Stirling Castle and Old Town Tour by Train - Tickets Included

Leave Edinburgh behind and journey by train through the Scottish landscape to Stirling, where cobbled streets, royal intrigue and centuries of history come together. In a small group of no more than 15 people, explore the atmospheric Old Town and walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, before visiting magnificent Stirling Castle. This carefully paced seven-hour touring experience combines a scenic rail journey, an expert local guide and time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed. Return train tickets and the castle admission are included, so every detail is taken care of from start to finish.

1. 1

   Edinburgh Waverley Station

   1 hour

   Travel from Edinburgh to Stirling by train with your guide. Return train tickets are included, so all the travel arrangements are taken care of.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   15 min

   After arriving in Stirling, enjoy a short break in the city centre. There will be time to grab a coffee or use the facilities before the walking tour begins.

3. 3

   Mercat Cross

   20 min

   Begin exploring historic Stirling around Mercat Cross and Broad Street. Discover how this small but strategically important city developed around royal power, trade and the road leading towards the castle.

4. 4

   Mar's Wark

   10 min

   See the striking ruins of Mar’s Wark, one of Stirling’s finest Renaissance buildings. Learn about the powerful Earl of Mar and the close relationship between this remarkable townhouse and the royal court at Stirling Castle.

5. 5

   Cowane's Hospital

   5 min

   Continue to Cowane’s Hospital, a beautifully preserved 17th-century building founded through the legacy of wealthy merchant John Cowane. Hear how Stirling’s merchants helped shape the city beyond the world of kings and nobles.

6. 6

   Church of the Holy Rude

   10 min

   Discover one of Stirling’s most important historic churches, closely connected with Scotland’s monarchy. Your guide will explain its role in the royal history of the city and why this church occupies such an important position just below Stirling Castle.

7. 7

   Old Town Cemetery

   20 min

   Walk through Stirling’s historic Old Town Cemetery and discover some of its most unusual Victorian monuments. See the striking Star Pyramid and the Martyrs’ Monument, with its figures commemorating two young Covenanter women, while your guide explains the stories and beliefs behind these distinctive memorials.

8. 8

   Stirling Castle

   1 hour

   Enter Stirling Castle with your admission already included and explore one of Scotland’s most important royal strongholds with your guide. Discover its connections with the Stewart monarchy, Mary Queen of Scots and the struggles that made Stirling such a crucial place in Scottish history. Visit the main royal areas of the castle while learning how it developed as both a fortress and a royal residence, and why controlling Stirling meant controlling the route between the Highlands and Lowlands.

9. 9

   Stirling Castle

   30 min

   After the guided visit, enjoy some free time inside Stirling Castle to explore at your own pace, revisit your favourite areas, take photographs or visit parts of the castle independently before leaving the site.

10. 10

    Stirling

    1 min

    Enjoy free time in Stirling to have lunch, explore the city at your own pace, browse the shops or return to any part of the Old Town you would like to see again before meeting your guide for the journey back to Edinburgh.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    1 hour

    Depart from Stirling Railway Station and travel back to Edinburgh with your guide. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the Scottish countryside before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station. Return train ticket included.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.