Stirling Castle

Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – an icon integral to how we understand the nation’s story.

About Stirling Castle

	Stirling Castle Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ
	01786450000
	Stirling Castle Website
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Museums

The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times.

Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace’s lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.

We have recreated the palace interiors as they may have looked when the Scottish king’s grand scheme was complete. Costumed characters mingle with visitors, bringing the royal Stewart Court to life.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Stirling Castle are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Stirling Castle

Shopping

Christmas Shopping Fayre

2nd December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is delighted to be bringing back their fantastically festive and incredibly popular Christmas Shopping Fayre on Tuesday 2nd December!

Music

NYCOS Christmas Concert

9th December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Get festive at Stirling Castle with the Youth Choir of Scotland for an evening of Christmas Carols in our Great Hall.

Theatre

A Christmas Carol

19th December 2025 - 22nd December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

At this most magical time of the year be swept back in time nearly two centuries to the world of Scrooge’s London in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight at Stirling Castle!

Days Out

Burns an’ a’ that

25th January 2026

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Join us at Stirling Castle to celebrate burns an' a' that and why not have a go at addressing the haggis!

Days Out

Celebrating International Womens Day

8th March 2026

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Come along to Stirling Castle this international women's day to meet some of Scotland's most influential, powerful women as they wander around the Castle.

Days Out

The Engine Shed

Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 2BY

We’re Scotland’s building conservation centre, a place to explore your built heritage!

Days Out

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQ

The Stirling Smith is the home of a significant collection of rare and unique artefacts, spanning centuries of Scottish, British and World history.

Days Out

The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

Bannockburn Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton, Stirling FK7 0LJ

Stand shoulder to shoulder with Robert the Bruce on the site of his greatest victory.

Days Out

The Alpaca Trekking Centre

Moss Field Farm Thornhill, Stirling FK8 3QQ

We are a family run Alpaca Farm and Trekking Centre based in Thornhill, next to the Flanders Moss Nature Reserve.

Days Out

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park By Stirling, Stirling FK9 4UR

Located on a perfectly flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting family visitor attraction and the perfect place for a family day out.

Days Out

Doune Castle

Doune Castle Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA

One of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions and star of hit TV series Outlander, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle!

Days Out

Forth Valley Food and Drink Festival

, Stirling

After a two-year break, the event will return on Saturday 24 August bringing together the local community and visitors to enjoy a big birthday bash.

Days Out

Green Aspirations Scotland CIC

Gartur Dykehead, Port of Menteith FK8 3JY

Green Aspirations Scotland are a social enterprise aiming to provide benefit to the community rather than to make a profit.

Days Out

Argylls Lodging

NA Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EG

Argyll's Lodging is Scotland's most splendid and complete example of a 17th century townhouse, fit to receive, and impress, royal guests!

Days Out

The Great Trossachs Forest

The Great Trossachs Forest , Callander

Equal in size to Glasgow, The Great Trossachs Forest is one of the most significant woodland regeneration projects to take place in the UK for a generation.

Days Out