The 10 Best Things to do in Stirlingshire, Scotland

Dominating the skyline for miles around, Stirling Castle is a shining example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can look out from its high stone walls to the battlefields of Stirling Bridge where great medieval armies clashed to decide the fate of nations. Home to generations of Scottish monarchs including, Mary Queen of Scots, the Castle is an enduring and powerful reminder of our fascinating history.

A national hero - a national landmark. For 150 years The National Wallace Monument has been standing proudly on The Abbey Craig, outside the historic city of Stirling, and telling the thrilling story of Sir William Wallace, Patriot, Martyr, and Guardian of Scotland.

The largest fresh-water loch in the United Kingdom.

Welcome to Loch Katrine - one of Scotland's special places. Just as special as the magnificent scenery is the famous steamship "Sir Walter Scott" which itself has been a landmark in The Trossachs for over a hundred years. Your visit is not complete without a cruise on this wonderful ship, or on "Lady of the Lake", the perfect way to experience the beauty of Loch Katrine. Perhaps you'll just want to relax with a coffee or a meal in the Brenachoile Cafe Bar, shop for a souvenir and take a stroll by the shore, or bring the family for a cycle trip?

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in a natural woodland which retains much of the original woodland and streams to provide the ideal natural setting for nearly 40 Birds of Prey & Owls. The centre is home to over 20 Owls, representing every native species as well as unique or unusual species from other parts of the world. See "Orla", and "Scout" our two magnificent female Golden Eagles. See a selection of hawks and owls fly during our daily flying shows in the flying area. Hear how these magnificent creatures have evolved to become the success predators they are, and how they live on the edge of survival every day. During current Covid restrictions we limit the number of visitors on site at any one time (currently 60). There are hand sanitisers located within the centre. We request everyone to abide by the social distancing guidelines.

Deanston Distillery is located 8 miles north of Stirling on the A84 near Doune, at the gateway to the dramatic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. No ordinary 'run of the mill' whisky tour, we are just 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit us and experience our traditional open mash tun, gleaming copper stills and our maturation warehouse 2b. During your visit taste our distinctive single malt whisky which is fruity with a malty spiciness on the palate. Our distillery cafe, The Coffee Bothy is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee and cake. Either 'pre-tour' or 'apres-tour' make time to visit The Coffee Bothy where all our food is freshly prepared and handmade in the distillery kitchen. Our friendly and knowledgable team look forward to welcoming you to Deanston Distillery. - Free Parking - Disabled Access - Distillery Shop - Distillery CafeAdditional Information:Set in the heart of Scotland, Deanston Distillery is an ideal starting point to take in the best of what Scotland has to offer. Having visited our whisky distillery other Scottish icons nearby include castles, lochs, glens and wild animals! Doune Castle, backdrop to the Monty Python film 'Knights of the Holy Grail' is 20 minutes walking distance, Stirling Castle the favoured residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens only 8 miles away. Loch Katrine surrounded by beautiful scenery is 30 minutes by car and the Blair Drummond Safari Park just down the road. Combined with the local villages of Doune, Callander, Dunblane and the City of Stirling there is much to see and do.