Stirling doesn’t at all times get the identical billing as Edinburgh or Glasgow, however from its place in Scottish historical past to its quirky sights and lovely countryside, the variety of issues to do in Stirling with children means it ought to be on each household’s listing.
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This compact metropolis sits proper in the midst of Scotland, and that’s not simply in geography phrases – for hundreds of years, whoever held Stirling roughly held the nation, which is why you’ll discover a fort, a battlefield and a monument to a nationwide hero all inside a number of miles of one another.
We made it the primary cease on our Scottish highway journey, basing ourselves right here for a few days earlier than exploring additional – most issues are in straightforward strolling distance, whether or not you’re wandering by way of the Previous City or trying out locations to eat within the newer streets. So right here’s what to slot in, with my decide of the most effective issues to do in Stirling with children.
Stirling Fort
For those who do just one factor (though you’ll need to do tons extra), it’s a go to to Stirling Fort. Perched excessive on a volcanic crag above town, it’s certainly one of Scotland’s most fascinating castles – and also you’ll discover loads that’s family-friendly as you go.
Relationship again to no less than 1110, it was prolonged by James V for his queen, earlier than turning into the childhood house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and has been the location of numerous sieges, royal christenings, a coronation and many intrigue over the centuries.
Enable no less than three hours to do it justice – you could possibly fortunately spend longer should you’d like to find each nook, from towers to vaults, gardens to kitchens and grand royal flats.
The Royal Palace is the guts of the fort, added by James V for Marie of Guise and drawing a few of its inspiration from the French chateaux of her own residence, in addition to making an announcement about his personal energy.
As you wander by way of the vaults, tackle the free explorer quiz and luxuriate in loads of possibilities to get arms on, studying extra about day by day life with the whole lot from musical devices and lavish style to priceless gadgets traded with the courtroom and a recreation of spot the jester.
There’s additionally a room with a helpful introduction to Scottish historical past, the fort and the Stirling heads – intricate carvings adorning the ceiling which you’ll spot later.
Then you definitely’ll head into the royal flats themselves, restored to their sixteenth century glory, together with a number of costumed characters wandering round, ornate beds, intricate tapestries and a throne on show.
Plus the well-known Stirling Heads themselves, depictions of royalty (together with James V, flanked by his first and second queens), gods, goddesses and legendary heroes and extra – handily with a moveable mirror and information, so that you don’t must crane your neck to see.
From the courtyard, you possibly can peek contained in the chapel royal constructed by James VI then pose on one of many throne-like chairs on the prime desk within the sprawling Nice Corridor with its hovering ceilings as you think about the banquets which as soon as occurred, and ponder simply how you could possibly match 500 individuals in.
Don’t miss the Nice Kitchens both, the place you possibly can see how a royal feast for a whole lot would have been ready, proper right down to the faux boar’s head and barrels of ale.
You’ll discover varied different exhibitions, from a timeline wanting on the archaeology and historical past of the location, in addition to the whole lot from shows on the navy to embroidery, plus some beautiful gardens to wander.
And the ramparts give some fabulous views too – on a transparent day you possibly can select the Wallace Monument, the Ochil Hills and the silvery loops of the River Forth beneath, with a number of possibilities to gaze out each from the fort partitions and from the courtyard.
There are guided excursions which you’ll be able to be part of, however it’s extra enjoyable for households to go at their very own tempo. You too can order an audio information to your cellphone, however whereas I managed to obtain it on WiFi on the entrance, I then promptly misplaced all knowledge and frustratingly then solely managed to get it to load a few occasions – loads of data once I did, however I’d counsel you possibly can stay with out it.
Entry is free to Historic Scotland members, with reductions for English Heritage/CADW members, whereas youngsters below 7 go free. There’s additionally a reduction should you arrive utilizing public transport – we had practice tickets from our journey up, though no-one really requested to see them.
Battle of Bannockburn Expertise
Relating to historic occasions, the fort is simply the beginning of what you’ll discover in Stirling. A few miles south of the fort brings you to Bannockburn, the location of probably the most vital battles in Scottish historical past.
In 1314, Robert the Bruce’s military defeated a a lot bigger English pressure right here, a victory that helped safe Scottish independence and which nonetheless will get a point out in Flower of Scotland, the nation’s unofficial nationwide anthem.
The Battle of Bannockburn Expertise is run by the Nationwide Belief for Scotland, and it’s a correct interactive historical past lesson slightly than a room full of data boards.
Entry to the customer centre, café and reward store is free, however the principle attraction – the immersive battle expertise itself – is a separate, timed-entry ticket, and it’s price reserving forward because the hour-long slots can promote out, particularly within the faculty holidays.
Inside, you’re taken by way of the story of the battle through a sequence of displays and a few dramatic storytelling out of your information, earlier than heading into the Battle Room, the place a digitally recreated model of the combating performs out round you on an enormous round display and profiles of among the members put a number of faces to the details.
There’s additionally the prospect to heft among the weapons and armour used (chained down, in case anybody will get too captivated with re-enactments), together with the large spears utilized by the Scottish military, measuring round 12-16ft. They’re really much less heavy to raise than you would possibly count on… though I used to be solely doing it for lower than a minute, slightly than for hours whereas being charged by armoured cavalry.
It’s a good way to convey the occasion to life for teenagers, though it’s finest for age 7+ as there may be quite a lot of data to soak up, and a few of it’s – unsurprisingly – fairly gory.
Afterwards, head outdoors into the memorial park, the place you possibly can stroll the location the place the Bruce is claimed to have raised his royal commonplace earlier than the battle, and there’s a putting bronze statue of the person himself on a horse to admire.
The expertise is free for Nationwide Belief for Scotland and Nationwide Belief members, with household tickets additionally accessible. Buses run from Stirling metropolis centre, or a taxi prices round £10 (we used the Stirling taxis app, which ended up costing a not rather more than bus fares for a household)
There are main upgrades deliberate for the centre, which is because of shut in October 2026, reopening in 2028, though the grounds will stay open.
The Nationwide Wallace Monument
You’ll have already noticed it looming over town from nearly in all places else on this listing – the Nationwide Wallace Monument sits excessive on Abbey Craig, a rocky hill simply outdoors Stirling, and honours Sir William Wallace, aka Braveheart.
Neglect the Hollywood historical past and Mel Gibson daubed with woad: the actual Scottish knight led Scotland’s resistance towards English rule on the finish of the thirteenth century and received a well-known victory close by on the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
That is one for households who don’t thoughts a climb, in additional methods than one. From the automotive park, there’s a delicate 15 to twenty minute woodland stroll up by way of Abbey Craig to achieve the tower, with a woodcarving path alongside the best way that’s designed to move you from the Ice Age to the constructing of the Monument – giving all ages loads of excuses to pause.
There’s additionally a shuttle bus for anybody who’d slightly save their vitality for the principle occasion – climbing as much as the galleries and viewing platform of the Monument itself.
You’ll climb 246 steps up a slim spiral staircase to the highest of the tower, passing by way of the Corridor of Arms, the Corridor of Heroes – lined with busts of notable Scots – and the Royal Chamber alongside the best way, every one providing you with a breather and a bit extra of the story.
The reward on the prime, generally known as The Crown, is a spectacular 360-degree view throughout the Forth Valley, the Highlands to the north and the battlefields of Stirling’s previous unfold out beneath – on a transparent day it’s among the finest panoramas on this a part of Scotland, and effectively well worth the sore legs.
It’s undoubtedly not a route for buggies although – should you’re visiting with infants and toddlers, convey a provider (or be ready to do some carrying because it’s exhausting work for little legs). There’s free parking, whereas buses run from Stirling metropolis centre, or taxis price round £10.
Stirling Previous City Jail
Subsequent, go on to jail! For one thing just a little totally different – and lots much less climbing than the Wallace Monument – the Previous City Jail is certainly one of Stirling’s most uncommon sights, only a brief stroll from the fort and the Church of the Holy Impolite.
Constructed on the rules of reform, it was designed to exchange the previous jail, which had been named the worst within the nation… twice.
The guided excursions lead you thru the Victorian jail, along with your information enjoying an entire sequence of characters from warder to prisoners and the hangman, bringing the constructing’s typically grim historical past to life.
With a concentrate on rehabilitation and reform, and a transfer away from the overcrowded, unsanitary and violent lock-ups of the previous, there’s loads to get teenagers enthusiastic about crime and punishment too – and with a few youthful guests on our tour, our information was nice at reassuring them so that they discovered it entertaining slightly than horrifying.
Alongside the best way, you possibly can go into among the outdated cells, the place there are extra shows on among the individuals who handed by way of the doorways, Victorian justice and day by day life.
Then take the raise as much as the roof, getting a glimpse of among the different flooring of cells alongside the best way, for some extra unbelievable views – one of many momentary exhibitions gave me likelihood to lock my husband within the pillory too.
For those who don’t be part of the guided tour of Stirling’s Previous City Jail, there are additionally a number of rooms of shows to go searching, plus among the enjoyable interactive actions – have your mugshot taken or make the entrance pages, for instance – however you’ll actually be lacking out as quite a lot of the highlights are solely accessible with the tour.
There are additionally two escape rooms in order for you the total expertise of being locked up and attempting to interrupt free!
Stirling Smith Artwork Gallery & Museum
For those who fancy a free, low-key cease between the larger sights, the Stirling Smith Artwork Gallery & Museum is effectively price a detour.
It’s town’s native museum, filled with quirky finds – together with what’s claimed to be the world’s oldest soccer, found within the rafters of the Royal Palace at Stirling Fort – alongside altering exhibitions and shows on town’s historical past.
Simply outdoors, Ailie’s Backyard is a small however engaging out of doors area, designed to indicate off totally different habitats however with some enjoyable additions for youthful youngsters amidst the biodiversity – look out for the enormous xylophone, in addition to some hands-on actions.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, there’s free entry to all ages in any other case, so it’s additionally a useful possibility on a wet day in Stirling with children.
Previous Stirling Bridge
To not be confused with the present highway bridge into city, the Previous Stirling Bridge is the atmospheric stone crossing close to the location of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, and it’s a stunning, straightforward stroll alongside the River Forth.
You’ll be able to keep it up to Cambuskenneth Abbey, a twelfth century creation that’s the resting place of King James III and his spouse Queen Margaret, identified for its putting standalone bell tower – the stroll takes round half-hour relying how briskly everybody desires to amble.
King’s Park
For an additional out of doors possibility, King’s Park is Scotland’s oldest park, an enormous inexperienced area with loads of open floor to burn off some vitality.
As soon as a royal searching floor, the location beneath Stirling Fort has a play space, skate park and boating pond, in addition to a lot of area to kick a soccer round or calm down with a picnic.
From autumn 2026, three waymarked trails are additionally deliberate to run by way of the park, tracing its historical past from medieval to trendy.
Day journeys from Stirling with children
Blair Drummond Safari and Journey Park
A brief drive from Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari Park is ideal should you fancy buying and selling castles for creatures for a day – and it’s straightforward to spend a full day right here.
Dwelling to over 350 unique animals from internationally, you possibly can journey by way of the park’s animal reserve in your automotive to see most of the common safari park favourites, together with lions, elephants, rhinos, antelope, and camels.
Nevertheless it’s the foot safari that’s the actual spotlight of Blair Drummond. Right here you’ll discover many desirable and strange animals, together with bison, wallabies, llamas, alpacas, free-roaming lemurs, and cheeky chimps – who even have their very own personal chimp island.
Plus, don’t miss the cute shaggy-coated Highland Cattle and the pleasant Highland Ponies, each of that are native to the Scottish Highlands.
The Pet Farm lets children rise up shut and private with the likes of pygmy goats, sheep, and deer, whereas the Sea Lion shows and Hen of Prey reveals are certain to maintain the entire household entertained.
Past the wildlife, the family-friendly safari park additionally has free pedal boats on the central lake, an journey play space with a large play fort and pirate ship, amusement arcades, and a mini-funfair with dodgems and teacups.
In case your children desire smaller animals – or can’t get sufficient of animal sights – Briarlands Farm Park isn’t removed from Blair Drummond Safari Park, with play areas in addition to the livestock
Go to Falkirk
Stirling makes an important base to discover the world close by, and it’s solely round a half-hour drive to Falkirk for 2 of the city’s uncommon sights.
The Kelpies and Helix Park are perect for getting outside, with a sequence of strolling trails by way of the wetlands and woodland, play areas and an opportunity to see the Kelpies themselves, two 30m-tall metallic sculptures of horses’ heads.
However my very own spotlight was the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s solely rotating boat raise. Connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal, the raise changed the flight of 11 locks, which took a day or extra to traverse – now boats are lifted 24 metres in round 5 minutes.
In addition to watching this engineering marvel in motion, and discovering the way it makes use of rules courting again over 2,000 years, you possibly can take a ship journey your self and journey from the decrease degree to the higher canal, passing by way of a tunnel which runs below the traditional Roman Antonine Wall and having fun with some astonishing views together with the tour’s guided commentary.
If you wish to use Stirling as your base to discover extra of Scotland, you’re lower than an hour from Edinburgh and as little as half-hour from Glasgow by practice, whereas it’s below an hour to get to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Getting round Stirling with children
Stirling’s metropolis centre is small and really walkable, however do be ready for hills – the Previous City, fort and jail all sit up on the crag, so there’s a good bit of climbing concerned whichever route you are taking.
A buggy works fantastic across the city itself, however you’ll need a provider for the fort inside and undoubtedly for the Wallace Monument’s spiral stairs.
Many of the largest sights – the fort, Bannockburn and the Wallace Monument – are a brief drive aside, so a automotive is useful should you’re planning to slot in a couple of a day, although native buses and taxis cowl the identical floor should you’d slightly not cope with parking (which is restricted and may be expensive proper by the fort).
There are common trains to Stirling from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk, with the station only a brief stroll from the city centre
For those who’re coming from Edinburgh or Glasgow, Stirling is a simple day journey by practice, with the station a degree, flat stroll from the city centre – simply save your legs for the climb as much as the fort when you arrive, round 15-20 minutes away up the hill.
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Nationwide Wallace Monument/Stirling Previous Bridge/Blair Drummond photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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