Beta Help us improve: share your feedback on our new website.

Stirling Castle

Castle Wynd, Stirling
Stirling Castle logo

Important notice

There is restricted access to the castle esplanade, please use the Castleview Park and Ride service (this service isn't available on a Sunday)

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.

View gallery

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.

A stone entrance to a castle. There are two round towers either side of the entrance. There is a flag on top of the entrance.
Aerial view of a castle on the top of a rock. There is a high wall surrounding it, and the castle is large, with separate buildings and a large garden. There are trees surrounding the castle.
A walk way between two buildings, with a connecting bridge between the two with an arch in the middle. The building on the right is orange, and while not modern, appears more recent than the building on the left. This building, as well as the connecting bridge, is made of stone which has turned black in areas.
Interior of a large hall, with a wood beam roof, there are candle stands int he hall. There are multiple windows with little light coming through.
Wide view of a medieval grand hall with round tables dressed in dark linens, black chairs, candlelit centrepieces, and place settings, set beneath a high timber roof.

Weddings and coporate events

Stirling Castle is a spectacular venue for private functions, weddings and all kinds of celebration. Our dedicated team will help plan the perfect ceremony or event.
Hire our spaces

Travel the green way!

Get a 25% discount when you arrive at selected Historic Scotland sites by train, bus, or bike.
Plan with Good Journey
The corner of a chapel, with a high wooden ceiling, large arched windows and painted walls. There is light coming through the windows illuminating the room golden. There is a wide table at the front on a platform.

Group bookings

Stirling Castle is one our most popular sites for groups and tours. Get guidance on booking for groups and find out about our travel trade offer, including private tours.
Groups and tour bookings

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • 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
Buy now View details

Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • 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
Buy now View details