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StirlingCastle & palace tours

Our most recommended Stirling Castle & palace tours

From Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Explorer Tour

1. From Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Explorer Tour

Join a local guide and discover some of the stunning filming locations from the hit TV series "Outlander". Admire the views of Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and the quaint villages of Culross and Falkand on a tour departing from Edinburgh. Set out from Edinburgh early in the morning for a journey to some of the most famous locations from the series. Relieve some of your favorite moments from the show as you gain insight into the history of each location from your local guide. Leave the capital behind and first drive to the instantly recognizable Midhope Castle. Enter the grounds and discover the real-life Lallybroch and the home of Jamie Fraser. Next, travel to Doune Castle, or Castle Leoch, which was also featured as Winterfell in "Game of Thrones" and as the castle in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". You have the option of entering the castle, or you can simply admire it from the outside. Next, travel to the ancient Kingdom of Fife, an area of great historical importance. Make a stop in Culross, where Claire was accused of witchcraft in the village of Cranesmuir. Admire one of the most complete examples of a typical 17th and 18th-century burgh that remains in Scotland today. For your penultimate stop, head to the charming village of Falkland, which was used as the filming location for 1940s Inverness. Admire some of the 28 listed buildings, which indicates their national historic and architectural significance. Finally, visit Blackness Castle which is perched on a strategic point overlooking Blackness Bay. Then, hop back on the bus and relax on the return journey to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

2. From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

Explore the Scottish Highlands and admire its spectacular scenery on a guided tour from Edinburgh. Discover more about Scottish historical figures and events with stops at Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Kelpies. Depart Edinburgh and travel through the historic grace of Linlithgowshire. Your guide will help you spot Linlithgow palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. On the way to Loch Lomond, make a stop at the Kelpies Monument. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland. From here you head to the shores of Loch Lomond, which is Scotland’s largest loch and is protected as Scotland’s first National Park. This is the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’ and take in fantastic views of the mountains. This tranquil area was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. By spending time on the trails by the loch you’ll be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s greatest legends. Head into the Trossachs or ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. See steep mountains, shimmering lochs, and thick forests. You stop for lunch in the heart of the National Park then continue to the city of Stirling where you can visit one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles. You can choose to take in the views from inside and understand why this castle was so instrumental in Scottish history. From here, make a short journey back to Edinburgh via Kelpies before arriving back in the capital.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

3. From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

After leaving Edinburgh at 9:15 AM you will travel back in time as your driver guides you over the Queensferry Crossing to Culross. This virtually-unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You have time to visit Claire’s herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets while you imagine what life must have been like 400 years ago. You will journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives you an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. You can also listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Your next stop is Linlithgow Palace. Here you have time to enjoy beautiful views to the Forth bridges, have a picnic by the loch, and explore the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace. If you’re feeling brave, you can visit the spot where that gruesome Outlander scene took place. You then travel the short distance to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall. Midhope Castle* is your next highlight. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to go inside the castle, but Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home is still an essential photo opportunity for any fan of the show. Before heading back to Edinburgh, you will have a final stop in the colorful harbor area of South Queensferry and will return to Edinburgh by approximately 5:45 PM.

From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

4. From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way. Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus (16-34 seats) we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures. We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass. Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle. Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh *Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

5. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the history of Scotland on this day tour that takes you to all of the most important sites in Scotland. Visit the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, and more. Your day begins on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where a coach will pick you up for your day of adventure. As you head towards the Highlands, see the fantastic Forth Bridges. You can try some delicious home baking when you stop in the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry. From there, continue on through the Cairngorms National Park, where you will enjoy stunning scenery amidst the unique wilderness of the National Park. Take a break at Loch Ness, which is famous all over the world for its beauty and mystery. From here, you will have the chance to take a 'monster spotting' cruise, visit Urquhart Castle, and look for the famous monster for yourself. Next, visit Glen Coe, a broodingly beautiful spot steeped in history. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you'll feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the Clan. On your way home, you pass by the beautiful city of Stirling, where you can see its stunning castle and learn more about the exploits of William Wallace that were dramatized in the film Braveheart.

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

6. Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

On this guided tour of Scotland's most famous medieval landmarks, learn about the many heroes that battled in this ancient kingdom. The first stop on your tour will be the town of Dunfermline. Walk down the beautiful nave of Dunfermline Abbey*, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who battled for Scotland's right to be a nation. Next, travel to Stirlingshire, where you will stop in the beautiful city of Stirling, site of the monument of Scottish hero William Wallace (whose life was dramatized in the film Braveheart). You'll have ample time to stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that surround it. You will also have a chance to explore the city's stunning castle if you wish. From Stirling, head to Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce routed the English in 1314. Lastly, decode the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, which was made famous in Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code. Is this the resting place of the Holy Grail? No one really knows, but you'll love the chapel and the beautiful walk you can take through Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch

7. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch

Head north from Edinburgh and pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and moving on to dramatic Glencoe, the site of the massacre of the McDonald clan in 1692.  The tour takes you past Fort William and Britain's highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of mysterious Loch Ness. You then have the option to take a boat trip on mysterious Loch Ness and hunt for Nessie, explore the shores of the loch, or simply relax and enjoy your free locally produced picnic lunch.  A typical lunch includes a bottle of Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwiches, and shortbread. Your return journey passes south along Loch Laggan stopping at one of the quaint Highland villages along the way.  After one last look at the spectacular Forth Bridges, arrive back in the capital at around 8:00 PM. Loch Ness Cruise option: A cruise on Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, where you might just catch a glimpse of Nessie. Locally owned custom-built boats are used, designed with sonar and underwater imaging systems, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life underwater.  Enjoy the views with a coffee or beer from the onboard bar.  Purchase your cruise ticket from our office on the day of the tour. Tickets cost £16.50* and allow you to board the boat immediately on arrival in the village without having to queue. The Loch Ness Cruise is subject to availability during winter months. *Prices may vary slightly when purchased during the tour

Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

8. Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

Visit the sights that inspired the 'Outlander' TV series on this day trip from Glasgow aboard a climate-controlled mini-coach. Stop at the town of Falkland and Culross. Step back in time as you take in views of the castles of Midhope, Stirling, and Blackness.  Depart from your meeting point in Glasgow and journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives insight into the life of a Scottish earl in the 14th century.  Listen to an audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.' Head north to your next stop, the small town of Falkland, to relive the first scenes of the show. See if you can recognize familiar sights such as Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouses and the Bruce Fountain. Drive to Midhope Castle where you can stop to get a picture of Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home. Make your way to Blackness Castle, known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because of its resemblance to a giant stone boat.  Travel to the charming village of Culross, the 'Outlander' village that posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir, and the home of Geillis and Arthur Duncan. Feel like you're traveling back in time as you explore the town's cobbled streets. Look carefully to spot Claire’s herb garden behind the historic Culross Palace. From here listen to stories that inspired Outlander on the drive back to Glasgow.

From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

9. From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

Enjoy a small group tour of Scotland’s Western Highlands, and explore some of its most atmospheric lochs and castles. Traveling in a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes minibus, you will depart Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle. The first stop will be Doune Castle, built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago. You might recognize it from the famous comedy film, Monty Python and The Holy Grail.   Continue to Callander, where you will pause for a coffee, before leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. Visit Loch Luibnaig, and continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort-of Highland Robin Hood, who stole from the rich but never quite got around to giving it to the poor. From Balquhidder, the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane. Stop for lunch in a small West Highland village.  Continue past Kilchurn Castle in the middle of Loch Awe, and on through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Visit the 18th-Century castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. Depart Inveraray, and drive up through the steep mountains of the Arrochar Alps, to the great viewpoint at “Rest and Be Thankful,” given its name by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the military road up through Glen Croe.  Skirt Loch Long, and drive down to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest loch. Stop at the conservation village of Luss, to admire its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch, and then make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short stop underneath Stirling Castle.

Edinburgh: Ultimate Whisky Experience

10. Edinburgh: Ultimate Whisky Experience

Depart from Edinburgh and journey north to South Queensferry, where you will enjoy a photo stop of the Queensferry Bridges. Continue on to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery for the first whisky-themed stop of the day. Spend 2 hours here for their Whisky and Chocolate tasting tour priced at £19.55 per person. Head on to Loch Lubnaig, and then to the Glenturret distillery. Located on the Turret River, just outside of Crieff, Glenturret Distillery is Scotland's oldest working distillery and still hand-crafts its whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun in Scotland. Here, enjoy a tour and tasting at a cost of £15.

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What people are saying about Stirling

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,625 reviews

We really enjoyed our visit to Loch Lomond and the surrounding area. During our stop for lunch we were able to explore some nearby walking paths. The tour of Stirling Castle was definitely worth doing. Overall we got some great pictures and the weather was really nice for the time of year. Our guide Jim shared a lot of information about the area and the history of Scotland, which made the drive more enjoyable.

We had a lovely time, Jim our tour guide was exceptional as he explained a lot for us during our travel. He made our journey very enjoyable and we were taken aback from the beautiful scenery Edinburgh and Scotland had to offer. Thank you Jim and thank you to the tour company for facilitating it all. Vas and Eleni.

We enjoyed a great experience yesterday, Monday, Jan. 9th, our Glencoe, Highland, Loch Ness 12 hr Bus Tour . This is a Tour I would highly recommend; gives you some of the most beautiful views/snow covered mountains, lots and lots of beautiful Farmland and Sheep + sightings of the Highland Cattle.

We had the highlands tour last 4 January and it was lovely. We did enjoy the sceneries, the lochs & the mountains were oh so nice! We had Jim as our guide/driver and he was very accommodating and knowledgeable to all of us on the tour.

Excellent, original tour which was our highlight of Scotland. Andy was great and made our trip so memorable. New year's day was even special this year with this trip