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A mini guide to
Stirling and Bannockburn: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk up to the castle
Historic Environment Scotland says the castle car park is closed to all vehicles except coaches and visitors who need accessible parking, so plan to walk up through the Old Town or use a town car park.
Book the Wallace Monument
The monument asks visitors to book a timed entry slot online. Wikipedia notes 246 steps to the top platform and that the tower is not accessible to disabled visitors.
Bannockburn is outside the centre
Visit Glasgow puts the Bannockburn Visitor Centre about 2 miles from Stirling station and advises booking before you visit.
Doune Castle
Historic Environment Scotland's Doune Castle featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander. Book a timed ticket on its site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Stirling and Bannockburn?
Stirling and Bannockburn is in Stirling and the Trossachs, Scotland. The castle on its crag, the Old Town below it, the Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn battlefield. Nearby stops and stations include Stirling, Stirling bus station.
How long do I need in Stirling and Bannockburn?
A full day for the castle and Old Town; add half a day each for the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Stirling Castle, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Statue of Robert the Bruce. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Stirling (ScotRail and Lumo trains); Stirling bus station (Coaches and local buses). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 22 places to eat and drink in and around Stirling and Bannockburn, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 9 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Stirling and Bannockburn accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Stirling and Bannockburn
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Stirling Castle
Royal castle on a volcanic crag; the Royal Palace was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
Regimental museum inside Stirling Castle, included in castle admission, telling the story of the 91st and 93rd Highlanders.
Statue of Robert the Bruce
Statue of 1876 on the castle esplanade by Andrew Currie, facing south towards Bannockburn.
Stirling and the Trossachs
More areas to explore
Photo credits
- Doune Castle: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Stirling Castle: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum: Janfrie1988, Public domain, source
- Statue of Robert the Bruce: Eusebius, CC BY 3.0, source
- Callander and the Trossachs: David Monniaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Stirling and the Trossachs