The Medieval Stirling Castle, which is perhaps the finest in Scotland, sits on a rocky outcrop, looking down upon some of the most famous battlefields in Scotland’s history. These include Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace defeated the English in 1297 during the War of Independence, and Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce was triumphant over King Edward II’s troops in 1314. Historians are unclear as to the castle’s exact date of construction, although it is believed to have been built between 1370 and 1750. Stirling also has famous associations with Mary Queen of Scots, who lived here during her childhood and was crowned in the Chapel Royal in 1543. There are many other attractions in or near Stirling, which include Argyll’s Lodging, the Wallace Monument, the Smith Art Gallery & Museum, Alloa Tower and Bannockburn.
Air: Glasgow International Airport. Rail: Stirling Station. Road: Car: M9 (from Edinburgh); A80 and M9 (from Glasgow).

Stirling Castle, Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, UK
Tel: (01786) 450 000
Website: www.historic-scotland.net

United Kingdom