Stirling: History, Gardens and Walks

Stirling reveals its history in many different places: Stirling Castle was once a favoured residence of the House of Stewart, while the Church of the Holy Rude and Stirling Old Town Jail mark their own chapters in the city’s history. Museums, gardens and paths add to the picture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Stirling, these highlights can help you decide which sides of the city you’d like to explore.

History between the Castle and the Old Town

Stirling Castle is an iconic attraction in the heart of Stirling. The Castle was once a favoured residence of the kings and queens of the House of Stewart. Visitors can explore the grounds and gardens, combining the site’s historic role with an outdoor visit.

The Church of the Holy Rude was founded in 1129 as Stirling’s parish church, during the reign of David I. Later, in 1567, King James VI of Scotland was crowned there. These two dates represent different chapters: its foundation as a parish church and a later royal event.

Stirling Old Town Jail opened in 1847 and was the last “Reformed Prison”-type prison built in Victorian Scotland. Its observation tower offers views of the Old Town, the Ochils and the Trossachs. Here, the history of the prison meets sweeping views of these named landscapes.

At the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, exhibition topics range from walrus bones and Robert the Bruce to the Bronze Age and the Second World War. This breadth takes visitors from individual objects and figures to historical periods far apart in time. Nearby, about two miles south of the city, is the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre.

Views and paths at the National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument is easy to spot from most parts of Stirling and is open to visitors year-round. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus between the car park and the Monument. A path from the Monument leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city of Stirling and Stirling Castle.

At Abbey Craig, visitors can explore the woodland paths without an admission ticket. Puzzles, games and educational activities help children explore the woods and learn about native birds and important pollinators. A circular route leads through the Abbey Craig woods and then back to the path to the car park; it takes about 45 minutes.

The wood carvings also give the paths a distinctive historical connection. A series of carvings along the main path to the tower of the National Wallace Monument is called The Wallace Way. At Abbey Craig, a wood-carving trail leads through Stirling’s history, from the Ice Age to the construction of the Monument. The two offerings have different emphases: a series of carvings along the main path, and the trail’s long historical narrative.

Walking tours of the Old Town

There are different types of walking tours in the Old Town. The Stirling Eurowalk is a free, self-guided online tour of the Old Town around Stirling Castle; its online guide is updated regularly. The Stirling Old Town Tour, by contrast, is a 1.5-hour guided walk covering the main attractions, history and present-day life of the Old Town. The difference lies both in the format and in the guided tour’s set duration. Check the tour schedule before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Killin, Aberfoyle, Kinlochard, Crianlarich, Gartmore, Cambusbarron, Kippen, Drymen.

Go to the main travel overview: Stirling.