Welcome to Central Scotland
The country's historic roots are deeply embedded in central Scotland. Key battles around Stirling shaped the nation's fortunes; significant castles from the region's history pepper the landscape; and Perth, the former capital, is where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny.
Top experiences in Central Scotland
Travel guides
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Central Scotland activities
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Rabbie's Cafe BarMeet here for boarding 15 mins before the published departure time.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: The Kelpies, Falkirk, Falkirk District, ScotlandOn the way to Loch Lomond you stop at the Kelpies Monument. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Stirling Castle, Stirling, ScotlandChoose to step inside and learn about the most important battles in Scottish history.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesStop At: Loch Lomond, Stirling, ScotlandOne of Scotland’s largest Lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.Duration: 1 hour
Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park Tour from Edinburgh
Meet your guide in central Edinburgh, and then head west through Scotland's Central Belt towards the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ where we take time at Balmaha to admire views of Ben Lomond. Here, you will have the opportunity to go on a woodland walk that will afford you great views of the loch. Standing on its bank you will understand why Loch Lomond has been immortalised in a world famous song.From the famous stretch of water, continue through the Trossachs National Park, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic Highland scenery. Pass through the twisting valleys, admiring the glens, loch and dense wilderness of the dales that embody the raw beauty of the Highlands. In the afternoon, leave the Highlands and travel east to Scotland’s former capital of Stirling. Head inside its star attraction — Stirling Castle — and discover the places where many Scottish royals were crowned on a walking tour. The entrance fee is at your own expense, but once inside you’ll see some of the most impressive public rooms in Scotland including the lavish James IV’s Hall and the Renaissance Royal Palace. Learn how the castle was central to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce's fight in the Wars of Independence and hosted bloody sieges as well as much political intrigue. On our return to Edinburgh, you will have the chance to visit and marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. It also celebrates the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses and drag people into the water. Fortunately, we don't encounter these spirits on our way to Edinburgh and we return early evening at approximately 5.30pm.
West Highland Way Walk with Loch Lomond Cruise from Tabet
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: West Highland Way, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandWalk 7 mile section of West Highland WayDuration: 4 hoursStop At: Cruise Loch Lomond, Tarbet, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandBoard vessel for cruiseDuration: 1 hourStop At: Arklet Falls, Inversnaid, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandWalk West Highland WayDuration: 1 hourStop At: Ben Lomond, Rowardennan, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandWalk West Highland WayDuration: 1 hour
Loch Lomond Circular Cruise: Capercaillie from Luss
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Luss Pier, Luss, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandBoard our vessel at Luss PierStop At: Inchcailloch, Balmaha, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandExplore the island Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre Ticket
Make your way to the the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Located near the famous Stirling Castle, it is around a 30-minute drive from Glasgow and a 50-minute drive from Edinburgh.Enter the center and discover more about the pivotal Battle of Bannockburn. Taking place in June 1314, this monumental battle saw the Scottish king Robert the Bruce and his men defeat the English forces, despite being greatly outnumbered.Learn about the various medieval weapons and armor that would have been used during the conflict, then hear warriors explain how they prepared for battle.Once you’ve brushed up on medieval warfare and tactics, seize the opportunity to prove your own fighting prowess during an interactive battle game, where you'll attempt to win victory for your units. Alternatively, skip the game and discover how Scotland triumphed during a 360-degree battle show.Having suffered defeat or attained victory, emerge outside onto the real battlefield. Stroll around the historic site and seek out the bronze monument that depicts Robert the Bruce on a horse, clad in full battle regalia. How long you spend in Bannockburn is up to you, but most visitors find two or three hours to be sufficient.3-Day or 7-Day National Trust for Scotland: Sightseeing PassUpgrade to receive a 3- or 7-day sightseeing pass. This pass gives you free entrance to 90 National Trust for Scotland attractions. Use the 3-day pass on any three days over a period of seven consecutive days from first use and use the 7-day pass on any seven days over a period of 14 consecutive days from first use.Create your own flexible sightseeing schedule and receive an informative attraction guidebook along with your pass. Visit medieval monuments such as Culzean Castle and Country Park, Craigievar Castle and Drum Castle, or browse the collections of intriguing museums like Angus Folk Museum or the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.See the Itinerary for a full list of the National Trust for Scotland attractions included with your sightseeing pass.
Loch Lomond Cruise: Northern Highlights
Panoramic views abound en route to the remote eastern shore of the Loch as the vessel sails passed Tarbet Isles. This Isle is known locally as ‘Honeymoon Island’ – hear the origins of that name during your cruise!There is live, informative commentary on all cruises with translations offered, and there are full bar facilities on board with tea, coffee and snacks also available.All vessels are fully Marine Coastguard Agency compliant and have open reversible life-rafts and lifejackets for everyone on board, including infant lifejackets.