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Stirling [1] is one of Scotland's most historic cities and the county town of Stirlingshire. In 2002, Stirling became Scotland's sixth city.

[edit] Understand

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.

[edit] Get in

• The nearest major airport to Stirling is at Edinburgh, [2], - 29 miles/47km.
• From Edinburgh you can get to Stirling either by bus, which runs every hour and is very slow or by train. Trains are every 30 minutes (every hour after 2000 and on Sundays) from Waverley or Haymarket. The Citylink bus costs £4 and takes about an hour, departing from the bus station at St Andrew Square.
• From Glasgow buses also run hourly and take about 45 minutes. Trains depart at least 3 times per hour, expresses take 27 minutes (See the First ScotRail website for timetable information).
• Easily reachable by car from both Glasgow(M80/A80/M9) and Edinburgh (using the M9).

[edit] Get around

There are several buses leaving to towns close by, but for Dunblane 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.

[edit][add listing] See

• Stirling Castle [3], at the head of Stirling's Old Town, open daily (closed Christmas and Boxing Days), 25 March-30 September 9.30AM-6PM, 1 October - 31 March 9.30AM-5PM, last admission 45 mins before closing, admission adults £8, child £3, concession £6, 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, 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. £6.00/2.75/3.00 (Adult/Child, Senior/Student), Friends of Historic Scotland qualify for a 10% discount.

• Cambuskenneth Abbey [4] - 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 [5] - 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 [6], Glasgow Road, Stirling, 01786 812664 - 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 [7], 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 [8], 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 [9] 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.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Hillwalking -- behind the university (near Bridge of Allan) is a path up to a hill called Dumyat with a summit cross.

• Maize Maze Scotland's finest maize maze is at Briarlands Farm [10], on the A84 4 miles west of Stirling, right next to the Safari Park [11].

• Safari Park [12] 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 [13]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.

Closest B&B to the park offering mid-week specials for customers of the Safari Park is Hillview Cottage B&B [14]

Stirling - The Home of World Football. The oldest known football was discovered at Stirling Castle. [15]

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Europa Music [16], Address"10 Friars Street, Stirling, FK8 1HA, Tel.01786 448623" "OPEN 7 DAYS 9.30PM-5.30PM mon - sat, 12PM-5.30PM sun" - An excellent Independent music store specialising in everything they can.

Get your music fix here on all main formats: cds, vinyl records 78s/7"/12"/LP, dvds, cassette tapes, videos, books, memorabelia, accessories, Magic The Gathering and sheet-music.

They have Scottish music being broadcast outside for tourists and more or less whatever you want them to inside! The staff are as helpful as possible and have a fair bit of knowledge of most genres between them all.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Jimmy Chung's Menu and prices [17], 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.
• Willawan, Baker Street - a new Thai restaurant.
• Longhorns, Friars St - American style restaurant known for its steak.
• 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 [18] Also home made cakes, soups and wonderful sandwiches. 4 miles out of town in Blairdrummond.
• Lake of Menteith - Hotel and Restaurant (Lake Hotel), The Lake of Menteith Hotel Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland FK8 3RA (From either Edinburgh or Glasgow follow the motorway to Stirling. At Stirling come off at junction 10 signposted for Callander and The Trossachs (A84). Take this road for approximately 4 miles and take a left fork to Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith etc (A873). Once on this road follow it through Thornhill towards Aberfoyle for approx 9 miles and you will reach The Port of Menteith. Once in the village take your first left onto the B8034 and we are approx 200 yds on the right.), ☎ 01877 385258, [19]. When eating in our dining rooms, you will realise that good food is just one of the reasons to remember us. You'’ll find the finest Scottish produce simply prepared to perfectly compliment the breathtaking surroundings.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Lake of Menteith - Hotel and Restaurant (Lake Hotel), The Lake of Menteith Hotel Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland FK8 3RA (From either Edinburgh or Glasgow follow the motorway to Stirling. At Stirling come off at junction 10 signposted for Callander and The Trossachs (A84). Take this road for approximately 4 miles and take a left fork to Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith etc (A873). Once on this road follow it through Thornhill towards Aberfoyle for approx 9 miles and you will reach The Port of Menteith. Once in the village take your first left onto the B8034 and we are approx 200 yds on the right.), [20]. When eating in our dining rooms, you will realise that good food is just one of the reasons to remember us. You'’ll find the finest Scottish produce simply prepared to perfectly compliment the breathtaking surroundings.  edit

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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/D j 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.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Lake of Menteith - Hotel and Restaurant (Lake Hotel), The Lake of Menteith Hotel Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland FK8 3RA (From either Edinburgh or Glasgow follow the motorway to Stirling. At Stirling come off at junction 10 signposted for Callander and The Trossachs (A84). Take this road for approximately 4 miles and take a left fork to Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith etc (A873). Once on this road follow it through Thornhill towards Aberfoyle for approx 9 miles and you will reach The Port of Menteith. Once in the village take your first left onto the B8034 and we are approx 200 yds on the right.), ☎ 01877 385258, [21]. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets are just two of the many reason to enjoy a stay at the Lake of Menteith.  edit

[edit] Budget

• Stirling Youth Hostel, St John Street (''turn 2nd left after Highland Hotel''), (mailto:stirling@shya.co.uk), [22]. 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.  edit
• Willy Wallace Backpackers Hostel, 77 Murray Place, (mailto:manager@willywallace.f9.co.uk), [23]. Located in the centre of the old town, mixed dorms, lounge. £12.00-15.00.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Kilronan Guest House Kilronan House [24] Elegant Victorian House. Spacious ensuite rooms. Rated number one on Trip Advisor. Free Wi-Fi access.

• Hillview Cottage Hillview Cottage B&B [25] 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. Rooms start at £22.00 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 [26] 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 (0) 1786 449922. Has 80 air conditioned guest rooms, meeting facilities, a licensed bar, coffee lounge and free parking. We've got everything you need and we'll even throw in complimentary continental breakfast with every room rate!

• Lake of Menteith Lakeside Hotel. [27] Easily accessible lakeside hotel, in Stirling an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, you drive through remarkable Scottish scenery and upon reaching Port of Menteith, the Lake unfolds before you with the hotel nestling lakeside. Ideal for Conferences, Weekends away in Scotland and Meetings.

[edit] Contact

• 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.

• Hillview Cottage WiFi Hotspot [28] Possibly one of Scotlands more bizarre hotspots.

[edit] Cope

• Tourist Information Centre, 41 Dumbarton Rd, tel 08707-200620, mailto:stirlingtic@aillst.ossian.net
• Post Office, Located within WH Smith, opposite Marks & Spencer, Thistle Shopping Centre

[edit] Get out

• Bridge of Allan. A town north-west of Stirling which is nice to walk around.

• Lecropt, country area adjacent to Bridge of Allan with its kirk.

• Dollar (10 miles east of Stirling on the A91) to visit Castle Campbell and walk through Dollar Glen.

• Doune Castle [29], Doune (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, Dunblane. An impressive cathedral with an early Pictish stone found on the site.

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