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

Family and Kids

The Mythical Mystery Hunt

11th October 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

This autumn, follow Historic Environment Scotland's family trails to discover some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore.

Tour

Lantern Tours: Mystery and Malice

Selected dates between 24th October 2025 - 31st October 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Step into Stirling Castle's dark side and join us on a Halloween themed tour! Suitable for ages 12+.

Family and Kids

Stirling C-aaahstle: Halloween Shenanigans

25th October 2025 - 26th October 2025

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Have some Halloween fun at Stirling Castle with an eerie story or join in with some creepy crafts!

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!

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

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park By Stirling, Stirling FK9 4UR

Located on a perfectly flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting family visitor attraction and the perfect place for a family day out.

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

Argylls Lodging

NA Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EG

Argyll's Lodging is Scotland's most splendid and complete example of a 17th century townhouse, fit to receive, and impress, royal guests!

Days Out

Forth Valley Food and Drink Festival

, Stirling

After a two-year break, the event will return on Saturday 24 August bringing together the local community and visitors to enjoy a big birthday bash.

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

The Helix

4 Stadium Way, Falkirk FK2 9EE

The Helix is an innovative, contemporary people's park in Falkirk and home to the Kelpies - 30 metre high horse heads.

Days Out

The Alpaca Trekking Centre

Moss Field Farm Thornhill, Stirling FK8 3QQ

We are a family run Alpaca Farm and Trekking Centre based in Thornhill, next to the Flanders Moss Nature Reserve.

Days Out

Duncarron Medieval Village

Clanranald Trust for Scotland Carron Valley, Denny FK6 5JL

Duncarron Medieval Village is a reconstructed, fortified village based on 11th-century motte and bailey design, with visitor centre.

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

Green Aspirations Scotland CIC

Gartur Dykehead, Port of Menteith FK8 3JY

Green Aspirations Scotland are a social enterprise aiming to provide benefit to the community rather than to make a profit.

Days Out

Cowanes Hospital

49 St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED

Cowane’s Hospital is a 17th Century Almshouse in the historic city of Stirling and is located in the area known as Top o’ the Town, just below Stirling Castle

Days Out