Stirling Castle Tour and Old Town: Ticket Included

Medieval streets, a royal castle, and the Wars of Independence: all in one morning

A small-group guided tour of Stirling combines the Old Town's medieval landmarks with entry to Stirling Castle, covering the history of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Scottish monarchy. One guide leads both the street walk and the castle visit. Admission is included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Stirling Old Town and Castle

• Begin tour in Stirling Old Town
• Learn about Old Town Jail and Tolbooth
• See ruins of Mar’s Wark
• Visit outside Cowane’s Hospital
• Visit outside historic church
• Walk through Old Town Cemetery
• Explore Stirling Castle with guide

The experience

The tour starts in Stirling's Old Town on Broad Street, the medieval burgh's commercial heart since the 13th century. Your guide walks you uphill past the Old Town Jail, the Tolbooth (once the seat of local government and justice), and Mar's Wark, a Renaissance building tied to the Earl of Mar and the royal court. You'll pass Cowane's Hospital, founded by a wealthy merchant in the 17th century, and a historic church where James VI was crowned in 1567. The walk includes Stirling's Old Town Cemetery, where monuments like the Star Pyramid and Martyrs' Monument mark the stories of the Covenanters.

From there, you enter Stirling Castle itself: one of Scotland's most important royal strongholds. The guide takes you through the royal palace and Great Hall, explaining the castle's role in the Wars of Independence and its deep connection to the Stewart monarchy. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here. The castle's position above Stirling made it a strategic fortress through centuries of conflict between England and Scotland, from William Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge to Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn.

The whole experience runs about two hours with one guide and one admission ticket included, so there's no separate entry fee to pay at the castle gate or any other stop along the way.

What’s included

• Stirling Castle admission ticket.
• English-language guide for both the Old Town and castle sections.
• walk through the historic cemetery with explanation of its monuments and the Covenanters' history.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 11:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (7 to 15 years) · Infant (under 7): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Clan Pascual Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the history of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and the Wars of Independence as you walk and explore: no separate headset or translation needed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years); Infant (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the story behind Stirling Castle and why does it matter in Scottish history?

Stirling Castle was a royal stronghold of the Stewart monarchy and the site where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. It sits above the town in a strategic position that made it central to Scotland's Wars of Independence, from William Wallace's time through Robert the Bruce and the Battle of Bannockburn: the conflicts that shaped the nation.

Do I walk inside the Old Town attractions or just see them from outside?

You walk past the Old Town Jail, Tolbooth, Mar's Wark, Cowane's Hospital and the historic church from the street. Your guide explains their stories from outside. The cemetery walk is included. Stirling Castle itself is fully explored with the guide inside the royal palace, Great Hall and throughout the fortress.

Is the Stirling Castle ticket included in the tour price?

Yes, admission to Stirling Castle is included. You don't buy a separate ticket at the gate or anywhere else on the tour.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs about two hours, covering the Old Town walk and the castle visit with one guide leading both parts.