Car Hire Stirling - Mini guide to Stirling
Stirling has a rich heritage which includes some of Scotland's most important historical sites. Its history is probably one of the most famous in the world, especially since the major motion picture ‘Braveheart’ was released.
Stirling Castle is situated at the head of the Old Town, mounted high on an old volcanic outcrop. It dominates the skyline of the city and is an impressive place to visit. Views from the castle esplanade are excellent, most notably of the Wallace Monument and of the craggy outline of Dumyat and the Ochils beyond.
In the old town are the Church of the Holy Rude and Old Town Jail. Also of interest is Argyll’s lodging, dating in part from the early 1500s, but now restored to its 17th century splendour. One of the best vantage points from which to view Stirling is the top of the national Wallace Monument, a prominent Victorian tower which stands above the river on a rocky crag and catches the eye for miles around.
Stirling has a range of galleries showing work from contemporary, conceptual pieces to crafts and framed work for sale. Visit the Macrobert Arts Centre, Changingroom Contemporarty Art Gallery and the Fotheringham Gallery. There are various musical and theatrical events on offer from antique fairs to alternative music festivals. A number of quality restaurants have opened up in the town centre, as well as many lively pubs and bars. The Thistles Mall and surrounding precinct are home to all the well known shopping brands.
Stirling is very close to the two strongest cultural cities in Scotland - Glasgow and Edinburgh. Two and a half miles north of Stirling is the former spa town of Bridge of Allan. On the banks of Allan Water and five miles north of Stirling is Dunblane, an important ecclesiastical centre since the 7th century. Eight miles northwest of Stirling is the village of Doune, the location for the filming of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".
Trains leave from Stirling Station every hour to London Kings Cross Station (duration six hours). Most trains go via Edinburgh. Edinburgh Airport is the closest international airport to Stirling.
