Stirling is an underrated gem of Scotland. If Edinburgh and Glasgow are seen as the big showstoppers, this is a quieter retreat for people to explore at a more relaxed pace. 24 hours in Stirling is a perfect amount of time to soak up the history and charm that make this place unique. There is lots to see and do here, but I’ve narrowed it down to the main features. Here is everything you need to know. Enjoy!
24 Hours in Stirling | Your Quick Guide
Where to Stay in Stirling
Stirling has a good range of hotels across the city. Before we get into the options, be warned that Stirling is quite hilly. The area around the train station and city centre is relatively flat, but quickly gets quite steep as you go towards the castle. With that in mind, I would strongly suggest staying near to the station if you find climbing challenging.
Here are my top recommendations. I’ve kept them all central and broken it down based upon categories to suit every traveller.
| Traveller Type | Accommodation Option |
| Budget | Golden Lion Hotel |
| Midrange | Stirling Highland Hotel |
| Luxury | Victoria Square and the Orangery |
Morning – Stirling Castle
The main attraction in Stirling is of course the castle. Like I hinted at above, this is up quite a steep hill so be prepared for a climb. There are also buses and taxis which run up to this point if you don’t fancy walking, plus there is a car park.
Stirling Castle is one of the most important castles in Scottish history. In fact, it was the main coronation site for the Royals during periods in Scottish history. Because of this, there is a fair amount to explore! There are immaculately decorated rooms, including actors within each to teach you the history. After the State Rooms, you can visit the Great Hall, walk along the walls for incredible views and step foot in the dungeons.
Tickets to the castle are also relatively great value for money. Adults cost £18.50 to enter and children cost £11.00. However, if you have ‘Historic Scotland’ membership you get free entry to the castle.
Top Tip: Because of Braveheart, the castle is very popular. Expect there to be lots of tourists about when you visit. To avoid this, arrive as early as possible – the earliest time is 09:30. You also can book in advance here.
Lunch / Coffee Break and Shops
The castle is the main site and, once you’ve been around it, climb back down to the main city. Depending on the time, you can choose to either go for a coffee break or have some lunch; the choice is yours.
My top recommendations are as follows:
| Cuisine Type | Recommendation |
| Café | The Burgh Coffeehouse |
| Light Lunch | Old Town Coffee Shop |
| Hearty Meal | River House Stirling |
| Elegant Dining | The Orangery at Victoria Square |
I also thought that the shop selection in Stirling was better than I expected. There were lots of quirky, small independents, including a Christmas Shop which runs all year round! I also really liked the atmosphere created by cobblestone streets. Even in August it felt cosy and unlike other cities.
Afternoon: Local Monuments
Alongside the castle. the other main attraction is the National Wallace Monument. Made famous by Mel Gibson, William Wallace was a leader during the Scottish War for Independence during the 14th Century against the English. A major battle – Stirling Bridge – was fought here and the monument immortalises Wallace’s contribution to an eventually free Scotland.
The monument itself can be seen from the Castle, but I think it is a lot more impressive close up. Plus, the 246 steps to the top of the monument lead to an incredible view over the historic battlefield. There is also a good amount of information about the history of Wallace and his role in the war.
To get here, you can either catch the bus (C30), which takes half an hour, or drive for 10 minutes. Once you arrive at the car park, you’ll need to walk for 25 minutes through the Abbey Craig woodland, which is actually a lovely experience (you can also walk around this afterwards!). If you are still tired from the morning climb, there is also a shuttle bus. Tickets cost £11.50 for an adult and £7.30 for a child.
Evening: Pub Grub & Golden Hour
Back in town, head out for dinner to enjoy the (hopefully there!) sunset. We enjoyed our visit to Brea, which was a lovely Scottish restaurant which served excellent food. I would definitely recommend if you are after some hearty food. Plus, their whisky menu was excellent.
Final Thoughts | 24 Hours in Stirling
Stirling is a lovely little city, with a surprising amount of things in, which is perfect for a 24 hour break. It is close to other cities and could be added to another trip, such as 48 hours in Edinburgh. The city is filled with character and I am confident that you will love it. I hope that you found this guide useful and if you have any questions, just ask.
