Visit one of Scotland’s most successful real ale breweries. Come and learn about the craft, sample the produce and pick up some unique souvenirs to take home with you.
The Brewhouse, Queen’s Lane, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4NY
01786 834555
Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Imaginative portrayal of the momentous events that shaped Scotland’s history, at the Battle of Bannockburn, in 1314. Newly re-built to commemorate the 700th anniversary of King Robert the Bruce’s stunning victory over the invading army of King Edward II of England. 3D technology and a thrilling Battle Game help you understand the tactics and struggles of the kings and soldiers as they fought for Scotland’s destiny.
Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton, Stirling, FK7 0LJ
0844 493 2139
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Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park
A wonderful day out for all the family, at one of Scotland’s most popular places to visit. Drive through the animal reserves for a close-up experience with bison, giraffes, camels, elephants and even lions. Look in at the rhino house or visit bears, tigers, meerkats, penguins and otters. There’s also a petting farm, birds of prey displays and the legendary sea lion show. Add to this playgrounds, picnic areas, giant slides, aerial runways and boat trips to chimps island. A fun-packed day all round!
Blair Drummond, by Stirling, FK9 4UR
01786 841456
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Briarlands Farm
Great fun for younger families. Outdoor play includes fabulous jumping pillows, tractor go karts, cable rides, mini diggers, a tyre maze and sand pit. The animal paddocks feature hens, guinea pigs, donkeys and wonderfully hairy highland cows. Indoors there’s a Busy Bees craft area. In season, you can also pick your own strawberries.
Blairdrummond, by Stirling, FK9 4UP
01786 841309
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Cambuskenneth Abbey
Just imagine – the abbey at Cambuskenneth was founded in 1140. Yes, that’s almost 900 years ago. Set amid the windings of the River Forth, Cambuskenneth was founded by Kind David 1. In 1326 it was the scene for a momentous parliament called by Kind Robert the Bruce and, in the 1480s, became the last resting place of King James III and his queen, Margaret of Denmark.
Cambuskenneth, Stirling, FK9
0131 668 8885
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Church of the Holy Rude
This magnificent building, overlooking the Old Town of Stirling, was established as a parish church a mere nine centuries ago, in 1129. This is the only church in Britain, other than Westminster Abbey, to have witnessed a coronation – that of Kind James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), in 1567. The stained glass windows are magnificent and the surrounding Old Town Graveyard is a popular place to hunt for ancient gravestones.
St. John’s Street, Stirling, FK8 1ED
01786 475275
Deanston Distillery
See for yourself how Deanston Single Highland Malt Whisky is made. The new visitor centre at Deanston Distillery provides a fascinating insight into the ancient craft that lies behind whisky making in Scotland. Enjoy a guided tour and sample a wee dram of one of Scotland’s smoothest single malts.
The Visitor Centre, Deanston Distillery, by Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6AG.
01786 843010
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Doune Castle
You’ll enjoy a real sense of history at Doune Castle – a magnificent, 14th century example of a classic courtyard castle. Built for Albany, Regent of Scotland, you too can stand on the 100 feet high gate house and survey the surrounding lands. There’s an audio-tour and a new nature trail to follow as well. Also learn about the making of the timeless comedy, ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, filmed here in the 1970s.
Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6EA
01786 841742
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Dunblane Cathedral
An ancient and atmospheric place of worship, with superb stained glass. Set in the heart of the small ‘city’ of Dunblane, overlooking the Allan Water, the main tower dates to the 12th century. From the Reformation, in 1560, much of the cathedral fell into disrepair but it was beautifully restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dunblane, Perthshire, FK15 0AQ
01786 823388
Loch Katrine Cruises
In less than an hour from Bridge of Allan you can cruise amidst remote Highland scenery. At loch Katrine, you can choose between the modern cruiser Lady of the Lake and the classic steamship, SS Sir Walter Scott, which has plied these water for more than a century. Sail beneath towering mountains, deep into the heartlands of the Clan Gregor, where the legendary Rob Roy outsmarted his pursuers on numerous occasions. The active-minded can even hire bikes and cycle back along the private road on the north shore of the loch.
Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, by Callander, FK17 8HZ.
01877 376316
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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Bridge of Allan lies close to the Highland Line, which divides Scotland in two parts, both geographically and culturally. Just half an hour away lies the start of the Highlands, in the wilder lands around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Now cared for as Scotland’s first ever National Park, you can enjoy visitor centres, marked trails, cruises, countless outdoor activities or simply drive and marvel at the magnificent scenery.
National Wallace Monument
By the late 13th century, Scotland lay occupied by the invading armies of the English king, Edward I. From this apparently hopeless position, men like Andrew Moray and William Wallace began a people’s rebellion, which eventually saw a Scot’s army outwit a much stronger English force at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, in 1297. Built in the 19th century, by public subscription, the towering National Wallace Monument tells the story of the battle and of Scotland’s national hero. If you wish, you can also climb the 297 steps to the top, where magnificent views await.
Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5LF
01786 472140
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Stirling Castle
There is so much to see and do at Stirling Castle. Scotland’s grandest castle, voted best historic attraction in the UK and one of the most enjoyable heritage attractions in Europe. For this castle, the Battle of Bannockburn was fought and here was the favourite royal residence of the Stuart kings and queens. Children love following the battlements, sitting astride a cannon or visiting the medieval kitchens. Marvel at the Great Hall, scene of banquets and parliaments or the Chapel Royal, where Prince Henry was baptised, in 1594. Enjoy living history performances and discover tales of wandering kings and the alchemist who tried to fly. Experience the renaissance Royal Palace, now painstakingly restored to recall regal splendour.
Old Town, Stirling, FK8 1EJ
01786 450000
