Top 10 Free Things to do in Stirling, Scotland

For over twenty years, as holiday souvenirs, I’ve collected Christmas tree baubles. In order to share this passion with you I've opened my own Christmas shop in my beloved home town of Stirling! Whether it’s a special Scottish bauble as a cherished reminder of your wonderful Highland holiday or a wee minding of home to send to loved ones abroad, maybe a gift for newlyweds, a new baby or simply a wee present to yourself for being good all year, you’ll find it in Tinsel & Tartan.

Award-winning ‘Made in Stirling’ is a show and sell concept store and the go-to city centre space for Stirling’s local creative community, selling a wide range of original art works and products re-imaging what souvenirs should be. ‘Made in Stirling’ currently works with over 100 local artists, designers, makers and more, it is the engine room of the Creative Stirling Arts Hub at 44 King Street. Our dedicated Gallery space for emerging talent. The exhibition program is eclectic and dynamic, changing every 4-6 weeks and featuring international invited guests and highlighting he best of local talent the Made in Stirling Store is a vibrant, happy place to visit all year round. Focusing on quality design and craftsmanship, our constantly evolving creative space hosts a carefully curated collection of works for every budget, creating a 'marketplace' vibe. And if you can’t get in during our new opening hours, you can find us online, offering new ways to support us & ‘shop local’.

Stirling’s award-winning gift shop, we offer a unique collection of Scottish and internationally sourced gifts, interiors and greetings cards. Open 7 days a week.

Unique gift shop in the heart of Stirling centre. On a quaint little street this gift shop is filled with fairy inspired gifts, candles, homely items all in a truly magical and inspiring shop with beautiful scents and relaxing music. There is a special little section just for your little fairy too! Tinkerbells Emporium is a truly magical shopping experience.

The largest fresh-water loch in the United Kingdom.

The admission free Smith Art Gallery and Museum is the idealchoice for exploring the rich cultural history of Stirling, Stirlingshire and the Trossachs. Opened in 1874, at the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith. This purpose built Victorian museum and art gallery houses over 40,000 objects and artworks which celebrate the people, heritage and culture, which makde Stirling the heart of Scotland. Galleries 1 & 2: are home to our temporary exhibitions. These include the annual Summer exhibition from the Smith’s own collections. Gallery 3: The Stirling Story Start your Journey with pre-historic whale bones, bronze- age cists and Roman pottery. Learn about William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence Discover how Scottish democracy was founded in the streets of Stirling Find the world’s oldest football – did it really belong to Mary Queen of Scots? Pick a Trade, learn about the 7 Incorporated Trades, the Polmaise Miners and the 1984/85 strike What did a WWII prisoner of war Nissan hut look like inside? Drop by the Hayes Music, shop front, do you recognise any of the records? All the family can dress up in costume as they explore the galleries. Colouring and brass rubbing stations for the children. Events: The Smith runs a wide and varied event programme from children's events to talks and lectures which accompany the exhibitions on show. Ailie’s Garden: The Building is sited within a 2 acre biodiversity garden which is perfect for picnics and to let the children burn off all their energy while trying to master some of the outdoor musical instruments. The garden is also home to outdoor exhibits such as the Gilbert and Sullivan Gate The Gallery Cafe: Serves light lunches and refreshments in the bright and airy Gallery 1. Booking is not required.