Stirling Castle, Scotland | Loch Lomond Waterfront
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Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle History

Visiting Stirling Castle takes you back in history to enter the world of Scotland’s kings, queens and royal splendour. Only 25 miles away from us here at Loch Lomond Waterfront, the car drive takes less than an hour. The beautiful gardens, welcoming staff and family attractions make it a must-see location and perfect option for a day trip.

Sat atop a volcanic rock above the Forth river, Stirling Castle divides the Lowlands and the Highlands. With its ancient history, it has witnessed many births, deaths and battles. During the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England, it changed hands eight times within 50 years, making it one of Scotland’s most important historical sites.

Apart from the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, it was also home to Stewart kings and queens. In times of peace, royals would visit Stirling to hunt and enjoy its comforts. They would also hold celebrations such as Mary Queen of Scots’ coronation in 1543 in Chapel Royal. Later on, the castle would become a military base and depot for Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders up until 1964. Now it’s a must-see visitor attraction full of beauty and history.

Visiting Stirling Castle Today

When you visit the castle you will see costumed characters roaming around dressed as bodyguards, court officials and maids from the 16th century! Stirling Castle offers attractions for children such as palace vaults, interactive games, dressing up costumes and medieval instruments. Guaranteed fun for the whole family! Other highlights of the castle include the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Great Kitchens, Tapestry Studio and the Argyll’s Lodging.

Are you interested in the infinitary regiment and want to learn more about the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders? If so, you can visit the Regimental Museum located in the King’s Old Building and learn about the soldiers’ stories. And when you get hungry you can stop by the Unicorn Café to replenish your energy.

Find out more

For Stirling Castle tickets, opening times, visitor information and parking, plan your unforgettable trip here.

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Testimonials

  • Outstanding location

    'The location is outstanding - right on the edge of Loch Lomond with private water frontage and beaches. As a location for exploring, again this rates very highly. We easily accessed central Glasgow by train from nearby Balloch and also explored Stirling (particularly the castle and Wallace memorial), the Falkirk Wheel and even Perth and Pitlochry by car. It is a very peaceful place, which can only be disturbed on occasion by your neighbours but with the Slumber Charter in place, we had absolutely no problems overnight.'

  • Such a beautiful setting

    'Myself and my partner recently stayed in Drummond Lodge (from 21-24 Feb) and we just wanted to say thank you so much for a lovely stay. We loved our lodge, it was like a home from home, and we really didn’t want to leave! It was spotlessly clean and in such a beautiful setting. All the staff we met were really friendly. We also loved Balmaha, what a wonderful village. So thank you very much! We are the couple that took Flynn for a walk and we took this photo of him... we thought you’d appreciate a copy. Thanks once again...

  • The best wedding our guests had been to

    'Everyone has said it was the best wedding they have been too and the venue and staff are very much to take credit for that!'

  • Outstanding service and friendly staff

    “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect location. The service was oustanding and the staff were so friendly they felt like part of the wedding."

  • Wish we had longer

    'The ducks were very amusing, each day they waddled around the lodges looking for food, we bought some duck food for them in the local village shop. We just wished we were here for longer and hope to return in the future.'

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