Interesting Things To Do In Stirling

An Overview of Stirling

Stirling is a major political, military and cultural geographic landmark in Scotland’s tumultuous history.  As the connecting point between Scotland’s northern and southern geopolitical spheres, Stirling has been a point of battles, invasions, political intrigue and potency for more than a millennia.  Though there are many interesting things to do in Stirling, the city’s center is easily traversable and can be explored in just one or two days.

Transportation Advice

Stirling is very close to Edinburgh, only requiring one hour of driving or an hour and a half of public transportation to reach.  The city has a comprehensive bus system, but walking is likely the best method for getting around the city.  Stirling is fairly tiny.  Some people make it to Stirling by renting and riding a bike out of Edinburgh.

Interesting Things To Do In Stirling

The Kelpies

When driving to Stirling from Edinburgh, these beautiful, 30-foot-tall horse head statues commemorate some of Scotland’s famed mythos. The impressive artworks sit on a vast sea of green. 

Kelpies are unique in Scottish lore. Legends around them warn children to avoid straying close to potentially lethal bogs. Legends advise people not touch a kelpie’s mane, lest their hands are snared and the creatures pulls them beneath the brine.  Also nearby this area is the Charlotte Dundas Heritage Trail, a beautiful walkway following a famed shipping canal.  

Stirling Castle

The most notorious feature of Stirling is the imposing Stirling Castle fortifications. The castle sits atop a massive stone bluff, the carcass of a 250 foot tall dormant volcano.  Several monarchs were crowned here, the castle has seen active battle and the structure served as the belated crowning location for Mary, Queen of Scots.  The Castle is home to various other features and museums, making it one of the most interesting things to do in Stirling. The cost of admission into the castle grounds is £16.00.

Church of Holy Rude

Another ancient structure found in Stirling and the second oldest standing building in the city, this church is located close to Stirling Castle. The Church contains ancient bullet-holes from previous military actions and stunning stained-glass windows.

Old Stirling Bridge

This is a large stone bridge worked into the very land. The Old Stirling Bridge is close to the location of one of William Wallace’s famed battles. Located to the North of the town center, this bridge offers access to walking trails following the River Forth and the Bridge Clock Tower.

Mar’s Wark

This is a large, artfully ruined building notorious for housing John Erskine, Regent of Scotland and Earl of Mar.  John Erskine played a major role in deposing Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (reigned 1542–67), and gaining the crown for her infant son James VI (later James I of England). The large structure is now in the care of Historic Scotland. It can’t be entered, but the outside is impressive to behold.

Beheading Stone – Bleeding Stone

This is a large, ominous rock in a cage famed for being used as a chopping block for human heads. The stone is placed upon a low hill “Heading Hill” where King James I would have dispatched enemies. Beheadings, though a grim and morbid practice, were uncommon under law. They were primarily reserved for those convicted of high treason.

National Wallace Monument

When naming famous Scotsmen, it’s almost impossible to miss the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. His military and independence efforts in the 13th and 14th century have earned him a name in every Scottish history textbook ever since. Wallace has a prominent monument in Stirling: An extremely tall tower which dwarfs the surrounding woodlands.

Star Pyramid (Salem Rock)

This is an odd monument dedicated to people who suffered martyrdom. The structure sits below Stirling Castle near the Old Town Cemetery. The pyramid is bordered by a series of Marble Bibles resting on the base of each face of the pyramid. Numerous Biblical texts are also carved into the stone.

Doune Castle

This castle once served as the filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  The castle sits in a stronghold near Doune Village, situated on a wooded bend where the Ardoch Burn meets the River Teith.

The World’s Oldest Football

Once humanity graduated from kicking rocks about, they created this: a grey leather ball with rough stitches. The ball was discovered during an excavation project at Stirling Castle, by removing oak-paneling in a bedroom once used by Mary, Queen of Scots. Once discovered, it was declared the world’s oldest football. Currently, the ancient orb sits in Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

King’s Park

This is a large and beautiful green space with a viewing area to see the Stirling Castle.  The park is considered an excellent café area and pleasant to walk around.

Bridge of Allan

The Bridge of Allan is a popular Victorian-era spa town a fifteen minute journey outside of Stirling.  The town, colloquially known as Bofa, is home to fine Victorian villas and preserved public buildings. The town was often visited by Rover Louis Stevenson and Charles Dickens. Bridge of Allan also contains the Hideaway Café, an interesting Scandinavian-themed eatery.  

Read more about interesting things to do in Stirling and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Travel Blog.

Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.