Tours & tickets

Cowanes Trust

Immerse yourself in the Old Town of Stirling on this 1.5 hour tour with a local, expert guide. Starting at the VisitScotland iCentre by the Old Town Jail and finishing at Stirling Castle, you'll get a full overview of Stirling's history and a sense of the modern city on a family-friendly, leisurely stroll. This tour is a must-do on any trip to Stirling - don't miss out! Discover the secrets of Stirling, from cannons to castles, from local characters to epic heroes of legend. Walk Stirling's streets as the history of the city unravels and you can look at the buildings of Stirling Old Town with new eyes. Known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands', hear how Stirling events have influenced the course of Scottish history. Enjoy the tales of battles, kings and queens, and the everyday folk who shaped Stirling into the place it is today - a modern, bustling city. Learn about the jails of Stirling, the happenings of the market place, crime and punishment, and best of all, decipher the secrets of three-hundred-year-old gravestones whilst enjoying the views that Stirling Craig gives you. On the tour you'll discover hidden secrets and local lore that you would otherwise miss on your own - so don't miss out and book a tour today! Key sights include: Stirling Old Town Broad St Mars Walk Stirling Castle The Church of the Holy Rude Stirling Cemetery Old Town Jail …and many more hidden gems too!

Experience Stirling's medieval wall on this day tour. Scotland has had 11 fortified cities in its history, one of which was Stirling. You’ll walk along majestic streets, such as King Street, where you’ll talk about famous poets as well as the city's most relevant buildings. You'll also go up to the highest part of the city, where the old medieval market was located as well as the place where public executions were held. In the 19th century, Stirling owned the worst jail in all of Great Britain. It was a wet and nasty place that was crammed with prisoners consisting of men, women, and children. They ranged in age from minor offenders to adults, and included murderers as well as people awaiting their trial and debtors. On the other hand, the church of Holy Rude in Stirling hosted King James VI's coronation, who was the son of Mary Stuart. This church alongside Westminster Abbey is the only church still in use to have seen such events in Great Britain. Your local guide will take you through the streets of this wonderful town, where you will encounter King Street, the medieval wall, Mercat Cross, the Old Jail, the Tollbooth, the John Cowane Hospital, the Old Cemetery, Pyramid Star, and the Holy Rude Church, among others.

Join us for a completely unique Stirling private experience; immerse yourself in the old town of Stirling and Stirling Castle on this 3 hour tour with a local, expert guide. If you're looking to maximise your time in Stirling by discovering the town and castle, you're in the right place. You'll spend the first 90 minutes walking through Stirling's old town with your guide. Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce whilst you hear the tales of battles, kings and queens who shaped Stirling, and Scotland into the place it is today. Learn about executions, marketplaces and grave robbers as well as modern life in this bustling city. After the walk, enjoy discovering Stirling Castle with your local guide. Highlights in Stirling Castle include the Great Hall, the Royal Apartments and Stirling Heads. Your tickets are included in the price, just show up and enjoy!

It has been said throughout history that he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland and this explains its ancient and rich historical importance. Set to the back drop of the stunning Ochil mountains the city and surrounding areas was the setting for the most tumultuous period in Scotlands history when it fought for its freedom from tyrannical English rule. Those wars of independence, in the 12 & 1300’s, have long been the inspiration behind many works of film and literature. By using one of Scotland’s finest inventions, the pedal bicycle (Kirkpatrick Macmillan 1839), we can travel through the history and stunning landscape of this ancient capital of Scotland. We will visit such sights as Cambuskenneth Abbey, The Wallace Monument, The University of Stirling, Old Stirling Bridge, Kings Knot, Cowane's Hospital, The Church of Holy Rude, The Old Town Cemetery, Mar's Wark and, of course, Stirling Castle! We will discuss ancient folklore, local heroes, triumphs, tragedies, art, sport, invention and science. Getting to know each other as well as the city and country that surrounds us. This route begins at Stirling Train Station and is around 11 miles/18km long and does involve some steep and prolonged inclines. Thankfully, we have the option of E Bikes to make these hills a breeze. If you really want a challenge I do have standard bikes available but for those who are not strong, day to day cyclists, I recommend the use of an E Bike....you can choose when to use the assistance :) You will be provided with a well equipped, experienced, qualified guide (myself, Stuart), the bike of your choice, either E Bike or standard and in the size that is most comfortable to you. Helmets will also be provided for your added safety. I will also take photographs, if you wish, which can be shared with you at the end so you will have a souvenir of your wonderful experience. We can also tailor the finish point for your needs. If you wish to finish at the castle for your visit there we can easily do so, just discuss it with me before hand or even at the time.

Explore Stirling the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful city. With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in Stirling on a private tour. Discover the secrets of Stirling, from cannons to castles, from local characters to epic heroes of legend. Walk Stirling's streets as the history of the city unravels. Known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands', hear how Stirling events have influenced the course of Scottish history. Enjoy the tales of battles, kings and queens, and the everyday folk who shaped Stirling into the place it is today - a modern, bustling city. Learn about the jails of Stirling, the happenings of the market place, and decipher the secrets of three-hundred-year-old gravestones whilst enjoying the views from Stirling Craig. On the tour you'll discover hidden secrets and local lore that you would otherwise miss on your own - so don't miss out and book a tour today! Key sights include: Stirling Old Town Broad St Mars Walk Stirling Castle The Church of the Holy Rude Stirling Cemetery Old Town Jail …and many more hidden gems too!