Stirling Castle
A royal castle guarding the gateway to the Highlands, with Renaissance-style palace interiors restored to their 16th-century appearance.
Located about 55 kilometres northwest of Edinburgh, the castle sits on volcanic rock and guards the main route into the Scottish Highlands. It has repeatedly shaped the course of Scottish history. Inside, the royal palace of James V has been restored, with brightly coloured royal apartments, replicas of the Stirling Heads ceiling panels and the unicorn tapestries. Exhibits include the great hall, the Royal Chapel and the kitchens. Nearby, you can see the Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn battlefield in the distance. Tickets cost about £20, and booking on the official website is recommended. From Edinburgh, the train takes about 50 minutes, followed by an uphill walk of about 15 minutes from the station.
Opening hours
About 09:30–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Linlithgow Palace
- Forth Bridge
- Inchcolm Island
- Cramond Island
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- Dean Village
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh