10 Interesting Things to do in Stirlingshire

Stirlingshire is full of history, from its castle and battlefields to its glens, gardens and canals. With its rich heritage, picturesque countryside, and an array of exciting activities, Stirlingshire has plenty to fill a few days.

Amidst the serene grounds of Drummond Pleasure Ground in Stirlingshire lies a striking sandstone ashlar pyramid that commands attention: the enigmatic Star Pyramid. It stands on a sculpted grassy mound. Adorned with marble Bibles and intricate carvings of Biblical references, the pyramid stands as a monument to the principles of the Reformation. Enclosed by ornate wrought iron railings, the pyramid reveals an inner chamber where a Bible and Confession of Faith were sealed. It is a symbol of civil and religious liberty in Scotland.

Tucked away amidst the scenic landscapes of Stirlingshire lies Finnich Glen, a gorge with an air of mystery and enchantment. Also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, this geological marvel beckons adventurers with its dramatic red sandstone cliffs and emerald-green waters. As you descend into the deep gorge, you’ll be transported to a realm of otherworldly beauty. Moss-covered rocks and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerising atmosphere, evoking a sense of ancient magic. Finnich Glen has drawn visitors for centuries.

The Pineapple is an 18th century building put up by the Earl of Dunmore, its roof carved in the shape of a pineapple when the fruit was a rare delicacy and a sign of hospitality. The National Trust has restored it, and its grounds are full of wildlife. You can walk through what remains of the old walled garden.

Born from the adventurous spirit of Ella Christie, the first western woman to meet the Dalai Lama, the Cowden Japanese Garden symbolises an extraordinary confluence of Scottish and Japanese cultures. This seven-acre marvel, the only Japanese garden of its size and scale designed by a woman, was birthed from Christie’s insatiable wanderlust and her collaboration with the talented Taki Handa. Today, a team of experts led by the esteemed Professor Masao Fukuhara is reawakening this vandalised beauty. Adorned with restorations including Ella’s Summer House and the Garden Pavilion, Cowden has emerged from its ashes, flourishing as a tribute to Christie’s trailblazing vision and an enduring symbol of female fortitude and international collaboration.

Perched atop Abbey Craig near Stirling, Scotland, the National Wallace Monument towers majestically. This soaring stone testament, constructed in the 19th century, commemorates Sir William Wallace, a key figure in Scotland’s struggle for independence in the 13th century. A climb up the monument’s winding staircase rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, a view once surveyed by Wallace himself before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Inside, exhibits recount the life and legacy of this Scottish hero, his iconic victory, and his enduring impact on Scotland’s national identity. A visit to the Wallace Monument is a journey into Scotland’s heart and history.

In the shadow of Stirling Castle, Cambuskenneth Abbey is a historical jewel of Scotland. Founded by King David I in the 1140s, this religious monument carries a deep royal history, being the setting of parliaments and the resting place of King James III and Queen Margaret of Denmark. Distinguished by its unique 13th-century bell tower, the Abbey is a fine example of medieval architecture. Today it is a ruin, with the bell tower still standing.

Towering over the Forth and Clyde Canal, The Kelpies, monumental equine sculptures, serve as a dramatic testament to Scotland’s horse-powered legacy. The brainchild of acclaimed sculptor, Andy Scott, these 30-metre high structures are built from around 18,000 individual pieces and over 1.5 miles of steel, weighing in at a hefty 300 tonnes. They were built over 90 days in 2013, and a tour takes visitors inside. Situated in Helix Park, a green expanse of 350 hectares of recreational land, The Kelpies are not just works of art, but powerful symbols of Scotland’s industrial and artistic heritage.

A showpiece of Scotland’s engineering prowess, The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift, ingeniously linking the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Replacing a series of 19th-century lock gates, this marvel allows vessels to transit 35 metres skyward between the two canals in mere minutes, using only the energy equivalent to boiling eight kettles. Since it opened in 2002, this mix of modern technology and principles set out by Archimedes has drawn around 500,000 visitors a year. The Wheel stands as a magnificent symbol of 21st-century engineering and Scotland’s rich heritage.

The Battle of Bannockburn experience transports visitors back to 14th-century Scotland, where they can virtually stand shoulder to shoulder with King Robert the Bruce. Near the historic city of Stirling, the centre uses cutting-edge 3D technology to recreate the epochal 1314 battle that forever altered Scotland’s destiny. Here, you’ll command your own digital battlefield, interact with virtual medieval figures, and observe Bruce’s decisive victory against staggering odds. Wander the surrounding parkland to view the Bruce statue cast in gleaming bronze and other restored monuments. This immersive historical adventure, complete with an award-winning café and souvenir shop, offers a stirring glimpse into Scotland’s proud past.

Stirling Castle, perched on a towering volcanic rock at the convergence of the Highlands and Lowlands, is a cornerstone of Scottish heritage. From its ancient origins, it blossomed into a regal residence and formidable stronghold, often serving as the government’s centre during peaceful times. Witness to bloody battles and famous deeds, it was home to renowned figures like Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I. Its architectural splendour, from the Great Hall to James V’s palace, signifies its historical importance. Today, restored to its original grandeur and hosting an array of engaging exhibits, Stirling Castle stands as one of Scotland’s great attractions, narrating the tales of the nation’s past.