Hotels near Stirling Castle
Situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. It has seen many royal dramas and witnessed the lives and deaths of almost every Scottish monarch up to the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
The legacy of Stirling’s long history is a complex monument of diverse buildings and spaces. At its heart lies the Inner Close, around which are ranged the most important buildings – the King’s Old Building (built for James IV in 1496), the Great Hall (James IV around 1503), the Palace (James V around 1540) and the Chapel Royal (James VI in 1594).
Around the Outer Close are the Great Kitchens (early 16th century) and later Army buildings. The Nether Bailey occupying the lowest part of the castle rock houses 19th-century powder magazines. The Outer Defences (Queen Anne around 1710) and Forework (James IV around 1500) guard the main entrance from the town.
Stirling was the favoured residence of most of Scotland’s later medieval monarchs. Most contributed to its impressive architecture. In James IV’s reign (1488–1513), Scotland was increasingly receptive to Classical ideas spreading across Europe from Renaissance Italy. James spent much time and money making the castle fit for a European monarch, chiefly to impress his queen, Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England.
His legacy was continued by his son, James V, equally determined to impress his second bride, Queen Marie de Guise. Their daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, was crowned here in 1543, and Mary’s own son, the future James VI, was baptised here in 1566. The celebrations culminated in a fireworks display on the Esplanade, the first seen in Scotland. James VI hosted a great three-day celebration here in 1594 to mark his own son’s baptism.
28 hotels
HOTELS
Location: Stirling
Distance: 0.40 miles
Rating: 4*
Prices From: £160.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 0.41 miles
Rating: 4*
Prices From: £69.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 0.55 miles
Rating: 3*
Prices From: £50.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 0.74 miles
Rating: 3*
Prices From: £65.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 0.78 miles
Rating: 4*
Prices From: £140.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 1.60 miles
Rating: 3*
Prices From: £79.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 1.89 miles
Rating: 3*
Prices From: £79.00
Location: Stirling
Distance: 1.92 miles
Rating: 4*
Prices From: £100.00
Locations near Stirling Castle
Attractions near Stirling Castle
Events near Stirling Castle
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