Explore Stirling and the Forth Valley

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's great days out - it was created by kings and queens as a great royal residence. But at times of war it was also a formidable fortress. From the Chapel Royal and the Great Kitchens, to Argyll's Lodging and the Tapestry Studio, there is plenty for all the family to enjoy.

The Royal Palace
The Palace at Stirling Castle allows visitors to step into the astonishing richness of royal life in the 1500s

A Royal Wedding
In 1538, James was preparing to marry his second French wife. To mark the arrival of his bride, James commissioned a new Palace in Stirling Castle. It was intended to be as fine as any princely residence she would have known in the richer kingdom of France.

Reviving the palace
The Royal Lodgings have now been returned to something approaching their former glory. A major programme of research and re-presentation, lasting 10 years and costing £12 million, was completed in summer 2011.

Visitors can now glimpse life in one of the great royal residences of Scotland's kings and queens. The decorative scheme is amazingly elaborate and colourful. It includes hand-woven tapestries, superb, hand-made furniture and painted replicas of the famous Stirling Heads - carved portraits in oak that once adorned the ceiling of James V's magnificent Palace.

Visit the Palace highlight page

Open all year 7 days a week (except 25th & 26th December)

Opening Hours
1 April - 30 September
9:30am to 6.00pm

Prices
Adult: £13.00 (age 16-59)
Child: £6.50 (age 5-15)
Concession: £10.00
Child under 5: Free

1st April - 30th September 9.30am - 6pm
1st October - 31st March 9.30am - 5pm

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