How to Visit Stirling Castle, Scotland: An Easy Day Trip by Train
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For those of you who watched Reign, this is your chance to see where Mary truly reigned.
Offering sweeping Highland views, perched atop Castle Hill, I adored visiting Stirling Castle, a royal stronghold where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned.
I explored Stirling Castle on a solo last-minute day trip from Glasgow, as I was actually supposed to go to the Outlander set that day.
Having learned a lot from that action-packed day, I’m sharing practical details, such as how to get there, your guided or audioguided options, and highlights, including the stunning Stirling Heads ceiling and insights into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
In this post, I’ll share what to expect at one of Scotland’s most historically significant fortresses.
What is the History of Stirling Castle?
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of Scotland’s largest and most historically and architecturally important castles—making it a must see while visiting.
Most of the castle’s principal buildings date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A few structures remain from the fourteenth century, while the outer defenses fronting the town date from the early eighteenth century.
Before the union with England, Stirling Castle was one of the most used Scottish royal residences, truly a palace and a fortress.
Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.
There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle.
Today, the castle is a tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Mary Queen of Scots Castle
Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in the Chapel Royal on September 9th, 1543. She was also brought up here at Stirling Castle until she was sent to Inchmahome Priory and then to France in 1548.
If you’ve seen the first episode of CW’s Reign, you would have seen her move from the Priory to France.
Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561 and frequently visited Stirling Castle.
A replica dress that shows the type of clothing Mary wore is on display. She owned a lot of black, I assume, because of her husband Francis’s death and then the loss of her son.
Mary was traveling from Stirling when she was abducted by the Earl of Bothwell, beginning the chain of events that led to her forced abdication and flight to England.
As a result of her ties to the history of Stirling Castle, some know it as the Mary Queen of Scots castle.
📺 For Reign fans, I highly recommend checking out the Serpent Queen, which centers on Catherine de’ Medici but also involves a young Mary.
How Do I Get to Stirling Castle?
You can get to Stirling Castle by car (parking is limited), but as it’s so easy to travel in Scotland by train, I highly recommend you take one from either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
From either city, it’s just under an hour to the Castle, making it a simple day trip.
Once you get to the town of Stirling, you can either walk uphill for about 15 minutes to reach the Castle, take a taxi, or ride the shuttle bus that departs about every 20 minutes and stops close to the Castle (by the Church of the Holy Rude). It leaves from Stirling Baptist Church.
Alternatively, you can also take the bus instead of the train. It’s slower, but it can be cheaper.
I took the train from Glasgow to Stirling Station. I then walked the rest of the way to the castle, as I needed to work off all the gelato I had eaten in Rome just the day before.
If you have a car, a road trip around Scotland is a great way to see the countryside.
How Much Does Stirling Castle Cost?
As this was a last-minute trip, I didn’t book in advance; however, if you book tickets in advance, you can save a few pounds since walk-ups are more expensive.
Adults (16-64yrs) are £18.50 online, while walk-up is £20.50.
**Prices last verified April 2026
If you’d like to take the work out of visiting Stirling Castle on your own or are looking to pair it with other sites in Scotland, GetYourGuide Tours offers many marvelous options.
I love booking with them because their cancellation policy is often more flexible than official sites.
Are There Guided Tours of Stirling Castle?
To get the most out of your trip, I’d recommend taking one of the Stirling Castle tours.
The guided tours are complimentary, so for those on a budget, it’s a no-brainer!
Not only do they regale you with information about the history of Stirling Castle, but also about Scottish history.
The tour guide I got was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the castle.
He engaged with us and encouraged questions.
It’s wonderful when you get an excellent guide who’s passionate, as I feel that it elevates the experience to a whole other level.
Guided tours take place every half hour between 10am and 3pm, meeting at the castle well outside the Fort Major’s House.
Secret Stirling Guided Tours
You can also sign up for a “Secret Stirling” tour to uncover even more history by stepping into hidden areas of the castle that are not usually open to the public.
As this tour wasn’t available during my visit, I can’t personally comment on it, but it does sound intriguing, especially as it warns against anyone who has “a fear of heights.”
However, these are not included in the ticket price and must be booked in advance.
If guided tours aren’t for you, check out an audio guide, which is available in various languages for an additional charge.
Things to Do at Stirling Castle
I spent just over 2 hours at Stirling Castle, including the complimentary guided tour.
Visiting Stirling Castle is a good half-day experience, since you’ll likely be coming in from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, so expect to allot at least 4 hours between the Castle and transport.
These are some highlights of things to see and do while exploring!
The Old Chapel Royal
The old Chapel Royal was the scene of the baptism of James VI, Mary’s son, in 1566.
She staged a three-day event celebrating him.
After the Catholic service, an elaborate feast was held in the Great Hall.
Later that night, Scotland’s first fireworks display took place over a mock ‘enchanted fort’ built on what is now the Esplanade. Talk about a party!
Seven months later, Mary was forced to give up her throne. In a Protestant ceremony, the one-year-old James VI was crowned at the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling (located just down the road).
Almost 30 years later, in 1594, the Old Chapel Royal was replaced by one designed for the new faith.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall is the largest and finest medieval hall in Scotland.
Up to 500 people could meet here for state banquets and parliament sessions.
Built in 1503, the Hall proclaimed the power of James IV and the Stewart monarchy.
Probably the most extravagant event was a feast celebrating the baptism of James VI’s son, Henry, in 1594.
To serve the fish course, a fully-rigged, 5-meter-long ship with 36 brass guns was wheeled in.
Do you think he felt the need to top his own baptism?
You can also take a seat on a throne here as I did! It helped me feel like a royal, if just for a moment.
Fun Fact: The unicorn is Scotland’s national animal, which is why you can see several of them while visiting Stirling Castle. Two unicorns supported the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland, which was used by the Kings of Scotland prior to 1603.
The current royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom supports a unicorn for Scotland and a lion for England.
The King’s Old Building
In 1496, James VI chose the castle’s highest point for his private residence.
The King’s Old Building endured 500 years of alterations, including when the army moved in during the 1600s and the northern end was rebuilt after a fire in 1855.
Only people with some social standing were allowed into this room to wait for a possible audience with the King. His staff decided who might be given the privilege.
The chosen few were invited to enter the King’s Inner Hall.
As for the King’s Bedchamber, only the most important visitors and personal friends were admitted.
The Scottish monarchs probably dressed, washed, and prayed here while sleeping in a nearby small room.
You can again see the unicorn, a royal symbol of purity and strength, in the bedroom.
If you’re visiting Stirling Castle with kids, or just the young at heart like myself, you can start to either count or play eye spy with all the unicorns! I surely did!
The Stirling Heads
If you look up in the royal lodgings at Stirling Castle, there’s an intricate ceiling decorated with a series of carved portraits.
Originally decorated with oak portrait roundels known as the Stirling Heads.
Described as “among the finest examples of Scottish Renaissance wood-carving now extant.”
The carvings were taken down following a ceiling collapse in 1777. Of an estimated 56 original heads, 38 survive. Most of which are displayed in a dedicated museum on the upper floor of the Castle above the Queen’s outer chamber.
Some of the portraits are believed to be of Kings, Queens, and courtiers. Others are thought to show classical or Biblical figures.
Replica carvings were made for the 2010 restoration of the Castle as part of a £12 million project.
It took a decade of researching the history of Stirling Castle and incredible craftsmanship to restore it.
Through it, six royal apartments were restored to their appearance in the 1540s, when this was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
I was amazed at the craftsmanship of each carved figure. Sure, these ones are replicas, but even today they require a lot of skill, even more so back then!
The Queen’s Rooms
The Queen’s Bedchamber was reserved for the Queen and her most important visitors.
In the Queen’s Inner Hall, guests were granted a chance to meet the queen.
The stools and benches were for her ladies-in-waiting.
The newly painted ceiling included portraits of James and Mary, though it may have once been covered with carved heads like the King’s.
I’m not sure why, but the Queen’s chambers are far more immersive and ornate than the King’s, which I found surprising. So if you’re prioritizing, make sure to note it.
Throughout sections of the Castle, you may encounter costumed guides such as this love lady below.
You’re encouraged to ask questions and interact with them, so don’t be shy!
I adore it when historical places have costumed interpreters, as it makes the place feel lived in. A site that did this incredibly was Hampton Court Palace near London.
The Stirling Tapestries
As part of the restoration project, seven hand-woven tapestries were restored.
They hang on the walls of the Queen’s Inner Hall in the royal palace.
The tapestries are closely based on the Hunt of the Unicorn series, which was created in the early 1500s and is now in the Metropolitan Museum of New York.
So, unfortunately, while visiting Stirling Castle, you’ll be unable to see the Hunt of the Unicorn, but the tapestries they do have are marvelous!
Only the very wealthiest of people could afford tapestries.
James V had a large collection of them, including two sets that showed unicorns.
How to Dress Like a Scottish Monarch
If you’re visiting Stirling Castle with kids, or just the young at heart, this is a fun place to check out on the grounds to try on your own royal attire!
A Queen Wears:
- A fashionable French-style gown, made of black velvet, from the Italian city of Lucca
- Underneath her gown, a kirtle, or underskirt, made of crimson satin from Venice
- Beneath her kirtle, a smock, like a shift dress, but no pants!
- A headdress stitched with precious stones, called a French hood
A King Wears:
- A gown of crimson satin, from Venice, lined with the finest fur
- A jerkin, or sleeveless coat, made from black satin and edged with gold braid
- A padded jacket, called a doublet, stitched with jewels and gold embroidery
- An embroidered shirt, poking out through the slashes in his doublet
- A floppy velvet bonnet with a beautiful gold and pearl brooch
The Great Kitchens
When visiting Stirling Castle, you’ll learn a ton about the medieval diet, as there is an elaborate reconstructed kitchen section dedicated to it!
The diet of the royal household was largely dependent on meat and, during Lent, on fish.
They also had their very own garden, which provided fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
The gardener received no pay if he could not produce sufficient amounts of fruit and vegetables. Talk about a tough job!
By the 16th century, it had become fashionable to serve food in several courses.
Generally, dinner began with a type of soup dish known as pottage. Followed by roasts, small pies, pastries, then tarts or fritters.
It ended with fresh or preserved fruit and sweetmeats.
16th-century food was consumed on the basis of a social food chain.
One table was served a far greater amount of food than was necessary; the extra would then be passed on to others by descending order of social rank.
The King and Queen ate first, followed by their courtiers, various officials, their personal servants, and finally, those who served the food to the tables.
The same system was applied to the other servants.
A Scottish Pint of Ale
In the 1500s, everyone drank ale from morning till night.
A servant working for the royal family was given a daily allowance of a Scottish pint of ale (1.7 liters).
To meet the household’s demand, it was regularly brewed here using bere, an old variety of barley. This was often the work of women known as alewives.
Ale was consumed with every meal, even by children. It was safer to drink than water or milk, as any germs it may have contained were killed by the prolonged boiling of malt during the brewing process.
It was also highly nutritious and constituted an important part of the medieval diet.
Much of what was consumed was known as ‘small beer,’ which had a low level of alcohol that acted as a preservative but was not intoxicating.
The North Gate
The North Gate is the oldest surviving part of Stirling Castle.
It was originally a gatehouse built in 1381 for King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce and the first of the Stewart monarchs.
A groove in the archway shows where a portcullis was once lowered.
While this isn’t the most interesting part of the Castle, I still made time to stop by just to see how it’s transformed over the years.
The Regimental Museum
The Regimental Museum has over 200 years of history on Scotland’s elite military regiments—the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Here, you can learn all about the Scottish history of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders.
From their union in 1881 when they became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment to today.
What interested me the most about this museum, while visiting Stirling Castle, was the various forms of Scottish Highland dress.
This Civilian Highland Dress (c 1780-1837) was worn by Duncan Campbell of Lochnell when he was not serving with the army or on other occasions that didn’t require him to wear his uniform.
The kilt is made of “Hard Tartan,” which was manufactured from very coarse wool and tightly woven to produce a hard-wearing, almost waterproof cloth, unlike the softer tartan kilts worn today.
If you’ve watched Outlander, you’ve likely seen the “hard tartan.”
You can also see his Silver-Cantled Sporran (purse) decorated with the coat of arms of the Campbell of Lochnell family and the family motto “Arma Parata Fero” (I carry arms/weapons in readiness). This is surrounded by entwined thistles.
Fun Fact I Learned at the Museum:
On the march, the men wore thin low buckle shoes which let in all the wet. Some got blistered feet, soap mixed with whisky was a favourite remedy for a blistered hell.
93rd Officer, Ireland c. 1818
An Officer’s Feather Bonnet was made from ostrich feathers. It has an internal bowl-shaped wire frame.
The height and construction of the bonnet saved several soldiers’ lives throughout the 19th century.
The enemy were confused by the height of our bonnets’ fortunately the rebels aiming a few inches too high fired a volley and knocked my bonnet off my head…I received a sword cut, the wires of my bonnet bent inwards, the sword glanced off cutting open my right ear and cheek instead of splitting my skull.
From two officers’ accounts of the fighting in the city of Lucknow in 1857
A Badgerhead Sporran was made from the head and pelt of a badger. Only those with the rank of sergeant or higher wore sporrans.
To open the purse, the owner raised the front of the sporran by lifting the badger’s nose.
Stirling Castle and The Royal Family
Also held within the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum is the key to Stirling Castle.
When a member of the Royal Family comes for an official visit, the Stirling Castle key is used.
The key and its equally large padlock were used to lock the entrance gate to the castle.
On the occasion of a Royal visit, the key is taken from the museum to the front of the castle.
The Hereditary Keeper of the castle (the Earl of Mar) presents the key to the Royal personage. Who then touches it, and is invited in.
The National Wallace Monument
If you’re interested in William Wallace, and why wouldn’t you be, you can visit the National Wallace Monument.
You can actually see it from the castle!
I ran out of time while visiting Stirling Castle, so I didn’t get the opportunity myself, but I would if I got to visit again!
There’s so much to see in Scotland, enough to fill an 8-day itinerary.
The King’s Knot
The King’s Knot has been the property of the Crown since at least the 1100s and is where Scotland’s royalty partook in jousting, hawking, and hunting.
It features an octagonal stepped mound rising to 3 meters, with a rectangular parterre to the southeast.
If you’ve got the time, you can also walk down there and see an epic view up to the Castle from below.
The Queen Anne Gardens
This site may have hosted a royal garden since the 1400s, with the flat lawn transformed into a bowling green in the 1620s.
Today, you can wander about it just as the royals once did.
However, the day I visited, it was a bit gloomy, and I feared rain (it is Scotland after all), so I didn’t spend too much time here.
FAQs
Is Stirling Castle worth visiting?
Yes, Stirling Castle is absolutely worth visiting.
Perched atop Castle Hill with sweeping Highland views, it’s one of Scotland’s most historically significant royal residences as the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, the site of her coronation on September 9, 1543, and the location of Scotland’s first fireworks display in 1566.
The £12 million restoration completed in 2010 brought six royal apartments back to their 1540s appearance, including the intricately carved Stirling Heads ceiling and the seven hand-woven unicorn tapestries in the Queen’s Inner Hall.
Free guided tours run every 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm and are included in the ticket price, making it a budget-friendly Scottish attraction.
Compared to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling sees noticeably fewer crowds, making it a more relaxed and immersive experience.
How long do I need at Stirling Castle?
Plan for at least 2 hours inside Stirling Castle, though 2.5 to 3 hours is more comfortable if you want to explore everything.
The free guided tours run every 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm and last approximately 45 minutes. They’re one of the best parts of the visit and well worth building your day around.
After the tour, the royal apartments (including the Queen’s Chambers, the Stirling Heads display, and the Great Hall) each take 15 to 20 minutes to explore properly, and the Regimental Museum adds another 20 to 30 minutes for anyone interested in Scottish military history.
Factor in transport: from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the train takes just under an hour each way, making Stirling Castle a wonderful half-day trip. If you have the time, pair it with the National Wallace Monument, which is visible directly from the castle.
What is the best time to visit Stirling Castle?
The best time to visit Stirling Castle is on a weekday morning, ideally arriving when the gates open so you catch the 10 am guided tour while crowds are thinnest.
Summer (June to August) brings the highest visitor numbers, but Stirling sees significantly fewer tourists than Edinburgh Castle, so even in peak season, it remains manageable.
Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, longer daylight hours, and smaller crowds, the most comfortable combination for exploring outdoor areas like the Queen Anne Gardens and the King’s Knot.
Winter visits are quieter still, though Highland weather is unpredictable, and some outdoor areas can be wet.
Stirling Castle is open year-round; check Historic Environment Scotland’s website for seasonal hours before you go, as opening times vary slightly by month.
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