Things to do in Stirlingshire, Scotland: The Best Sights & Landmarks

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.

Doune Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Explore this 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland. The formidable Doune Castle was built for the Regent Albany. The striking keep-gatehouse combines domestic quarters including the splendid Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. This was used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As well as being heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle was also used for the castle known as Winterfell in the pilot of the award winning TV series Game of Thrones as well as Castle Leoch in Outlander.

Dunblane Cathedral is in a Level 4 COVID protection area and is closed. Find out more about our COVID response at historicreopening.scot. Dunblane Cathedral is a beautiful medieval church in Dunblane which dates as far back as the 12th century. Dunblane Cathedral receives high but well earned praise for a building smaller than some English parish churches, lacking the architectural flourishes and cohesion of most other cathedrals; and one which only narrowly survived the threat of demolition to make way for the railway. The tower is from the late 11th century, offset, and slightly squint on the south. Admire the Romanesque arched windows in the lower storeys, the upper stage and parapet which date from 1500, bearing the arms of Bishop Chisholm, which may originally have been freestanding. The Nave, dating back to 1240 is possibly the finest part of the cathedral.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Dumbarton Castle is located in the ancient capital of Scotland and is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking River Clyde. Conquer more than 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds. The iconic Rock of the Clyde has heritage as breathtaking as its views over the Clyde, Loch Lomond and Argyll. This dramatic volcanic plug, which is Dumbarton Rock, in-filled the crater of a volcano that was active 350 million years ago. Admire great examples of 18th century Georgian military architecture and stunning views from the Tower Crag. Throughout Dumbarton Castle’s long history it has been a royal residence and a fortress, and has fascinating connections from the Vikings to the Scottish Wars of Independence.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Located on an island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome Priory was founded in 1238 and much of the 13th century building remains. Inchmahome Priory is a beautifully situated monastery, founded by a small community of Augustinian canons led by Walter Comyn, the Earl of Menteith. The isolated island location gave the perfect tranquility for worship, and the priory has links with many famous historical names including Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Sir Walter Scott. Today you can explore the chapter house and its collection of stone memorials including a rare 13th century double effigy. The island is also home to a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Founded around 1238, the priory was home to Augustinian canons for more than 300 years.