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.

Music

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

26th June 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Join the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of classical music in the historic grandeur of Stirling Castle’s Great Hall.

Theatre

Romeo & Juliet

3rd July 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Chapterhouse Theatre Company return to Stirling Castle with this outdoor performance of Romeo & Juliet on Thursday 3rd July!

Days Out

Arnprior Farm

Arnprior Farm Arnprior, Nr Kippen FK8 3HA

Established in 1936, Arnprior is an 800-acre authentic working farm in the heart of Scotland's countryside, in Stirlingshire, famous for creating unique interactive family farming days.

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

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

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

The National Wallace Monument

Abbey Craig Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead FK9 5LF

The Wallace Monument stands tall and proud outside the city of Stirling, overlooking the scene of Scotland’s victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

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

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

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

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

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