Stirling Highlights: One Day Itinerary

Stirling is a small city, approximately 50 minutes by train from Edinburgh and 30 minutes from Glasgow. Home to one of the most well-preserved castles in Scotland, it makes a perfect one-day excursion from either destination. Besides some really important historical landmarks, it provides an excellent opportunity for photographers. Let’s put together the perfect one-day itinerary.

Starting from the train station, walk towards the city centre along Station Road until you come across the Stirling Arcade, then turn left onto Murray Place. (The arcade connects Murray Place and King Street, so you can visit this either now or at your return.

The Stirling Arcade

There are only five 19th century shopping arcades in Scotland, and this is one of them! Designed by architect John McLean, the Crawford Arcade (as named back then) had two hotels, 39 shops, a 1,200-seat theatre, and a few dwellings. (more info)
Nowadays, you can find a few shops and cafes inside.

You are now entering Stirling’s city centre where most of shops and cafés are located. The first street on your right is King Street, where you will walk past various shops and at its end you’ll come across the Athenaeum, a former library, built in 1816. (more info)

The Athenaum, a former library built in 1816

Turn left onto Corn Exchange Road and, at the end, you will reach Albert Place. Turn right and continue walking until you arrive at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. After finishing your visit, keep walking until you reach the Royal Gardens. From here, you can either continue a little further and enter the King’s Knot, where you will have the chance to photograph the castle from below, or turn right and take the path at the end of the street.

Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum.

After walking for a while, you will reach the Back Walk. From here, you can access the cemetery, which offers a lovely viewpoint. Returning to the path, you can make your way to Stirling Castle. As mentioned earlier, the castle is extremely well preserved, so allow sufficient time to fully appreciate it—the guided tours are particularly informative. The castle also offers excellent photography opportunities.

Once you finish your visit, head back towards the city centre via Castle Wynd, continuing onto St John Street. Along the way, you will pass several important historical landmarks, including the Mar’s Wark, the Church of the Holy Rude, and the Bruce of Auchenbowie’s House. On your right, you will then come across the Colessio Hotel. Make sure you don’t miss the only Tudor-style house in Stirling, located at the corner of Bank Street and Baker Street. (more info)

Old English Tudor house at 55 Baker Street. (Photo tip - try to capture a corner view of the building)

Continue along Baker Street and head down into the city centre for a stroll past the shops and the beautiful Stirling Arcade. Stop for a coffee—my favourite spots are Caffe Pompei (owned and run by an Italian) and Chester’s Coffee House.

After your break, walk towards the Riverside area to visit Cambuskenneth Abbey (more info), then follow the riverside path until you reach the Old Stirling Bridge. Your next stop is the Wallace Monument, with its spiral staircase and panoramic views over the surrounding area.

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Finally, after a short walk, you’ll reach the campus of the University of Stirling, often ranked among the most beautiful in the UK. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk and offers excellent photo opportunities around Airthrey Castle, set within the campus grounds.

Airthrey Castle on the University of Stirling campus, with Wallace monument in the background.

At the end of the day, make your way back to the campus and take the bus back to the city centre. Below you can find the walking route from Stirling train station all the way to Airthrey Castle.