Things to do in Stirling with Kids 2022
Things to do in Stirling with Kids – This compact city has colourful and really engaging history for all ages. It’s the place where Scotland was victorious in battle – twice!!
Walk up Wallace Way – Things to Do in Stirling with Kids
FREE Wallace Way – If you’re on a budget then park up in the ample free parking at the National Wallace Monument then walk the Wallace Way up to the monument. En route you’ll pass a series of sculptures that each tell a story about Stirling – from its geology to key historical figures. You can admire the Wallace Monument from the outside, and survey the views over Stirling. Picnic tables invite al fresco dining. Plus you can enter the monument’s quality gift shop (it stocks really nice stuff) to pick up mementoes or sweets for the kids. Or grab a coffee, cake or lunch at the spacious Legends café next to the FREE car park at the bottom of the hill.
Explore the National Wallace Monument – Things to do in Stirling with Kids
I do recommend going into the National Wallace Monument itself, and yes there’s a fair amount to keep kids occupied. Climb the first set of steep stairs to reach the Hall of Arms. Here, watch a brief but jam-packed cartoon/animated documentary about William Wallace, his victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and his life. It’s an ideal length mini-film for all ages, full of concise facts.
Then head up another level to the Hall of Heroes. Until 2019 (i.e. REALLY recently) it comprised of only men (go figure) but since then they’ve highlighted heroines who made a difference to society such as Jane Hailing (who perished in Auschwitz), and busts of Mary Slessor (the missionary from Aberdeen) and Maggie Keswick Jencks (of the renowned cancer charity).
On the third floor the fun begins when you design your own shield in the Royal Chamber – choose your own heraldic colours and your own charges. Photo opps a plenty too. Finally become king of the castle at the pinnacle of the monument – The Crown Spire. Fantastic views over the battle site and the city of Stirling. Ticket prices and opening times here, FREE parking on site too.
Bannockburn Experience – Things to do in Stirling with Kids
Stirling is called the ‘key to Scotland’, which is why so many battles took place here. Located on the site where Robert the Bruce raised his standard and assembled the Scottish army in 1314, The National Trust for Scotland Bannockburn Experience brings this victorious conflict to life. Firstly, visitors gather around a model battleground as the tactics and epic fails are explained by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. This Horrible Histories vibe meant my kids (and husband) were full of questions.
In the next chamber you read about soldiers on each side, from children to archers and the womenfolk. They look quite a bedraggled lot. The most exciting bit is the immersive film that makes you feel like the arrows of medieval warfare are whizzing right past you. Really exciting, noisy stuff that leaves you in the thick of it. Must be pre-booked – Free to NTS members, or prices here.
FREE- Robert the Bruce Memorial Park. See the spot where he raised his royal standard, appreciate the surrounding landscape and the iconic statue of Robert the Bruce by Pilkington Jackson, cast in bronze. A visitor centre with gift shop and café are on site too.
Old Town Jail – Things to Do in Stirling with Kids
Right in the centre of town is Stirling’s Old Town Jail, which tells the tale of the worse prison in the United Kingdom. It was so bad that in 1847 £10,000 was spent on a new one. The tour’s led by an actor who plays key figures from the jail’s history, from inmates to the nastiest hangman in town. Then you have ample time to explore the cells on a self-guided tour, discovering how forward-thinking the new jail was for its day, and learning about particularly notable or pitiful inmates. End the visit by walking to the top of the jail’s tower for great views over Stirling (lift available too). Check prices and book tours here. Expansive FREE PARKING too.
Escape Rooms at the Old Town Jail
What a great activity for friends or family, although this is aimed more at adults than children. Because the jail is a listed building, cameras can’t be drilled into the walls, so you’re locked in with an actor/inmate who steers you through the clues. It was my first ever escape room, so I was learning as I went, but we had such a laugh. Captives are given an hour to ‘escape’, and we got out in 53’45 – with a sassy 6 mins and 15 seconds to spare 😜 Check prices and book your escape here. Expansive FREE PARKING too.
Briarlands Farm – Things to Do in Stirling with Kids
Briarlands Farm offers jumping, running, climbing and go-karts alongside feeding the animals and animal handling sessions down on the farm. Highlights included getting lost in the sheep pen maze, playing in the hay bale fort and climbing Bessie, their version of the Loch Ness Monster. On site you can also pick your own strawberries, and there are pre-bookable tractor and trailer rides plus a café. We visited in the height of the school holidays and Briarlands was super popular so I’d recommend visiting in the shoulder months to make the most of it all.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
This remarkably family friendly safari park is wonderful. A drive-through safari allows kids to see lions relatively close up, sail to chimp island, and spot a host of other creatures great and small, from meerkats to giraffes. We love this place so much I’ve written up a detailed review separately here.
Stirling Castle/Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
Next on my list to visit is Stirling’s iconic castle and museum. Or consider trying an Old Town Walking Tour.
Where to Stay & Getting There
Stirling Highland Hotel – This converted former school still has cool relics from the days of head boys and school play-time! It’s wonderfully central, with a swimming pool with whirlpool, steam room and sauna. The family rooms are brilliant laid out, with kids sleeping in an ensuite bedroom with bunkbeds. Informal quality dining, and friendly staff are the cherry on the cake. And, weird fact, the hotel has an observatory on its roof. Request access in advance if you wish to take a peak. The hotel offers expansive FREE PARKING in the centre of town too.
Stirling is well connected, and only a short hop from Edinburgh and Glasgow by train or bus. Relatively easy parking for drivers too.
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