Stirling Castle

Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – an icon integral to how we understand the nation’s story.

About Stirling Castle

	Stirling Castle Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ
	01786450000
	Stirling Castle Website
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	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Museums

The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times.

Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace’s lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.

We have recreated the palace interiors as they may have looked when the Scottish king’s grand scheme was complete. Costumed characters mingle with visitors, bringing the royal Stewart Court to life.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Stirling Castle are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Stirling Castle

Shopping

Christmas Shopping Fayre

2nd December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is delighted to be bringing back their fantastically festive and incredibly popular Christmas Shopping Fayre on Tuesday 2nd December!

Music

NYCOS Christmas Concert

9th December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Get festive at Stirling Castle with the Youth Choir of Scotland for an evening of Christmas Carols in our Great Hall.

Theatre

A Christmas Carol

19th December 2025 - 22nd December 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

At this most magical time of the year be swept back in time nearly two centuries to the world of Scrooge’s London in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight at Stirling Castle!

Days Out

Burns an’ a’ that

25th January 2026

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Join us at Stirling Castle to celebrate burns an' a' that and why not have a go at addressing the haggis!

Days Out

The Great Trossachs Forest

The Great Trossachs Forest , Callander

Equal in size to Glasgow, The Great Trossachs Forest is one of the most significant woodland regeneration projects to take place in the UK for a generation.

Days Out

The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre

The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre Duke's Pass, Aberfoyle FK8 3SX

With trails suitable for all, tree top adventures, a great café, toilets and plenty of information, this should be your first stop when it comes to exploring...

Days Out

The Engine Shed

Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 2BY

We’re Scotland’s building conservation centre, a place to explore your built heritage!

Days Out

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands , Alloa FK10 1BZ

RSPB Black Devon Wetlands is a quiet gem of a reserve, an area of untouched wet grassland and wetland habitat!

Days Out

Arnprior Farm

Arnprior Farm Arnprior, Nr Kippen FK8 3HA

Established in 1936, Arnprior is an 800-acre authentic working farm in the heart of Scotland's countryside, in Stirlingshire, famous for creating unique interactive family farming days.

Days Out

Wonder World Soft Play Falkirk

Bankside Industrial Estate Castle Laurie, Falkirk FK2 7XF

Welcome to Wonder World - Falkirk's biggest and most exciting children’s indoor adventure centre. Themed on the wonders of the world, this custom built...

Days Out

Briarlands Farm

Briarlands Farm Blairdrummond, Stirling FK9 4UP

Briarlands Farm at Blair Drummond, near Stirling, offers a fun day out for all the family in the fresh air.

Days Out

Deanston Distillery

Deanston Distillery , Doune FK16 6AG

Our wonderful distillery, on the banks of the River Teith, has always been at the very heart of Deanston.

Days Out

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel Lime Road, Falkirk FK1 4RS

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first and only rotating boat lift, as much an icon for Scotland as it is an engineering masterpiece!

Days Out

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQ

The Stirling Smith is the home of a significant collection of rare and unique artefacts, spanning centuries of Scottish, British and World history.

Days Out

Argaty Red Kites

Argaty Red Kites Lerrocks, Doune FK16 6EJ

Just north of Stirling, Argaty Red Kites run Central Scotland's only red kite feeding station where visitors can watch these exciting birds and their spectacular flying!

Days Out