Stirling Castle, a must for castle enthusiasts

If visiting Medieval castles blows up your kilt, then Stirling Castle in central Scotland has to be high on your list.

An impressive renovation at Stirling Castle juxtaposes the way the castle looks today with the way it might have looked in its heyday. Photo by Deb Conard

With its commanding position on a promontory of volcanic rock and its long and bloody history, Stirling Castle is an important historical site and the jewel of central Scotland. If you go nuts over ancient castles that mark important events in history, then you’ll love this place.

The castle that has undergone an impressive renovation, and it is rife with history and views so comely that it’ll inspire you to get fitted for a kilt pronto.

The castle, one of the most popular stops in Scotland, was home to generations of Scottish monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots. Due to its historic significance, the castle is revered by its countrymen, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves romantic Grail lore, as well as factual history.

Visitors can peer over the castle’s high stone walls to see historic battlefields, as well as the William Wallace Monument, only a few miles away.

A vacation idea that’s truly historic

Indeed, during a history that is as bloody as it is long, Stirling Castle has been attacked or besieged on no less than 16 occasions. Three battles have been fought nearby, two of which were turning points in Scottish history: and a fourth equally important battle took place almost in the shadows of the castle walls, a mere few miles to the north.

Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptized, or crowned, or died in or near the castle, and at least one Scottish king was murdered nearby, while another committed murder within Stirling Castle’s walls.

The organization Historic Scotland has gone to great pains and expense restoring the King James the Fifth Palace and great hall to reflect the House of Stuart era. The freshly painted and colorful building stands out among the natural stone of the unrestored areas. An audio guide is available for tours, and it’s quite handy. But if you don’t want to spring for one, don’t despair. There are numerous tours you can tag along with, as well as interpretive guides in period costume to offer insight into the castle’s history.

There also is a wonderful tapestry exhibit you can visit. It’s impressive watching the artisans working on the tapestries, although on our visit it was a little odd watching someone in period costume working while wearing earbuds.

From the high castle walls, the views of Stirling, the William Wallace monument, and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

Vacation travel tips

Tips:

• Skip the shuttle. I don’t recommend taking the Stirling Castle Shuttle unless there’s no other alternative. It’s pricey. The castle is centrally located and a moderately challenging walk. However, if walking is a challenge or impossible, then the shuttle is the way to go. Note: The castle is wheelchair accessible.

• Eat off-site. Avoid the castle’s cafe, unless you like spending more money than is necessary. A quick stroll out of the castle, past the statue of Robert the Bruce, and downhill into town takes only 5-10 minutes. There are numerous places to dine and grab a pint at reasonable prices. We chose the No. 2 Baker Street, where they serve an absurdly large hamburger called the Bad Boy.

• Leave yourself plenty of time. There is much to see and do at the castle, so try to schedule at least two hours to investigate all that is available there, plus several hours to eat and enjoy Stirling.

So, if castles and a strong dose of history are what you crave, then Stirling Castle is where you can get your fill. Throw in a little Braveheart movie magic, and it’s a vacation destination that’s perfect for young, old and everyone in between.

1. 

   Lance Brown says:

   October 10, 2011 at 8:28 am

   Looks like an amazing place to visit…. full of history.

   reply

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