Overview
Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – an icon integral to how we understand the nation’s story. The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times.
Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace’s lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.
We have recreated the palace interiors as they may have looked when the Scottish king’s grand scheme was complete.
What to see and do
The Great Hall
The Great Hall is the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland. Completed for James IV in 1503, it has four pairs of tall windows at the dais end, where the king and queen sat. The exterior walls are a distinctive colour, rendered in Royal Gold harling, as they would have been in the 1500s.
What to see and do
The Royal Palace
Splendidly decorated and furnished, the palace of James V recalls the years when the castle was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Costumed interpreters set the 1500s scene and talk about the palace and the intrigues which took place within its walls.
What to see and do
The Chapel Royal
This elegant chapel was built in just seven months on the orders of James VI for the baptism of his son and heir Prince Henry. Dating from 1593-4, it was one of the first Protestant kirks in Scotland and also the last royal building at the castle.
What to see and do
The Great Kitchens
Pies, puddings, venison, salmon, prime beef – only the very best was good enough for royalty. See what life was like for the men, women and children who prepared the feasts for kings and queens, and baked the daily bread for servants.
What to see and do
Queen Anne Gardens
There may have been a royal garden here since the 1400s and the flat lawn was turned into a bowling green in the 1620s. Shade beneath the lovely beech tree which is over 200 years old. You can also enjoy the family trail in the Unicorn Garden.
What to see and do
The Stirling Tapestries
Intricate and beautiful, this set of seven hand-woven tapestries hangs on the walls of the Queen’s Inner Hall in the royal palace. They are closely based on the Hunt of the Unicorn series which were created in the early 1500s. The huge new tapestries were created in a 13-year, £2 million project.
What to see and do
The Palace Vault
The palace vaults have fun, interactive exhibitions especially for younger visitors. Have fun and find out about the music, paints, tools, fabrics and jokes of the 1500s.
What to see and do
The Castle Exhibition
Explore the Stirling Castle story, from the earliest times to the present day. Discover how the castle changed times eight times in 50 years, delve into story of the mysterious medieval burials beneath a lost royal chapel and find out about the castle’s impressive artists.
What to see and do
Stirling Heads Gallery
The Stirling Heads are one of Scotland’s great art treasures – metre-wide 16th-century oak medallions carved with images of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors and characters from the Bible and Classical mythology.
What to see and do
The Access Gallery
Discover parts of the castle that are hard to access with displays, images and interactives. Find out about the royal palace and the many crafts involved in creating its sumptuous furniture and décor.
What to see and do
Regimental Museum
The links between Stirling Castle and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders reach back through 200 years of distinguished service. Home to a wealth of military treasures and artefacts, the museum brings the rich cultural links of one of Scotland’s great Highland regiments to life.
What to see and do
Test your castle knowledge
Take our fun fact-finding quiz. Available in English, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Scots, Simplified Chinese and Spanish)
What to see and do
The King's Knot and Royal Park
Enjoy majestic views of the King’s Knot and Royal Park, which were once royal properties associated with the castle. Imagine the great battles that took place around the castle as you look towards the southern Highlands and the Ochil Hills.
Tours
- Discover the people and events which have shaped the castle's past with a tour. Guided tours are included in the ticket price and take place every half hour between 10am and 3pm, starting at the well outside the Fort Major's House
- Tour the castle with our audio guide using your own mobile phone with internet access. Buy your audio guide when you purchase your tickets, free for Historic Scotland members
- Take a digital British Sign Language Tour with Deaf guide John Hay. Watch the different films as you explore to find out about the areas within the castle
Guiding Information
If you are bringing a group to Stirling Castle, we recommend reviewing the below guiding information to ensure an enjoyable visit for both visitors and staff.
- guides are permitted to use wireless transmission whisper systems. This does not include open audio loudspeaker
- guiding is permitted in external areas of the castle as well as the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal
- guiding is not permitted in the Palace Apartments, the Stirling Heads Gallery, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum and the Great Kitchens
- groups should be led through gateways as quickly as possible, and we ask that there is no guiding in queues. This will ensure that the experience of other visitors is not impacted
- it is the responsibility of the guide to keep the group together for the duration of the tour
- children under the age of 16 must stay with an adult at all times
- please show consideration to other guided groups on the site both when they are and are not guiding. This includes official Stirling Castle Guides
- please arrange for your group to meet and gather before entering or leaving Stirling Castle by the Robert the Bruce Statue on the Castle Esplanade. If you require a meeting point within Stirling Castle, please arrange for your group to meet in the Outer Close
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