Are you in the land of the Loch Ness monster? Don't miss the visit of Stirling Castle
Who controls Stirling controls the country! Built on the banks of the Forth River, just 50 kilometres north of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the city of Stirling was long considered by the English and the Scottish as a strategic point to ensure the control of the northern lands.
From its ancient past, the city, and its forty thousand inhabitants, preserves a rich and exciting heritage. The Château de Stirling is undoubtedly the most emblematic representative. Like Edinburgh Castle, this medieval vestige is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Scotland. A must-see in Scotland!
Ready to relive Scotland’s history? Here is a complete guide to visit the splendid Stirling Castle!
History of Stirling Castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Ulmus Media
The Château de Stirling is emblematic of the history of Scotland and the struggle for its independence from the English royalty. The first traces of the castle would come back to the 12th century, when King Alexander 1 built a chapel there. Under the reign of Alexander 3, Stirling becomes an administrative and strategic centre of first order. Upon his death in 1286, the conflicts of succession to the throne of Scotland and the wars of independence began. In 1296 Édouard 1 invaded Scotland and took ownership of this fortress left to abandon. He then decided to make Stirling, a royal garrison. From the thirteenth to the 14th century, the city of Stirling, and its castle, will not cease to pass English hands to those of the Scots, with victories and defeats, of both.
Finally, the Stuarts end the wars of independence, and ensure Scottish sovereignty. They then begin the beautification of the Château de Stirling, which becomes a real palace during the Renaissance. It is here that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned queen, before her departure for the court of France, and that her son, James, the future sovereign of Scotland and England, was baptized and raised. In 1547, the most beautiful ramparts of Scotland were built in Stirling to defend the city from the attacks of King Henry 8 of England. In 1603, the kingdoms of England and Scotland gathered under one crown and the castle then became a defensive place.
What to see and do at Stirling Castle?
Visiting the Stirling Castle will undoubtedly be one of the great moments of your stay in Scotland.
The large banquet room
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Richard Semik
You will start your visit by the largest banquet room ever built in Scotland. It was here that the tedious receptions of the court were given, and that dancers and other troubadours occurred. Among other things, Prince Henri's baptism, son of James 6, was celebrated in 1594.
The Royal Palace
Photo credit: Flickr, Dun_Deagh
Your visit to the Castle of Stirling continues with the discovery of the sumptuous Royal Palace of James 5, one of the best preserved Renaissance buildings in Scotland. You will admire the rich decors, beautiful furniture and beautiful exhibitions. Let yourself be transported in 1540 by the exciting accounts of the palace guides. A gallery offers to discover the less accessible parts of châtea in an interactive way. Ideal for people with reduced mobility or if you don’t have time to see everything. In particular, you will discover many craftsmanships that have served to build furniture and decor.
It is impossible to visit the Stirling Castle without taking the time to admire, then, the seven sumptuous tapestries, hand woven. Visit also the gallery Stirling Heads , located on the upper floor of the Palace. You will find 16th century oak medallions, one meter in diameter, engraved with the faces of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors, biblical and mythological characters. They are one of the greatest treasures of Scottish art.
The Royal Chapel
Photo credit: Janfrie1988 via Wikipedia
Built in only seven months on the orders of King James 6, it was in this beautiful Chapel that Prince Henri, his heir son, was baptized. You can admire a magnificent fresco, painted in 1628 by Valentine Jenkin. You will also be more on the seven mysterious medieval tombs of the Royal Chapel.
Big kitchens
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Stockcreations
In this amazing part of the Stirling Castle, were prepared the meals of the royal court. Tartes, puddings, salmon, meats, dishes were particularly delicious, and the meals were always tedious.
The gardens of Queen Anne
Photo credit: Graham Hogg on Geograph.co.uk
The vaults of the Palace
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De JacksonCarter
Visit the Stirling Castle is fun for the whole family! Located under the Royal Palace, the vaults offer interactive exhibitions, ideal for children.
Esplanade
Photo credit: Walkerrsk via Pixabay
With free access, it will offer you a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
How do I go to Stirling Castle?
Getting to Scotland
To reach Scotland, take a flight to direction Edinburgh or Glasgow . These two international airports receive, several times a day, aircraft coming from many major European cities. To find your flight at the best price, use the Compare Skyscanner .
Getting to Stirling
By car
Stirling is less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh Airport and less than forty minutes’ drive from Glasgow Airport. If you wish, you can easily rent a car directly to the airport.
By bus
From Edinburgh Airport, buses, such as the Airlink 100 bus or line 35, allow you to reach the city centre, less than fifteen kilometres away. More convenient and faster, the tram will also carry you to the hyper-centre of the city.
Glasgow Airport is located only eleven kilometres from the city centre. A shuttle allows you to reach the city in about thirty-five minutes.
Once in the centre of one of the two cities, several bus companies, including National Express, offer to drive you to Stirling.
By train
Forty-one trains reach the city of Stirling every day from Edinburgh Station in about forty-five minutes.
From Glasgow, you can take one of the sixty-five trains, which travel to Stirling on a daily basis in just thirty minutes.
From the city of Stirling
Once in Stirling, it is very easy to reach its castle on foot. Private shuttles and buses are also at your disposal. Visit the museum website for more information. It should be noted that a friendly little train regularly connects the city centre with the esplanade of the castle.
If you come by car, the Château de Stirling has a parking lot located on its esplanade. However, the number of places being limited, it is advisable to reach the castle by another means. Note that bicycle parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
Schedules and Rates of Stirling Castle
Schedule
April 1st to September 30th (high season): 9:30 am – 6 am October 1st to March 31st (season mass): 9:30 am - 5 am
25 and 26 December: closed 1 January: 11 a.m. - 5 a.m.
The entry is made according to the affluence, and at the latest, forty-five minutes before the closure. If you would like to enter at a specific time, it is strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance on the castle site.
Rates
High season
From 16 years old: 16 pounds (about 17,60 euros) More than 60 years old and unemployed: 12,80 pounds (about 14 euros) Between 5 and 15 years old: 9,60 pounds (about 10,50 euros)
Low season
From 16 years old: 15 free (about 16,60 euros) Over 60 years and unemployed person: 12 pounds (approximately 13.20 euros) Between 5 and 15 years: 9 pounds (about 9,90 euros)
Free for under 5 years.
Good to know.
- The Explorer Pass allows you to visit more than seventy monuments and other attractions in Scotland, including the Stirling Castle.
- Guests with reduced mobility receive free admission.
- Guided tours are offered and especially a fun _Family Tour_every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Ideal for a fun and educational visit.
- Audio-guides are available at the entrance.
- Your ticket also gives you access to the_Argyll’s Lodging_, aristocratic residence of the 17th century, located not far from the castle, on Castle Wynd.
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