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+.

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

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

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.It first opened its doors in 1785, not as a distillery...

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

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 Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

Bannockburn Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton, Stirling FK7 0LJ

Stand shoulder to shoulder with Robert the Bruce on the site of his greatest victory.

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

Doune Castle

Doune Castle Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA

One of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions and star of hit TV series Outlander, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle!

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