Stirling Castle
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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 must-visit sites.
Axtelera RayAxtelera Ray
20
Stirling Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress located in Stirling, Scotland. It sits atop Castle Hill, overlooking the city and the surrounding landscape. With its rich history spanning over 800 years one of the most important historical sites in Scotland. The castle has played a significant role in Scotland's history, serving as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a symbol of Scottish power. It was the preferred residence of many Scottish monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle witnessed several key moments in Scottish history, such as the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite uprisings. Visitors to Stirling Castle can explore its grand halls, royal apartments, and stunning architecture. The Great Hall, built by James IV in the late 15th century, is a highlight of the castle. The Royal Palace, with its beautifully restored Renaissance façade and interiors, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Scottish monarchs. The castle also houses the Stirling Heads, a collection of intricately carved oak ceiling medallions that depict various historical figures. These heads are a unique and fascinating feature of the castle. In addition to its historical significance, Stirling Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city A visit to Stirling Castle is a journey back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history and experience the grandeur of one of its most iconic landmarks. Toilets are spotless picnic areas lots benches gift shop and cafes no dogs apart from guide dogs or assistance dogs -parts are wheelchair accessible some parts are not but wheelchair users will see lots of history and won’t miss out It’s cheaper to buy tickets on line also saves queuing you can take your online ticket to be scanned by ticket operators and walk straight through if visiting more than one castle you should buy explorer pass save a fortune
Debz XDebz X
00
Stirling Castle: A Majestic Journey Through History Stirling Castle is one of the most awe-inspiring historical landmarks in all of Scotland. Perched high on a volcanic rock, it commands breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The moment you lay eyes on it, the sheer grandeur of the structure takes your breath away. Majestic in every sense, the castle has played a pivotal role in both Scottish and British history, making it an essential visit for anyone with a passion for the past. The castle’s stone walls echo centuries of history, from the battles for Scottish independence to royal events, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of monarchs and warriors. As you walk through the great halls and royal apartments, you’re transported back in time, surrounded by beautifully preserved architecture that reflects both medieval and Renaissance influences. It’s hard not to imagine the likes of Mary, Queen of Scots or Robert the Bruce walking these very grounds. The surrounding scenery is equally captivating. From the castle’s vantage point, you can gaze out over the rolling hills, lush green landscapes, and the distant peaks of the Highlands. This incredible backdrop enhances the overall experience, providing a sense of awe and tranquility as you explore. Stirling Castle is not just a symbol of power and history; it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Scotland. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of stunning architecture, or simply someone seeking breathtaking views, this iconic fortress will leave you enchanted. It’s a place where history truly comes to life, and the memories of your visit will linger long after you leave.
Gary (Gazza)Gary (Gazza)
10
We had a fantastic day out at Stirling Castle. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, even when dealing with some technical hiccups with their systems. Parking was convenient and affordable at just £4 for the day. As English Heritage members, we enjoyed free entry, which was a fantastic perk! The castle itself is truly breathtaking and wonderfully preserved. You really get a sense of stepping back in time as you explore the different rooms, halls, and fortifications. We loved exploring the Royal Palace and learning about the lives of the kings and queens who lived there. It's incredible to be able to wander freely through such an important piece of Scottish history. There's so much to see and do that you could easily spend the whole day here. We particularly enjoyed the costumed interpreters who brought the history to life and the stunning views from the castle walls. This was actually our second visit in a year, and we'll definitely be back again! My tips for going would be to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved and allow plenty of time to explore all the different areas. I highly recommend Stirling Castle to anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a great day out!
Duncan HallDuncan Hall
00
A fairly large castle with numerous rooms, various areas, and places to stroll. From the walls, there’s a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding lands in every direction. Thanks to the many small areas and spaces, visitors are spread out, so it doesn’t feel crowded. There is almost no original interior or historical artifacts (other than the war museum); rooms are rather empty, and ceilings and frescoes are mostly modern reconstructions, whose bright colors sometimes contrast sharply with the age of the stones. A nice touch in the castle chambers is that each room has an actor (an herbalist, king’s page, queen, armorer, guard) who interacts with visitors, speak to them and answer questions —especially engaging for children. There are also a few interactive locations with videos, tablets, and displays. The only traditional museum has display cases with was exhibits; in other areas, it’s clear the staff is working to add interesting elements, though currently in many of them it’s fairly basic just to avoid empty walls. But some exhibitions are perfect (e.g. kitchen). Booking online is recommended (there are ticket lines even off-season, and the online ticket price is a bit lower). 2-3 hours was enough time to explore.
Natalia IschenkoNatalia Ischenko
00
Not an ugly castle or ugly views, but terribly organised! It started with parking - the official lot was closed (due to capacity) and we were told to find parking somewhere else (in town). Then, finally at the castle, there weren't enough audio guides available; we were looking for 5 but only got 3 (with two people sharing guides which are absolutely not designed to be shared). Finally inside the castle we found out how utterly useless those audio guides were in first place; babbling away and losing themselves in details while not answering basic questions, repeating information, and being very unclear about any suggested routing. We asked staff about this + were told to ignore the guide + just walk around as we see fit. My takeaway; visit other places first that managed to properly organise themselves (like Edinburgh castle, or the Holyrood house which was such a pleasant experience) and dodge this castle for the time being. If you visit, ignore the audio guide and explore at your own leisure (there are very interesting corners and really beautiful views to discover), and stick to the rich text descriptions. It is such a shame; this place has so much potential that is completely ruined by horrendous execution.
Armin HasitzkaArmin Hasitzka
00
Nearby Attractions Of Stirling Castle
Stirling Old Bridge
Stirling Old Town Jail
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
Stirling Distillery
Beheading Stone.
The King’s Knot
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
The Star Pyramid
Rob Roy McGregor Statue
Argyll's Lodging
Stirling Old Bridge
4.6
(731)Click for details
Stirling Old Town Jail
4.6
(621)Click for details
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
4.6
(340)Click for details
Stirling Distillery
4.9
(139)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Stirling Castle
The Crossed Peels
No 2 Baker Street
Brea - Scottish Restaurant
Monterey Jack's Stirling
Allan Park
City Walls
The Portcullis
Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy
Cold Beer Company
BrewDog Stirling
The Crossed Peels
4.0
(1.4K)Click for details
No 2 Baker Street
4.4
(962)Click for details
Brea - Scottish Restaurant
4.5
(563)$$
Click for details
Monterey Jack's Stirling
4.2
(623)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1786 450000
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Website
stirlingcastle.scot
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(11.7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. The castle sits atop an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation.
attractions: Stirling Old Bridge, Stirling Old Town Jail, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, Stirling Distillery, Beheading Stone., The King’s Knot, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, The Star Pyramid, Rob Roy McGregor Statue, Argyll's Lodging, restaurants: The Crossed Peels, No 2 Baker Street, Brea - Scottish Restaurant, Monterey Jack's Stirling, Allan Park, City Walls, The Portcullis, Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy, Cold Beer Company, BrewDog Stirling
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