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Absolutely stunning and worth the walk from the train to visit! The town of Stirling is beautiful and quaint. Lots of little shops to look in as you walk the street up....up.... and up to Stirling Castle. The view of the country side from the castle are breathtaking. The immense amount of history is humbling as you think through the many battles that have taken place in this area. Well worth the visit friends!
Stirling Castle is a castle that originated in the 12th century and has been used as the Scottish royal residence over the centuries. Naturally, it sits strategically atop a big hill with steep cliffs and there are great views to be had from the castle. We had an informative and entertaining 45 minute guided tour. I particularly liked the kitchen exhibit showing how things were done back in the day and even recipes. I also enjoyed seeing The Great Hall. One of the buildings is golden yellowish in contrast to the typical dark soot stained exterior of the other buildings. It is intended to show the original color of the castle when it was originally built, and the entire castle would indeed have been a stunning site to behold. On the outside grounds there is also a majestic statue of Robert the Bruce as well as a Jacobite warrior. Thumbs up and an historic must see if in the Glasgow area!
We saw many a castle during our summer cruise of the United Kingdom. Stirling Castle in Scotland was one of the most impressive ones we visited. Wowza!! What a beautiful sight as you approach Stirling Castle from faraway. It sits atop Castle Rock and looks amazing!! So much history at Stirling Castle. You could spend all day here learning so much history of the castle and Scotland in general. Unfortunately, we only had a few hours to spare. We learned some history while exploring this incredible castle. The views of the land around and below the castle are beautiful! Stirling Castle is my personal favorite among all the castles we visited in Scotland. Probably because of how incredible it looks and all the history related to Stirling Castle and Scotland. Simply wonderful!
Stirling Castle has been an important part of the Highlands and Lowlands historical heritage'. From the very high of a volcanic outcrop, this amazing castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. Today, many Scotts view the castle as a great symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. Fans of the movies can visit Stirling Castle, the site of the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge, and the National Wallace Monument. You really can immerse yourself in the history of the rebellion, and discover the landscapes that served as the backdrop for Braveheart.
Stirling Castle, perched majestically on top Castle Hill, is evidence for Scotland's architectural evolution. Initially constructed in the 12th century, this fortress has undergone significant modifications through to the 1600s, resulting in a stunning unification of many architectural styles, including Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Scottish Baronial architecture. The castle's Renaissance influences are evident in the splendid Royal Palace, built by James V. I thought I was in Rome. In contrast, the Gothic Revival elements are shown in the Great Hall, restored in the late 19th century. It has the typical soaring arches and medieval structures. The Scottish Baronial style is evident in the castle's defense walls and fortifications. There are many layers to explore here. I can tell why this castle is a treasured part of Scotland.
Stunning Highland Views. View of the monument to William Wallace. Great tour guide loaded with historical information about the castle and its role in the reigns of the Stewart/Stuart dynasty. Actually sat in the chapel where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned - at 9 months of age. Too much history to fit into a Yelp review. I recommend the Stirling Castle website for more info.
There are many castles to see and experience in Scotland, but Stirling Castle was our favorite. Since we had a rental car, it was not easy to navigate to the castle (very tight and twisting roads), even though it can be seen for miles around, and you will have to pay for parking upon arrival. We spent 3 hours at the castle, and paid for the recorded guide so we could go at our own pace. The performers in the castle make the experience very special, and are very friendly, answering all your questions while remaining in character. Be sure to take your time and walk the battlements to enjoy the incredible view of the Wallace Monument and the beautiful gardens on site. There is also a fantastic military exhibit in another building on the grounds that my husband really enjoyed. Since we arrived right at opening to get parking, we had lunch after our tour at the café on the grounds, that had great prices, food made on the premises, friendly service, and plenty of seating. We shared a sandwich and a piece of fabulous chocolate malted cake with coffee to end our visit.
You won't find many castles as exquisitely maintained as the one overlooking the town of Stirling. Originally built sometime in the 12th century, most of the remaining buildings were rebuilt during the Renaissance years, but I'm sure centuries of additional preservation and restoration have been devoted to keeping this prominent palace looking as it would have centuries ago. At least externally. Within, you'll find a delicate balance of modern and medieval, walking a tightrope between accurately representing castle life, and presenting this information via both historical and modern context. There are several "galleries" within this living museum, some taking the form of dioramas depicting various functions of castle life. One that stands out in my mind, more than six years later, is the re-enactment/recreation of the great kitchens that operated here, keeping the nobility and peasantry alike fed and healthy. Others include a walkthrough of the private quarters of the aristocracy, complete with heraldic tapestries, suits of armor, and exquisite, ornate bedchambers large enough to host a banquet themselves! There's also the battlements, the dungeons, and the expansive grounds spread across the entirely of the rocky promontory, which include a massive cemetery (itself worth a tour of its own!), and the nearby Beheading Stone. Truly, any fan of medieval architecture will have no end of things to satisfy their interests and curiosities here. Absolutely worth the price of admission for fans of Scottish history, Middle Age enthusiasts, and D&D nerds (such as myself) alike!
I went to Stirling Castle during a tour on my way to Loch Lomond. This is a beautiful castle and we had a loving view of the countryside. They have free tours at the castle that is great if you want to know the history of the castle. If you have more than an hour, I would do the guided tour and then go and explore on your own. If you only have an hour, I would skip the free guided tour and go out on your own. You will not see everything if you do only the guided tour.
What a beautiful place! The castle had so many different places to explore. It also had several fun interactive areas for kids to explore. The gardens were beautiful and all the museums were very informative and compelling. We spent about 3 1/2 hours here, but we could have stayed even longer if we had time. There was a nice cafe, snack bar, and several gift shops.
If you have seen Outlander then you may recognize that many scenes were filmed here. More important this is a very important historical place and former Royal Palace. After all Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here. I joined one of the free tours offered (they do deserve a great tip!) and got about 50 minutes you get a great introduction and a lot of history. Some people chose self-guided tours but I preferred the opportunity to ask our guide questions. We enjoyed a nice sunny day and although it was a winter day, it was also nice to explore their gardens. A place worth visiting! read more
2 years ago
Beautiful! Highly recommend getting here first this in the AM, it gets busy around 11. But zero line beforehand. It was fun to see Stirling Castle today after visiting Edinburgh Castle yesterday. Everyone in our group had a different "favorite". read more
Absolutely stunning and worth the walk from the train to visit! The town of Stirling is beautiful and quaint. Lots of little shops to look in as you walk the street up....up.... and up to Stirling Castle. The view of the country side from the castle are breathtaking. The immense amount of history is humbling as you think through the many battles that have taken place in this area. Well worth the visit friends! read more
Stirling Castle is a castle that originated in the 12th century and has been used as the Scottish royal residence over the centuries. Naturally, it sits strategically atop a big hill with steep cliffs and there are great views to be had from the castle. We had an informative and entertaining 45 minute guided tour. I particularly liked the kitchen exhibit showing how things were done back in the day and even recipes. I also enjoyed seeing The Great Hall. One of the buildings is golden yellowish in contrast to the typical dark soot stained exterior of the other buildings. It is intended to show the original color of the castle when it was originally built, and the entire castle would indeed have been a stunning site to behold. On the outside grounds there is also a majestic statue of Robert the Bruce as well as a Jacobite warrior. Thumbs up and an historic must see if in the Glasgow area! read more
2 years ago
We saw many a castle during our summer cruise of the United Kingdom. Stirling Castle in Scotland was one of the most impressive ones we visited. Wowza!! What a beautiful sight as you approach Stirling Castle from faraway. It sits atop Castle Rock and looks amazing!! So much history at Stirling Castle. You could spend all day here learning so much history of the castle and Scotland in general. Unfortunately, we only had a few hours to spare. We learned some history while exploring this incredible castle. The views of the land around and below the castle are beautiful! Stirling Castle is my personal favorite among all the castles we visited in Scotland. Probably because of how incredible it looks and all the history related to Stirling Castle and Scotland. Simply wonderful! read more
2 years ago
Stirling Castle has been an important part of the Highlands and Lowlands historical heritage'. From the very high of a volcanic outcrop, this amazing castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. Today, many Scotts view the castle as a great symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. Fans of the movies can visit Stirling Castle, the site of the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge, and the National Wallace Monument. You really can immerse yourself in the history of the rebellion, and discover the landscapes that served as the backdrop for Braveheart. read more
Stirling Castle, perched majestically on top Castle Hill, is evidence for Scotland's architectural evolution. Initially constructed in the 12th century, this fortress has undergone significant modifications through to the 1600s, resulting in a stunning unification of many architectural styles, including Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Scottish Baronial architecture. The castle's Renaissance influences are evident in the splendid Royal Palace, built by James V. I thought I was in Rome. In contrast, the Gothic Revival elements are shown in the Great Hall, restored in the late 19th century. It has the typical soaring arches and medieval structures. The Scottish Baronial style is evident in the castle's defense walls and fortifications. There are many layers to explore here. I can tell why this castle is a treasured part of Scotland. read more
Stunning Highland Views. View of the monument to William Wallace. Great tour guide loaded with historical information about the castle and its role in the reigns of the Stewart/Stuart dynasty. Actually sat in the chapel where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned - at 9 months of age. Too much history to fit into a Yelp review. I recommend the Stirling Castle website for more info. read more
2 years ago
Lovely castle ! Go early at opening and you will feel like you the only people there ! A lot of it was recreated and "most likely looked like this" kind of visit Be sure to visit the great hall .. it was Christmas and they had an enormous fresh tree !! read more
Loved everything about this castle! I have some mobility issues and it was pretty easily walkable. Some inclines and stairs but not too bad! I absolutely recommend this to anyone considering visiting. The surrounding area is lovely as well. read more
There are many castles to see and experience in Scotland, but Stirling Castle was our favorite. Since we had a rental car, it was not easy to navigate to the castle (very tight and twisting roads), even though it can be seen for miles around, and you will have to pay for parking upon arrival. We spent 3 hours at the castle, and paid for the recorded guide so we could go at our own pace. The performers in the castle make the experience very special, and are very friendly, answering all your questions while remaining in character. Be sure to take your time and walk the battlements to enjoy the incredible view of the Wallace Monument and the beautiful gardens on site. There is also a fantastic military exhibit in another building on the grounds that my husband really enjoyed. Since we arrived right at opening to get parking, we had lunch after our tour at the café on the grounds, that had great prices, food made on the premises, friendly service, and plenty of seating. We shared a sandwich and a piece of fabulous chocolate malted cake with coffee to end our visit. read more
You won't find many castles as exquisitely maintained as the one overlooking the town of Stirling. Originally built sometime in the 12th century, most of the remaining buildings were rebuilt during the Renaissance years, but I'm sure centuries of additional preservation and restoration have been devoted to keeping this prominent palace looking as it would have centuries ago. At least externally. Within, you'll find a delicate balance of modern and medieval, walking a tightrope between accurately representing castle life, and presenting this information via both historical and modern context. There are several "galleries" within this living museum, some taking the form of dioramas depicting various functions of castle life. One that stands out in my mind, more than six years later, is the re-enactment/recreation of the great kitchens that operated here, keeping the nobility and peasantry alike fed and healthy. Others include a walkthrough of the private quarters of the aristocracy, complete with heraldic tapestries, suits of armor, and exquisite, ornate bedchambers large enough to host a banquet themselves! There's also the battlements, the dungeons, and the expansive grounds spread across the entirely of the rocky promontory, which include a massive cemetery (itself worth a tour of its own!), and the nearby Beheading Stone. Truly, any fan of medieval architecture will have no end of things to satisfy their interests and curiosities here. Absolutely worth the price of admission for fans of Scottish history, Middle Age enthusiasts, and D&D nerds (such as myself) alike! read more
3 years ago
I went to Stirling Castle during a tour on my way to Loch Lomond. This is a beautiful castle and we had a loving view of the countryside. They have free tours at the castle that is great if you want to know the history of the castle. If you have more than an hour, I would do the guided tour and then go and explore on your own. If you only have an hour, I would skip the free guided tour and go out on your own. You will not see everything if you do only the guided tour. read more
What a beautiful place! The castle had so many different places to explore. It also had several fun interactive areas for kids to explore. The gardens were beautiful and all the museums were very informative and compelling. We spent about 3 1/2 hours here, but we could have stayed even longer if we had time. There was a nice cafe, snack bar, and several gift shops. read more
This is Scotland's most important Castle with its history beginning in the late 1200s. From that point on, there were many times when this castle changed hands - between the Scots and the English. One prominent victory was by Robert the Bruce, who has a statue located outside the main gate. In addition to the great history, you'll love the outdoor and indoor tours which are given by subject matter experts. Make sure to dress in layers or have a poncho - it can get blustery whilst outside. Inside, you'll see wonderful tapestry (unicorns are a big deal), woodwork, fireplaces - from floor to ceiling. I would take your time in each and every room. Finally, enjoy a sandwich and scones in the mini cafe - it's a lot of walking and climbing stairs so the break will be good. The views of the countryside are beautiful as well. read more
7 years ago
Yelp 100 Challenge 2019 - # 67/100 Built around the early 12th century, Stirling Castle is on top of Castle Hill, on an old volcano overlooking old battlefields like Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Stirling Bridge is where William Wallace won over the English, that was in 1297. Then 17 years later in 1314 it was Robert the Bruce's turn in Bannockburn. They have a life-sized monument of Robert the Bruce outside the castle walls. The views from the castle were breathtaking. It is open 7 days a week, just be on the lookout for closures due to inclement weather. Fees are adults= £15; child= £9. I don't remember how much my friend paid for parking. read more
Stirling Castle is a very historic castle which is fun to explore and learn about. You can wander through the castle grounds and check out the interior. The insides aren't all that memorable. But it was cool to learn more about Scottish history, plus you get great views of the surrounding area from the high castle terraces. Parking is available for a fee, though keep in mind driving up to the castle can be a pain with steep, narrow, windy roads and lots of traffic. Worth a stop if you're in the area. read more
3 years ago
Such a wonderful piece of history! Climbing steps and overlooking the valley where so many decisive battles occurred. Seeing well presented artifacts about Scotland's rich military and political history through the centuries was amazing. Was especially excited to see my family name show up repeatedly as officers through the many wars and battles where Scottish armies have engaged in war. So grateful for how well they have preserved this amazing castle. read more
Stirling castle is by far the most authentic, most stunning castle I have visited so far. Stirling castle has stunning manicured grounds with beautiful plants and flowers and herbs, thistles and palm trees and stunning views of the Wallace monument. The inside was even more impressive, extravagant and elegant with velvet furnishings, four poster bed elaborate ceilings and even some original doors and fireplaces that have been there for hundreds of years! I loved the period actors too, they were amazing and added that extra little touch to the whole experience. Outstanding! read more
Stirling Castle is what I picture a true strategic defensive castle should look like. It sits atop a hill, which I learned soldiers have laid siege to it several times but it still is intact. As you walk around the grounds, they have cannons pointed outward. I could picture regal figures passing in and out of here on horseback and could imagine how full of life and people this castle once was. We learned that Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned here and that the castle served other important functions. It was the royal center of many kings of the past. One of my favorite parts about seeing this castle were the huge tapestries still on display inside. Some of the details are just stunning. Since I love history and I eat up all the details I thought the 15 pounds admission price was worth it. However, if you are already in castle overload and aren't much of a history buff then just seeing Edinburgh Castle is sufficient. read more
The castle is quite stunning from the outside and we enjoyed walking the courtyard and along the exterior walls. But the interior of most of the buildings was a bit disappointing. Many rooms, particularly the great hall and main building, were practically empty and what little furnishings we saw were replicas. We spent quite a bit of time walking around and admiring the architecture. One interesting exception was the kitchen where displays were presented with figures in period dress and different food were shown. We also enjoyed touring the tapestry room. We were told that Stirling Castle is a good alternative to the much grander Edinburgh Castle and I tend to agree. By the time we visited Stirling Castle, we were pretty much done with looking at castles, manors, palaces, cathedrals and ruins so this was a good size castle to end our visit. I wouldn't mind returning on a less rainy day and spending more time here. We ate lunch in the Unicorn Cafe and thankfully, we went early because the place really filled up quickly. Service is quite slow and tables are limited. There's a good selection of snacks, hot and cold plates and drinks. read more
3 years ago
Fantastic place to visit as a family with little ones. Wonderful, engaging staff and plenty of interactive exhibits for children that allow the whole family to enjoy the history and stories of the castle. read more
9 years ago
So much history here! This is a must visit castle in Scotland if you are intrigued with Scottish history. A lot of money and time has been spent to restore it to its former glory after years of it being used for military training and barracks. The views from the castle are beautiful. The guided tour is a great way to get acquainted with the castle grounds/buildings and learn about the castle's history. There is both a guided tour and an audio tour. The guided tour is free with your admission, so you could get the audio tour also and do both. I can't comment on the quality of the audio tour, but thought the guided tour was very informative and I like the ability to ask questions. However, you should keep in mind that your guide will have a Scottish accent, and for some they may be difficult to understand. If you are interested in exploring castles and history, you can easily spend more than 1/2 a day here. There are a couple of areas in the Castle with exhibits, which I walked through, but you could spend hours looking at the collections. And do not miss the replicas of the Unicorn Tapestries. The originals were part of this history of this Castle, but are now displayed at the Met in NY. I really lucked out with the weather. It's was sunny and beautiful, so it was nice just taking in the views from different areas of the castle grounds. And I got some great pictures! read more
4 years ago
Our tour was both educational and inspirational. Learning about centuries of Scottish history was worth the cost of admission snd the long walk up that hill read more
Very well done renovations and displays designed for kids and adults. Free guided tours, but crowds quickly fill the small on-site restaurant (go early lunch). Ample outdoor seating to enjoy the vistas and sandwich with soup read more
7 years ago
Truly spectacular. The incredible vistas from the walls almost outshine the castle itself, especially if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear, sunny day. Breathtaking. Despite combining buildings erected over a span of several centuries, Stirling Castle manages to display a more unified aesthetic than, say, Edinburgh Castle or the Tower of London. Highlights include the Royal Palace, built by James V in 1538 and known for its sculptural details; the Great Hall, the largest in Scotland; the unicorn tapestries; and the Castle Exhibition, a densely detailed presentation on the complex's history. The castle was a formidable defensive edifice as well as a luxurious court residence favored by the later Stewarts. Queen Mary was crowned here, and her son, James VI (later I of England) was baptized here. Historic Scotland administers this site, so you can get in for free if you purchased an Explorer Pass (but you still have to pay 2 for parking). You could easily spend two hours here; give it three to take in everything. read more
Note: The views are SPECTACULAR all around the castle walls. This was probably my favorite castle to visit. While Edinburgh clearly is larger, more regal, this one just felt more like a real castle to me. Maybe given the scale, and the fact you can see some of the actual battle damage on it. Just walking up city to the castle takes you back in time. Great place to tour. Equally amazing are the views! You can almost walk the full perimeter of the castle and you will definitely want to. I loved the view down on the "knot" on the backside of the castle. You also get a great view of the town and hills in the distance. Definitely tour the rooms that are available. There is some original paint and design in some buildings, but most of it is redone to recreate how the original once looked. The intensity in color of the crests on the walls were impressive. There are also some actors dressed up who will give you great facts and random details, and are super patient with random questions. I recommended a visit here to many friends. It's a wonderful city and gorgeous castle. read more
3 years ago
If you have to decide what to visit between this and the Edinburgh castle, choose this and do not forget the audio guide or follow one of the tours. The experience will be a lot nicer. Schedule at least 3 hours to go through the castle if you like history like I do and 30 mins to visit the shop if you like shopping like I do Do not forget the Stirling town down below. Very pretty. read more
Although her Royal Heiress enjoyed her trip, it's not a stroller friendly area. Parents with little ones or wheelchair users may want to consider an alternative option. Otherwise, a must see! There are so many picturesque spots that they could spend weeks there. read more
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