Scotland Tour Guide

Scotland Tour Guide.

Two days in Stirling.

Our tours of Scotland always include at least two nights in each destination. Our travel guide to Scotland, gives you an idea of what you can expect to see and do when staying at various locations across our beautiful country.

We like to get to Stirling nice and early so we can tour the castle before the crowds arrive, which is normally from mid-morning until around 3.30pm. Stirling Castle is one of the finest castles in all of Scotland. The views from anywhere in the castle are outstanding, including that famous sight of the Wallace Monument backed by the Ochill Hills to the east. Inside the castle you can enjoy a tour of the Kings Palace, Great Hall and Royal Chapel, all dating to the 16^th Century. The kitchens shouldn’t be missed either. Stirling Castle has a fascinating history and is a sight not to be missed when in Scotland.

1.00pm – Lunch. The Portcullis Hotel sits just at the end of the Castle Esplanade, offers hearty pub food and has a fine selection of Cask Ales and Whisky. The bar has a great atmosphere and there is a nice courtyard too. The Portcullis Stirling Scotland - Home (theportcullishotel.com) 

After lunch stay in the Old Town and take the short stroll down Castle Hill to Lower Castle Hill to visit the gorgeous Stirling Gin Distillery. They offer a wonderful tour, tasting and insight into their, relatively new, distillery. Home - Stirling Distillery (stirlinggin.co.uk)

After your tour (and Gin purchase), you can walk down Castle Hill to the centre of Stirling for some local shopping. We love the creative hub, Made in Stirling. You can fine some excellent local shops at Shopping - Your Stirling

Check into your hotel, Hotel Colessio in Stirling’s Old Town, in the heart of the city for two nights. (Doubles from £158.00 per night inc Breakfast). Hotel Colessio Stirling Scotland

8.00pm – Dinner. 1.00pm – Lunch. Hermann’s Restaurant in Stirling Old Town, right next to the castle is one of the best restaurants in Stirling. They serve fresh Scottish produce with an Austrian influence. hermanns | Probably Stirling's best Restaurant (hermanns-restaurant.co.uk)

Finish the evening off at Nicky Tams, one of Stirling’s oldest pubs dating to 1718. They have a great selection of locally brewed ales too!

After breakfast take a walk on Stirling Old Bridge. This history surrounding this bridge and area should not be underestimated! This is where a Scottish army under the guidance of Sir William Wallace defeated the English army of Edward I at the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The wars of independence that followed lasted well into the 1300s asserted Scotland’s freedom from English rule. The current bridge dates to the 1400s and is one of the best medieval arch bridges in Scotland.

After standing on Stirling Bridge, there really is only one place you should visit – The National Wallace Monument, dedicated to the hero of 1297. This Victorian tourist attraction which was completed in 1869 and sits on the Abbey Craig, offers amazing views over the countryside and back over to Stirling Castle. There are exhibits on the way to the beautiful viewing level.

1.00pm – Lunch. Pop into nearby Bridge of Allan to discover the fabulous (and tucked away off the main track) Hideaway Café. Amazing home cooked food and baking. https://www.facebook.com/thehideawaycafebofa/

After lunch visit the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre to learn of the other great Scottish Victory over the English! This time with Robert the Bruce and Edward II at the reigns. This victory for the Scots was the big one, and it is brilliantly told using modern interactive techniques at the visitor centre. Bannockburn | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk)  We always recommend a walk out to the Robert the Bruce statue. It is an atmospheric spot where you can see Stirling Castle in the distance.

7.00pm – Dinner. Pre-dinner drinks at the Hotel Colessio Cocktail Bar. Dine in the chic and comfortable atmosphere of the hotel Grill Room, where you can enjoy a excellent Scottish Cuisine Cocktail & Dine - Hotel Colessio Stirling 

After dinner – Take a stroll through the Old Town of Stirling back up to the Castle Esplanade and enjoy beautiful views of the Ochil Hills as the sun goes down.

We offer enlightening tours of all of Stirling’s historic sights and hidden gems Custom Private Tours | Scotland – James Campbell Tours contact us for your quote on private touring in Scotland.

 

Stirling Gin Distillery

Stirling Castle

Sunset over Stirling