We'll be arriving to Stirling on overnight train at 5am on February 6. The castle opens at 9:30am. Can you please advise how to best kill the time until then...
Thank you
Posted by
Oregon
650 posts
Breakfast?
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1518 posts
Stay at station until 7am when some cafes open. Find Hospital Café. Dress warm .
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Okay, it will be pitch black when you arrive and the sun won't be up until just after 8 AM. So, even if you wanted to go and see something, you probably couldn't see much. I think I would go for a walk. See if you can check your baggage so you don't have to drag it with you and take a walk around the town. Or you could walk out toward Stirling Old Bridge and Cambuskenneth Abbey. I know that the latter doesn't open until late, but you can see the outside.
Pam
Posted by
824 posts
After a hearty breakfast, clear your head by walking to the Castle. Along the way, wander through the grave yard at Holy Rood Church. The church may even be open and it may deserve a quick visit but I've never been inside.
Posted by
Western Canada
3483 posts
Check to see if you actually have to get off the train at 5am.
Years ago, sleeper trains let you stay on board for another hour or so after arrival.
If so, then at least that's a bit more time before you have to wander about in the dark!
Google all the cafes and restaurants round about, and check their opening hours; then have a long breakfast.
And dress warm, as mentioned before!
Can you check your bags at your hotel
/B and B that early, perhaps?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
Check to see if you actually have to get off the train at 5am.
Yes you do have to get off before it departs at 04:55, otherwise you will be on the train when it arrives 9 minutes later at Dunblane or one of the other 10 stops before 8:38 and Inverness.
Otherwise it would have been a good idea; one that I have used in earlier years on different journeys.