Beautiful Stirlingshire is a hugely attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts keen to explore Scotland’s striking landscapes, as well as to discover historic Stirling. There is a small range of charming country house hotels and rural B&Bs in the area, suitable for a whole host of budgets and areas of interest. Our pick of the best places to stay in Stirlingshire includes some gorgeous hideaways nestled amidst spectacular scenery, ideal for a Scottish escape.

Stirling itself is famed for its impressive Old Town and well-preserved fortified castle set atop an extinct volcano — recently voted one of the UK’s top visitor attractions. Once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle offers a fascinating chance to step back in time, a feeling that continues along the cobbled streets of the Old Town, too, which are lined with medieval buildings. Don’t miss the imposing Gothic monument to folk hero William Wallace, who had one of his great victories at Stirling Old Bridge.

The area around Stirling is filled with places of historic interest. Bannockburn, site of one of Robert the Bruce’s military triumphs over the English during the First War of Scottish Independence is close by, as is the monument to the 1746 Battle of Falkirk Muir, in which the Jacobites defeated Henry Hawley’s government forces.

Often considered the gateway to the Highlands, Stirlingshire boasts stacks of striking scenery, too. Stroll along the banks of Loch Lomond, clamber up Ben Lomond — Stirlingshire’s highest peak — admire the Carron Valley Reservoir and enjoy hiking or birdwatching in the Trossachs National Park or the Campsie Fells. Visitors to Stirlingshire are also well-placed to experience many of Scotland’s most famous spots, with the lively cultural cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as pretty St Andrews, just an hour’s drive from Stirling.

Whether you’re an avid history buff, an eager golfer, happy hiker, kayaker, birdwatcher or keen on fishing, there’s no shortage of activities to absorb nature lovers in the region. Most of the best places to stay in Stirlingshire are old historic houses — now elegant hotels or intimate B&Bs — set in peaceful rural surroundings and offering the perfect opportunity to soak up the area’s many wonders.

The Best Places to Stay in Stirlingshire

For a rural escape

• Lake of Menteith Hotel is a beautiful New England-inspired country hideaway facing Scotland’s only lake, with superb views over the Trossachs National Park. Pick this place for pretty floral bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant, and lots of rambling, hiking and bird-watching. One for outdoor explorers in search of a view.

For luxury

• Cromlix is a glamorous country house hotel owned by the famed Andy Murray. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, but it’s the communal areas which really shine. Imagine sipping cocktails whilst perched on lime green or deep blue sofas in the striking bar and savouring terrific food at the restaurant, managed by Chez Roux. Activities include tennis courts — with tennis coaching — trout fishing on the hotel loch, and exploring the 34 acres of gardens. Romantic, intimate and wonderfully luxurious.

For a holiday cottage

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Edinburgh International Airport and hop aboard a bus or train to Stirling, or travel to Glasgow Airport, and catch a bus into Glasgow before continuing to Stirling by bus or train. Either route should take less than 1.5 hours.
• There are also regular trains from London to Stirling via Edinburgh, and the journey takes around 5.5 hours.
• Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. Stirlingshire is a wonderful region to explore by road, and having your own transport gives you the most flexibility.
• Visit between May and September for long days and warmer temperatures (peaking at around 22°C in July). This is still Scotland, though: bring your raincoat and wellies if you plan to explore, but there’s plenty of potential for beautiful sunny days and the drizzly moments make country house hotels all the more cosy.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Scotland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Stirlingshire