Stirling Castle (Fife)

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Guided tours Gift shop Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks Restaurant Picnic area

Introduction

A royal residence filled with art, beauty, momentous history and the power of kings and queens. For generations the Scottish royal court gathered at Stirling Castle to revel in its impressive buildings, superb sculptures, fine craftsmanship and beautiful gardens. Safe behind its impressive walls, Kings and Queens hosted mighty banquets and celebrated births, coronations and victorious battles.

Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily 9.30-6; Oct-Mar, daily 9.30-5. Closed 25-26. 

History to the present day

The legacy of Stirling’s long history is a complex monument of diverse buildings and spaces. At its heart lies the Inner Close, around which are ranged the most important buildings – the King’s Old Building (built for James IV in 1496), the Great Hall (James IV around 1503), the Palace (James V around 1540) and the Chapel Royal (James VI in 1594).

Around the Outer Close are the Great Kitchens (early 16th century) and later Army buildings. The Nether Bailey occupying the lowest part of the castle rock houses 19th-century powder magazines. The Outer Defences (Queen Anne around 1710) and Forework (James IV around 1500) guard the main entrance from the town.

Stirling Castle is first mentioned around 1110, in Alexander I’s reign; he died here in 1124. Throughout the Wars of Independence with England (1296–1356), Stirling was hotly fought over, changing hands frequently. Bloody battles were fought in its shadow – Wallace’s great victory over Edward I at Stirling Bridge (1297), and Bruce’s decisive encounter with Edward II at Bannockburn (1314). Bruce then destroyed the castle to prevent it falling into enemy hands again.

Food and Drinks

 Restaurant and picnic area available.

Other facilities

Free guided tours and children's trail are available. Audio guide for hire.

A computer based virtual tour of the Castle is available in the Unicorn Café. The tour enables visitors to see inside all of the Castle’s buildings including those to which access is difficult and to hear about the people who lived in them.  

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Fife, , United Kingdom

Address: Stirling Castle, Wynd, Stirling, Stirlingshire Postcode: FK8 1EH.

Directions: If you are travelling by car to Stirling Castle, there is a park and ride service which operates Monday to Saturday from the Castleview Park & Ride direct to the Castle. The service will run every 20 minutes from 9.10 to 17.50.

The Park & Ride is just off the M9 motorway at junction 10 and the travel time to the Castle is around 5 minutes.

Parking is available on the castle esplanade and includes disabled spaces.