The 9 Best Stirling Tours in Scotland

1.Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19Our pick

Walk Stirling’s steep old town with an English-speaking local guide such as Donnie, Diane, Georgia, or Jane. Hear stories of kings, queens, witches, battles, and old punishments while seeing the Old Town Jail, Mar’s Wark, the Church of the Holy Rude, and Stirling Castle from outside.

“Learning about the history of the old town and all about its architecture. The tour guide was very professional”

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2.Braveheart (Battle of Stirling Bridge) Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Meet Steven near Stirling Old Bridge for a 60 to 75 minute outdoor tour of the 1297 battle. Using maps, theories, and a model of the old wooden bridge, he explains William Wallace, Andrew De Moray, and the facts behind Braveheart. Groups are capped at 15.

“Steve’s knowledge of The Stirling Bridge Battle is astounding. He sets the scene and creates an experience you won’t forget. He debunks all the incorrect tales, especially all the Braveheart lies.”

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3.Bannockburn Battlefield Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Meet guide Steven at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre, then walk the battlefield itself rather than tour the centre. In about 75 minutes, hear how Robert the Bruce’s victory unfolded, meet figures such as Isabella MacDuff and James Douglas, and connect the ground to Scotland’s Wars of Independence.

“Smashing tour with Steven. Learned loads. Easy and relaxed company just what we needed and wanted. Highly recommended.”

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4.Stirling Old Town Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews

Follow a costumed guide through Stirling’s Old Town on a private 90-minute walk for up to 10 people. Hear royal tales, jail stories, and local lore while viewing Stirling Castle, Cowane’s Hospital, and the Church of the Holy Rude. Castle and jail admission cost extra.

“It was a fun tour. Our guide was knowledgable and entertaining. I wish I had had time to go on the ghost tour!”

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5.3 Hour Private Tour of Stirling Old Town and Stirling Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $205

Walk Stirling’s steep, cobbled Old Town with a private English-speaking guide, then spend 90 minutes inside Stirling Castle. You’ll see Mar’s Wark, Holy Rude, Lord Darnley’s House, and the Wallace Monument from the castle esplanade. Guides may include Jane, Donnie, Diane, Beth, or Georgia.

“Very thorough tour and experience of old town Stirling and the Stirling castle……you will enjoy the low key vibe of Stirling!!!!!…and it’s an easy train ride from Edinburgh.”

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6.Private Stirling Old Town Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join a private English-language guide for a 90-minute walk through Stirling’s old town. See the Old Town Jail, Broad Street cannons, Mar’s Wark, Cowane’s Hospital, the Holy Rude, and Stirling Castle from outside. Guide Jane is especially well regarded for her local lore.

“Jane was kind, smart, and extremely well versed in the lore of the locations we visited.”

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7.Private Tour of the Highlands, Glencoe and Castles from Stirling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Spend about nine hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Doune Castle, Highland cattle, Loch Tulla, Glencoe, Castle Stalker, St Conan’s Kirk, and Kilchurn Castle. Pickup is available across Stirling. Guides such as Joao and Jimmy add local stories, while the small car keeps the day flexible.

“Joao was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable, was flexible and accommodating to our schedule, and very fun and easygoing. Had a wonderful day filled with great memories and could definitely not have seen so many places on our own. Highly recommend”

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8.Stirling Run Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $13Best value

Join Colin for a gentle 7.5 to 8-kilometre run through Stirling, with short history stops, local stories, and views near Cambuskenneth Abbey and the National Wallace Monument. The private English-language tour lasts about 90 minutes, starts at 9:00 am, and returns to the meeting point.

“We did the Stirling Run Tour today and it was absolutely brilliant. Such a great way to explore the city - informative, relaxed and really good fun.”

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9.Stirling Castle and the Secrets of the Old Town Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Walk Stirling’s steep Old Town with a private guide such as William or Brice, hearing stories at the cemetery, Cowane’s Hospital, Holy Rude, and Old Town Jail before an introductory tour of Stirling Castle. Castle admission costs extra, and you explore the palace independently afterward.

“Title would imply that Castle Entry is included but it is not. Fortunately there was not a long line to purchase tickets. And yes, it was noted in the tour description thus the 5 stars. Our guide, William was extremely knowledgeable and staged our trip up the hill so that we had short breaks while listening to the history of various Old Town landmarks. The cemetery was fascinating and we could have spent much more time there. Of course the castle is a must for anyone with the least interest in British history. Easy day trip from Edinburgh by train and William met us at the station. Lots of good…”

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