Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle
Old Town, Stirling, FK8 1EJ

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Perched high upon a mighty rock, it was here the kings and queens of Scotland held magnificent feasts and celebrations. Royal stronghold, palace of pleasures, regimental garrison – Stirling Castle has played many roles. And on the sweeping plains beneath its ramparts great medieval armies clashed to decide the fate of nations.

Enjoying a Visit

Visit the superb exhibition which brings the castle’s history to life. Explore at your own pace with the audio tour. Virtual tour enables anyone with difficulty moving around to make the most of their visit. Admission includes a guided tour of Argyll’s Lodging.

Access

Courtesy bus for visitors who have difficulty with steep inclines/steps. Apartments in the castle are accessible apart from the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Medieval kitchens and Elphinstone Tower not suitable for visitors using wheelchairs.

Gifts & refreshments

Shops contain a variety of souvenirs, books, whisky, jewellery and tapestry products. Unicorn Café provides a delicious menu of traditional hot and cold food.

Visit…

  • At the head of Stirling’s historic Old Town off the M9, Junction 9 or 10
  • Open all year seven days a week. 21 March - 30 September 9.30am to 6pm. 1 October - 31 March 9.30am to 5pm. Last ticket sold 45 mins before closing. Regimental Museum closes 45 mins before castle
  • Admission: Adult £8.50 Child £4.25 Concessions £6.50
  • Car parking, max 4 hours. Cars £2.00. Coach parking, max 4 hours. Coaches £5.00
  • VisitScotland grading ★★★★★

Find out more about Stirling Castle at historic-scotland.gov.uk

Text supplied by third party.

Event times

There are 3 events at this location

Sorted by title / date & time

After Flodden - Commemoration And Coronation

In the 500th anniversary year of the Battle of Flodden which saw the devastating loss of James IV, visit Stirling Castle to hear reflections on what went wrong for the Scots on that fateful day. Join us on this special anniversary weekend as we commemorate the battle and mark the crowning of James V.

Sat 21 Sep

Included in admission / 01786 450000

Sun 22 Sep

Included in admission / 01786 450000

Iona Leishman: Catastrophe to Crown

Exhibition by former Historic Scotland artist-in-residence exploring the legacy of the Battle of Flodden in 1513 – the result of James IV of Scotland's catastrophically ill-advised attempt to face down Henry VIII.

Mon 9 Sep

Included in admission / 01786 450000

Tue 10 Sep

Included in admission / 01786 450000

Wed 11 Sep

Included in admission / 01786 450000

…and 18 more dates until 29 Sep

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is recognised as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world and tours extensively in Scotland as well as internationally.

Thu 27 Jun

£5–£18 / 01786 473544

Rising star Gergely Madaras conducts the SCO in a performance of Beethoven's 'Eroica', along with pieces by Weiner and Ibert.

Reviews & features

Site Specifics - Stirling Castle

6 Aug 2009

What is it? Apart from the backdrop for Braveheart? It’s Scotland’s grandest stronghold, the crucial strategic point in the Wars of Independence, home of the Scottish kings for half a millennium. And, er, the backdrop for Braveheart. Great. I love…

Take Me Out

2 Apr 2009

From cycling, pirate ships, dolphin watching and woodland walks to face-painting, castles, beaches and alien designs, Anna Millar handpicks some of the finest days out and events this Easter, whether you’re a big or a little kid

Stirling Castle’s ancient heads to be recreated

9 Oct 2007

Historic Scotland has commissioned a craftsman to recreate around 40 ancient wooden heads as part of plans to recreate the royal apartments of Stirling Castle as they were in 1538. John Donaldson will carve another set of Stirling Heads to…

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