Stirling’s walking tours pack centuries of Scottish drama into compact, informative strolls. The essential Old Town tours (daily at 11am and 2pm) efficiently cover the must-see stops while local guides share tales of Mary Queen of Scots and other historical figures. I especially love the private castle tours – they dodge the crowds and give you quality time at both Stirling Castle and the medieval Mercat Cross. For something unique, try the Highland farm tours with whisky tastings and visits to the resident cows and alpacas. Tours range from 1-8 hours, depending on your schedule. Read on for our favorite walking tours in Stirling, tested and approved by fellow travelers.
Key Points
- The Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour at 11am and 2pm offers a highly-rated experience led by knowledgeable local guides to explore historical landmarks.
- The Highlights of The Old Town Private Walking Tour and the Stirling Castle and the Old Town Private Walking Tour provide personalized experiences focusing on medieval history.
- The Stirling Old Town Walking Tour is a 1-hour tour that blends comedy, drama, and storytelling to discover top attractions, starting and ending at the VisitScotland Information Centre.
- The Nature and Whisky Experience Tour is an 8-hour private tour that includes a visit to Scone Palace and a whisky experience at Tullibardine Distillery.
- The Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre tour offers a unique opportunity to interact with and feed Highland cows, walk with alpacas, and explore various wildlife.
Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)
For those looking to uncover the rich history of Stirling, the Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
Offered at 11am and 2pm, this highly-rated tour takes visitors on a journey through Stirling’s past, led by knowledgeable local guides. Guests will walk in the footsteps of historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce, while exploring top landmarks such as Stirling Castle and The Church of the Holy Rude.
With a maximum of 25 participants, the tour provides opportunities for in-depth learning and questions. Priced from $18.17 per person, this accessible and wheelchair-friendly tour is a must-do for anyone interested in Stirling’s captivating history.
Read our full review: Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm) Review
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Stirling: Highlights of The Old Town Private Walking Tour
Stirling: Highlights of The Old Town Private Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of Stirling’s rich medieval history.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 1.5-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Mercat Cross, Tolbooth, and Old Town Jail.
Guests will explore Stirling’s past, learning about its buildings, architecture, and the stories that have shaped the city.
The tour is priced at £175.00 per group (up to 10 participants) and can be booked with a reserve now & pay later option.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private walking tour provides a personalized experience to discover Stirling’s medieval gems.
Read our full review: Stirling: Highlights of The Old Town Private Walking Tour Review
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Stirling Old Town Walking Tour
The Stirling Old Town Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s historic streets.
Led by professional guides, the 1-hour tour blends comedy, drama, and storytelling to engage participants.
With 100% traveler recommendation based on 24 reviews, the tour allows visitors to discover Stirling’s top attractions, including Stirling Castle and the Royal Burgh.
The tour starts and ends at the VisitScotland Information Centre, providing a convenient meeting point.
Available Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, the private tour accommodates up to 10 participants at a cost of $369.84 per group, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Stirling Old Town Walking Tour Review
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Stirling Castle and the Old Town: Private Walking Tour
Building on the captivating exploration of Stirling’s historic streets offered by the Stirling Old Town Walking Tour, the Stirling Castle and the Old Town: Private Walking Tour takes visitors on a deeper dive into the city’s rich heritage.
This 3-hour private tour, led by knowledgeable local guides, offers an engaging storytelling experience combined with historical facts.
Key sights include the Mercat Cross, Tolbooth, Old Town Jail, and the iconic Stirling Castle.
While the castle entry fee isn’t included, the tour provides a rundown of Stirling’s most significant landmarks, ensuring a memorable experience for up to 10 participants.
Read our full review: Stirling Castle and the Old Town: Private Walking Tour Review
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Scone Palace, Nature Walk and Whisky Experience Private Tour
This private 8-hour tour provides an immersive exploration of Perthshire’s natural wonders and historic attractions. Priced at €771.41 per group (up to 4 participants), it includes a visit to Scone Palace, home to the ‘Stone of Destiny’ and 100 acres of gardens.
Guests will also explore The Hermitage, with its towering Douglas Firs and Black Linn Falls, and the charming town of Pitlochry. A highlight is the whisky experience at Tullibardine Distillery, featuring a guided tour and tastings.
Other stops include Doune Castle and Taste Perthshire for afternoon tea. With free cancellation, reserve now & pay later, and multilingual guides, this tour offers a comprehensive Scottish adventure.
Read our full review: Scone Palace, Nature Walk and Whisky Experience Private Tour Review
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Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre
Oftentimes, visitors to the region eagerly await the chance to meet and hand-feed the shaggy, iconic Highland cows at Craigies Farm.
The tour also takes guests to the Scottish Deer Centre, where they can observe wolves, lynxes, deer, and the elusive Scottish Wildcat.
For a more hands-on experience, participants can walk an alpaca under supervision at Nith Valley Alpacas.
Along the way, the tour passes by impressive landmarks like The Kelpies, The Helix, and Stirling Castle.
Included in the private tour are a knowledgeable guide, transportation, bottled water, snacks, and free entry to the Scottish Wildlife Centre.
Given the nature of the activities, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
Read our full review: Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre Review
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Stirling: Historical Walking Tour in Spanish
The Stirling: Historical Walking Tour in Spanish allows visitors a comprehensive exploration of one of Scotland’s three most important strongholds.
Priced at €17.01 per person, the 1.5-hour walking tour is led by a live guide in Spanish and is limited to just 10 participants.
Guests will discover Stirling’s pivotal role in the 14th-century wars of independence, visit key historical sites like the Church of the Holy Rude, and learn about public executions and the old medieval market.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience, with reviewers praising the knowledgeable guide and compelling storytelling.
Read our full review: Stirling: Historical Walking Tour in Spanish Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Walking Tours Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The walking tours’ suitability for people with disabilities varies. Some offer accessibility features, but others may not be fully accessible. It’s best to inquire about specific accommodations when booking to ensure the tour meets individual needs.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Assistance With Local Restaurant Recommendations?
Tour guides often provide local restaurant recommendations to their walking tour participants. They can suggest eateries that accommodate various dietary needs and accessibility requirements, enhancing the overall experience for all tour-goers.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tours?
Participants can typically bring their own snacks and drinks on the walking tours. Most tour companies encourage this, as it allows visitors to fuel up and stay hydrated during the excursion at their own pace.
How Do the Walking Tours Accommodate Visitors With Language Barriers?
The walking tours typically offer multilingual guides who can accommodate visitors with language barriers. They strive to ensure all participants can fully engage and understand the tour content, regardless of their native language.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Walking Tours?
Many walking tour providers in the area offer discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Some also have special promotional offers throughout the year. It’s best to check with individual tour companies for their current discount policies.
The Sum Up
Stirling offers a variety of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s historic old town and surrounding attractions. From guided tours of Stirling Castle and the Old Town to nature walks and wildlife experiences, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, Stirling’s walking tours provide an engaging and informative way to discover the city’s rich heritage.