Visit Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle sits upon a gigantic volcanic rock above the River Forth between the Lowlands and the Highlands.

It was a grand royal residence and dominant stronghold with ancient origins. Throughout the wars of independence, this castle was under eight different commanders over 50 years.

During periods of calm in Scotland, royalty flocked to Stirling Castle to hunt, enjoy the luxuries and hold court. Royal buildings including the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace of James V established Stirling Castle as one of the most important historical places in Scotland.

Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I lived here as children before it became a critical military base and later a home to the Argyll and Sutherland highlanders.

Since it has been a visitor attraction, there has been large restoration work to return it to its previous glory.

Plan Your Trip

Stirling Castle is designed as a visitor attraction for all the family with interactive games, musical instruments, puzzles and dressing up costumes for younger visitors to enjoy.

There is an exciting family tour, History Hunters, held every weekend and included in the admission price.

The Stirling castle exhibition takes you on a journey through this fortress where you can see replicas of the Stirling Heads and Unicorn Tapestries.

Take home some gifts from the castle from one of the three shops offering everything from clan tartans to whiskies.

Step into the Royal Palace and get drawn into a world of plots, royal fashion and trysts. Come face to face with the costumed performers in roles of monarchs, nobles, maids of honour and more to take you back to the 16th century.

Stirling Castle is a wonderfully interactive and sensory experience that is accessible for all guests and showcases some of Scotland’s spectacular history.

You can visit the castle 362 days of the year, excluding only Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.

From the 1st of April until the 30th September, Stirling Castle is open between 9.30am and 6pm.

During the winter months (1st October until 31st March), the castle opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.

The onsite Unicorn Cafe is a great place to refuel during your visit – serving everything from soup of the day to an array of sweet treats – and you can pre book the car park for £4.

A fantastic way to learn more about Scottish history and enjoy a historic landmark.

Stirling castle is conveniently located an hour’s drive away from the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel, the Tarbet hotel and the Claymore hotel – perfect for a day out when you’re staying with us!