King's Knot
King's Knot image gallery
Roam the royal pleasure ground below Stirling Castle, where monarchs once pursued their leisure interests.
The King’s Knot is on the grounds of the ancient King’s Park, Crown property from at least the 1100s, where Scotland’s royalty partook in jousting, hawking and hunting.
The earthworks known as the King’s and Queen's Knots were part of the formal gardens of Stirling Castle. These were remodelled for Charles I’s ‘hamecoming’ for his Scottish coronation, which took place in 1633. It was subject to extensive restoration under orders of Queen Victoria in 1842.
It comprises an octagonal stepped mound rising to 3m high, with a rectangular parterre to the south-east. From the top of the mound there’s a spectacular view of the royal castle towering overhead, although the scale of the gardens is best appreciated from the Ladies' Lookout in Stirling Castle itself.
Ready for an adventure?
Membership
Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters
Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
- Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
- Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
Explorer Pass
Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing
Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
- 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
- Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online