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Stirling Castle
HeritageModerateHistoric Environment Scotland does not publish a visit length; last entry is one hour before closing.

Stirling Castle

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About

The reason the city is here. The castle sits on a crag of quartz-dolerite at the top of the Old Town, and Historic Environment Scotland runs it. Inside are the Great Hall that James IV built around 1500, restored in 1999, and the Royal Palace that James V began in the 1530s, which HES calls the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. You will also find the Chapel Royal, built for Prince Henry's baptism in 1594, and the museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, whose regiment still has its headquarters here. The army used the castle as a barracks from 1800 until 1965. Buy tickets online: HES charges less online than at the gate and takes a further 25 per cent off if you book online and arrive without a car.

Photos

Highlights

  • ✓The Great Hall of James IV, restored in 1999
  • ✓The Royal Palace of James V
  • ✓The Chapel Royal of 1594
  • ✓The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
  • ✓Views from the walls over the King's Knot and the Forth

Tips

  • →Opening hours: daily 9:30 to 18:00 from 1 April to 30 September and 9:30 to 17:00 from 1 October to 31 March. Last entry is an hour before closing, and the castle is closed on 25 and 26 December, per Historic Environment Scotland.
  • →The castle car park is closed to all vehicles except coaches and visitors who need accessible parking. Walk up from the station, about half a mile uphill by HES's figure, or use Castleview park and ride.
  • →Visitors' dogs are not allowed; assistance dogs are.
  • →The route is cobbled and sloping. HES lends four manual wheelchairs and runs a mobility vehicle to the Inner Close on request.
  • →The Regimental Museum closes 45 minutes before the castle.

Best Season

SpringSummerAutumnWinter

More Heritage Activities

Church of the Holy Rude
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Church of the Holy Rude

Medieval parish church below the castle where James VI was crowned in 1567. Visitor season March to November.

Guided tours last about 30 to 40 minutes, per the church.Easy

Activity

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Bannockburn battlefield and monuments

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The Trust does not publish a visit length for the grounds.Easy
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John Cowane's 17th-century almshouse beside the Holy Rude, with a coffee shop open daily.

The trust does not publish a visit length.Easy