Stirling Castle
Stirling, United Kingdom
A castle on a volcanic rock above the town, with restored royal rooms and ramparts that look out toward the Wallace Monument. Park below in the town and climb up, or drive to the esplanade car park.
Stirling Castle sits on a volcanic rock above the town. It is first mentioned around 1110, and until the Union of the Crowns in 1603 almost every Scottish monarch lived, was crowned or died here. It changed hands several times during the Wars of Independence, and the battles of Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314) were fought nearby. The buildings include the King's Old Building (1496), the Great Hall (around 1503), the Royal Palace (around 1540) and the Chapel Royal (1594). Mary, Queen of Scots spent part of her childhood here and was crowned in 1543.
Allow two to three hours for the castle and ramparts. The walls offer wide views over the surrounding countryside. Come early to avoid groups, and wear comfortable shoes, as the approach is steep. You can park in the town below the castle or in a car park at the castle.
- Nearest town
- Stirling, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 56.1230, -3.9480
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Witches Craig Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite4 km from Stirling CastleTentsElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Blair Drummond Caravan ParkCampsite8 km from Stirling CastleTentsCaravans
- Ashmill Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover10 km from Stirling CastleMotorhomes
- The Woods Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover10 km from Stirling CastleMotorhomes
- Wheel Caravan parkCampsite16 km from Stirling CastleTentsCaravans
- Keltie BridgeCampsite19 km from Stirling CastleTentsCaravans
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Stirling Castle?
Stirling Castle is in Stirling, United Kingdom, at GPS 56.1230, -3.9480. It is about 34 km from Glasgow.
Can you camp near Stirling Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Witches Craig Caravan and Camping Park, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Stirling Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Balmaha, Loch Lomond (37 km), Edinburgh Old Town (51 km), Rosslyn Chapel (57 km) and Rest and Be Thankful (57 km).
When is the best time to visit Stirling Castle?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)