Stirling Castle
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Port
Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Taking the road to the Erskine Bridge, you'll cross the River Clyde and travel north via the ancient town of Dumbarton. Skirting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, you'll reach Stirling via the villages of Drymen, Buchlyvie and Arnprior.
Tour the town -- it's literally an uphill battle -- and visit Stirling Castle, considered by many to be the grandest of all Scotland's castles. Stirling Castle is set on a high rocky outcropping with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. It looks out over the battle site where William Wallace famously defeated a much larger English army at Stirling Bridge in 1297. A visit within the castle's walls enables you to explore and marvel at its magnificent architecture and history. Discover the Royal Palace -- now restored to its Renaissance magnificence. The furniture and décor in the royal apartments offer an insight into how the king's and queen's chambers may have looked in the mid-16th century.
Enter the King's Inner Hall and look up to admire the wonderful replicas of the Stirling Heads -- these medieval oak medallions are often described as Scotland's other Crown Jewels. All around the castle, you'll encounter characters from yesteryear -- great lords and ladies as well as servants who bring history to life by introducing you to daily life at the castle.
Visit the Tapestry Studio and see world-class weavers at work restoring one of the world's finest surviving sets of medieval tapestries. The views of the Highland line and the Lowlands from the castle esplanade are nothing short of spectacular.
Return to the ship via the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow, affording amazing views of the city.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.