Hello! I am finishing up plans for my first trip to Scotland in October and am looking for some advice. I am deciding between an extra day in Edinburgh or a Rabbie's tour to Stirling, the Kelpies, and Loch Lomond. It is a priority to visit Stirling but I am wondering if it's a better option to just take a train and do a half day trip to Stirling to visit the town and castle so we have more time in Edinburgh that afternoon, or to do the tour. Any advice is appreciated and I can't wait to go!
Posted by
Freedonia
19599 posts
I've taken that tour.
The Kelpies are a photo op, Loch Lomond is pretty to see and spend some time, and then you go to Stirling Castle
There is no touring at the Castle--you are left on your own--nor any time in the town itself.
If Stirling and the Castle are priority then just doing that would probably be a good idea. As long as you don't mind missing the rest.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
17606 posts
I'd vote for taking the train. The August day I went a few weeks ago the castle was very busy although I could have toured it in 2 hours BUT I'd been before AND it was raining. IF you do this on your own and the rest of your schedule is not packed, you may be able to pick a day with fair weather for this excursion.
Note....I have not done this myself and have only visited Stirling Castle with tour groups. I recently went with my art workshop group and previously had been with a Rick Steves tour group.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
3196 posts
If Stirling is a priority, then do it by train. That gives you plenty of time to visit the castle - I had limited time and managed to scamper round in two hours but it was a rush and I would have appreciated longer.
Argyll's Lodging just a short walk from the castle and has recently reopened for tours on a Tuesday and Friday at 2.30. It is a splendid C17th townhouse offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Scottish nobility....
Just down from the Castle is the Church of the Holy Rude where the baby James VI was crowned.
There is also Stirling Old Jail built in 1847 but now a major tourist attraction with the Victorian prison cells, actors telling stories about some of the inmates (and it even has escape rooms....)
To do the town and castle justice, you may need a full day there!
Posted by
🌲🌲 Minnesota🌲🌲
13334 posts
My vote is to do it by train. That's what I did when I was there, and I loved it. I had a wonderful time visiting the town of Stirling, which has a number of historic sites such as the Holy Rude Church and more. I had lunch at Darnley Coffee House, which was the home of Lord Darnley, who was married to Mary Queen of Scots, and the food was great (it is well-frequented by locals, and I struck up a long conversation with a group of friends who meet there once a week).
The castle itself was just wonderful and there is so much history to hear about. I walked up there (it's hilly!), and the views are magnificent. If you buy a ticket, it entitles you to a free tour from one of their guides. They have tours every hour on the hour, beginning at 10 am, and they are great. Our guide, Brian, was so funny and informative and interesting.