Stirling has a wealth of nationally important visitor attractions mainly to do with the Scottish Wars of Independence that shaped Scotland's history.
What to do
Restaurants in and around Stirling and the Forth Valley area, you will find a will find a superb and exciting choice of restaurants.
Where to Eat
Superb high street shops with multi-nationals mixed with independent shops and boutiques, offering a personal one-to-one service.
Where to Shop
Stirling and the Forth Valley B&Bs, Guest Houses, Self Catering Cottages and Apartments and Camping, Caravan Park and Camper Van Breaks.
Where to Stay
Stirling has always been one of the most
important cities in Scotland, for those on a Stirling holiday,
you will not be disappointed by what the city and area has to offer
the holiday maker.
View your Tourist Guide with maps for Stirling, Falkirk and the Forth Valley, a great part of Scotland to holiday in.
Read the Tourism
News from businesses in the Stirling, Falkirk, Bridge of Allan and
Dunblane area of Scotland.
Strategically Stirling was crucial from early to medieval times, it is said who ever controlled Stirling controlled Scotland. All Stirling holiday makers should visit Stirling castle which guarded the main crossing point over the river Forth; all armies travelling north or south had to pass here. Several important battles occurred within view of Stirling castle ramparts. It was said "to hold Stirling was to have Scotland", as a result of this, the town became known as 'the key to the Scotland'.
Stirling Castle was the favoured Scottish royal residence of the Stewart monarchs, only Edinburgh rivaling it for importance. A visit to Stirling Castle is an absolute must for those on a Stirling holiday; the royal apartments have been extensively renovated to their former glory. The castle blossomed as a royal palace with its renaissance architecture, magnificently restored by Historic Scotland. Three kings of Scotland were born in Stirling castle, in the streets below the merchants and courtiers established fine homes, which can still be seen today.
Today, Stirling is a vibrant mix of the old and the new. The Stirling holiday makers will find a host of visitor attractions in and around Stirling to choose from, including the historic old town with its fine architecture, while the modern town centre offers excellent shopping, a fine selection of restaurants and recreational facilities.
Falkirk is with easy reach of Stirling and those on a Stirling holiday are recommended paying it a visit, it is a great town in its own right to visit, whether exploring the heritage trail or visiting fantastic attractions such as the Falkirk Wheel and Callander House or for shopping, eating in it restaurants and cafes . Falkirk is the ideal centrally located base from which to explore the Forth Valley. There are many historical sites by Falkirk and a short drive from Stirling is the impressive Antonine Wall which crosses central Scotland 63 km (39 miles) long, built in 150 AD by Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius a stone and turf fortification about 3 m (10 feet) high and 5 m (15 feet) wide.
Clackmannanshire due east of Stirling.
An area well worth a visit when on holiday in Stirling is Clackmannanshire, rich in culture and heritage with links to some of Scotland's most famous historical characters. An area that once had a thriving textiles industry, today there is a thriving local arts and crafts scene.
The Explore Stirling web site is here to help the Stirling
holiday maker make the most of their visit to this wonderful part
of Scotland, steeped in history and the Scottish Wars of
Independence.
Scottish adventure cyclists Graham Kitchener and Pauline Symaniak tell the story of their epic 4,000 mile pedal across North America
