8 Best Day Trips from Stirling to See More Scotland

Day Trips from Stirling 1-1.5hrs Away

Ideally, a day trip takes you juuuuust far enough away to feel like you’re in a different location, but still within reasonable driving distance from homebase.

Here are day trips that are within 1-1.5hr away from Stirling, making it a logical city to stay in while exploring Scotland.

Day Trip 1: Castles and Distilleries

Doune Castle

Doune Castle, located only eight miles from Stirling, is a must-see for Monty Python fans. The castle was used as the backdrop for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. What surprised me was how much was filmed here, both inside and outside the castle.

Terry Jones narrates the audio guide, giving you making-of stories and, my favorite part, playing audio clips from the movie in the rooms where they were filmed. He also gives the actual history of the site as a royal hunting lodge and its association with Mary, Queen of Scots.

As a bonus, Sam Heughan has audio clips narrating making-of Outlander stories. Doune Castle was also used as a filming location for Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie clan in the hit TV series.

Deanston Distillery

After visiting the castle, take a short drive to Deanston Distillery, located in a beautifully restored cotton mill along the River Teith. Take a distillery tour to see to learn about the whisky-making process and afterwards sample their hand-crafted single malts.

Or, if you are familiar with how whiskey is made, do a tasting instead. They have a variety of tastings to choose from, including the Deanston Premium, which is the one we did, where we sampled some of their more complex and unique bottles.

The cafe serves a decent lunch if you are feeling peckish.

Drummond Castle Gardens

Just 30-minutes north is Drummond Castle Gardens, one of the finest formal gardens in Scotland and Europe. The gardens were laid out in the 17th century and feature a parterre, an impressive fountain, and a stunning arboretum.

“[we] walked in the garden which is really very fine, with terraces, like an old French garden.”

Queen Victoria

Walking around Drummond Castle Gardens is like stepping back in time. The gardens are filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, a peaceful pond, marble statues scattered throughout, and the occasional peacock strutting along the pathways. The geometric topiaries add an interesting visual element to the grounds as well as providing an engaging backdrop for strolls.

Keep your eye out for the copper beech tree planted by Queen Victoria herself in 1842.

The gardens may seem familiar having been used as a filming location for the TV series Outlander and the movie Rob Roy.

Glenturret Distillery

Next stop is more whiskey. Head to Glenturret Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Scotland since 1763.

Friendly and well-informed distillery hosts take you on a journey through the rich history and heritage of one of Scotland’s most legendary whisky brands. Get a firsthand look at the meticulous process behind their acclaimed single malt whiskies, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation. With their expertise and passion, they’ll bring the whisky-making process to life, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the way. Afterwards try samples of the whiskey, having an informed and deeper appreciation for the liquid gold

Book your tour in advance as this place gets busy!

As an alternative, enjoy from an exceptional range of six whiskey flights from the Lalique Bar upstairs, served Wed-Sat 12pm-4pm.

Glenturret is currently owned by Lalique, a world-renowned French crystal and glass company. Browse their on-site glass gallery of dazzling art pieces, perhaps purchases a crystal decanter for your new favorite whiskey.

Day Trip 2: Firth of Forth Loop

Blend Coffee at Abbot House

Begin your morning with a cup of coffee from Blend Coffee on the bottom floor of Abbot House. Inside is a cozy dining room with stone cellar ceilings and terracotta tiled floors or, just as stunning, are the patio tables outside with magnificent views of Dunfermline Abbey just steps away.

As good coffee is hard to find in Scotland (especially for this spoiled coffee snob), I can vouch that their coffee was one of the better cups I had.

The staff was friendly and welcoming, and willing to give advice on attractions to see nearby, both in and out of town.

Dunfermline Abbey

Dunfermline Abbey is located in the heart of Dunfermline and was founded in the 12th century. The abbey’s beautiful Gothic architecture is awe-inspiring, with intricate stonework carved into its stone walls that tell stories of its past inhabitants.

The main attraction of the abbey church is the fact that it serves as the final resting place for Margaret (aka St. Margaret), David I, and famed Robert the Bruce. Later on, the abbey guesthouse range was converted into a royal palace where Charles I was born in 1600, the last monarch to be born in Scotland.

I’ve been to a lot of Gothic cathedrals and churches and what stood out to me as unique was the carved designs up a few of the stone columns.

The abbey is still a working church, so once you are done visiting the bare Gothic nave you’ll enter the modern parish where services are held. Robert the Bruce is actually buried beneath the altar here and not in the medieval section of the church. You can also read placards on the history of the church and see a casting of Robert’s skull.

Midhope Castle

Visiting Midhope Castle is a dream come true for fans of the hit TV series “Outlander”, myself included. Situated in the scenic countryside of West Lothian, this charming 15th-century tower house serves as the film location of the iconic Lallybroch, the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser. As you approach the castle, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that you’re about to step into the world of Claire and Jamie.

Although the inside is not open to the public, you can still wander around outside, enjoying the rugged exterior and rustic charm of the castle.

On a historical note, this castle was once owned by Alexander Drummond and his wife Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce.

As you can imagine, this place can get busy with fellow Outlander fans, aka wives dragging their humoring and supportive husbands🙋‍♀️. Tour groups show up first thing in the morning or last thing before closing either coming or going from Edinburgh. I was there around 11:00am and luckily shared it with just a few people.

Blackness Castle

Another Outlander film location just 15 minutes away is Blackness Castle, aka Fort William in the series. You can almost hear the whip cracking of Jamie getting flogged in the courtyard.

Perched on the rugged shores of the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle stands as an imposing 15th-century fortress, earning it the nickname “the ship that never sailed.”

Blackness Castle has had several uses in its time: a lordly residence, a royal castle, a garrison fortress, a state prison, and finally as an ammunition depot until the end WWI, after which it was decommissioned and turned over to state care as a site for visitors to explore.

You’ll feel like a kid exploring a playground with the variety of tower steps to climb, fortress walls to patrol, rugged and rocky floor to maneuver, dark corners to find, and the long pier to stroll down. Read placards placed sporadically around the castle to learn about its different roles throughout history.

Linlithgow Palace

By this time you might be ready for lunch. Head to Linlithgow, just 10 minutes away, to find something to eat.

Afterwards you can walk off your meal by taking a stroll to see Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. While the palace itself is currently closed, you can still walk around the grounds either through the property gates if staff is on duty or via the public pedestrian trail off Market Lane.

The Kelpies

As you head back to Stirling, make a pitstop to visit the Kelpies. Located in Falkirk, these two massive steel horsehead sculptures are an awe-inspiring sight. Standing tall and proud at the entrance of the Forth and Clyde Canal, they represent mythical sea creatures that have been part of Scottish folklore for centuries.

Each one is constructed from hundreds of stainless steel plates which give them their unique shimmering appearance. With a combined weight of over 300 tons and heights reaching up to 98 feet, it’s easy to understand why they are known as some of the largest horse statues in the world.

Visiting the Kelpies is free and accessible 24/7 for those Instagram selfies.

Or, if you want a more in-depth horsehead experience, you can pay to take a 20-30 minute guided tour inside the statues to learn about their construction and history, and to admire their intricate details from a different perspective.

Day Trip 3: St Andrews

Contributed by Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop

The council area of Fife is dotted with Scottish towns and sites that will take you back in time. I would suggest planning a trip to St. Andrews, as this tiny town is packed with history, culture, and culinary delights. The best time for a day trip from Stirling is during the spring months of March, April, and May. For me, Scotland in Spring is all about long days filled with fragrances of daffodils, cherry blossoms, and beautiful Scottish primrose.

The seaside town of St. Andrews, perched on Scotland’s east coast, is located hardly 80 kilometres away. You will need around one and a half hours to reach St. Andrews from Stirling if you opt for a road trip.

Start your day early and plan to reach St Andrews before 10 am. It will give you plenty of time to visit historic sites, stroll around the town centre, explore winding lanes dotted with Gothic houses, and gobble down the delicious food Fife has to offer.

St Andrews Cathedral

Let St Andrews Cathedral be the first stop of your day trip to St. Andrews. The cathedral and the burial grounds date back to 1158, and it is supposed to be the largest church in Scotland during that time. Take a tour of the cathedral museum and learn about medieval sculpture and different relics found in the ruins.

St Andrews Castle

Next, head off to the popular St Andrews Castle. Perched on top of the rocky land, this castle offers stunning views of Castle Sands Beach and the North Sea. From being home to kings and then turning into a prison, the walls here have seen it all. Today, you can explore a square tower, the kitchen tower, the underground mine, the countermine, along with the bottle dungeon.

Old Course

I loved the road that takes us to our next attraction. The Old Course, considered to be one of the oldest golf courses in the world, sits at the end of the street which is full of historic, Gothic buildings. Even though I am not exactly a golf enthusiast, this is a fascinating place packed with centuries’ of sports and history.

West Sands Beach

The white sandy stretch of West Sands Beach is located near the Old Course. This beach will give you plenty of space to laze around and you will also find different restaurants nearby where you can try local cuisines.

University of St Andrews

End your day with a tour of the University of St Andrews. This is Scotland’s oldest university, where you will find tales of quirky students’ traditions as well as insightful stories that will take you back to the 1410s.

If time permits, you can choose from other attractions like St Andrews Aquarium, British Golf Museum, St Salvator’s Chapel, and St. Andrews Botanic Garden.

Relax around the town centre, check for tiny cafes and beautiful restaurants where you can pamper your taste buds, and then head back to Stirling after your St. Andrews day trip.

Day Trip 5: Glasgow

Contributed by Tina from Veganderlust

Glasgow is an amazing destination for a day trip from if you’re in Stirling. It’s only a 30-minute train ride through the beautiful British countryside, and as it’s Scotland’s largest city, there’s plenty to do during a day trip. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Glasgow is home to one of the biggest tourist attractions in Scotland, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Even just looking at the beautiful building from the outside is worth a visit.

It’s built in a Spanish Baroque style and is a very imposing building in the midst of a park.

Inside the museum, there’s an incredible collection of art and artefacts from around the world. 22 themed galleries showcase everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary art.

The entrance is completely free, so it’s worth checking out even if you don’t want to spend hours exploring the museum (which you definitely can). 

Street Art

One of the most unique things about Glasgow is its street art scene. The city is home to some of the most impressive street art in the world.

You can find street art anywhere in the city, but the most spectacular street art pieces are on the Mural Trail, an art project to revitalise worn-down buildings.

Glasgow Necropolis

Another must-see attraction in Glasgow is the Glasgow Necropolis, a historic cemetery. It might feel a bit weird to go for a walk in a cemetery, but this historic cemetery is home to some very impressive Victorian-era monuments. So it’s a very popular place for a serene stroll, on which you can soak up some of Glasgow’s rich history.

Glasgow Parks

After exploring some of the sights, you can relax in one of the beautiful parks. The most popular parks in the city are Kelvingrove Park, right next to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Glasgow Green.

If you’re up for venturing a bit further out from the city centre to visit a really beautiful park, Pollok Country Park and Glasgow Botanical Garden are highly rated. 

Glasgow Food

Glasgow is home to an incredible variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

One of the most exciting things about Glasgow’s food scene is the city’s growing focus on vegan and vegetarian food. From trendy cafes to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options for plant-based eaters in Glasgow.

One of my personal favourite vegan restaurants in Glasgow is Mono. The restaurant doesn’t just serve delicious vegan food, but it’s also a popular event and music venue.

While there are still even more great things to do in Glasgow which I haven’t mentioned here, the absolute best thing to do is just wander around the city and immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere of this vibrant and cultural city.

Day Trip 6: Perth

Contributed by Josh Band of A Backpacker’s World

One of the best day trips from Stirling is to Perth, a small, picturesque riverside city not too far away from Stirling. Not to be confused with Perth in Australia, which is 10,000 miles away! 

Getting to Perth

You have two main options to get from Stirling to Perth. You can drive, which will take about 45 minutes. It’s actually quicker to get public transport, which is pretty rare in Scotland! The train from Stirling to Perth takes 35 minutes, and you can buy a ticket for between £7 and 10 depending on what time of day it is.

Perth Historic Centre

Once you have reached Perth, start your day by exploring the historic centre of Perth. It’s a photographer’s dream! If you think Stirling is beautiful, you’ll think the same about Perth. The architecture is very similar. 

Begin at Perth Art Gallery to ogle at the resplendent art collections. From there, take a stroll along the charming High Street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Lots of options to grab a bite to eat if you’re feeling hungry. Don’t miss St. John’s Kirk, a medieval church that is well worth a visit. 

Next, head to the picturesque North Inch Park, located on the banks of the River Tay. This large green space offers a nice place to relax and if you come prepared, have a picnic. You can also admire the views of Smeaton’s Bridge.

If you opt for a picnic lunch, explore the Perth Farmers’ Market. It’s the perfect place to get some delicious homegrown Scottish foods including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

Scone Palace

It’s ever so slightly outside the centre of Perth, but if you hop on a bus or get a quick taxi, make your way to Scone Palace. This historic site was once the crowning place of Scottish kings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. You can explore the palace’s grand rooms, discover its fascinating history, and stroll through the grounds.

Evening in Perth

Once back in the heart of Perth, you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the city centers. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes, from traditional Scottish cuisine to international flavors.

Perth isn’t very touristy so you will find that most restaurants are affordable and not too busy either.

Afterwards, take a walk along the River Tay as the sun sets, admiring the reflections on the water and the beautiful cityscape. If you haven’t already, take some time to admire St. Matthew’s Church and how beautiful it looks over the river.

If you catch a sunset here, the views along the river are up there with those in Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Bruges. 

And that brings an end to your day in Perth. As the journey to Stirling is so quick, you can afford to stay pretty late as there are trains running until late at night. If you have an extra day in Stirling, definitely consider a day trip to Perth. 

Day Trips from Stirling 2hrs+ Away

Sometimes there’s just one destination that is a bit of a drive away and you don’t really have an interest in spending the night in the area but you REALLY want to see it.

Here are some day trips that make for a longer driving day but are still doable to do in a day and get you back into your bed in Stirling.

Day Trip 8: Cairngorms National Park

Contributed by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The national park offers a plethora of activities, cultural sights, and culinary delights for visitors to explore.

Climb Ben Macdui

The national park is home to the second highest mountain in the UK, Ben Macdui. A hike to the summit takes about 4 hours to the top and back. The trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife, including golden eagles and red deer. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Visit Balmoral Castle

A visit to Cairngorms National Park wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family. It is open to the public from April to July every year. Guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the royals and their connection to the Scottish Highlands.

On the way stop at Braemar Castle. It is temporarily closed but it is still worth a look from the outside.

Explore Blaire Castle

Step back in time at Blair Castle, one of Scotland’s most renowned stately homes. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and the woodland walks surrounding the castle.

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Take a guided tour of Dalwhinnie Distillery to learn about the whisky-making process, from the malting of barley to the maturation of the spirit.

Discover Loch Morlich

In the middle of the park is Loch Morlich, a freshwater loch that offers a myriad of activities. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy shores or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore.

Wildlife Watching at Loch Garten

Witness one of Scotland’s most iconic bird species, the osprey, at Loch Garten. This RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve is home to a pair of breeding ospreys, and visitors can observe them from a specially designed hide. 

Where to Eat Near Cairngorms National Park

Hettie’s Tearoom in Pitlochry: This quaint tearoom is renowned for its wide range of loose-leaf teas sourced from around the world. Aside from their impressive tea selection, it also boasts a selection of freshly baked goods, light lunches, and hearty afternoon teas.

Blair Atholl Watermill: Is a working watermill, bakery, and a café. This charming establishment offers a unique opportunity to see traditional milling techniques and experience the authentic flavours of freshly milled grains. The bakery uses the freshly milled flour for all their bread, pastries, and cakes.

The Bothy in Braemar: The menu focuses on hearty Scottish cuisine. It is the perfect place to try traditional favourites such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, or sample fresh seafood dishes that showcase the flavours of the nearby coast.

The Clunie Dining Room at Fife Arms in Braemar: This is not only a historic hotel renowned for its unusual décor but also a fantastic place to dine. The hotel’s restaurant offers a blend of traditional Scottish cuisine and contemporary flavours, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in their seasonal menus.