Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to the royal court at Stirling Castle to revel in its beauty and grandeur. Today visitors can do the same and come face to face with characters from the past in the recreated Renaissance Palace.

The Queen Anne Gardens are situated below the palace and afford spectacular views of the surrounding countryside including the former royal pleasure grounds known as the King‚ which have also been connected to the legend of King Arthur. The garden has two rose beds, one gold and one red with gold climbers at the back. There is a broad old fashioned herbaceous border which is at its best in July.

The garden also boasts a heather and herb garden with labels indicating the ancient uses of these. The main showpiece, however, is the twin beech tree which is over 200 years old.

The Douglas Gardens sit at the highest part of the castle rock.

Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry.

About us

HIGHLIGHTS

Meet the people of the past in the royal palace

Great Hall

Chapel Royal

Regimental Museum

Medieval Kitchens

Awards

Gold GBTS

GUIDED TOURS

Secret Stirling Guided Tours
Join us on a “Secret Stirling” tour to uncover even more history and step into hidden areas of the castle that are not usually open to the public. In centuries past, these areas were known only to the craftspeople who built the castle, the soldiers who defended it and the kings and queens who lived here. Our new “Secret Stirling” tours will explore parts of the castle visitors haven’t seen before - get ready to venture through locked doors and beyond ‘Private’ signs to gain a fascinating glimpse into the secret life of Stirling Castle.

Tours must be booked in advance to guarantee entry, maximum of 12 visitors per tour. Tours will last approximately 90 minutes and will start at the Guardroom Square at the castle’s main entrance at 11am and 2pm each day. The tour is not suitable for anyone under the age of 12 or who have a fear of heights.

Prices (including admission): Adult £33.50, Concession £30.00, Child 12yrs+ £24.00. For the full price list please view the ticket information.

Group visits

ACCOMMODATION

VOLUNTEERING / INTERNSHIPS OPPORTUNITES

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

You can find our accessibility statement here:

PROMOTIONAL THEMES

  • Herbaceous Borders and Plantings
  • Quiet/Wellness Garden
  • Rose Gardens
  • Spring bulbs
  • Tree Collection/Champion Trees
  • Walled Garden

HOW TO FIND US

Leave M9 at Junction 10 and follow local road signs
The castle is accessible by public transport and is a short walk from Stirling Train and bus stations where taxis are also available.

ADDRESS

Castle Esplanade

Stirling
FK8 1EJ

OPENING TIMES

April - Sept Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Monday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Tuesday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Wednesday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Thursday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Friday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Saturday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Sunday: 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

Opening information

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 5pm (closes 6pm)

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 4pm (closes 5pm)

Closed on 25 and 26 December
Closing at 4pm on 24 December, last entry slot 2pm - 2.30pm
Delayed opening on 1 Jan (11am)

ADMISSION PRICES

Adult: Check website

ADDRESS

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley

Castle Esplanade

Stirling
FK8 1EJ

FACILITY

  • Car park
  • Event Venue
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Toilets

Accessibility

  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible toilets

Family day out

  • Picnic area

Coach parking, mobility vehicle, visitor information, audio guide, bicycle rack.

WEBSITE

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/

E-MAIL

marketing@hes.scot

PHONE

01786 450 000

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/visitstirlingcastle/

Instagram

www.instagram.com/visitstirlingcastle

X (Twitter)

https://twitter.com/stirlingcastle

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