Great Days Out

Explore Scotland

For centuries it was said that “whoever holds Stirling holds Scotland”. Today Stirling remains very much the ‘key to the kingdom’ – Scotland’s heart – with so much of the Highlands and Lowlands easily accessible on a great day out. Here are but a few examples.

Perthshire (20 minutes from Stirling)

Just a few miles north of Stirling lies the great county of Perth. Set on the edge of the Highlands, popular villages like Killin, Crieff, Pitlochry and Dunkeld are all within an hour of Stirling. From tumbling water falls and migrating salmon to stately homes and local distilleries, there's always something to see. The ‘Fair City’ of Perth offers pleasant shopping and walks.  Nearby, amid spacious parklands, Scone Palace stands where Scotland’s early monarchs were crowned.

St. Andrews & Fife (1 hour from Stirling)

World-renowned as the ‘home of golf, the delightful town of St. Andrews is also home to Scotland’s oldest university, miles of sandy beaches and numerous fine pubs and cafes. East of St. Andrews, the ‘East Neuk of Fife’ is rimmed with atmospheric fishing villages promising picture-postcard scenes, whatever the weather.

Edinburgh (1 hour from Stirling)

Scotland’s modern day capital is within easy reach of Stirling by road or rail. Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood are best-known but you can also take in national galleries and museums, visit the Royal Botanic Garden, meander along the Royal Mile or explore the underworld of Mary King’s Close. Edinburgh is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and of course the annual Edinburgh International Festival.

Glasgow (50 minutes from Stirling)

Scotland largest city is also an easy car, bus or train ride from Stirling. Superb shopping, fine architecture and a wealth of international restaurants adorn the busy city centre. Attractions well worth visiting include the splendid Kelvingrove Art Gallery, fascinating Museum of Transport, the innovative Science Centre and artefacts spanning thousands of years at the magnificent Burrell Collection.

Oban & Argyll (1 hour from Stirling)

West of Stirling and beyond Loch Lomond lie the spectacular highland landscapes and seascapes of Argyll - ancient birthplace of the Scottish nation. Here, 6th century, both Christianity and the tribe of Scots first arrived from Ireland. These ancient historic connections feel remarkably close among the stone circles of peaceful Kilmartin Glen. By way of contrast Oban – ‘Gateway to the Isles’ is a bustling fishing and ferry port, offering a short, 40 minute crossing to the enchanting Isle of Mull.

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Scone Palace - the original home of the Stone of Destiny

The old course at St Andrews

The Edinburgh skyline - home of the famous festival

Calmac ferry entering Oban harbour