Visit Stirling and Falkirk

The Kelpies, Falkirk

Holidays in Stirlingshire

Whilst this website focuses on adventures in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, we are also keen to celebrate other nearby experiences. We received good feedback for our article about ten amazing places in Argyll to explore, all of which could be enjoyed with a visit to the Cowal section of the National Park.

This article recommends things to do in the Stirling and Falkirk area. Within Stirlingshire, there has been a dramatic rise in accommodation providers. We work closely with many of these mainly self-catering options, providing them with website, photography, and marketing services.

 

Where is Stirling?

Putting Stirling on the map (see below, zooming in and out), you will see that this historic city is close to the National Park. The county of Stirlingshire includes the Eastern Shores of Loch Lomond, from Drymen (a few miles from the loch) to Balmaha, Rowardennan and Inversnaid, which are all lochside villages.

Stirlingshire is also home to the Trossachs (see the Trossachs Trail) with Ben A’an, Loch Katrine, Callander, Lake of Menteith, Aberfoyle, and many, many more great places to visit.

At the top end of the park, close to its borders, Tyndrum, Balquhidder and Killin are also within Stirlingshire.

All the places mentioned above (and many more) features within the vast selection of guides on this website, whilst this article recommends places to visit and things to do in the parts of Central Scotland, not within the National Park.

If you’re reading this and have booked (or are about to book) accommodation in Stirlingshire, you will be spoilt for a choice of things to see and do in and near the National Park.

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Devils Pulpit, near Killearn

We start at Killearn, just outside of the park, where the Devil’s Pulpit attracts many people since its use as a filming location for Outlander. Locals know the area well (I live nearby) and saw film crews coming and going but didn’t realise the enormous impact its inclusion in Outlander would have. It is often mobbed, especially at weekends. There is limited parking, so please park responsibly if you visit. Take care when walking by the road, it can be dangerous, whilst we’re on safety, take care getting into the glen. Some folks have needed to be rescued over the years. Wear appropriate footwear!

Glengoyne Distillery Tour

Glengoyne Distillery

Also by Killearn is the wonderful Glengoyne Distillery, with frequent tours each day. I especially recommend the chocolate whisky pairing ones.

Stirling Castle

Historic Stirling Castle

Stirling is a small and historic city, dominated by its stunning castle, full of hundreds of years of history. If you want to immerse yourself in a day filled with history, combine a visit to Stirling Castle with Stirling Old Town Jail, just a short walk away, plus you could drive to the Battle of Bannockburn exhibition.

National Wallace Monument

You’ll get some great views from Stirling Castle, including the National Wallace Monument, built in Victorian Times as a tribute to William Wallace. We’ve worked closely with the National Wallace Monument over the last decade and seen how this attraction improves year-on-year. If you choose to climb the steep path to the tower from the car park, you will pass a series of wood carvings that tell the long and varied history of the site. Alternatively, a complimentary minibus will take you to the monument. There is still a requirement to climb the 246 steps to access the crown at the top, but you can pause at the excellent galleries along the way, enjoying some fantastic exhibits. It’s open at the top with fine views.

Story telling at National Wallace Monument, Stirling

The Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel

A trip east along the M9 will take you to Falkirk, home of the magical Kelpies, the pair of 100ft tall structures weighing more than 300 tonnes each. They have proven to be incredibly popular. Another unusual but recommended place to visit is the Falkirk Wheel, with boat trips on a lift that connects the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Bridge of Allan Brewery

Visit Bridge of Allan

Close to Stirling is Bridge of Allan, a wonderful and vibrant town. We have been delighted to work with the new Discover Bridge of Allan group, who have done an excellent job bringing together all that is good with this destination. Check the website that we developed for them. The team is proud of its superb food and drink venues and interesting local shops.

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Doune Castle - Outlander Location

Another Outlander location is nearby. Doune Castle is also featured in a Monty Python film, but the Outlander connection has driven visitor numbers in recent years. Doune is on the 40-mile Trossachs Trail route, as is Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Blair Drummond Safari Park

Blair Drummond Safari Park is a superb family day out. You will need to pre-book your visit, but you will enjoy a day of seeing the animals and having fun in the playground. Recently massive dinosaurs have come to the park.

Blair Drummond Safari Park

Flanders Moss

Finally, Flanders Moss is a National Nature Reserve in this long list of places to see in Stirlingshire. August is a great month to visit, walk along the boardwalk, and see all the fluffy white cotton seeds.

Remember, this article only includes places in and by Stirlingshire that are not in the National Park. As you can see, this is a great base for a holiday. Check out our stay page for some excellent accommodation options. Also, do get our See Loch Lomond book for more ideas.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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