Here's a few suggestions for things to see and do in Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire & the Campsies:
Walking & Cycling
Excellent hiking and walking paths can be found around
The Ochil Hills and Campsie Fells. Enjoy the extensive
network of cycleways in Clackmannanshire.
Golf
There are numerous courses to challenge the golfer. Try
a put overlooking Stirling Castle, or drive down the fairways
in the shadow of the Ochils.
Shopping
Treat yourself or take home a souvenir from one of the
modern shopping centres in Falkirk and Stirling,
or grab a designer bargain at Tillicoultry. Simply browse
in the many country stores found in other towns and villages.
Arts & Crafts
Visit local galleries or craft shops or take in a theatrical
occasion at the MacRobert, the regional arts centre situated
on Stirling University Campus.
Indoor
Sports
A variety of different activities await the visitor. Why
not take a dip at one of the swimming pools at Alloa,
Falkirk, Grangemouth or Stirling.
Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire & the Campsies
Stirling at night
Here, in
so many ways, is Scotland’s heart and soul. Stirling
– Scotland’s newest city – is perhaps the place
where our national heritage is most vividly recalled.
Always a meeting place of peoples,
modern Stirling bustles with activity and offers fine shopping
and leisure facilities to compliment its many historic attractions.
Stirling is also the ideal
base
to explore the nearby Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National
Park. Stirling is the heritage capital of Scotland, and
was awarded city status as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s
Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.
History seems very much alive in the streets of the Old Town,
winding upwards to the castle, past the renovated Tolbooth –
now a vibrant centre for the arts, the administrative heart
of the renaissance burgh, and the Old Town Jail, an imposing
19th century prison, which is now a fascinating attraction presenting
the horrors of life for inmates in a Victorian reform jail.
Next door stands the medieval Church of the Holy Rude, where
James VI was crowned and John Knox preached the sermon. Argyll’s
Lodging, a beautifully restored mansion house built in the 1570s
and much extended by the 1st Earl of Stirling in 1632, is your
last stop before reaching the top of the hill, and the Castle.
Smith Art Gallery & Museum, Stirling
Stirling Castle
Royal
Residence
Stirling Castle, perched on its rocky crag surveying the surrounding
land, is one of Scotland’s grandest. Its history is turbulent,
its architecture outstanding. The restoration of the Great
Hall took nearly 10 years to complete. Originally built during
the reign of James IV, the exterior has been returned to its
original golden yellow colour, by the traditional method of
harling.
As a military stronghold, seven great battles - including
the decisive moments of Scotland’s wars of independence
- took place within sight of its walls. Later, for almost
three centuries prior to the Union of the Crowns in 1603,
it was a favourite royal residence. The quality of the buildings
is superb, particularly the Great Palace, the Chapel Royal
and the Renaissance Palace.
Housed in the castle is the Regimental Museum of the Argyll
& Sutherland Highlanders, which colourfully recounts the
200 year history of the famous regiment. On the castle esplanade
is the Royal Burgh of Stirling Visitor Centre, offering a
multi-lingual audio-visual tour through 1,000 years of Stirling’s
history. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum also offers a fascinating
introduction to the history of the area, as well as a popular
programme of special exhibitions.
Scottish
Heroes
The historic theme continues with the striking National Wallace
Monument, Scotland’s commemoration of its great hero,
popularised in the Hollywood epic Braveheart. The Monument
stands proudly on the Abbey Craig, overlooking the site of
Sir William’s greatest victory, at the Battle of Stirling
Bridge, in 1297.
Another legendary Scottish victory - the Battle of Bannockburn
in 1314 - is celebrated at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre,
just two miles south of Stirling. The Centre recounts the
story of this famous battle, as well as the life of King Robert,
of whom a striking equestrian statue sits close of the Centre.
Close by is
the ruined Cambuskenneth Abbey, the scene of Bruce’s
Parliament of 1326 and the burial place of King James III.
Modern Stirling is a cosmopolitan university city with a wide-ranging
cultural life. Cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes abound,
and the town centre offers excellent shopping opportunities
in the pedestrianised streets or the covered Thistle Marches
Centre. Stirling’s swimming pool, Rainbow Slides, has
a 25 metre pool and a learner area, as well as multi-coloured
water slides.
Area Overview
