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Also known as "The Gateway To The Highlands", Stirling used to be the only connection to the Highlands and has therefore a significant position in history. Major battles for Scottish
independence took place in and around Stirling. Stirling Castle is one of the great royal residences of Scottish history.
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By car
Stirling is located on the main A9/M9 route from the central belt of Scotland to the Highlands, and is located approximately 28 miles (45km) from [wiki=d586293d554981ed611ab7b01316d2d5]Glasgow[/wiki] via the M80 motorway, 35 miles (56km) from [wiki=03cf54d8ce19777b12732b8c50b3b66f]Edinburgh[/wiki] directly via the M9. Driving time is approximately 30 minutes if there are no traffic problems.
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By plane
The nearest, and most convenient airport for Stirling by far is Edinburgh Airport [url=http://www.edinburghairport.com/]](see the main [[Edinburgh[/url]] article for full details). It is located 29 miles (47km) from Stirling, and is easily reachable via the M9 motorway.
* Glasgow Airport [url=http://www.glasgowairport.com/]]has more transatlantic and long haul flights than Edinburgh, although harder to get to from Stirling due to the unpredictable nature of cross-Glasgow road journeys since it is on the "wrong" side of Glasgow, although things have now improved markedly following the completion of the M80 and M74 motorways in 2011.
* Prestwick Airport [http://www.gpia.co.uk/[/url] is approximately 60 miles (97km) from Stirling. Again, inconvenient to get to by road as it involves going across Glasgow, but half price (or free, depending on origin) rail travel is available if you show your flight paperwork when buying your rail ticket at the airport. Involves changing trains in the centre of Glasgow (i.e. from Central to Queen Street stations), but well worth the effort in terms of the cost saving.
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By train
Wikitravel has a guide to [wiki=47aae13255934a59c545b41559108f2b]Rail travel in the United Kingdom[/wiki].
Stirling station is operated by [url=http://www.scotrail.co.uk]ScotRail[/url], and the station is staffed throughout its opening hours. It is located on the Highland Main Line from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness.
The local service pattern is as follows (all these services are run by ScotRail)
* From Glasgow - approximately on 20min to 30min intervals from Queen Street (High Level) station, all trains to Alloa, Dunblane, Inverness and Aberdeen call at Stirling.
* From Edinburgh- approximately half hourly from Waverley/Haymarket stations, all trains to Dunblane and Inverness call at Stirling
* From Inverness/Aberdeen/Dundee/Perth - hourly, note that in general, only trains to Glasgow Queen Street call at Stirling - most Edinburgh trains go via Fife and the Forth Bridge.
Stirling has two direct rail services from London per day, otherwise a change in either Glasgow or Edinburgh is required if you are travelling from south of the border.
* [url=https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/]Virgin East Coast[/url]; the once daily Highland Chieftain service from London King's Cross to Inverness calls at Stirling via [wiki=d6f148df6bf665a69e08bdda1e141906]York[/wiki], [wiki=cf73ea45f3f54527c64d6b57eb9b2bb7]Newcastle[/wiki] and Edinburgh. Approximate journey time 5hrs 30min. Fares start at around £14 for a one way "Advance", rising to approximately £115 for an off-peak return.
* [url=http://www.sleeper.scot]Caledonian Sleeper[/url]; the overnight Highland sleeper train service from London Euston to Inverness calls at Stirling, leaving at 8pm the preceding evening. Note that this arrives in Stirling at around 5:30am (before any other public transport is running); it may therefore be more convenient to use the Lowland sleeper train to either Glasgow/Edinburgh, and change to one of the local services (above). Prices £130 return; one way "Bargain Berths" are available online only from £19, depending on how early you book.
Note that Stirling station is equipped with automatic ticket barriers, you need to remember to retain your ticket before leaving the train.
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By bus
There are regular coach services to Stirling from all over Scotland run mainly by Scottish Citylink [url=http://www.citylink.co.uk/],]with regular departures (usually half-hourly) from Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station) and Edinburgh (St Andrew's Bus Station) calling en-route to either Inverness or Aberdeen. There are also numerous connections from destinations in the Highlands and the North. Fares from Glasgow/Edinburgh are around £4 one way.
The budget operator Megabus [http://uk.megabus.com[/url] calls at Stirling on its London-Aberdeen route (which confusingly is 'merged' with certain Citylink services from Glasgow), fares start at £1 plus a 50p booking fee, depending on how early you book.
Due to the unpredictability of journeys in the Glasgow/Edinburgh area during rush hour, it is advisable not to rely on coaches being on time - particularly if you intend to connect with other means of transportation. Leave plenty of slack in your itinerary as a precaution, or use the train instead.
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There are several buses leaving to towns close by, but for [wiki=ef0a05827340eaa55e0605da9048ffbe]Dunblane[/wiki] the train is a better bet. In summer there is a sightseeing bus which is a cheap way to get to the sights, as you can "hop on and off" at any time.
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Stirling Castle [url=http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk],]at the head of Stirling's Old Town, open daily (closed Christmas and Boxing Days), 1 April-30 September 9.30AM-6PM, 1 October - 31 March 9.30AM-5PM, last admission 45 mins before closing, admission adults £14.00, child £6.50, concession £11.00, entrance and parking free for Friends of Historic Scotland - one of the best preserved castles in Scotland, it features the Great Hall, the Palace and the Royal Chapel. In summertime, the castle is crowded with tourists and therefore lacks the medieval flair. Parking is available in front of the castle.
*Wallace Monument [url=http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/[/url],]Abbey Craig (1 mile North East of Stirling in Bridge of Allan), tel 01786 472140 - rising on a hill above Stirling, this monument honors William Wallace who led the Scottish to victory over the English. Inside you can find various displays about the Battle of Stirling Bridge and about important Scottish persons. You have a great view over Stirling and its surroundings from the top. Opened all year until at least 4PM. £9.50/5.90/7.60 (Adult/Child/Senior,Student), Friends of Historic Scotland qualify for a 10% discount.
*Cambuskenneth Abbey [url=http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail.htm?propertyID=PL_052[/url]]- ruin of an abbey with only the bell tower remaining. You can see the grave of Margaret of Denmark and James III on this site. The site can be entered at all times.
*Stirling Old Bridge [url=http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail.htm?propertyID=PL_279[/url]]- the site of one of the major battles where Scotland (under the lead of William Wallace) defeated the English in the struggle for Scottish independence. Although this is not the original bridge, which was made of wood, it gives a good impression of where the battle may have been.
*Church of the Holy Rude, at the head of St John Street. Beautiful church with impressive stained glass. No admission fee, but donations welcome.
*Bannockburn [url=http://www.nts.org.uk/web/site/home/visit/places/Property.asp?PropID=10061&NavPage=10061&NavId=5113[/url],]Glasgow Road, Stirling, 01786 812664 - Opening in March 2014, a new visitor centre will be a world-class visitor attraction marking the 700th anniversary of the battle. The battlefield is the site of another major victory for the Scots over the English in 1314. The Bannockburn Heritage Centre gives you detailed information about the battle on well designed displays. A path leads to a statue of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, who led the Scottish forces. From the statue you have a great overview of the landscape.
*Argyll's Lodging [url=http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail.htm?propertyID=PL_276[/url],]Castle Wynd (on the right as you approach the castle) - the well preserved 17th century town house, erected by the 1st Earl of Stirling, is a fine example of renaissance architecture. Admission fee included in the Stirling Castle ticket.
*Stirling Old Town Jail [url=http://www.oldtownjail.com/[/url],]St John Street (next to Stirling Youth Hostel and opposite of the Tolbooth). Open all year, Apr-Sep 9.30AM - 6PM, Oct & Mar 9.30AM - 5PM, Nov - Feb 10.30AM - 4.30PM. £5.95/3.80/4.50 (Adult/ Child/Student) - This building used to be the jail during Victorian times. A guide will show you through the building taking on different roles.
*Smith Art Gallery and Museum [http://www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk/[/url] Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2RQ Tuesday-Saturday 10.30AM - 5PM, Sunday 2 - 5PM Admission Free. Small art gallery, local museum and popular cafe - Stirling Store Exhibition gives a good intro to the history of the area and local industry, would fill a couple of hours on a wet day. Home of the world's oldest football and oldest curling stone. Both date from the 16th century.
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Hillwalking -- behind the university (near Bridge of Allan) is a path up to a hill called Dumyat with a summit cross.
*A fun-filled family day out in the fresh air at Briarlands Farm. There's a fabulous tearoom that serves home baking and local produced foods. Also an indoor craft area with sand art and decopatch! Visit their website - [url=http://www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk/],]located on the A84 4 miles west of Stirling, right next to the Safari Park [http://www.blairdrummond.com[/url].
*Safari Park [url=http://www.blairdrummond.com/]] Scotland's only genuine African Safari Park can be found just a couple of miles to the west of Stirling on the A84 at Blairdrummond [url=http://www.blairdrummond.info[/url]Blair]Drummond, FK9 4UR (Tel: 01786 841 456) next to the Maize Maze. You are able to go on safari through the game reserve, on the boat to chimp island, and stop off at the sea lion show or even have a free bar-b-que (you supply the food) next to the enormous children's play area. The park is open daily 10:00AM - 5:30PM. Last admission 4:30. The park is closed in winter, reopening in March.
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Thistle Centre [url=http://www.europamusic.co.uk/],]Large city centre shopping complex featuring the usual range of British high street stores. Open late Thursday nights.
*Europa Music [http://www.europamusic.co.uk/[/url], An excellent Independent music store specialising in everything they can.
Port Street is dominated by the usual range of high-street shops and banks. Stirling has a limited range of independent shops which tend to be located on side streets or north of the train station.
*Supermarkets Include Tesco, located 5 minutes from the train station, which has a good, if limited, range and is cramped inside, Sainsbury's 5 minutes further from Tesco which has a marginally better selection and higher quality products and Morrison's which is 20 minutes walk from the city centre. There is also a new Waitrose store in the heart of the city which carries a much more upmarket range of goods and has a handy car park with a 2 hour limit.
All these supermarkets remain open until at least 9PM Monday-Saturday. Sainsbury's is open until 10pm 7 days a week.
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The Pearl of Hong Kong Menu and prices [url=http://www.pearlofhongkong.co.uk/],]162 Arbroath Road, tel 01382 455883, mailto:caffreys79@hotmail.com - a Chinese takeaway Home Delivery 6 Days (closed Tuesday) Order Online to save[url=http://www.takeawaysrus.co.uk/locations/dundee/takeaways/pearlofhongkong/catalog/index.php[/url],(2]meals 2 starters £11.50).
*Jimmy Chung's Menu and prices [url=http://www.jimmychungs.com/[/url],]14 Friars Street, tel 01786 469911, mailto:jcstirling04@hotmail.com - a Chinese restaurant which offers buffets at variable prices (e.g. all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet) 7 days a week.
*Hot & Spicy, Baker Street - tasty food to go.
*Wilawan, Baker Street - a Thai restaurant.
*Lee's, Bridge of Allan - an inexpensive Chinese takeaway, but surprisingly good.
*Port Street Grocer's, Port Street - superb gourmet sandwich lunch menu and amazing cakes.
*Greggs various locations, including opposite of Post Office and one if you follow the pedestrian area to the west. They sell great valued sandwiches and bakery.
*Mary's Kitchen Fresh Strawberry Tarts at Briarlands Farm [http://www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk/[/url] Also home made cakes, soups and wonderful sandwiches. 4 miles out of town in Blairdrummond.
*The River House 5 minutes by car from the town centre next to junction 10 of the M9 and the Castle View Park and Ride (use the bus!). Great atmosphere on a replica crannog (a Scottish medieval defensive house built out on a loch), good food and lovely views. www.riverhouse-restaurant.co.uk/. Try the special 2 course lunch for only £7.95, a real bargain!
*Austrian/Scottish fusion restaurant. Offers delicious local produce with an original twist.
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Small, friendly pub below The Wallace Monument. Good traditional pub food and popular with students due to its proximity to the university, and a popular quiz night on a Thursday. Karaoke on a Saturday is also popular.
*As Stirling's oldest alehouse, this is a small, family owned pub that gets a mixed crowd of locals, students, couples, and travelers. The staff is amazing and they will know your name and order by your second or third visit. Try a quiet pint in here, or join in on one of the rowdier open mike events.
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Clubs
Stirling has three night-clubs - two in the city center and one out near Bridge of Allan - all of which require you to be at least 18 and to have proper ID with you. Usually, the bouncers won't let you in with sneakers, but you can try.
*Fubar. £8 entry at weekends. 2 floors, upstairs you'll find the 70's dancers BOOGIE EXPRESS on a Saturday night!
*Dusk, Baker Street, tel 01786 464904 - New card system in place for Fridays and Saturdays, allow free entry before 12 and cheaper drinks. Mondays and Thursdays entry from £3 with drinks from £1.
*The Meadowpark and The Beat. The Beat is the club near Bridge of Allan, it's near the main entry for the University, and tends to be popular on Tuesday and Wednesday when the town centre clubs are closed.
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Bars
Nicky-Tams, 29 Bakers Street Stirling's Most Haunted Bars - a bar with a friendly atmosphere, mostly visited by students of the university. Monday night is WII Night upstairs on the big screens,Wednesdays 9PM is jam night, Saturday & Sunday 4PM til 6PM local musicians are featured.Sun night is ever popular Quiz/DJ Night, great prizes and bubbly on offer!! Fresh Food is served from 12PM-9PM daily, and all food is sourced locally from Farm Assured Farms for the best tastes.Beer from £2.50a pint. Cocktails from £2.Shots from £1. Student prices Sun, Mon & Thur night. One of Stirling's best bars!
*The Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange Road - Used to be Pivo, recently taken over. Decent food and good meal deals.
*Cape, Corn Exchange Road - Formerly Varsity. A bar with a great atmosphere, good selection of cocktails. Free live music on Sunday evenings.
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Budget
Built behind the façade of an old church, it offers 2 to 6-bedded rooms, good self-catering kitchen, internet, friendly staff and TV-room. Book ahead during summer. £11.50-13.50/5.00-11.50 (Adult/Child). Open all year.
* Located in the centre of the old town, mixed dorms, lounge. £12.00-15.00.
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Mid-range
Kilronan Guest House Kilronan House [url=http://www.kilronan.co.uk]]Elegant Victorian House built in 1853 and steeped in history. Spacious ensuite rooms, Free Wi-Fi access. Conveniently located for Stirling University in a quiet tree-lined street in Bridge of Allan, about 3 miles from Stirling. Tel : 01786 831054. Good restaurants nearby and frequent trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow from [[Bridge of Allan[/url]] Station.
* Hillview Cottage Hillview Cottage B&B [url=http://www.hillview-cottage.com]]email="wilkipedia@hillview-cottage.com" telephone="01786 841679" Interesting slightly eccentric Stirling Guest House with great woodland and hill views. This is a large comfortable Scottish B&B with en suite bedrooms and a wireless network. Situated in Blair Drummond, about 5 miles from Stirling. Rooms start at £29.00 per person per night and include a full cooked breakfast. Open all year, with Christmas and New Year specials.
* Express by Holiday Inn Stirling Express by Holiday Inn Stirling [url=http://www.expressstirling.co.uk/[/url]]Springkerse Business Park, Stirling, FK7 7XH. From the M9/M80 Junction 9, take the A91 toward Stirling/St Andrews for 6 km. You will find the hotel on the A91 at Springkerse. Phone + 44 1786 449922. Has 80 air conditioned guest rooms, meeting facilities, a licensed bar, coffee lounge and free parking. Is located about 20 mins walk from centre of town but is adjacent to retail park. The [url=http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services/roads/parking/parkandride.htm[/url]Stirling Park and Ride Bus[/url] runs from the nearby Morrison's Supermarket to the city bus station every 12 minutes during the day Mon-Sat. Includes complimentary continental breakfast with every room rate!
*Lake of Menteith Lakeside Hotel. [http://www.lake-hotel.com/] Easily accessible lakeside hotel, 14 miles from Stirling, you drive through remarkable Scottish scenery and upon reaching Port of Menteith, the Lake unfolds before you with the hotel nestling lakeside. 01877 385258
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Stirling Central Library, Corn Exchange Road - several computer with free internet access available, though you may need to join a queue. Open Mo-Sa until at least 5PM.
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Tourist Information Centre, 41 Dumbarton Rd, tel 0870 720 0620, mailto:stirlingtic@aillst.ossian.net
*'Post Office', Located within WH Smith, opposite Marks & Spencer, Thistle Shopping Centre
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[wiki=63537487d8f88fd6925a117ae52cd4e5]Bridge of Allan[/wiki]. A town north-west of Stirling which is nice to walk around.
*[wiki=a948693e22ffaa80ac16ea608e5454cc]Lecropt[/wiki], country area adjacent to Bridge of Allan with its kirk.
*[wiki=4ef781b1cb5e5d83fec0ebb0dd3c5761]Dollar[/wiki] (10 miles east of Stirling on the A91) to visit Castle Campbell and walk through Dollar Glen.
*[url=http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_092]Doune Castle [/url], [wiki=5e30d6b693aee8848d4db04b04b3006e]Doune[/wiki] (10 miles northwest of Stirling off the A84), 01786 841742. 14th century castle with a great view over the landscape. Take a walk along a river right behind the castle. The castle was used during the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail to portray most of the castles in the film.
*Dunblane Cathedral, [wiki=ef0a05827340eaa55e0605da9048ffbe]Dunblane[/wiki]. An impressive cathedral with an early Pictish stone found on the site.
[wiki=34d97b5f79120b278280a5f5b0103e97]de:Stirling[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Stirling]]
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