Stirling, Scotland
Article for senior couples and mature solo travellers interested in learning about Scotland and the Scottish isles as part of a small group tour.
6 Feb 20 · 4 mins read

Stirling, Scotland

Stirling looks somewhat like a miniature Edinburgh with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and crag-top castle but it is an appealing and charming city in its own right with plenty to explore apart from its impressive castle. Often described as the ‘brooch which clasps the Highlands and Lowlands together’, thanks to its central location, Stirling is a history lover’s playground with magnificent scenery as its backdrop. Stirling is the place where the Scots, led by William Wallace (of Braveheart fame), defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and where the Scots won again under Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn only 17 years later. The city is very accessible, being less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh by train.
What to See in Stirling

Stirling’s crowning jewel is Stirling Castle, which overlooks the city. Historically and architecturally, it is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Stirling Castle was once the favoured residence of the Stewart monarchs and was very much both a palace and a fortress. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors would flocked to opulent celebrations at the castle and revel in its elegant halls and beautiful gardens. Before the Union of the Crowns, several Scottish kings and queens were crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542.

Much of the castle dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It is open daily to visitors and some highlights include the Great Hall, the Regimental Museum, the Great Kitchens and the nearby Argyll’s Lodging, a 17th century town house. There are also beautiful gardens to explore and costumed performers who bring the history of the castle to life.

Stirling’s Old Town Jail lay empty for over fifty years until it was reopened as a visitor attraction in 2015. The former prisoner cells have been transformed into exhibitions about the prisoners, punishments and executions that took place within the jail’s walls. From the top of the observation tower, you can enjoy amazing views of Stirling’s Old Town.

The National Wallace Monument is a medieval tower commemorating William Wallace that sits on Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling. Wallace was the hero depicted in Braveheart who helped the Scots gain their independence. The view over Forth Valley is verdant and lovely and a visit the monument offers an insight into Scotland’s turbulent national history.

Twenty minutes from Stirling’s city centre is one of the country’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, Doune Castle. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1260 and it has remained largely unchanged since it was rebuilt for the Duke of Albany in the 14th century. It is a courtyard castle, with a majestic 100 ft high gatehouse and an impressive great hall. Today, visitors may recognise it as the fictional Castle Leoch from the hugely popular Outlander series. It also heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and was used as Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones. Today, you can stroll around the castle’s courtyards and explore its nooks and crannies.

Also near Stirling is the stunning Linlithgow Palace. The birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, the royal palace became a favourite residence amongst the Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. Although the palace was maintained after the Scottish monarchs left for England, the palace fell into disrepair and was badly burned by The Duke of Cumberland‘s army in January 1746. In the centre of the palace’s courtyard is the incredible King’s Fountain, Britain’s oldest fountain. Elaborately carved, the fountain was commissioned by James V in 1537 and once flowed with wine for the visit of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
Stirling and its surrounds are steeped in history and beauty. It is a great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands and there are many hidden gems within the city itself. As well as extraordinary architecture, art and heritage, Stirling also has a thriving culinary scene and you can find everything from fine-dining restaurants to cosy pubs and hidden bars dotted around its centre. If you’re interested in visiting Stirling, please have a look at our tours that visit there. Our History of the Jacobites tour spends two nights in Stirling and visits both Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle. Our Scottish Whisky and other Scottish Wonders tour also makes a day trip to Stirling and our Scottish Great Trails Walking tour spends four nights in Stirling and does some great walks in its surrounds.
Articles about Scotland published by Odyssey Traveller.
The following list of articles published by odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Scotland when visiting;
- Visiting Scotland
- Scotland & Scotch Whisky
- Roman roads in Britain
- Understanding British Churches
- Medieval British life
- Icons of British villages
- Studying Gargoyles and grotesques
- New discoveries about Britain’s stone circles
- Britain’s neolithic past
- Lumps and bumps, how to read the British landscape
For all the articles published on Scotland by Odyssey Traveller, please click through on this link to view.
External articles to assist your Scotland Tour
- Overview of the history of Scotland
- Robert burns; biography of a poet
- National trust; Britain’s best walks with Julia Bradbury
- National Parks of Britain.
- Ten books about Walking in Britain from the Guardian
Updated August 2021.
Related Tours

21 days
May, AugHabsburg Spain vs Tudor England: small group tour exploring the history of 16th century England and Spain
Visiting England
This holiday with a leading tour operator allows the escorted tour for seniors to explore the life and times of the royal families responsible for making England and Spain so significant in the 16th century with local guides providing the travel experience for the detailed itineraries. We spend 10 days travelling from London to Madrid.
From A$12,995 AUD
View Tour
25 days
AugIreland and Lake District walking small group tour
Visiting England, Ireland
A guided small group tour for senior walkers that starts in the capital of Ireland, Dublin. This escorted tour with local guides also explores the Giant's causeway, a UNESCO World heritage site. It transfers from Ireland to Scotland to head to walk in the National park of the Lake district.
From A$12,250 AUD
View Tour
21 days
AugPrehistoric Britain small group history tour including standing stones
Visiting England, Scotland
This guided tour invites you to explore UNESCO World heritage sites at Skara Brae in the Orkneys, Isle of Skye, and Stonehenge in a prehistoric tour. This escorted tour has trips to key sites in Scotland, and the Irish sea in Wales such as Gower Peninsula and National Museum in Cardiff and England. Each day tour is supported by local guides.
From A$14,750 AUD
View Tour
23 days
Oct, Apr, SepCanals and Railways in the Industrial Revolution Tour | Tours for Seniors in Britain
Visiting England
A small group tour of Wales, Scotland & England that traces the history of the journey that is the Industrial revolution. Knowledgeable local guides and your tour leader share their history with you on this escorted tour including Glasgow, London, New Lanark & Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake district.
From A$16,225 AUD
View Tour
9 days
AugEdinburgh Festival Fringe Small Group Tour
Visiting Scotland
One of the few European tour companies to have in Scotland an escorted small group tour of Edinburgh during the fringe festival. As well attending performances, this trip includes time to experience, the old town, new town and the royal mile, a UNESCO world heritage site plus Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse.
From A$5,950 AUD
View Tour
9 days
AugGilbert and Sullivan Festival Small Group tour
Visiting England
A 9 day tour with a tour director and local guide explore the Victorian music of Gilbert and Sullivan. We visit on this journey, Manchester, Harrogate, Oxford & London, attending the Gilbert & Sullivan festival and places of historic interest.
From A$7,750 AUD
View Tour
10 days
MayWorld of Shakespeare | Small Group Tour
Visiting England
This small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers visits Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford upon Avon and Anne Hathaway's cottage all form part of this small group tour escorted by a tour director and local guides sharing their knowledge on this guided tour. Included are performances in London at the Globe & RSC in Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon.
From A$7,450 AUD
View Tour
10 days
MayGardens of Ireland Small Group Tour
Visiting Ireland, Northern Ireland
Ireland a land of diverse and rich gardens from the dramatic Powerscourt to the impressive kitchen Garden of Kylemore Abbey and the secretive Anne’s Grove. Visit Dublin's historic Botanic Garden to the greenness of Killarney with its rugged Kerry peninsula and charming Muckross House.
From A$7,450 AUD
View Tour
13 days
AugExploring Wales on foot : small group walking tours for seniors
Visiting Wales
A Walking tour of Wales with spectacular views across as you walk the millennial path across the Irish sea or up in Snowdonia national park. This guided tour that provides insight into the history of each castle visited and breathtaking scenery enjoyed before exploring the capital of Wales, Cardiff with day tours of Wales from Cardiff. For seniors, couples or Solo interested in small groups.
From A$9,450 AUD
View Tour
23 days
AprAgrarian and Industrial Britain | Small Group Tour for Mature Travellers
Visiting England
A small group tour of England that will explore the history of Agrarian and Industrial period. An escorted tour with a tour director and knowledgeable local guides take you on a 22 day trip to key places such as London, Bristol, Oxford & York, where the history was made.
From A$15,995 AUD
View Tour
17 days
JunBritish Gardens Small Group Tour including Chatsworth RHS show
Visiting England, Scotland
From A$13,995 AUD
View Tour
19 days
JulWhisky and Other Scottish Wonders
Visiting Scotland
A guided small group tour of Scotland is a day tour collection that includes Edinburgh, the royal mile, Edinburgh castle, and the old town a UNESCO World heritage site Experience and learn about, Kellie castle, St Andrews, Skye, Balmoral castle, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness as well touring the Scottish highlands to finish in Glasgow.
From A$16,695 AUD
View TourRelated Articles

11 places to consider visiting in Edinburgh off the beaten track
Edinburgh or Glasgow, which is better the Scots will ask the traveller. Take a small group tour for mature solo travellers and couples to think about the answer. Or visit Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool or the Scottish isles to give an answer.

Birth of Scotland
Escorted small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travelers seeking to learn. Article about Scotland and you can learn more about the Jacobites, Orkney or Shetland islands as well Edinburgh, Aberdeen and more.

Country Spotlight: Scotland
Article sets the platform for small group tours learning about Scotland and the Scottish isles for senior couples and solo travellers.

Fort William, Scotland
For mature solo travelers and senior couples interested in joining escorted small group tours to historic Scotland and/or the Scottish isles.

Industrial Revolution. Britain's contribution to the world
Britain and the industrial revolution. A progressive period that spanned Queen Victoria's period. Small group package tours for mature and senior travellers explore this fascinating period of history across England and Scotland and key cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.

Inverness, Scotland
Article about Scotland's Inverness. A place for learning about Whisky, Loch Ness and more about the history of Scotland and the Scottish isles, for senior couples and mature solo travellers on a small group tour.