10 Best Things To Do In Stirling – Scotland’s Historic Centre

If there’s one thing you need to know about Stirling, it’s how pivotal this city has been throughout Scottish history. This is the gateway to the Highlands, the lynchpin that holds the country together and it’s absolutely packed with stories. Once home to Kings and Queens of Scots, it’s no surprise that the best things to do in Stirling are rooted in history.

Spend a day in Stirling and you’ll find tales of scandalous monarchs, pivotal battles and ghastly ghosts. It’s easy to get to by car or public transport and most of the things to do in Stirling worth seeing are within walking distance.

If you’d like to visit Stirling with an experienced guide, then send me a message now about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour!

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How To Get To Stirling

With the city being so central, it’s incredibly easy to get to Stirling. It sits on the River Forth, the same one that flows right past Edinburgh and for hundreds of years, this was the first place it could be crossed. Fortunately your travel options are a little better today.

If you’re driving then Stirling is around an hour from Edinburgh on the M9 or 40 minutes from Glasgow on the M80. There are also direct trains and buses from both main cities to Stirling so it’s easily accessible. Parking isn’t always such an easy task so I like to head straight to Stirling Castle where a booked ticket gets you a spot in their car park!

Visit Stirling Castle For Royal Stories

The most popular thing to do in Stirling by far is a visit to Stirling Castle. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Scotland and make sure that you book tickets in advance to guarantee entry! There are so many stories to be found in Stirling Castle that it deserves an entire article, but here are some highlights.

The castle was the scene for one of the bloodiest dinner parties in Scottish history. King James II had invited the powerful 8^th Earl of Douglas visit Stirling Castle under a letter of safe passage. After an argument broke out, that letter proved worthless. The Earl was stabbed 26 times and thrown from a window into what’s now called the Douglas Garden.

The less violent James IV once hired an alchemist called John Damien, tasking him with creating the elusive Fifth Element and valuable gold. After constantly failing, he attempted to impress the King another way. Damien built a pair of wings, declaring he would fly from Stirling Castle to France. Of course, he quickly plummeted to the ground, breaking his leg and crushing his pride.

It wouldn’t be a Scottish castle without a ghost story and the most famous is the Green Lady. She was a servant of Mary Queen of Scots who had a premonition her lady would die in a fire. Nobody took her seriously, so she kept her own watch in the royal bedchamber. Hours went by and the girl nodded off and the candle in her hand dropped.

Mary was lucky to escape the flames, but the serving girl wasn’t so fortunate. Keep your eyes peeled while visiting Stirling Castle, the Green Lady has been showing up ever since. Sometimes she warns of imminent danger, but then again, maybe she’s the one causing it!

See The Cursed Ruin Of Mar’s Wark

A short walk down the hill from the castle stands something that most of those visiting Stirling ignore. Mar’s Wark is now little more than the ruined façade of a once lavish mansion built by John Erskine in the 16th century. It doesn’t look like much, but if you believe the stories then this crumbling ruin is cursed.

Erskine was the 1st Earl of Mar and a very powerful man, who managed to bring the wrath of an Abbot upon his family. He was Regent of Scotland and wanted to flaunt his position by building this mansion, where anybody visiting Stirling Castle would be in awe.

This was shortly after the Scottish Reformation and nearby Cambuskenneth Abbey was no longer in use. Erskine decided to save some money by recycling some of the old building’s finely cut stonework. However, the last Abbot of Cambuskenneth wasn’t impressed by the desecration of this ancient place.

He placed a devastating curse on the Earl. His children would have no honour, his estate would fall into the hands of strangers, the family would raise the sovereign banner in a battle of blood, his descendant would watch his home burn and the list goes on. It was a very long curse and it ended with his new mansion being used as a stables.

Everything came to pass exactly as the Abbot predicted, although there’s a chance the story was written well after the events took place. Mar’s Wark would eventually become a garrison for soldiers, with horses kept in its halls. The building was left much as we see it after being badly damaged by cannon fire from the castle during the 1745 Jacobite rising.

It’s open to wander past and worth stopping to admire what was once a remarkable building!

Enter The Church Of The Holy Rude

Directly behind Mar’s Wark stands the Church of the Holy Rude, with parts dating back to the 15th century. It’s not as well known as its namesake Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh, but amazingly this church is still in use today. Being so close to Stirling Castle, this royal church even has a special claim to fame.

The original church was built in 1129 just outside the castle walls, although the Holy Rude title didn’t come until the 14th century. Its past was always going to be mixed up with Royal stories, and legend says that James IV literally chipped in with the masons to help build the walls!

Like most historic buildings in Scotland, the Church of the Holy Rude has a connection with Mary Queen of Scots. By July 1567, Mary had abdicated and a turbulent 6 years in Scotland seemed to be coming to an end. However, Scotland was now without a monarch and in a perilous position.

The nobility had possession of Mary’s son, the 1 year old James hidden away safely in Stirling Castle. However, travelling any real distance was a danger. The coronation couldn’t wait, Mary might make an attempt to claim her throne back at any minute. Just five days after the abdication, King James VI was crowned at The Church of the Holy Rude in a short, simple ceremony.

John Knox led the service with only around a dozen people in attendance. To this day the church is the only functioning church in the UK to have held a coronation outside of Westminster Abbey. It’s open daily throughout the summer for those visiting Stirling, now charging £5 for adults and £4 for children.

Eat At Darnley’s Coffee House

A great spot for lunch as you’re ticking off things to do in Stirling, Darnley’s Coffee House is named after the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley was a controversial character who was more than a little disappointed when his new wife refused to name him King. While the couple clearly started their relationship in love, things soon began to turn sour.

Darnley became angry and jealous, while those who opposed the Queen realised he weak and easily manipulated. They convinced him into a coup that began by murdering Mary’s secretary David Rizzio, although the King consort quickly abandoned the plotters. Those loyal to the Queen knew they couldn’t trust Darnley and he found himself murdered the very next year.

Some claim that Lord Darnley stayed here after essentially being kicked out of the house by Mary and barred from Stirling Castle. It’s also said that the upper floors were once used by an infant James VI as a nursery. However, there’s debate as to whether the building even existed until years after Darnley was killed.

Whatever the truth, if you’re looking for soup or a coffee while visiting Stirling then I can highly recommend it!

Keep Your Head At The Beheading Stone

Just a short walk behind the castle is Mote Hill and a fascinating location that most people on a daytrip to Stirling miss! This big lump of rock protected by an iron cage is known as the Beheading Stone. It isn’t much of a mystery what it was allegedly used for…

People will point to “axe marks” on the stone, although it’s said that wood was secured on top. While there’s little proof the rock was ever used as a chopping block, the location can’t be argued with. Since Stirling Castle was the most important royal stronghold, it was a natural place to dish out justice.

We don’t have a definitive list of who was executed here but the most famous was Murdoch Stewart and his sons in the 15th century. He was cousin to King James I, both of whom had been captured and held prisoner by the English. Murdoch’s father Robert swept in, controlling Scotland with an iron fist.

He was a cunning man who enjoyed being in power, so he didn’t try hard to ransom his nephew the King. After 12 years, Robert did secure the release of his own son and I don’t think James ever forgot. By the time the King returned to Scotland, Robert had already died an old and happy man. James had to settle with taking his rage out on his cousin.

Murdoch, two of his sons and his father in law were all arrested and placed on trial for treason. Whether they were guilty or not didn’t matter. They were all brought to Mote Hill to be executed, possibly on this very stone. At least they had a beautiful last view.

Click here to find it on Google Maps.

Imagine The Battle Of Stirling Bridge

In 1297, Stirling was the scene of one of Scotland’s most pivotal encounters – The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Scotland was dealing with an occupying English army and their King forced into exile. The Scots people refused to roll over though, two local risings were defying the odds and picking up pace. In the north, Andrew de Moray was showing his tactical brilliance. In the south, William Wallace was demonstrating his ruthless determination.

As was often the case, Stirling was where it all came to a head. The English army led by the Earl of Surrey camped next to the old wooden bridge, slightly upstream from this 15th century replacement. Watching from a small hill known as Abbey Craig, the Scots army made plans.

The bridge was narrow and Surrey was nervous, but Hugh de Cressingham was impatient. He convinced the Earl to move across the river and attack, overconfident that their heavy cavalry would mow down the lightly armoured Scots. But these Scots weren’t daft.

Once almost half the English army were across, the Scots charged, crashing into the mass of troops still trying to form up. The panicked English soldiers were then pushed onto long Scots spears by those behind them.

In the end, it was a slaughter with Knights cut down or drowned in the Forth. Cressingham was killed and Wallace made a new sword accessory from his flayed skin. Surrey gave up, running away with what was left of his army.

Wallace’s name would go down in history but Moray was the real mastermind of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Sadly, he was wounded and died soon after, becoming Scotland’s forgotten hero. You won’t find statues of Moray, but spare him a thought while you’re visiting Stirling Bridge.

Climb The Wallace Monument

A little further out across the river, one of the most popular things to do in Stirling and all of Scotland, is the Wallace Monument! Finished in 1869, it stands on Abbey Craig, marking the spot where the Scottish leaders planned the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Make your way to the top of the 246 steps and you can see for miles.

The gold, shining castle is easily made out, with Stirling Bridge crossing the lazy, looping River Forth below. In the other direction, it’s easy to see where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, with fertile plains giving way to soaring mountains. It’s like an overhead map of things to do in Stirling, so very worth the effort!

Unsurprisingly, the Wallace Monument commemorates William Wallace, Scotland’s National Hero, a very different character than portrayed in Braveheart! As you climb the spiral staircase, you’ll be happy to hear there are a few floors of information giving you a well needed rest. Learn about who William Wallace was and how he rose from unknown origins to become Guardian of Scotland.

Apart from the view at the top, the highlight of any trip to the Wallace Monument has to be in the Hall of Arms. The Wallace Sword stands at an impressive 1.63m long and weighs 3kg, meaning anybody wielding it would need to be very tall and immensely strong. While there may be parts of Wallace’s original blade in there, it has certainly been reworked over the centuries!

Explore The Remains Of Cambuskenneth Abbey

It’s a real shame that Cambuskenneth Abbey doesn’t make many itineraries for those visiting Stirling. Granted, there isn’t much of this historic building left, but so much happened here that it deserves recognition! Sitting in a loop of the River Forth, in clear sight of Stirling Castle, it has collected some fascinating stories.

Originally built around 1140 by David I, it was designed to service his royal fortress. When Stirling was besieged by Edward Longshanks in 1304, the English King needed somewhere comfortable to stay. He set up camp here in Cambuskenneth, kept company by the Scottish nobles he was attempting to bend to his will.

Robert the Bruce and Bishop Lamberton were two of these Scots. On the surface, they pandered to Edward but in reality they were biding their time. Under this abbey’s roof, they allegedly formed a secret pact to claim the Scottish Crown for Robert. 10 long years of hard fighting later and they were both back at Cambuskenneth Abbey, this time holding parliament with Robert as King of Scots. .

In the grounds of the Abbey lies the tomb of James III, one of the few Scottish monarchs with a marked burial. He was a disastrous ruler, eventually defeated by his unhappy nobles led by his son James IV. After the Battle of Sauchieburn, it’s said that the wounded king called for a priest while being cared for near here. The hooded figure who arrived turned out to be a disguised assassin, there to finish James off!

Discover The Legendary Battle Of Bannockburn

For all Scottish history buffs, Bannockburn is an unmissable stop on any daytrip to Stirling. This was the location of Scotland’s greatest military victory and you can relive it at the Battle of Bannockburn Experience. In 1314, King Robert the Bruce and 8000 Scots were facing an enormous army of 30,000 led by Edward II of England.

The only thing between the armies was the small Bannockburn stream. The cavalry were first to cross and Bruce found himself isolated when he was recognised by an English knight. Henry de Bohun saw the King on just a light pony and thought it was his moment of glory.

The confident, heavily-armed knight charged. When Bohun was just metres away, Bruce sidestepped and struck down with his axe, splitting his opponents skull in half. The rest of the English cavalry were defeated by Scottish spears and fled to the safety. Day 1 went to Scotland.

The sun rose early on the second day at Bannockburn, with morale low in the English camp. Then Bruce did what was least expected – he attacked. Four huge schiltrons, bristling with spears like deadly hedgehogs, rushed at the waiting invaders.

Hemmed in between the contours of the river, numbers didn’t matter, just grit, determination and very long spears. The English were already wavering when the Scottish “small folk” charged onto the field. Untrained commoners, farmers and locals without weapons had come to fight of their own free will.

To the battered English force, it looked like another army had arrived. They panicked and fled through the river as they were cut down ferociously. It wasn’t the end of Robert’s struggle, but it’s a day that will forever live in Scottish memory.

Bonus Thing To Do In Stirling – Ballengeich Road

While this doesn’t really count as a thing to do in Stirling, Ballengeich Road behind the castle has a story to tell. It’s said that King James V used this path to sneak out of Stirling Castle, wandering his country in disguise under the codename ‘Guidman of Ballengeich’.

He was a popular King, but you can’t please everybody and that person was John Buchanan of Arnprior. One day, the King’s servants were scouring the hills around Kippen, hunting for a great feast. On their way back, they had the misfortune to pass the gates of Arnprior as Buchanan was entertaining guests.

He ordered the meat brought inside to feed his party but the servants protested. This was food for the table of King James himself. Drunk and angry, Buchanan declared that James might be King of Scots but he was the King of Kippen!

When the servants arrived at Stirling Castle empty handed, the gathered nobles were furious at the slight and the theft of their dinner. They were ready to gather their men and burn Buchanan’s house down. Fortunately, James was a little more subtle than that and set off in disguise, directly to Arnprior.

On arrival, he was informed that Buchanan wasn’t to be disturbed by somebody without an invitation. The visitor asked to convey the message that the Guidman of Ballengeich had come to dine with the King of Kippen. The servant had barely disappeared when he came rushing back, waving for the gates to be opened.

When James entered, he found Buchanan quickly sobering up and begging for forgiveness.

Where To Eat In Stirling

Darnley’s Coffee House – My go to lunch spot when visiting Stirling Castle is usually Darnley’s. It’s a great wee cafe just downhill from the castle with a possible connection to Mary Queen of Scots’ unfortunate husband!

Cronies Bar & Restaurant – For something a little bit more formal, how about Cronies Bar & Restaurant in the Golden Lion Hotel where Rabbie Burns himself once ate!

Brea Restaurant – Frequently touted as the best restaurant in Stirling, Brea has quality Scottish food that you’re going to love!

Where To Stay In Stirling

Stirling Youth Hostel – When I’m travelling on a budget, I’m always happy to stay in any of Hostelling Scotland’s dorm rooms! Far comfier and quieter than your usual hostel.

Castle Walk B & B – For a reasonably priced B&B within walking distance of Stirling Castle, this is a great option.

Castlecroft Bed & Breakfast – A very upmarket B&B, Castlecroft is going to book up fast so if you see a spot then grab it!

Stirling Highland Hotel – If you prefer a hotel over a B&B then Stirling Highland Hotel has everything you need including a gym and a pool!

I hope you these historical things to do in Stirling have given you some inspiration! There’s so much to sink your teeth into here, you might need a whole weekend in Stirling to see it all! If you’re looking for where to go next then how about heading north for the stories around Loch Ness?

If these locations have caught your interest, how about visiting them on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?

Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!

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