The Best of Stirling: Private Half-Day Tour with Stirling CastlePrivate Tour

Things to know

What makes this tour special

Explore the medieval magic of Stirling on this three-hour walking tour of the old town and castle with an expert private guide, where you will discover the beautiful old town of Stirling and historic Stirling Castle.

On your private tour, you will:

• Walk in the footsteps of legendary Scottish leaders: Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce;
• Hear the amazing story of Stirling as one of the most important cities and battlements in Scottish history;
• Learn about and admire its unique topography set on a craggy outcrop of volcanic rock;
• Hear about the nearby bloody battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn where William Wallace and Robert the Bruce defeated the English and changed the course of Scottish history;
• Learn about daily life in the medieval city - from marketplaces and labourers' jobs to public executions and graverobbers;
• Absorb the history on every cobbled street corner; 
• Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of bustling modern life - Stirling is a university city with a wonderful cafe culture, arts scene and more; 
• Walk up to the magnificently imposing Stirling Castle and discover its many secrets, nooks, and crannies with your guide;
• Wander through the courtyards, and castle gardens, and admire the outstanding views of the surrounding Scottish landscape from the castle ramparts;
• Step back in time to the castle of King James V, and the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots;
• Discover the Great Hall - restored to its 16th-century splendour and learn about Scottish royalty;
• Hear about the many intrigues that occurred here;
• See the famous Stirling Heads - rescued from a collapsed ceiling in 1777;
• Visit the Royal Apartments - and learn about Stirling Castle's central place in the history of Scotland. 

With its beautiful medieval architecture and the magnificently imposing castle built onto a vast, craggy hill overlooking the surrounding area of the Scottish lowlands and highlands, Stirling played a central role in the Wars for Scottish Independence from 1296 – 1346. Stirling was the key to Scotland and changed hands several times. 

Wander through the medieval old town, learning about daily life in those times, as well as enjoying the very modern vibrancy of this university city. 

Then head up to the castle (your entrance tickets are included) to explore this stronghold of Scottish royal history. The castle, built into a towering volcanic rock is an imposing fortress. It overlooks two famous battlegrounds where William Wallace led the Scots to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, as well as Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce was victorious in 1314. You'll also be able to see the Wallace Monument.  

Step back in time as you explore the Great Hall and Royal Apartments - restored to their Renaissance splendour, and immerse yourself in the lives and intrigues of the kings and queens of Scotland. 

What you'll see

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