Stirling: Discover History, Views and Woodland Trails

Stirling combines impressive Scottish history with a wide range of experiences in nature. Between the Old Town, Stirling Castle, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum and the woodland trails on Abbey Craig, you can plan a trip that brings culture, activity and shared discoveries together. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Stirling will find a place where very different ideas for days out come together.

Historic Places in 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 and incorporate the historical significance of the site directly into their trip planning. The Church of the Holy Rude also reaches far back into history: it was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I as the parish church of Stirling. In 1567, the coronation of King James VI of Scotland took place there.

Another distinctive destination is Stirling Old Town Jail. It opened in 1847 and was the last Reformed Prison of its type built in Victorian Scotland. Those who enjoy combining historic buildings with a guided tour or an independent walk can choose between different ways of exploring. The Stirling Eurowalk is a free, self-guided online tour through the Old Town around Stirling Castle. The Stirling Old Town Tour lasts 1.5 hours and visits important sights as well as exploring the history and present-day life of the Old Town.

Views and Nature on Abbey Craig

The National Wallace Monument is easy to spot from most parts of Stirling and is open to visitors all year round. A free shuttle bus connects the car park with the monument. From the monument, a path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city of Stirling and Stirling Castle. The viewing tower of Stirling Old Town Jail, in turn, offers views over the Old Town, the Ochils and the Trossachs.

At Abbey Craig, a visit to the monument can be combined with experiences in nature. Visitors do not need an admission ticket to explore the woodland trails. A circular route leads through the woods of Abbey Craig and then back to the path to the car park; it takes around 45 minutes. Puzzles, games and educational activities help children explore the woods while learning about native birds and important pollinators. The Wallace Way consists of a series of wood carvings along the main path to the tower of the National Wallace Monument. Another woodland carving trail at Abbey Craig leads through the history of Stirling – from the Ice Age to the construction of the monument.

A Suitable Starting Point for Different Days Out

If you want to focus on historic sights, a guided walk and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, there is much to be said for considering Stirling as an urban base. For a more active day, the woodland trails, viewpoint and activities at Abbey Craig are ideal. The surrounding area of Stirling adds to the historical picture: the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is located around 2 miles south of the city.

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum also expands the cultural programme. The exhibitions cover subjects ranging from walrus ivory and Robert the Bruce to the Bronze Age and the Second World War. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to experience the history of the Old Town, the viewpoints and woodland trails, or a mixture of both. Further destinations for trip planning: Callander, Balfron, Lochearnhead, Stronachlachar, Gartmore, Killin, Drymen and Kippen.

For the overarching travel overview: Stirling.