
45 King St, Stirling, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Stirling Castle and Blair ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Great accommodations!"

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

King Street Aparthotel
Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Stronachlachar, Stirling
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Loch Lomond and ...
Patel
"The house was at a great location and well organised.We had a fabulous time. A few things that can be changed for it to be very nice and modern but not that important- Overall fab place for a get together with family or friends. And the location is on a lake with all mountains and beautiful walks ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Lochside Luxury | Stylish 5-Bed Home with Dramatic Views and Peaceful Setting
Luxury glamping pods with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
Luxury glamping pods with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
stirling
Stay at this vacation home in Stirling. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Lake of Menteith and Inchmahome Priory are located ...
Luxury glamping pods with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
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 60%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love this town, absolutely gorgeous

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great quaint and friendly city!

4/5 - Good

AEForslund

Good place for one night to see castle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Absolutely loved our stay in Stirling!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Stirling