Stirling Castle — Attraction in Great Britain

A truly iconic and one of the great Scottish Castles you can see in Scotland with a host of things to see and do and packed full of interesting history. The range of things to see and do include The Queen Anne Garden, The Castle Exhibition, Palace & Royal Apartments, Stirling Heads, Chapel Royal, Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Tapestry Exhibition, Great Hall and Great Kitchens and all of these things are a magnificent sight and true masterpiece to see. The Queen Anne Garden offers a stunning array of colour from the flower borders adding a different and interesting dynamic to the Castle and brings some vibrancy to it. The Castle Exhibition provides a riveting and informative synopsis of the History of the Castle and the people that lived there along with the changes that have taken place to it. The Chapel Royal is a wonderful airy space and you can some Wonderful murals, which are stunning on the eye. The Palace offers some great reconstructed apartment rooms such as The Bedrooms where you can see some great tapestries and four poster beds and there are guides in each of the apartment rooms who are very helpful and detail some useful facts about life for people living in the apartment rooms during the Medieval period. In the Great Hall which is one of the iconic bits of the place and you can see the wonderful whalebone roof and you can admire the vastness of it. In the Stirling Heads exhibition you can learn about how the heads were made and you some of the Stirling Heads which are extremely exquisite and amazing up close and one of the best wood Carvings ever made and certainly the best for their period. The Tapestry Exhibition details the story of the Stirling Tapestries and how they were made and woven in the studio on site and the Great Kitchens you can see how a reconstructed Medieval kitchen was set up and worked and see how busy and chaotic it was and also see some of the food eaten and there is some interesting information about how the food was cooked and eaten and the diets people had. As you walk around the Castle you can enjoy beautiful picturesque views of the surrounding areas and get a clear idea of what a Stronghold this place has been for centuries and there are guided tours to enjoy at intervals where you can more interesting facts about the Castle from the guides who deliver them in an enthusiastic and passionate fashion and there are audio guides to enjoy which you can obtain from the entrance for a small fee and these detail further interesting facts about the Castle. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum details an informative history of the regiment and is contributions to British Army over the years and the battles they have fought in and there are some interesting artefacts to see such as uniforms and medals to see.There is a cafe on site selling a delightful range of food and drink at reasonable prices and also there are shops selling souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a fantastically iconic and a truly first class place to visit and makes for a wonderful and amazing historical day out. Definitely well worth to a Scottish National Treasure and well worth a visit whilst...

Stirling Castle is a must-visit gem, but let’s talk about getting there first. If you’re taking the train from Edinburgh, be prepared for a heart-pumping, uphill trek to the entrance. It’s a steep climb that’ll have you wondering if you're in training for the next season of Highland Games. If you’re not up for that, though, park at one of the nearby Park and Ride lots and hop on a bus. Trust us, it's a much kinder way to save your energy for the castle itself.

Once you’re at the castle, the effort is more than worth it. The Royal Palace is absolutely stunning. The tapestries are rich with history and the Palace Vault gives you an inside look at the regal lifestyle—no microwave meals here, just centuries-old culinary drama! If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare a feast for a king, the Great Kitchens will answer all your questions (minus the actual food, sadly).

The Stirling Heads Gallery is another highlight. The wooden medallions, with their carved depictions of kings and queens, are like a time machine to medieval Scotland. It's history, but in 3D—highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the finer details of royal self-promotion.

Then there’s the Great Hall. It’s exactly what you'd imagine for a grand medieval gathering—massive wooden beams, soaring ceilings, and a sense that, at any moment, a feast could break out (though, unfortunately, no free bread was handed out during our visit). It’s an impressive space, and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the clinking of goblets and the murmur of courtly gossip.

And let’s not forget the Queen Anne Gardens. Perfect for a quiet stroll or a few scenic photos, these gardens are beautiful in a way that will make you wish you had a crown and a scepter just to feel like royalty while you walk through them.

We did the free tour, but to be honest, understanding the thick Scottish accent was a bit of a challenge at times. Fortunately, the castle is full of signs and exhibits that keep you informed if you miss a few words along the way. We ended up spending over half a day here and still didn’t feel like we’d seen everything—there’s just so much to explore.

In short, Stirling Castle is a treasure trove of history, stunning views, and royal splendor. It’s definitely worth the visit, but make sure your legs are ready for the climb. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of medieval architecture, or just someone who enjoys a good castle, Stirling will not disappoint. Just make sure you bring your comfy shoes—and maybe a snack, because it’s a big...

My visit to Stirling Castle was absolutely incredible. From the moment I joined the guided tour, I knew I was in for a fascinating journey through Scottish history. The tour guide was fantastic, offering a wealth of knowledge about the castle’s historical significance and giving us wonderful insights into its past. Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest and most important fortresses, has witnessed countless pivotal events in the country’s history, from royal coronations to battles for independence.

Perched atop Castle Hill, Stirling Castle has been a strategic stronghold since the 12th century, controlling the main route between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. It played a crucial role during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce forever linked to its walls. The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, where William Wallace led the Scots to victory over the English, is just one example of the historical significance that surrounds this castle.

As I explored the castle on my own after the tour, I was struck by the impressive architecture, especially the Royal Palace, a fine example of Renaissance craftsmanship. Once the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the palace has been carefully restored to reflect its former grandeur. Walking through the beautifully recreated rooms and seeing the vibrant tapestries gave a true sense of what life was like for the Scottish royalty during the 16th century.

The Great Hall, the largest of its kind ever built in Scotland, was another highlight. It served as a venue for feasts and grand events, including coronations and royal ceremonies. The views from the battlements were breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the surrounding landscape, including the site of the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English army, securing Scotland’s independence.

Stirling Castle is not just a historic monument; it’s a place where the past comes to life. The combination of a well-guided tour and the chance to explore at my own pace made the visit unforgettable. If you’re a lover of Scottish history, Stirling Castle should be high on your list of...