17 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Stirling Scotland

1. Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of Stirling. Dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Many Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary Queen of Scots.

The castle sits atop an intrusive crag, providing visitors with stunning views as they explore its many buildings and areas: The Great Hall, The Royal Palace, The Chapel Royal, The Great Kitchens, and Queen Anne Gardens.

Stirling Castle is a treasure trove of art and history. Within its walls, explore the Queen’s Inner Hall and admire the magnificent Stirling Tapestries, seven hand-woven works based on the 16th century Hunt of the Stirling Heads Gallery.

You’ll also find the Stirling Heads, intricate carved images of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors and characters from the Bible and Classical mythology that once adorned palace ceilings until a ceiling collapse in 1777.

Stirling Castle offers interactive, corny-but-fun exhibitions in the palace vaults for people of all ages to learn about life inside the castle. I found it to be a very kid-friendly historical site, making you feel like you’re walking through a real life Eyewitness history book.

Book your tickets ahead of timed. Tickets have a timed entry; they only allow a certain number of people through per half hour.

Parking is available at the castle for a fee, but if you intend on spending the day exploring Stirling, I suggest parking down the hill at either the Wellgreen Multi-storey Car Park or Thistle Shopping Center Car Park as it’s cheaper and you can stay longer.

2. Stirling Old Town Jail

Step back in time to the mid 1800s at the Stirling Old Town Jail. This fascinating attraction offers a unique insight into the history of crime and punishment in Scotland, with a combination of a guided and self-guided tour every half hour.

Begin the first half of your visit tour with an actor guide bringing stories of the jail to life with more costume changes than a “Weird Al” Yankovic concert.

Afterwards, explore the cells on the ground floor and up to the rooftop exercise yard while using an audio handset to learn more about Stirling’s rogues and villains. Finish off your tour by climbing the observation tower with stunning 360-degree views over Stirling city center and beyond.

I did enjoy the Stirling Old Town Jail. Rave reviews had it more hyped up in my head than it actually was, but it was still a worthwhile experience.

The Stirling Old Town Jail offers valuable amenities like being a dog-friendly attraction and having free parking. They also offer luggage storage if you are between hotels and are exploring Stirling for the day.

Get Stirling Old Town Jail Skip-the-Line Tickets ➡️

Extend your time in jail by trying your hand at an escape room! You’ll have 60 minutes to figure out all the clues in the room to get out before the clock runs out. If you’re from the States, you’ll find these escape room prices to be a steal of deal from £10pp!

3. Bannockburn Visitor Center

The Battle of Bannockburn happened in 1314 between the army of Robert the Bruce, the King of Scotland, and an army from England led by King Edward II. Scotland’s surprising victory in this fight eventually led to their independence, which they achieved 14 years later under the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton.

The Bannockburn Visitor Center commemorates this battle with a docent-led presentation to learn more about what went down during the fight as well as expansive grounds with views of where the battle took place.

The Bannockburn Experience tour takes place at the top of every hour with limited space available. You can book ahead of time or hope they have availability when you arrive.

The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes. You’ll begin with a film providing an overview of the events leading up to the Battle of Bannockburn (I really enjoyed the art in this animated story). Afterward, your guide will take you to the circular Battle Room where you will learn about the battle and army strategies through the central tactical map.

Next, you’ll enter an open-plan area with large screens covering the walls, where your guide will describe the battle scenes before giving you time to explore the room independently. This area also includes interpretations about the people involved in the battle, along with displays of replica medieval armor, weaponry, and clothing.

Finally, your guide will lead you to the Epilogue film where you’ll watch the final film detailing the aftermath of the battle.

If you want to by-pass the tour, you can wander the grounds for free. Say hello to the statue of Robert the Bruce on his noble steed, look out over the valley where the battle occurred, and get weirded out by the artistic sound installation within the Bannockburn National Memorial cairn.

Check Out This Guided Walking Tour of Bannockburn ➡️

4. Stirling Old Bridge

The Stirling Old Bridge is considered one of the most excellent medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland and was constructed during the 1400s or 1500s after several wooden bridges just wouldn’t last. One of the most famous was built in the 1290s near the present-day bridge, where Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray defeated Edward I’s army during the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, an arch of this current bridge was removed to stop Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops as they marched south.

It’s a perfect quick stop on your way to the Wallace Monument, with a scenic stroll over the River Firth.

Take This Stirling Old Bridge Walking Tour ➡️

5. Church of the Holy Rude

The Church of the Holy Rude (derived from the Scots term for the “Holy Cross.”), is the second oldest building in Stirling after Stirling Castle and has a rich history. Dating back to the to the 15th century and featuring stunning Gothic architecture, it still serves as the parish church of Stirling and an active place of worship.

In 1567, King James VI was crowned King of Scots, with a sermon delivered by John Knox, making this church as the only other active church in Britain to have hosted a coronation, outside of Westminster Abbey, adding to its significance and allure.

A small, nominal fee will get you inside to gawk at the architecture and learn more about the history of this beautiful church.

6. National Wallace Monument

A visit to the iconic National Wallace Monument is an absolute must-do in Stirling. Standing proudly atop Abbey Craig, this towering Victorian-era monument pays homage to the legendary Scottish hero, Sir William Wallace, who played a significant role in the Scottish Wars of Independence during the 13th century.

As you climb the 246-step spiral staircase, enter rooms to learn about the life and legacy of Sir William Wallace through videos, interactive displays, historical artifacts, and informative panels. The exhibition provides fascinating insights into the tumultuous times of Scottish independence and the enduring legacy of this national hero.

Continue up the staircase to the top of the 220ft tall tower and be prepared to be awestruck by the stunning panoramic views! You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Stirling’s rolling hills, the winding River Forth, and the iconic Stirling Castle standing majestically in the distance.

It is hands down my favorite view in Scotland. I could’ve stayed up there all day!

There is free parking and a free shuttle that will bring you to the base of the monument. You may choose to hike up to it, but as you will also be hiking up the monument itself, I suggest saving your strength and taking the ride up. However, I would recommend walking back down the craig back to the car and enjoying the wooden carvings scattered on the path along the way.

Things to Do Walking in Stirling

7. Walking Tour

Walking tours are a fabulous way of getting to know a city, and Stirling is no exception.

Take a 1.5-hour tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, stepping into history as you follow the footsteps of iconic figures like Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce. Learn about battles and royal figures, delving into intriguing tales of executions and grave robbers, all which lead to the evolution of the Stirling we know today.

Uncover hidden gems that you wouldn’t discover on your own, making this tour an absolute must-do during your visit. Key highlights include Stirling Castle, The Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling Cemetery, and the Old Town Jail.

Check Out These Stirling Walking Tours ➡️

8. Old Town Cemetery

The Old Town Cemetery is a deceptively large graveyard behind the Church of the Holy Rude spread out over multi-leveled hills and has a great view of Stirling Castle.

It’s always peaceful in both a beautiful and morbid way strolling through a graveyard, and this one has character and is particularly intriguing with as tombstones have shifted and are doing Michael Jackson anti-gravity leans.

Some of these graves date back as far as the 1500s.

One gravestone of note is that of Mary Stevenson, depicting a body-snatching scene. Two days after the woman’s death in 1822, the person who had buried her and an accomplice exhumed her body and sold it to a medical student for dissection. The two men were caught but due to legalities were released and an angry riot ensued. What ultimately happened to the men is unknown, but after Mary’s body was reburied, a carving was made on Mary’s tomb to commemorate the whole event

9. Kings Knot

History first mentions the King’s Park in 1190 but the King’s Knot, an earthwork in King’s Park, was created in anticipation of Charles I’s Scottish coronation in 1633. Later in 1842, Queen Victoria expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the gardens, leading to a comprehensive restoration, undergoing significant alterations and possibly changing the orientation of the entire site.

Today, the public enjoys this grassy, artistically lumpy field beneath Stirling Castle for picnicking or playing a game of catch on a sunny day. Nearby sheep can be heard bleating in between the sounds of passing cars on the road.

As you can’t really see the design of the Knot from the ground, the best view to see it is looking down from Stirling Castle.

10. The Back Walk

The Back Walk, constructed between 1724 and 1791, stands as one of Europe’s finest urban walkways, tracing the old city walls and leading up to Stirling Castle. This historic path, the oldest publicly maintained road in Scotland, offers a pleasant walk and delightful wooden carvings depicting tales from the region’s vibrant history, supplied by the Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery.

While the main paths are generally spacious, be prepared for occasional steep sections.

The formidable Town Walls, up to 5 feet thick and over 20 feet high, served as a defense against attacks during the 16th and 17th centuries. If you have a bird-phobia, be aware that you’ll be walking past a pigeon gauntlet as they have made homes from holes in the walls.

The entire walk is about 2-miles long one way, beginning on Dunbarton Rd and ending north of the castle. You can add-on to the hike by exploring the beheading stone and cannons on Gowan Hill.

My Favorite Things to Do in Stirling

11. Stirling Distillery

If you know me, you know I’m a gin girl. But I can be very particular in what I rate as a good gin.

Stirling Distillery has risen to a top 5 in my books! Why? Because they use nettles as one of their botanicals. It adds a flavor that unique, earthy, sweet, and oh! so delicious!

I just tried a sampling flight of three of their gins, which they served with a bottle of tonic. And while this was an excellent way to get a quick introduction to their gins, in retrospect I wish I had taken their whole Gin Experience tour.

On that tour you’re greeted with a specially crafted cocktail, told stories surrounding how they came to be Stirling’s first legal distillery and then shown around their small but mighty distilling room and production. Then, of course, you’ll end the tour sampling 7 gins and gin liqueurs.

Don’t make my mistake and forgo this tour!

Book the Stirling Distillery Gin Experience ➡️

If you REALLY want to get a well-rounded gin tour, they also provide a Gin School: a 2hr class where you learn and create your own bottle of gin using a botanical concoction of your own. Learn more and Book your admission to Gin School here!

12. Curly Coo Bar

I loved the Curly Coo Bar so much, I went two days in a row (something I never do!). Mandy, the owner, has over 220 Scottish malt whiskies for you to try. It’s basically a one-stop shop for all your whiskey dram needs.

She also has a good selection of Scottish gins (which I took advantage of), vodka and beers.

This whiskey bar is comfortable and chill, perfect to relax after a day of exploring the city.

13. Thrift Shopping

I don’t know about you but I love a good shopping bargain. Stirling has a surprising amount of thrift/charity shops in old town, all walking distance from each other.

I bought a sweater made in the UK for only a couple pounds. There’s a chance you might discover souvenir gems that aren’t sold in typical gift shops. These shops offer one-of-a-kind items, including trinkets that may not be available in the United States.

Even if you don’t by anything they’re fun to browse.

14. Stirling Farmers Market

On the 2nd Saturday of every month, the Stirling Farmers Market takes place on Port St.

I was pleasantly surprised to wake up to it being set up, not even realizing it was going on. Green and white striped tents lined the pedestrian street, with vendors selling their local goods and live music creating a festive atmosphere.

There was a Scottish pie booth with I swear, a thousand pies and too many flavors to choose from. One vendor sold different types of mead using techniques and recipes found from days of old. And cheese from Aran tempted me with their dairy-ed varieties. And so much more!

If you are already in Stirling hanging out, definitely stop by, but it’s not a big enough event to go out of your way for.

Misc. Things to Do in Stirling

15. Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is home to a remarkable collection of historical artifacts, artworks, photographs and paintings from the region. The museum houses over 40,000 objects that range from pottery to paintings and prints, as well as works by prominent artists such as Thomas Stuart Smith (the founder of the gallery), Anne Redpath, William Gillies and William MacTaggart.

The most exciting item I think that’s on display is the world’s oldest football from the late 1500s, found in a paneling of the Queen’s Chamber in Stirling Castle.

16. Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Only 6 miles outside of Stirling is the Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, a fantastic place to take the kids.

This drive-thru safari allows you to take your car (with the windows rolled up!) to get up close and personal with exotic animals. Drive through a pride of lions, a herd of antelope, a troop of monkeys, and a crash of rhinos, to name a few!

There is so much to do at the park. You can also walk and visit with all 300 animals that live at the park. You’ll find giraffes, lemurs, and tigers, oh my!

Watch a birds of prey or seal lion presentation, stroll through the forest and keep an eye out for life-size dinosaurs, get the sillies out on the playground forts, and so much more.

Book your time slot online.

17. Live Entertainment

If you’re into performing arts, there is a lively theatre scene in Stirling. With plenty of venues to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Whether it’s a classic play or an original production, Stirling has something for all theater-goers. From the historic Tolbooth Theatre and Albert Halls to smaller independent stages, Stirling offers an array of theatrical performances that bring life to this vibrant city.

The most notable venue is the Tolbooth, a historic jailhouse that has been transformed into a vibrant arts space. It frequently showcases captivating performances, including productions that range from classic plays to captivating live music to stand-up comedians.

Meanwhile, the Albert Halls hosts the big entertainment from classic concerts and pop-stars to stand-up comedy and tribute shows.

To find out what’s happening while you are in town, check out the What’s On Stirling website.