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
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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

Exhibitions

Smoke and Steel: The History of Scotland’s Railways

26th April 2025 - 7th September 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

This exhibition at Stirling Castle charts the rise, decline and renewal of Scotland's railways.

Days Out

Go Ape Aberfoyle

The Lodge - Forest Visitor Centre. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle FK8 3SX

Go Ape Aberfoyle offers exhilarating and unrivalled outdoor activities less than an hour's drive north of Glasgow!

Days Out

Wonder World Soft Play Falkirk

Bankside Industrial Estate Castle Laurie, Falkirk FK2 7XF

Welcome to Wonder World - Falkirk's biggest and most exciting children’s indoor adventure centre. Themed on the wonders of the world, this custom built...

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

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

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands , Alloa FK10 1BZ

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands is a quiet gem of a reserve, an area of untouched wet grassland and wetland habitat!

Days Out

Cowanes Hospital

49 St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED

Cowane’s Hospital is a 17th Century Almshouse in the historic city of Stirling and is located in the area known as Top o’ the Town, just below Stirling Castle

Days Out

Briarlands Farm

Briarlands Farm Blairdrummond, Stirling FK9 4UP

Briarlands Farm at Blair Drummond, near Stirling, offers a fun day out for all the family in the fresh air.

Days Out

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum The Castle, Stirling FK8 1EH

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum is located in Stirling Castle, in the city of Stirling, Scotland.

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

Deanston Distillery

Deanston Distillery , Doune FK16 6AG

Our wonderful distillery, on the banks of the River Teith, has always been at the very heart of Deanston.It first opened its doors in 1785, not as a distillery...

Days Out

Argaty Red Kites

Argaty Red Kites Lerrocks, Doune FK16 6EJ

Just north of Stirling, Argaty Red Kites run Central Scotland's only red kite feeding station where visitors can watch these exciting birds and their spectacular flying!

Days Out