Discover Stirling through a wide range of historical landmarks: from the founding of a parish church to exhibitions covering subjects from the Bronze Age to the Second World War. There are also trails at Abbey Craig and viewpoints overlooking the city. You can decide which aspect will shape your stay by exploring these different sides of the place.
Church, royalty and city history
The Church of the Holy Rude was founded in 1129 as Stirling’s parish church, during the reign of David I. Later, in 1567, King James VI of Scotland was crowned there. These two dates mark distinct chapters in the history of the church and the Scottish monarchy that can be traced at this site.
Stirling Castle was once a favourite residence of the kings and queens of the House of Stewart. Today, it is considered an iconic landmark in the heart of Stirling. Visitors can explore its grounds and gardens—a different way to experience history from the events associated with the Church of the Holy Rude.
Stirling Old Town Jail opened in 1847 and was the last prison of the Reformed Prison type to be built in Victorian Scotland. Its observation tower offers views of the Old Town, the Ochils and the Trossachs. In this way, the prison’s history is combined with an overview of these three named landscapes and areas.
At Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, exhibition themes range from walrus bones and Robert the Bruce to the Bronze Age and the Second World War. This breadth offers a different way to explore history than the individual buildings: very different subjects and periods are presented side by side. The Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is also nearby, about two miles south of the city.
Views and trails at Abbey Craig
The National Wallace Monument is easy to spot from most parts of Stirling; according to the official visitor information accessed on 1 September 2026, it is open to visitors all year round. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus between the car park and the monument. A path from the monument leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city of Stirling and Stirling Castle.
The Wallace Way, a series of wood carvings, is located on the main path to the monument’s tower. Another wood-carving trail at Abbey Craig follows Stirling’s history, from the Ice Age to the construction of the monument. The two offerings have different focuses: wood carvings along the main path to the tower, and an educational trail spanning a long period of history.
According to the official visitor information accessed on 1 September 2026, visitors do not need an admission ticket to explore the woodland trails at Abbey Craig. Puzzles, games and educational activities help children explore the woods and learn about native birds and important pollinators. A circular walk through the woods takes about 45 minutes and then leads back to the path to the car park.
Explore the Old Town on foot
For a self-guided exploration, there is the Stirling Eurowalk: a free online walking tour of the Old Town around Stirling Castle. The online guide is updated regularly. If you would rather join a guided tour, consider the Stirling Old Town Tour. The guided walk lasts an hour and a half and takes in the main sights, as well as the history and present-day life of the Old Town. Check the tour schedule before your trip.
Plan a stay that suits you
When looking for a hotel in Stirling, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Would you mainly like to explore the history of the church, castle and prison, or would you also like to include the trails and viewpoints at Abbey Craig? The options mentioned differ in their themes and formats, from gardens and exhibitions to a guided walk or a self-guided online guide. Choose your hotel to suit your own travel plans and decide which of these discoveries matters most to you.
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