Things to do in Stirling
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Stirling Castle
Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. Commanding superb views, you cannot help drawing parallels with Edinburgh castle – but many find Stirling's fortress more atmospheric; the location, architecture and historical significance combine to make it a grand and memorable sight. This means it draws plenty of visitors, so it's advisable to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day-trips from Edinburgh or Glasgow, so you may have the castle to yourself by about 4pm.
Admission costs for the castle will rise once the Royal Palace opens. The mooted price was £14 for adults, whi…
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National Wallace Monument
Towering over Scotland’s narrow waist, this nationalist memorial is so Victorian Gothic it deserves circling bats and ravens. It commemorates the bid for Scottish independence depicted in the film Braveheart. From the tourist office, walk or shuttle-bus up the hill to the building itself. Once there, break the climb up the narrow staircase inside to admire Wallace’s 66 inches of broadsword and see the man himself re-created in a 3-D audiovisual display. More staid is the marble pantheon of lugubrious Scottish heroes, but the view from the top over the flat, green gorgeousness of the Forth Valley, including the site of Wallace’s 1297 victory over the English at Stirling …
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Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
In the King’s Old Building is the Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, which traces the history of this famous regiment from 1794 to the present day. It has a great collection of ornately decorated dirks (daggers). In another part of the castle, the Great Kitchens are especially interesting, bringing to life the bustle and scale of the enterprise of cooking for the King. Near the entrance, the Castle Exhibition gives good background information on the Stuart kings and updates on current archaeological investigations
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Wallace Monument
Two and a half miles north of Stirling is Scotland’s impressive Victorian monument to Sir William Wallace, who was hung, drawn and quartered by the English in 1305. The view from the top, of no less than seven battlegrounds, is as breathtaking as the 67m climb up to it. The monument contains interesting displays, including a parade of other Scottish heroes and Wallace’s mighty two-handed sword. Clearly, the man was no weakling.
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Hermann’s
Solidly set on a corner above the Mercat Cross and below the castle, this elegant Scottish-Austrian restaurant is a reliable and popular choice. The solid, conservative decor is weirdly offset by magazine-style skiing photos, but the food doesn’t miss a beat and ranges from Scottish favourites to gourmet schnitzel and spätzle noodles. Vegetarian options are good, and quality Austrian wines provide an out-of-the-ordinary accompaniment.
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Aura
Aura is an interesting mix – American deli by day dishing out giant sandwiches, and wine bar and restaurant day and night. Muted tones entice diners into its soft, relaxing environment, ideal for a wonderful meal. The early evening dinner special means small mains are only £7, including Moroccan beef or mussels in garlic sauce. There’s plenty for vegetarians, too. On our visit the amateurish service was a letdown.
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East India Company
This basement Indian restaurant is one of the best spots in Central Scotland for a curry. Sumptuously decorated to resemble a ship’s stateroom, with portraits of tea barons on the wall to conjure images of the days of the clippers, it offers exquisite dishes from all parts of India. There’s a buffet dinner available Monday to Thursday (£8.95), but go à la carte and savour the toothsome flavours.
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Stirling Castle & Argyll’s Lodging
Hold Stirling and you control the whole country. This simple strategy has ensured that a castle has existed here since prehistoric times. The superb views it commands mean you cannot help drawing parallels with Edinburgh Castle – but Stirling is better. Location, architecture and historical significance combine to make it one of the grandest of all Scottish castles.
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Portcullis
Built in stone as solid as the castle that it stands below, this former school is just the spot for a pint and a pub lunch after your visit. With bar meals that would have had even William Wallace loosening his belt a couple of notches, a little beer garden, and a cosy buzz indoors, it’s well worth a visit; there are also rooms here (single/double £67/87).
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Argyll's Lodging
Complete with turrets, spectacular Argyll's Lodging is the most impressive 17th-century town house in Scotland and you'll find it by the castle, at the top of Castle Wynd. It's the former home of William Alexander, Earl of Stirling and noted literary figure. It has been tastefully restored and gives an insight into lavish, 17th-century aristocratic life.
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Darnley Coffee House
Just down the hill from the castle, beyond the end of Broad St, Darnley Coffee House is a good pit stop for home baking and speciality coffees during a walk around the Old Town. The building is a historic 16th-century house where Darnley, lover and later husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, once stayed while visiting her.
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Church of the Holy Rude
The Church of the Holy Rude has been the town’s parish church for 600 years and James VI was crowned here in 1567. The nave and tower date from 1456, and the church has one of the few surviving medieval open-timber roofs. Stunning stained-glass windows and huge stone pillars create a powerful effect.
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Barnton Bar & Bistro
Opposite the post office, this is a very popular, grungy hang-out serving excellent all-day breakfasts, chilli, homemade lasagne and burgers. It is a great place to eat or drink, and there’s something on most weeknights, including a Friday night disco. Good options for vegetarians, too.
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Bannockburn Heritage Centre
At Bannockburn Heritage Centre the history pre- and post-battle is lucidly explained. The audiovisual could do with a remake, but there’s lots to do for kids, and an intriguing recreation of Bruce’s face which suggests that he may have suffered from leprosy in later life.
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Green Welly Stop
The Green Welly Stop is a shrine to tourism. This little shopping complex has a very good (if slightly pricey) outdoor store, ideal if you’re looking for supplies before you grapple with your Munro. It’s also a good fuel stop, with hot meals served all day.
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Settle Inn
A warm welcome is guaranteed at Stirling’s oldest pub (1733), a spot redolent with atmosphere, what with its log fire, vaulted back room, and low-slung ceilings. Guest ales, atmospheric nooks for settling in for the night, and a blend of local characters make it a classic of its kind.
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Varsity
Attracting the town’s style-cats, this trendy, nouveau bar-café serves cheap food. The décor and furnishings are young at heart, as is the pop music on large TV screens. Pub mains plus hot melts and salads tickle the tastebuds.
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Clachan Inn
The best place to eat in the area is the cosy Clachan Inn (opened in 1734). The extensive menu includes steaks, burgers, salads and vegetarian dishes. Try the seafood salad for lunch, washed down beautifully with a pint of St Andrews Ale.
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Cowane’s Hospital
Behind the church is Cowane’s Hospital, built as an almshouse in 1637 by the merchant John Cowane. There’s a family-tree database here, where you can search for your ancestors if they were born around this area.
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Italia Nostra
The Nostra is a busy Italian place popular with families. It has a warm, friendly atmosphere and is also good for women or solo travellers. There’s a large menu, including delicious gelato, and it does takeaways.
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Old Town Jail
The Old Town Jail is a great one for kids, as actors take you through the complex, portraying a cast of characters that illustrate the hardships of Victorian prison life in innovative, entertaining style.
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Mr Singh’s
Fine curry house with a terrific-value buffet lunch (£6). Four-course buffet dinner is £12 on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. Dishes from all over India, including Goanese, Punjabi and Biryani dishes.
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No 2 Baker Street
Great pub options with a few innovations, such as wild mushroom Wellington (veggie option) or a Caerphilly cheese and leek burger, or crab and coldwater prawn salad. Excellent selection of real ales on tap.
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City Sightseeing
City Sightseeing runs an open-top, hop-on, hop-off bus tour daily, departing every 45 minutes (hourly November to March). It runs between the castle and the Wallace Monument via Bridge of Allan.
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Papa Joe’s
Dine on excellent pizzas, pasta and some Tex-Mex dishes among an eclectic collection of antiques, musical instruments and sporting paraphernalia. Good wine list. Friendly, efficient service.
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