There is a RS self-guided tour in his latest Scotland guidebook, but the entry ticket also includes a 50-minute guided tour. Does the RS tour cover areas of the castle not included in the official guided tour? Or, are the tours redundant? RS speaks highly of the official tour and there's no mention as to why he also included a self-guided tour. So, should we plan on doing both tours?
Posted by
SE Washington, USA
510 posts
We really enjoyed the guided tour at Stirling. The guide was excellent.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7206 posts
The included tour was very informative. I don’t see the need to do both. A self-guided tour is good for those who want to move at their pace rather than a guide’s pace; skipping some places or spending longer at others.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
I really enjoyed the included free guided tour offered by Stirling Castle. It was extremely informative, and our guide (Brian) was also engaging, funny and very interesting. I would highly recommend utilizing the Stirling guided tour. They start at 10 am and happen every hour.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4624 posts
Count me in on the included tour, it was very good. Our guide also gave some updates of current special exhibitions going on at the castle which the RS tour wouldn't have.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
RS speaks highly of the official tour and there's no mention as to why he also included a self-guided tour?
I would imagine he includes it because there will be some people that will not be able to utilize the castle's guided tour, due to time limitations, etc.
Posted by
UK
769 posts
RS speaks highly of the official tour and there's no mention as to why he also included a self-guided tour?
Some people (me) absolutely detest guided tours and will always choose a self-guided tour where possible. The thought of standing around listening to people when I could be exploring at my own pace fills me with panic.
Posted by
OP
Nice, France
60 posts
Got it. Thanks for responding, everyone!
Posted by
London trip
46 posts
Do we need to prebook the castle Stirling Tour in September on a Monday? Any recommendations for storing luggage?
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4624 posts
You don't need to prebook. Just show up at the designated spot.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2320 posts
Tickets
It is slightly cheaper to buy your tickets in advance - compare prices here. Guided tours are included in the ticket price and take place every half hour between 10am and 3pm, starting at the well outside the Fort Major's House. So head for there to join a tour.
There is also an audio guide using your own mobile phone with internet access, which you can buy when you purchase your tickets.
Luggage storage.
Have a look at Stasher who offer storage at the Premier Inn or try City Spare Space.