So have spent a lot of time trying to figure the best way to do this. I have received wonderful advice, but I now have a new question after looking more closely at a map. So we will be picking up a car at the Edinburgh Airport when we leave Edinburgh and go towards Dundee/Broughty Ferry. Question would it make more sense for us to go to Stirling once we pick up the car. Or is a car not a good idea in that area. Thinking we could stop and see the Falkirk wheel the Kelpies and Castle. Please chime in with your opinions. I am just trying to use our time efficiently as we only have 10 days. Let me know your thoughts.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6323 posts
I'm not an expert on driving to Stirling as I went by train, but I do think it's doable and would certainly make it easier for you to get to Falkirk and the Kelpies from Stirling.
Here are a couple of other posts that might be helpful:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/visiting-stirling-castle-and-the-town
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/seeking-suggestions-on-potential-itinerary
I think one of them mentioned that parking meters must be paid with coins; no credit cards.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6547 posts
The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel are only about a 30 minutes drive from EDI. Stirling is a little further. Last September, after picking up the rental at the airport, we drove by the Forth Bridge, the Kelpies, and the wheel on our way to Stirling. After spending a couple nights we continued on the Montrose. It’s further than Dundee. The drive was easy.
I wouldn’t want to visit the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, and the castle on the same day then continue on to Dundee. You could visit all three, spend a night, then continue on to Dundee. Parking at each site was plentiful. At the castle the parking lot is right by it. Believe it cost £5. Parking for the wheel is a little further away, but still only a couple minutes walk. There is a pay lot at the Kelpies that is pretty close and a free lot further away. We parked in the free lot and walked the half mile or so.
With regard to visit times, we probably spent 2 hours each at the Kelpies and wheel. We didn’t take the canal boat ride. We spent about 3 hours at Stirling Castle and did take the free tour.
In Stirling (the town) parking meters only accepted coins. At the castle we used a card. Throughout Scotland most parking machines accepted either card or coins.
Posted by
OP
Grand island, Ny
237 posts
Thank you so much jaimeelsabio. This info is great. When you say you took the free tour at Stirling is that different that the paid admission to enter. We were looking at the Scottish Historical Pass. Still undecided. I see that the cost for Srs is 14.00 Euros on line. So do you pay that then have option for tours, one of which is free. Sorry I have read so much I am a little confused. Also how far was Dundee from Stirling Castle for a reference point. thank you so much
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4101 posts
There are free tours every half hour between 10 and 4. It is very good and takes about an hour.
https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/visit/tours/
Posted by
London
81 posts
You can definitely do castle/kelpies/wheel
Subject to availability you can park right up at the castle for a charge. One of the best castles in the UK.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1835 posts
That could be quite a full day, especially if you go for a ride on Falkirk Wheel - takes 60 minutes but is definitely worth it as well as watching it. You can also go on a tour that takes you inside the Kelpies too. Most people advise allowing a couple of hours for Stirling Castle and also do try and do a guided tour which is include a guided tour which is included in the ticket price. Link this in with a visit to the Church of the Holy Rude where the baby James VI was crowned King of Scotland