For historians, even those whose knowledge of Scottish "history" (used loosely) stems from multiple…read moreviewings of Braveheart (yeah, you know who you are!), there are several sites in Stirling that are must visits. The Old Stirling Bridge is one of them; the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle being at least two others. Fortunately, Stirling isn't all that big, and you can easily walk between the three without too much effort, and you'll be rewarded with gorgeous river views, and a bit of actual historical education along the way, for your trouble. Just make sure you end up on the Old Stirling Bridge, and not the adjacent A9 overpass. It may look similar, but you wouldn't want to get run over by a lorry while daydreaming about Mel Gibson in a kilt and wielding a claymore. That would just be weird.

I thought I would have been able to walk to this while at Stirling castle but it looked quite a…read morewalk away so I optedW to snatch some quick photos while driving past on the coach which was just as thrilling for me as actually being on it and it is a stunning bridge as bridges go due to its history. Hopefully one day I might get the chance to actually stand on it, touch it, feel it but for now I'm happy to have this stunning photo.

Great place for a dog walk. You can do a fairly short loop, or extend it right around the estate…read more Definitely a hidden gem in the area that isn't too busy even on a nice day. They have ample parking and there is a museum too.

I'd normally start by telling you a little about the history. There's just way too much to…read moresummarize here. Just know that the castle was once in ruin like the others in the area. We can thank George Stuart (14th Earl of Moray) for repairing it by adding a new roof in the 1880s. That makes it very worth the £10 admission fee for an inside tour of the castle. It's worth a stop even if you don't plan on taking the tour. Have you ever seen the British comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail? It's the castle that you see in the funniest part of the movie when the French soldier is taunting King Arthur. There were other movie scenes filmed in and around the castle as well. What's cool is that there's a free transcript of the audio guide on their website that tells you where all the scenes took place. It was fun just to retrace the steps of the Trojan Rabbit on the pathway in front of the entrance. So funny! It's definitely a dry & satirical form of humor that I didn't quite understand the first time I saw it, but now I do. Duone Castle was also seen in Game of Thrones (the pilot episode) and Outlander. It's just a great filming location since it's out of the way, and along the River Teith. There are walking trails that will take you to the site of where a Roman fort used to be. The village is also nearby if you want to get a bite to eat. It was a nice stop on our way to Glencoe.

We were staying in the area for a few days. Didn't have much time though, got lots of plans. But…read morestill made some time to check out the famous Doune Castle. And since we are members of Historic Environment Scotland the entrance was free of charge. The carpark was full though - so we parked on the public lot behind the Co-op in town. An easy 10 minute walk away. The Castle is famous - many will know it from Game of Thrones or Outlander. But for me - and many many others - it will always be connected to Monty Python and the Holy Grail! The Audio-guide is even narrated by Terry Jones! The way the castle looks today is largely down to 'Scotland's uncrowned king'. Doune was the seat of Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland. He acquired the castle in 1361. What we see today is probably only half a castle. Whether Doune was completed, and what might have been lost, is unclear. But even what remains today is very impressive and in great shape. If you do not feel like paying the entrance, you still can enjoy the outside views and even walk around it or enjoy the grounds outside. But going in (we took turns - since we were travelling with our Bulldog) is well worth the price and time. Monty Python used the exterior for shots as well as the interior. The courtyard inside is where the wedding party was taking place with John Cleese (as Lancelot) going berserk. But there's a lot more to see inside. Besides all the big halls inside, there are lots of small corners and hideaways to be discovered. As well as a lot of history to read (or listen to). A really good visit and not to be missed for fans or history buffs! Staff was wonderful, really friendly and welcoming. Surely a highlight on this years Road Trip through the UK. Highly recommended.

These spectacular Italianate buildings (splendid both inside and out) were finished in 1886 and the…read morebeautiful Victoria Tower (75m in height) can be seen dominating the skyline from many parts of the town. Unfortunately, the Municipal Buildings remain uncompleted to this day as a local man, Robert Cowan, refused to sell his business in front of the tower. As a result, the shop was inserted into one corner but was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1941, leaving the unusual effect still seen today. The bricks are different to the rest and this area has become known as 'Cowan's Corner'. These days the Municipal Buildings include the Town Hall and various Council offices. There are a few parking spaces nearby but it's very difficult to find a space. However, there is a large public car park only about 5 minutes walk away.

The monument was another one of our stops during our drive through Stirling…read more The parking lot was quite large and quite busy for an April morning. The ticket counter was inside a small building with the cafe, gift shop and bathrooms. Getting to the monument was via a gravel path or a free van ride. I went up via the van and wandered down in my own afterwards. The van saved my calves for the stair climb to the top of the monument. At the base of the monument I had to check in and show my ticket. I had to wait before a staff member gave the clear to start the climb up. The rest of the way was on our own with most of us giving way to the people coming down. There were three levels inside. The highlights were the details about the battle of Stirling Bridge, William Wallace and seeing his original sword. At the top I took advantage of the clear and sunny day to take my panorama photos. Beautiful. I also saw the battle site and understood how easily the British were defeated. The walk down the monument was easy and so was the walk down to the parking lot. For fans and non-fans of Braveheart this was a great stop to see in Scotland.

William Wallace, the hero of Scotland. What a great story I have to "tale" from my adventure!…read more Admission tickets can be bought online or onsite. This allows you access to the four levels within the Monument. It's a heck of a climb via a 246-step spiral staircase. No whimps allowed! It's a tight squeeze going up or down! There are three exhibition galleries on the way to the top. At the Crown, there is a 380 degree view of Stirling. What an amazing view, regardless of the weather! Most of us have heard the story of Wallace's betrayal by Monteith at Robroyston, and his subsequent removal to London to be executed for alleged treason by the most barbarous method possible. Wallace was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. This was an English ritual that ensured that the "guilty" could not rise again on Judgement Day - vengeance for Wallace even beyond the grave. Wallaces head was spiked on London Bridge, and the four quarters of his mutilated body displayed in Newcastle, Berwick, Perth and Stirling, as a warning to those who transgressed against the rule of Longshanks. No final resting place for Scotland's best-known hero. Following Wallace's execution and dismemberment, one quarter of his mutilated body was displayed on the repaired and rebuilt Stirling Bridge. No doubt this was thought by the English overlords to be a fitting place to show off their grim trophy. This is where the legend begins! Wallace had links through his uncle to the monks at Cambuskenneth. At that time, the church was far more militant and church leaders (and no doubt their subordinates) were fiercely loyal to Scotland and to the cause of freedom. The legend states that a group of monks from the Abbey retrieved the remains of Wallace's body. The intention was to give Wallace a Christian burial. It is said they did, telling no-one outside the Abbey. This would have brought fatal consequences upon the Abbey. Longshanks were known to have no regard for the Scottish Church. Cambuskenneth Abbey is, sadly, mostly ruined now, and apart from the main tower little remains bar foundations and low (ground level) walls. There is an area, where it is said that Wallace's remains were interred by the loyal monks. Although badly eroded, the initials "WW" in antique script can still be noted. A coincidence or perhaps something placed later to give substance to the legend? We will never know. Stand at the end of the stone and look out. What do you see? The stone points towards the Abbey Craigs, the scene of Wallace's greatest triumph. The massive rock on which he and De Moray stood to direct the course of the battle with their horns and trumpeters... So is it true? No-one knows, but it's a interesting story. I personally would like to think that the good monks of Cambuskenneth did their Christian duty to the relative of a friend, and helped avert at least some of Longshanks' malevolence. It's worth a visit if you are in the vicinity and you enjoy history! You can see the monument from miles around. If you don't want to see inside, park at the bottom and walk up the hill for free. Lots of things to see on the walk up or down. September 2023

Well, finding this gem was such a surprise!…read more Founded in 1140 by David I and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Cambuskenneth Abbey was initially known as the Abbey of St Mary of Stirling. In 1326, the Abbey stood as Robert Bruce's parliament and the small graveyard is the burial place of James III and his queen, Margaret of Denmark. It's certainly a historical marvel and just a short walk away from the centre of Stirling. We didn't expect to stumble across it when our impromptu cycle trip headed out of town and into the beautiful Cambuskeneth. Since we didn't have our bike locks, we couldn't venture in for a closer look but I'd definitely love to come back and explore the grounds some more, as the Abbey is absolutely stunning. I'm surprised I'd not heard of the Abbey in my four years in Stirling. Do head out this way and take a peek at the historical Cambuskenneth Abbey; she's a real beauty!

I agree with the previous reviewer wholeheartedly. Ross Priory is one of the most overlooked…read morebuildings in Scotland. It is absolutely incredible. A must for visitors to Glasgow. Even the drink prices at the bar are reasonable. The only problem is, the priory is not anywhere near a train station. So you bring your car or get a train to Balloch then a taxi.

Beautiful architecture, a perfect setting, and several guest rooms make this a sublime wedding…read morevenue on Loch Lomond.

Glamis Castle is a beautiful castle in Angus, Scotland, that is currently lived in by Simon…read moreBowes-Lyon, 19th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, who succeeded to the earldom in 2016. Therefore, no photos of the castle were allowed during the tour. Pictures were allowed in the waiting area prior to the tour as well as in a room at the end of the tour. There was plenty of information provided on the history of the family and castle. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Queen Mother) lived here, and her daughter, Princess Margaret, was born at Glamis Castle. It was also home to Queen Elizabeth II. This castle was the inspiration for William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Overall, the castle, gardens, and grounds were well maintained. When we got to the castle, we had to stand in a line to get in. The weather was on and off drizzly. However, the tour was well worth the wait. There is a gift shop and coffee shop. Glamis Castle has many beautiful gardens accessible to the public and are not a part of the tour. Weddings and other events are held at Glamis Castle.

This was a nice photogenic castle to visit, on the exterior anyway as no photos were allowed…read moreinside. It's located in the countryside about 30 minutes to the north of the town of Dundee. It was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth. The grounds around the castle are open and well maintained as there is nothing else in the vicinity of the castle. Our tour group also had a nice little soup and sandwich lunch here in their on-site restaurant.

A beautiful old country house with historic charm. This gigantic mansion is home to one of the…read moreworlds finest art collections. The whole place can be rented for events and is truly worth it. Think Wayne Manor just for your group. We had a bbq reception there and it was just breathtaking to stand on the terrace and watch the sunset, and then going inside to listen to the jazz band playing their tunes.