Visiting the land of the Loch Ness monster? Don’t miss a visit to Stirling Castle.
Whoever controls Stirling controls the country! Built on the banks of the River Forth, just fifty kilometers north of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the town of Stirling was long regarded by the English and Scots as a strategic point for securing control of the northern lands.
From its ancestral past, the town, with its forty thousand inhabitants, retains a rich and fascinating heritage. Stirling Castle is undoubtedly the most emblematic example. Like Edinburgh Castle, this vestige of the Middle Ages is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Scotland. A must-see in Scotland!
Ready to relive Scotland’s history? Here’s a complete guide to the splendid Stirling Castle!
History of Stirling Castle
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Stirling Castle is emblematic of Scottish history, and of the struggle for independence from English royalty. The earliest traces of the castle date back to the 12th century, when King Alexander 1 built a chapel here. During the reign of Alexander 3, Stirling became a major administrative and strategic center. When he died in 1286, the succession to the Scottish throne and the wars of independence began. In 1296, Edward 1 invaded Scotland and took possession of the abandoned fortress. He decided to turn Stirling into a royal garrison. From the 13th to the 14th century, the town of Stirling and its castle passed from English to Scottish hands, with the victories and defeats of both sides.
Finally, the Stuarts put an end to the wars of independence, and secured Scottish sovereignty. They embellished Stirling Castle, which became a veritable palace during the Renaissance. It was here, moreover, that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned queen before leaving for the French court, and that her son, James, future sovereign of Scotland and England, was baptized and raised. In 1547, the finest ramparts in Scotland were built at Stirling, to defend the town from attack by King Henry 8 of England. In 1603, the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united under a single crown, and the castle became a simple defensive position.
What to see and do at Stirling Castle?
A visit to Stirling Castle will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your stay in Scotland.
The great banqueting hall
Photo credit: Shutterstock / by Richard Semik
You’ll begin your tour in the largest banqueting hall ever built in Scotland. This is where the court’s sumptuous receptions were held, and where dancers and troubadours performed. The christening of Prince Henry, son of James 6, was celebrated here in 1594.
The Royal Palace
Photo credit: Flickr, Dun_Deagh
Your visit to Stirling Castle continues with a tour of James 5’s sumptuous Royal Palace, one of Scotland’s best-preserved Renaissance buildings. Admire the rich decor, magnificent furnishings and fine exhibits. Let yourself be transported back to 1540, by the fascinating stories told by the palace guides. A gallery offers interactive tours of the less accessible parts of the chatea. Ideal for people with reduced mobility, or if you don’t have time to see everything. You’ll discover many of the handicrafts used to build the furniture and decor.
You can’t visit Stirling Castle without taking the time to admire the seven sumptuous hand-woven tapestries. Visit the Stirling Heads Gallery on the upper floor of the Palace. Here you’ll find 16th-century oak medallions, one metre in diameter, carved with the faces of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors, biblical and mythological figures. They are one of Scotland’s greatest art treasures.
The Royal Chapel
Photo credit: Janfrie1988 via Wikipedia
Built in just seven months on the orders of King James 6, it was in this beautiful Chapel that Prince Henry, his heir son, was baptized. Here you can admire a magnificent fresco painted in 1628 by Valentine Jenkin. Find out more about the seven mysterious medieval tombs in the Chapel Royal.
The great kitchens
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In this astonishing part of Stirling Castle, meals were prepared for the royal court. Pies, puddings, salmon, meats – the dishes were particularly delicious, and the meals were always sumptuous.
Queen Anne’s gardens
Photo credit: Graham Hogg on Geograph.co.uk
On the south side of the castle, you’ll discover a peaceful garden, said to have been laid out in the 1400s. You may be surprised to discover that a bowling green was installed here in 1620, to entertain the court.
The Palace vaults
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De JacksonCarter
Visiting Stirling Castle is fun for all the family! Located beneath the Royal Palace, the vaults feature interactive exhibits ideal for children.
The Esplanade
Photo credit: Walkerrsk via Pixabay
With free access, it offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
How to get to Stirling Castle
Getting to Scotland
To reach Scotland, fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow. These two international airports receive several flights a day from many major European cities. To find your flight at the best price, use the Skyscanner comparator.
Getting to Stirling
By car
Stirling is less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh airport, and less than forty minutes from Glasgow airport. If you wish, you can rent a car directly from the airport.
By bus
Buses from Edinburgh airport, such as the Airlink 100 or the 35, take you to the city center, less than fifteen kilometers away. More convenient and faster, the tramway will also take you into the city’s hyper-center.
Glasgow Airport is just eleven kilometers from the city center. A shuttle bus takes you into the city in around thirty-five minutes.
Once in the center of either city, a number of bus companies, including National Express, can take you to Stirling.
By train
Forty-one trains leave Edinburgh station for Stirling every day, taking around forty-five minutes.
From Glasgow, you can catch one of the sixty-five daily trains to Stirling in just thirty minutes.
From the city of Stirling
Once in Stirling, it’s easy to reach the castle on foot. Private shuttles and buses are also available. Visit the museum’s website for more information. A friendly little train runs regularly between the city center and the castle esplanade.
If you’re coming by car, Stirling Castle has a parking lot on the esplanade. However, as parking spaces are limited, it’s advisable to reach the castle by other means. Bicycle parking is available at the castle entrance.
Stirling Castle opening times and prices
Opening hours
April 1 to September 30 (high season): 9:30 am – 6 am
October 1 to March 31 (low season): 9:30 am – 5 am
December 25 and 26: closed
January 1: 11 am – 5 am
Admission is subject to visitor numbers, and no later than forty-five minutes before closing time. If you wish to enter at a specific time, we strongly advise you to buy tickets in advance on the château’s website.
Prices
High season
16 years and over: £16 (approx. €17.60)
Over 60s and unemployed: £12.80 (approx. €14)
5-15 years: £9.60 (approx. €10.50)
Low season
From age 16: £15 (approx. 16.60 euros)
Over 60s and unemployed: £12 (approx. 13.20 euros)
5-15 years: £9 (approx. €9.90)
Free for children under 5.
Good to know
- The Explorer Pass allows you to visit over seventy monuments and attractions in Scotland, including Stirling Castle.
- Free admission for companions of people with reduced mobility.
- Guided tours are available, including a fun Family Tour every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Ideal for a fun and educational visit.
- Audio guides are available at the entrance.
- Your ticket also gives youaccesstoArgyll’s Lodging, a 17th-century aristocratic residence not far from the castle, on Castle Wynd.