Stirling
- For the population-2000 village in southeastern Ontario, Canada see Belleville (Ontario)#Stirling
Stirling is a small city in the Central Belt of Scotland; it's the county town of Stirlingshire. For centuries this was the main route between the Highlands and the Lowlands, guarded by the castle on its battleship of a crag, and with the River Forth sweeping round as a moat. The Scots won two famous victories against the English on the nearby fields, at Stirling Bridge and at Bannockburn. Medieval Scottish rulers made it their residence and capital.
The city limits also include Bridge of Allan, the village north of the river which is now the campus for Stirling University, and Dunblane further north. They're described on their own pages.
The TIC is 1 VisitScotland Stirling iCentre in the Old Town Jail, on St John St near the castle. It's open daily 10:00-17:00.
Get in
By plane
Edinburgh Airport (EDI IATA) is the nearest, and has a good range of flights domestically, within Europe and beyond. It's 29 miles / 47 km southeast of Stirling, a 30-min drive along the M9 motorway. Or take the bus or tram from the airport to Haymarket for frequent trains to Stirling.
Glasgow Airport (GLA IATA) likewise has good domestic and European flights but fewer long-haul. It's also the wrong side of the city for Stirling. By road, follow M8 east then M74 to avoid city centre traffic, then head north on M73 to M80. Or take the airport bus into Glasgow then the train.
By train
- Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom.
Stirling has trains every 30 mins from Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh and Haymarket, and Perth; and hourly from Aberdeen and Dundee. There are trains every 15 mins from Dunblane and hourly from Alloa. From Inverness there's an hourly service, alternately direct or changing at Perth.
From Manchester or Birmingham change in Glasgow. From London, York and Newcastle you usually change in Edinburgh, but there are two direct daytime trains from London King's Cross taking 5 hr 30 min.
Two Caledonian Sleeper trains run overnight from London Euston. The Highland Sleeper, departing around 21:00, calls at Stirling before 05:00 on its way to Inverness; the southbound train picks up shortly after midnight to reach Euston by 08:00. You might prefer to take the Lowland Sleeper north near midnight, changing in Glasgow around 07:00 for a morning train to Stirling; the southbound train leaves Glasgow Central at 23:30 to reach Euston by 07:00.
1 Stirling station is central, and staffed during opening hours. A few convenience shops here. Keep your ticket, you need it to exit the barriers.
By bus
First Scotland East Bus X36 runs from Glasgow Buchanan station to Stirling every 30 mins M-Sat and hourly Sunday, via Cumbernauld and Denny. But don't get on the X36 operated by Stagecoach West Scotland, or you'll end up in Ardrossan!
Scottish Citylink Bus 909 runs from Edinburgh St Andrew Square every two hours via the airport, Bo'ness, Grangemouth and Falkirk to Stirling (90 mins), with two buses a day extending to the University campus. Buses run M-Sa 07:00-20:00 and at midnight from Edinburgh, 04:30-17:30 from Stirling; only two on Sunday. There's also a slower First Bus 38 between Edinburgh and Stirling via Linlithgow and Falkirk. Other buses link Stirling to Callander, Alloa, and two Saturdays a month to Tyndrum via Lochearnhead and Killin.
The Citylink buses from Glasgow to Aberdeen and Inverness rush past on the M9 and don't call at Stirling. The Megabus from London Victoria leaves at noon (M-Sat) and calls at Birmingham, Manchester, Preston, Lancaster and Glasgow, reaching Stirling just after midnight, and continuing north via Perth and Dundee to Aberdeen. The southbound bus doesn't call at Stirling, travel via Edinburgh or Glasgow.
National Express NX 592 leaves London Victoria every night at 23:00 and runs via Heathrow Airport, Carlisle and Glasgow to reach Stirling at 08:30, continuing to Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. Change at Perth for the connecting bus to Pitlochry, Aviemore and Inverness. The southbound bus calls at Stirling around 21:00 to reach London by 07:00.
By car
Stirling is on the main A9/M9 route from the central belt of Scotland to the Highlands, some 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Glasgow via M80, and 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Edinburgh via M9. From London and the Midlands it's usually quickest to follow M6, M74 then M73 onto M80.
Get around
To the University 3 miles north by Bridge of Allan: the uni-link Bus UL runs every 30 mins from Stirling bus station direct to the campus. Bus 54 also runs there every 30 mins via Bridge of Allan village.
See
- 1 Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ (Limited parking here, seek alternatives), ☏ +44 1786 450000. Daily Apr-Sept 09:30-18:00, Oct-Mar 09:30-17:00, last admission 45 mins before closing Summer 2020 - open from 1 August, advance booking required. Pocket-sized edition of Edinburgh Castle, similarly poised on a crag with steep cliffs on three sides and tail of glacial rubble. It dates back at least to 12th C, but most of the interior is from 15th & 16th C when James IV, V and VI developed it as a royal residence in Renaissance style. It became an army base in 1800 and remains the HQ of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, though they are nowadays quartered in Edinburgh. Visits take in the Great Hall, the Palace and Chapel Royal, the kitchens, tapestries, vaults, the gardens, and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regimental museum. There is limited access for those with restricted mobility, but the "access gallery" gives them a view of the hard-to-reach sections. Argyll's Lodging just outside the castle is normally included in the ticket, but it's closed for building work. Unicorn Cafe inside the castle serves good quality food but is pricey. Adult £16, child £9.60, concs £12.80, cheaper online, free with Explorer Pass.
- Argyll's Lodging, Castle Wynd (on the right as you approach the castle), ☏ +44 1786 450000. Closed. The well-preserved 17th-century town house, erected by the 1st Earl of Stirling, is a fine example of renaissance architecture. In 2019 it's closed for building maintenance, re-opening date not known. Included in the Stirling Castle ticket.
- 2 Church of the Holy Rude, St John Street FK8 1ED. Beautiful church dating to 15th C with impressive stained glass; James VI of Scotland was crowned here. See also the adjacent cemetery, where one gravestone depicts an 1822 victim of body-snatching. Free, donations welcome.
- Opposite Holy Rude, Mar's Wark is the facade of a 16th C townhouse; that's all that remains.
- 3 Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Albert Place / Dumbarton Road FK8 2RQ. Tu-Sa 10:30-17:00, Su 14:00-17:00. Small art gallery, local museum and cafe. Galleries One & Two have rotating exhibitions. "Stirling Story" in Gallery 3 sets out the history of the area and local industry. Displays the world's oldest football - did Mary Queen of Scots really play keepy-up with this? Free.
- 4 Cambuskenneth Abbey, Ladysneuk Road FK9 5NG (use footbridge from Riverside Drive). Apr-Sept daily 09:00-17:30. Ruins of an Augustinian 12th C abbey, on a loop of land far side of the meandering River Forth. It's mostly just courses of masonry but the bell tower has been restored. You can see the graves of Queen Margaret of Denmark and her husband James III here. Free.
- 5 Stirling Old Bridge, north edge of town (next to modern A9 bridge). Always open. This stone bridge was built some time in the 15th C. The timber bridge that it replaced, 180 yards upstream, caused the English downfall at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297: see Bridge of Allan for this story. Free.
- The other bank of the river is Bridge of Allan: visit here for the Wallace Monument and Stirling University. It also includes the abbey, but that's easier to reach from Stirling.
- 6 Bannockburn (Battle of Bannockburn Experience), Glasgow Road, Stirling, ☏ +44 1786 812664. Daily 10:00-17:00. England's King Edward II tried to install a puppet king on the throne of Scotland, and garrisoned Stirling Castle. In 1314 the Scots under Robert the Bruce beseiged the castle then attacked the English forces to the south at Bannockburn. They won, a victory still celebrated today, eg in the song Flower o' Scotland. There's a monument and statue of Robert the Bruce that you can visit free anytime. But what the crowds come for is the Battle of Bannockburn Experience which is a 3D immersive battle game - no paintball involved but lots of CGI as you manouevre your assigned army unit. Admission is only by timed slot, with limited capacity so they often book out. After briefing and familiarisation, you spend 45 mins in battle play. Adult £11.50, child (minimum age 7) £8.50.
Do
- See Bridge of Allan for walks in the nearby hills.
- Watch Rugby Union at Stirling County RFC. They play in the Premiership, the top tier of Scottish club rugby. Their home ground is Bridgehaugh Park, just north of the A9 bridge out of town.
- Watch football (ie soccer). Stirling Albion play in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of football in Scotland. Their home ground is Forthbank Stadium, capacity 4000, a mile east of city centre.
- 1 Blair Drummond Safari Park, Blair Drummond, FK9 4UR (six miles to the west of Stirling on A84), ☏ +44 1786 841456. Mar-Oct daily 10:00-17:00. Drive-through safari park, plus enclosures for chimps, sea lions, bugs, birds of prey, petting farm etc. Plus lots of theme-park stuff like pedalos and zipwires that charge extra. No dogs. adult £18, cheaper online.
- Briarlands Farm (on A84 next to Safari Park.). Feb-Dec daily 10:00-17:30. Children's farm: petting zoo, fruit-picking, go-karting, trampolines, a maize maze and other family activities. Adult £5.75.
- Sruighlea is Stirling's mid-August festival, incorporating Highland Games, a Food & Drink Fair, and a Creative Arts Festival. The next event is Sat 15 Aug 2020.
Buy
- Port Street has the usual range of high-street shops and banks. Stirling has a limited range of independent shops, mostly on side streets or north of the railway station.
- Europa Music at 10 Friars St is an independent music store, open M-Sat 09:30-17:30, Sun 12:00-17:00.
- Thistle Marches is a shopping centre just south of the railway station with the usual range of high street stores. Open late Thursday nights.
- Supermarkets include Tesco 5 mins north of railway station, Sainsbury's a little further north, and Morrison's a mile to the east. They're mostly open until 22:00.
- Stirling Arcade, King Street, FK8 1AX, ☏ +44 1786 450719. A Victorian shopping arcade, built in 1881, housing several boutique shops and cafés.
Eat
- Fast food outlets are Greggs (various locations), McDonalds (by station) and Pizza Hut (300 yards north of station). Lots of cheap & cheerful restaurants and takeaways also.
- Poonthais (formerly Willawan), 9 Baker Street, Stirling FK8 1BJ. Tu-Su 12:30-14:00 & 17:30-23:00. Highly commended Thai restaurant.
- Greengrocer Cafe, 81 Port St FK8 2ER. M-F 09:00-17:30. Gourmet sandwich lunch menu and amazing cakes.
- 1 Napizza, 15 Friars Street, FK8 1HA, ☏ +44 1786 464411, eat@napizza.uk. Tu-Su 13:00-16:00 & 17:00-22:00. Neapolitan pizza baked in a mosaic-covered wood burning oven. Half a dozen tables, reserve during busy times. Does takeaways.
- 2 The Crossed Peels, 8 Spittal Street. Daily 08:00-00:00, food until 22:00. Wetherspoon pub with food all day
- Splurge at 3 Hermann's, Mar Place House, 58 Broad Street FK8 1EF, ☏ +44 1786 450632. Daily 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00. Excellent Austrian/Scottish fusion restaurant. Offers delicious local produce with an original twist.
Drink
Bars
- Nicky-Tams, 29 Baker Street FK8 1BJ. M-Th 11:00-00:00, F Sa 11:00-01:00, Su 12:00-00:00. Opened in 1718, friendly (and dog-friendly) atmosphere, mostly student clientele, food served to 21:00. Live music most nights, pub quiz Sun evenings.
- Corn Exchange (formerly Pivo), 11-13 Corn Exchange Road FK8 2HX. F Sa 11:00-01:00. Now a Belhaven pub, has decent food and good meals.
- The Portcullis, Castle Wynd FK8 1EG, ☏ +44 1786 472290. Su-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-00:00. Located at the bottom of the castle car park. Good whisky selection. Also offers good quality meals and accommodation.
- Settle Inn, 91 Saint Mary's Wynd FK8 1BU, ☏ +44 1786 474609. M-W 15:00-00:00, Th & Su 12:00-00:00, F Sa 12:00-01:00. Traditional pub close to the castle, dog-friendly. Frequent live music. Board games available for customers to play.
Clubs
- Fubar, 6 Maxwell Place FK8 1JU, fubar@clg.co.uk. W-Sa 23:00-02:00. Club with 2 floors, programme varies by day. Entry around £10.
- Dusk, Dalgleish Court FK8 1BJ (off Baker St), ☏ +44 1786 464904. M Tu 22:00-02:00, F Sa 23:00-03:00. Nightclub: Mon is "guilty pleasures", Tue is "skint" cheap drinks, Thurs is LivItUp club tunes, Fri is Dusk'n Ladies Night, and Sats we're promised is the pinnacle. Age 25+ only, you need photo ID to prove it.
Sleep
Budget
- Stirling Youth Hostel, St John Street FK8 1EA (Opposite TIC, turn 2nd left after Highland Hotel), ☏ +44 1786 473442, stirling@shya.co.uk. Built behind the façade of an old church, it offers 2 to 6-bedded rooms, good self-catering kitchen, internet, friendly staff and TV-room; breakfast £7.50. Book ahead during summer. Open all year. Private room (sleeps 2) £40, dorm beds Adults £15.50 Child £14.
- 1 Willy Wallace Hostel, 77 Murray Place FK8 1AU, ☏ +44 1786 446773, willywallacehostel@gmail.com. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. Located in the centre of the old town, mixed & female dorms, lounge. Open all year. Dorm bed £16, double room £42.
Mid-range
- Premier Inn is on the riverside just east of the railway station.
- Lots of B&Bs, those central include Lost Guest House at 4 Melville Terrace, Castle Walk B&B on Back Walk, and Munro's at 14 Princes St.
- The Golden Lion is a 3-star hotel at 8 King St FK8 1BD, B&B double £60.
- Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal St FK8 1DU (Along main street to castle), ☏ +44 1786 272727. Hotel in Victorian schoolhouse in old centre. B&B double £110.
- Hotel Colessio, 33 Spittal St FK8 1DX (Along main street to castle), ☏ +44 1786 448880. Central boutique hotel. B&B double £90.
- Victoria Square is a pleasant small hotel at 12 Victoria Sq.
- 2 Holiday Inn Express Stirling, Springkerse Business Park FK7 7XH (A mile east of town on A91), ☏ +44 1786 449922. Modern chain hotel with 80 a/c guest rooms, meeting facilities, bar, coffee lounge and free parking. 20 mins walk from centre, but use the Park & Ride bus from the nearby Morrison's supermarket, every 12 mins Mon-Sat. B&B double £85.
- There's a caravan site at Blair Drummond by the safari park.
- 3 Hillview Cottage, Kirk Lane, Blair Drummond FK9 4AN (off A84 near safari park), ☏ +44 1786 841679, website@hillview-cottage.com. Open all year, with 3 en suite bedrooms (sleep 2, 3 or 4). Just 50 yards off main road yet quiet. B&B double £70.
- Powis House is an elegant B&B north of town along A91, open Apr-Oct.
- The Cross Keys in Kippen is an old coaching inn with fine dining.
Connect
- 2 Stirling Central Library, Corn Exchange Road. M-Sa until at least 5PM. Several computers with free internet access available, though you may need to join a queue.
Cope
- Post Office is within WH Smith, opposite Marks & Spencer, Thistle Shopping Centre
Go next
- Bridge of Allan — a town north-west of Stirling which is nice to walk around; the Lecropt Kirk is close-by
- Dollar — (10 miles (16 km) east of Stirling on the A91) to visit Castle Campbell and walk through Dollar Glen.
- Doune — (10 miles northwest of Stirling off the A84) with Doune Castle, 14th century castle with a great view over the landscape. Take a walk along a river right behind the castle. The castle was used during the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail to portray most of the castles in the film.
- Dunblane — with Dunblane Cathedral, an impressive cathedral with an early Pictish stone found on the site.
| Routes through Stirling |
| Perth ← Dunblane ← | N  SE |
→ Falkirk → Edinburgh |
merges with  ← |
N  SW |
→ Cumbernauld → Glasgow |