Stirling Day Trip from Edinburgh by Train
Discover Stirling Castle and the historic Old Town on a small-group day trip, with return train tickets and castle admission included.
Meeting point
City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh (meet outside the entrance)
What You’ll See in Stirling
Stirling Old Town
Walk through Stirling’s historic Old Town and discover landmarks including the Mercat Cross, Old Town Jail, Mar’s Wark, Church of the Holy Rude and Old Town Cemetery.
Stirling Castle
Visit one of Scotland’s most important royal fortresses and discover its connections with Scotland’s kings, queens and historic battles. Castle admission is included.
Duration and Schedule
Approximately 7 hours
Edinburgh to Stirling by train
Train times may vary according to the ScotRail timetable
What’s Included
Return train tickets
Stirling Castle admission
English-speaking guide
Guided Stirling Old Town walking tour
Small Group Tour
Maximum: 15 people
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Stirling Day Trip from Edinburgh by Train – Itinerary
Meet your guide in central Edinburgh and travel together by train to Stirling, with your return rail tickets already included. Once there, explore the historic Old Town on foot before continuing to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important royal strongholds.
This Stirling day trip combines the train journey, a guided Old Town walking tour, a visit to Stirling Castle and free time in the city.
Along the way, discover the stories of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary, Queen of Scots and the Stewart monarchy, before enjoying some free time in Stirling and returning to Edinburgh with your guide.
Itinerary
Edinburgh to Stirling by Train
Edinburgh to Stirling by Train
Meet your guide outside the City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, just a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Your guide will provide your train ticket and travel with the group to Stirling. The direct journey normally takes around 50 minutes, making the train an easy and comfortable way to reach the city without spending the day travelling by coach.
After arriving in Stirling, there will be a short break before beginning the walking tour.
Stirling Old Town Walking Tour
Walk uphill through Stirling’s historic centre towards the castle, following streets that have been at the heart of the town for centuries.
Along the way, see the Old Town Jail and Tolbooth, continue through Broad Street and the Mercat Cross, and pass Mar’s Wark and Cowane’s Hospital. Your guide will explain how Stirling developed around the royal castle and why its location made the town so important in Scottish history.
Church of the Holy Rude & Old Town Cemetery
Continue to the Church of the Holy Rude, one of Stirling’s most important historic churches.
It was here in 1567 that the infant James VI was crowned King of Scots following the abdication of his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots.
From here, walk through the atmospheric Old Town Cemetery, where your guide will introduce monuments including the Star Pyramid and Martyrs’ Monument and explain their connections with Scotland’s religious history and the Covenanters.
Stirling Castle Tour – Ticket Included
Continue uphill to Stirling Castle, standing high above the city and the River Forth.
Discover why control of Stirling was so important during the Wars of Independence and hear the stories of William Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn, and the Stewart monarchs who later transformed the castle into a magnificent royal residence.
Your guide will introduce the main buildings and stories of the castle, including the Royal Palace, Great Hall and Chapel Royal.
Your Stirling Castle admission ticket is included in the tour price.
Free Time in Stirling & Return to Edinburgh
After visiting the castle, enjoy some free time in Stirling for lunch, shopping or further exploration.
At the agreed time, meet your guide again and return to Stirling Railway Station for the journey back to Edinburgh.
Your return train ticket is included, and this Stirling day trip finishes back in central Edinburgh.
Important Information
Walking
Stirling Old Town includes hills, cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Luggage
Large luggage and backpacks of 30 litres or more are not permitted inside Stirling Castle.
Pets
Pets are not permitted inside Stirling Castle, except assistance dogs.
Weather
We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket. Even in summer, bring an extra layer or jumper as the weather can change quickly.
Food and drinks
Not included.
What they say about us
Read more on TripAdvisor and Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Return train tickets between Edinburgh and Stirling are included.
Yes. Your Stirling Castle admission ticket is included in the tour price.
Approximately 7 hours, including the return train journey.
Yes. You will have free time after the guided part of the tour for lunch and to explore independently.
A maximum of 15 guests.
Ready for Your Stirling Day Trip?
Travel from Edinburgh by train, explore Stirling Old Town and visit Stirling Castle with your tickets included.