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Where Is Stirling Castle?
Stirling Castle is located on top of a volcanic rock in Central Scotland, around 30 minutes North from the outskirts of Edinburgh or Glasgow. It’s just off the M9 motorway and really easy to access. Car parking at the castle can get busy during summer holidays, so arrive early to guarantee a space. Or check if the little land train is running up to the castle from the town of Stirling and park down there instead!
The castle is owned by Historic Scotland and you can get free entry with the historic Scotland membership card or discounted admission with English Heritage, Manx or Cadw members.
Why Is Stirling Castle Important?
The history of Stirling Castle is very interesting. It’s one of the most important castles in Scottish history! Due to its location on a craggy outcrop between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland it is a very strategic location. During peaceful times it was a royal residence for Scottish royalty, where they enjoyed a high level of comfort. The castle passed between Scottish and English hands 8 times within 50 years during the wars of independence.
It was also the childhood home of important royal residents, including Mary Queen of Scot’s and King James VI and I. It’s not a surprise to see that the battle of Bannockburn and the Battle of Stirling Bridge are within view of the castle. It was in such an incredibly important and tactical position.
What Is There To Do At Stirling Castle With Kids?
We absolutely love getting out and having fun all year round. So we don’t stop when autumn and winter arrive! Instead we put on our wellies, layers, waterproofs or even snowsuits and get outside for some good old family fun.
For our family there is nothing that we enjoy more than a great day out at a castle We have visited the majority of castles in our little area of Scotland along with plenty further afield. One of our favourites has to be Stirling Castle, not just because it’s local to us, but there is so much to see and do for kids as well as adults. Don’t miss the fantastic views out to the National Wallace Monument from the castle esplanade. You can also spot Stirling Bridge, the important crossing of the River Forth. The old bridge that was made of wood was burnt down during the battle of Stirling Bridge.
Stirling Castle is completely entwined with they history of Scotland, that you will find plenty of information about the country’s history in the castle. Start off at the Queen Anne Garden to visit the exhibition of the timeline of history of the castle. This gives you a good foundation in the history of Scottish royalty and the castle.
Stirling Castle For Kids
From here the kids will want to head to the palace vaults to visit the interactive exhibitions that are excellent for kids. Above the vaults in the palace itself are often actors representing the quirkiest characters of the royal court. The actors are always a highlight and there is almost nothing that they don’t know! Our kids have learnt a lot about the surprising secrets of Stirling castle. From the oldest football found in the palace ceiling to the intricate details of the architecture, which were commissioned by King James V. They can also tell you more about the Stirling Heads in a nearby room, they really are superb storytellers. These are hand carved to replicate the original ceiling that would have been here. Including carved heads from the royal court, historical figures and also the Greek hero Hercules. Don’t miss the Historic Environment Scotland exhibition next to the Palace with more information on the Stirling Heads.
From here you can head to the Chapel Royal and the Great Hall. The Great Hall is where they would have held spectacular feasts, including Prince Henry’s baptism where there was a huge ship filled with fish and other food, coining the term ‘push the boat out’.
The final place to head with kids, after a quick play next to the cannons, are the kitchens. You can learn more about what the people of medieval times would have eaten and drank. Hint, the drink involved a lot of alcohol for everyone, including children!
Stirling Castle
You can also look out upon the great views from the castle. From the West you can look down onto the Kings Knot. These are earthworks in the area that were originally a huge ornamental garden. King’s Knot and King’s Park is also where the Scottish Kings and Queens would have enjoyed jousting tournaments, hawking and hunting.
You will find plenty of space for kids to run around at the castle. There is a large grassy area, near the artillery buildings, plus castle walls to walk along! There is a nice cliff area our kids love to climb too!
You will also find the Unicorn Cafe with delicious locally sourced food, which is an amazing tearoom for lunch. You can always bring your own lunch too, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables around for pack lunches.
If you are looking for more things to do in the local area with kids. Then there is also Briarlands Farm or Blairdrummond Safari Park just a short drive away.
Plutonium Sox says
This looks great fun, I love the fact it caters so well for children and the actors take the time to engage them as well. It’s the best way for them to learn. We use the vitamins to keep us going through the chaos too. My eldest does drama, it turned her from a timid, shy little tot into a confident little loudmouth. Lookout 😉
Nat.x
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says
Thanks for this. I’ll be using the code when I next stock up at boots.com! I love the rainbow match picture.