Where to Stay in Stirling – A Guide to the “Gateway to the Highlands”
Stirling is a city in central Scotland. Located on the River Forth, Stirling is one of the most historically rich cities in Scotland and is considered the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Stirling is famous for its castle and medieval architecture, its university, its nearby natural areas and its contributions to Scotland’s history and culture. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Stirling, Scotland.
Why you should visit Stirling
Considered Scotland’s heritage capital, Stirling is known for its many historic sites. Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the city is Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically significant castles in Scotland. Located atop Castle Hill, the fortification is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs on a strategic location guarding the farthest crossing of the River Forth.
Other unmissable attractions in Stirling Old Town include the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Church of the Holy Rude, Old Town Jail, Argyll’s Lodging and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum. Find accommodation in Stirling Old Town.
A few miles from the city centre stands The National Wallace Monument, a 19th-century tower that commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th- and 14th-century Scottish hero. Sights nearby include the University of Stirling, the Macrobert Arts Centre and Airthrey Castle. Find accommodation near the University of Stirling & The National Wallace Monument.
Surrounded by parks, golf courses and stately manors, the quaint town of Alloa offers a quiet countryside ambience and several tourist sights nearby, including the 14th-century Alloa Tower, Alloa Inch, the Black Devon Wetlands Nature Reserve, and Clackmannan and Sauchie towers. Find accommodation in Alloa
When to visit Stirling
Due to its position in central Scotland, Stirling has an oceanic climate. Average temperatures in January are usually between 1 and 7 ºC. On the other hand, Stirling has some of the warmest summers in all of Scotland, with temperatures of between 11 and 20 ºC. Precipitations are common throughout the year. The best time to visit Stirling is during the summer (June through September), when the pleasant conditions are suited for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Stirling: Getting there and around
To fly to Stirling, the easiest way is through Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Located around 45 kilometres southeast of the city centre, this important Scottish airport offers frequent connections to cities in the UK, as well as a wide range of European routes and some long-haul flights. Additionally, Glasgow International Airport (GLA), which also offers a wide selection of routes, is located 55 kilometres southwest.
Stirling is also well-connected to the rest of Scotland and England by train. Stirling railway station, located in the city centre including inter-city rail services to Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, and London. Additionally, the city of Stirling is connected by coach and bus services to other places in Scotland and North England. Check train and coach schedules, routes and fares.
To move around the city, Stirling has a bus network, as well as taxis and mobile apps. There are also train services to the nearby towns of Alloa, Bridge of Allan, Falkirk and Dunblane. That said, to explore the city’s outlying suburbs and the natural wonders around Stirling, you may want to rent a car for your stay.
Where to stay in Stirling
The best area to stay in Stirling is the Old Town & City Centre. The central district is home to Stirling Castle, as well as most of the cultural and historical attractions, shopping streets and nightlife areas. Stirling City Centre is also where some of the best-rated hotels are located and it offers the best transport connections. Find accommodation in Stirling City Centre.
Other excellent districts to keep in mind when choosing the best areas to stay in Stirling for sightseeing include near the University of Stirling & The National Wallace Monument and Alloa.
Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Stirling, Scotland.
The Best Areas to Stay in Stirling, Scotland
1. Recommended area: Stirling Old Town & City Centre
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Stirling, Scotland, no other district can beat the city centre.
Stirling’s Old Town is set at the foot of the city’s majestic castle. This historic district is home to many of the most important tourist attractions in Stirling.
Stirling Castle is one of the most recognisable castles in Scotland. It is known both for its historical and architectural importance. It is located atop Castle Hill, a rocky crag with steep cliffs on three of its sides. Most of the buildings of the castle are from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, while the outer defences are from the early 18th century.
In the old times, it was said that whoever controlled Stirling, controlled Scotland. Before Scotland’s union with England, Stirling Castle was one of the most used Scottish royal residences.
The castle grounds are also home to several tourist attractions such as The Royal Palace, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum and Argyll’s Lodging, and are very close to other important sights like the Church of the Holy Rude, the Old Town Cemetery, Mar’s Wark, The Old Town Jail and Stirling Distillery.
A few hundred metres south of the castle lies Stirling City Centre proper, the main administrative, business and shopping district in town.
The Thistles Shopping Centre, located next to the railway station, offers a wide range of stores and a food court. On the other hand, King, Friars and Barnton streets are the places to go for pubs, restaurants and nightlife.
Stirling railway station, the city’s main transit hub, provides frequent connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as bus and coach services.
As is to be expected, the City Centre also offers the widest selection of accommodation options in Stirling. Whether it’s luxury hotels, family-run B&Bs or tourist apartments, you’ll find it here.
We have chosen the City Centre as the best area to stay in Stirling thanks to its perfect mix of attractions, shopping and nightlife options, and transport connections.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stirling, Scotland:
- Stirling Castle
- Medieval attractions
- Shopping malls
- Connected by public transport
- Wide selection of accommodation options
- Stirling Railway Station
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Stirling Highland Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection
Built in 1854, this hotel was once the High School of Stirling. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the city’s historic castle, it has an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant and free parking.
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Budget
Friars Wynd
Located in Stirling, Friars Wynd has rooms with free WiFi access. Among the various facilities are a garden and a bar. The hotel features a restaurant, and the National Wallace Monument is 3.2 km away from the property.
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Luxury
Victoria Square & The Orangery
The luxurious Victoria Square and the Orangery Restaurant shares the elegance of this desirable area of Stirling, with a selection of distinctly styled en suite rooms. Limited on-site parking and Free Wi-Fi are available at Victoria Square, just 4 minutes drive from the majestic Stirling Castle.
2. University of Stirling & The National Wallace Monument
The University of Stirling is a public university located 4 km north of the city centre, within the walled Airthrey Castle estate.
This superior education institution, one of the leading universities in Scotland, was founded in 1967 in the foothills of the Ochil Hills and is often cited as among the most beautiful in the UK.
Apart from its beautiful natural surroundings, the University of Stirling campus is either home to or very close to various notable landmarks including Airthrey Castle, the Macrobert Arts Centre and Logie Kirk.
On its southern edge lies The National Wallace Monument, a 19th-century stone tower commemorating Scottish independence hero William Wallace.
The University area and The National Wallace Monument are both connected to Stirling City Centre by frequent buses.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Stirling Court Hotel
Located within the University of Stirling campus and set in 300 acres of beautiful parkland, Stirling Court Hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Stirling city centre. Stirling Court Hotel offers a ‘home-from-home’ environment.
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Budget
Craigard B&B
Set in Stirling in the Central Scotland region, with Wallace Monument and William Wallace Statue nearby, Craigard B&B offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
3. Alloa
Alloa is a town located in Clackmannanshire, 12 km from Stirling City Centre.
This lovely town is on the north bank of the Forth, at the very spot where it stops to be the River Forth to become the Firth of Forth.
Alloa grew up under the protection of Alloa Tower, an early 14th-century tower house that served as the medieval residence of the Erskine family, later Earls of Mar.
One kilometre north of the city centre stands the Inglewood House and Spa, a former stately mansion from the early 20th century set in 25 acres of land including a duck pond and woodland.
Other attractions in and around Alloa include natural spaces such as the Black Devon Wetlands, Alloa Inch and Tullibody Inch.
Alloa is also located near two of the main golf courses in Stirling, Braehead Golf Club and Schawpark Golf Course.
Alloa is connected to the centre of Stirling via buses and trains. Alloa train station, located in the town’s centre, also offers frequent services to Glasgow Queen Street.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stirling, Scotland:
- Peaceful environment
- Alloa Tower
- Natural spaces
- Connected by train and bus
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Dunmar House Hotel
Located in Alloa, 2.8 km from Alloa Tower, Dunmar House Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The hotel has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier that guests can use.
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Luxury
Inglewood House and Spa
Featuring free WiFi, a restaurant and a sun terrace, Inglewood House and Spa offers accommodation in Alloa. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. The Lotus Spa at Inglewood House features treatment rooms, a thermal suite, an outdoor hot tub, a gym, hairdressers, a relaxation room and a private spa lunch room.
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