If there is one thing Scotland has in abundance, it's castles – it is thought that at one point, there were as many as 3000 castles to discover and explore. Whether it has been carefully preserved or just a ruin remains, each castle has its own story to tell. One of the most famous is the subject of this blog – so what to see at Stirling Castle? Read on to find out.
Stirling Castle, which, as the name suggests, can be found in the city of Stirling overlooking the River Forth from its craggy location atop an extinct volcano.
Stirling Castle inside the walls
The castle is unusual in that it is not a single building but rather a collection of buildings within the castle walls that have been modified and supplemented with additional structures over the years.
As such, the castle can be compartmentalised into three distinct areas – the "outer defence", the "main enclosure", and the "Nether Bailey" (the bottommost part of the castle).
There are four main buildings with royal connections: the King's Old Building, the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Chapel Royal. Stirling Castle was one of the most popular Royal residences of the Scottish Monarchs.
History of Stirling Castle
Dating back to around 1110, this castle has connections to several well-known Scottish figures, including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. That's quite a list!
From inception through to 1603, when the Union of the Crowns occurred, Stirling Castle had either been the home of/the coronation place of/the place of death for many a king and queen here in Scotland – not many castles can say that!
Stirling Castle also played a crucial role during the Wars of Independence in the early 14th century. In addition, it is close to the locations of two famous battlefield sites - the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, where William Wallace successfully fought the English, and just under two decades later, the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce won a famous battle against Edward II.
Clearly, Stirling Castle and the surrounding areas are a lucky location for the Scottish.
Although the castle alternated between Scottish and English rule, 1342 marked the time when Stirling Castle was finally taken by the Scots.
King James IV of Scotland
When you look at Stirling Castle, you can't help but notice the Great Hall, thanks to its distinctive exterior (more on this later). The size of the hall is so significant that it requires an impressive five fireplaces to heat it, and it is also bigger than the hall in Edinburgh Castle.
This addition to the castle is generally attributed to James IV at the start of the 16th century as a venue for state occasions. However, it is worth noting that another report states that James III was actually responsible for this iconic building.
However, for the purposes of this article, we will go on the premise that it was James IV, when he was King of Scotland, who was responsible.
Christening of Prince Henry
It's not just the size and appearance of this hall that is impressive, though. The events that took place inside the Great Hall were also of historical importance. Some of these include the baptism of James VI in 1566 and the banquet held in honour of the christening of Prince Henry in 1594.
Wooden Ship
Imagine a large wooden ship with masts that measured 40 feet high, used to serve seafood to the guests. It even had cannons that were fired to celebrate Prince Henry.
No wonder this is a banquet that is still talked about (literally) hundreds of years after the event!
Even more remarkably and somewhat tragically, the prince never ended up being crowned due to his untimely death.
Stirling Castle Great Hall Restoration
Sadly, due to the creation of the Union, the Great Hall was no longer required, with the London royal palaces taking precedence. As a result, it became a stable/cart shed and even ended up sustaining damage in 1650.
The Great Hall has undergone several changes over the years before a restoration was suggested back in 1863. The work was completed in 1999, meaning that if you visit the Great Hall today, you will be able to experience it as close to its original state in 1504 as possible.
It was also this restoration that resulted in the Great Hall being returned to its bright yellow/gold colour, thanks to the "Royal Gold harling rendering" that makes it instantly recognisable - and very hard to miss!
Did Mary Queen of Scots live in Stirling Castle?
If there's one question that seems to come up time and again, it would be surrounding Mary Queen of Scots and her connections with Stirling Castle. So, did Mary Queen of Scots, who was born at Linlithgow Palace, live in Stirling Castle? The answer is yes, she did!
Specifically, she lived in the Royal Palace, which took inspiration from European Renaissance fashions.
Stirling Castle Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built in 1540 for James V, just in time for the birth of Mary a couple of years later in 1542. Although a birth is usually a happy occasion, unfortunately for Mary, her father, James V, died less than a week later, resulting in her becoming Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.
Her coronation took place at Stirling Castle when she was aged just 9 months old. It remained her home for the next few years until she was moved to Inchmahome Priory for her safety at the age of four.
Mary returned to the castle in 1561 – although not even 20 years of age, she was already a widow at this point, before leaving and returning once more in 1566, where she was able to see her son, James VI. Tragically, this was also to be the last time that she was ever to see him.
On a happier note, James VI was baptised at Stirling Castle. As if this event wasn't significant enough on its own, the baptism was celebrated with the use of fireworks… which was said to be the first time they had ever been used in Scotland!
Stirling Castle today
If you visit the castle today, you will find a recreation of how it was thought to have been presented following the design completion of King James V.
Get ready to be transported back to the 16th century and experience what life must have been like in Stirling Castle hundreds of years ago … and don't forget to visit the castle vaults where fun is the order of the day!
Step into Renaissance splendour in Stirling Castle’s royal apartments, where costumed guides bring history to life. Marvel at the Stirling Heads—exquisitely carved oak medallions depicting kings, queens, and mythical figures—hailed as Scotland’s “lost masterpiece.” These vivid portraits offer a rare glimpse into the grandeur of a 16th-century royal court.
Our top tip? Enjoy lunch at the Unicorn Café, aptly named after the Scottish national animal, which is, you guessed it… a unicorn!
Visit Stirling Castle with Scottish Tours
If this blog has inspired you to visit Stirling, why not hop aboard the Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies tour? Or perhaps the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs on the Loch Lomond, The Highlands and Stirling Castle tour is more your style?
If a wee dram of Scotland's national drink is on the cards, then you won't want to miss our Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Small Group tour.
Whether you want to explore our castles, find out more about the history of Scotland or take in some incredible scenery, we have a tour for you.
Book your Scotland tour today.