Date spot in Stirling
Bannockburn battlefield
Walk out to the site of Robert the Bruce's 1314 victory to see his statue on horseback and the circular Rotunda memorial.
Why it's a good date: It costs nothing, and you can walk the open ground where the famous battle was fought. The visitor centre is closed for a revamp, but the grounds, statue and Rotunda stay open, so bring a picnic on a dry day.
Photo: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Stirling guide
Hike up Dumyat, the craggy western end of the Ochil Hills, for a view over Stirling, the Forth and the Highlands.
Why it's a good date: A short, steep hill walk that fits into an afternoon. Go on a clear evening, take layers, and treat yourselves to dinner in Bridge of Allan on the way home.
Photo: Adrianmckie, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Albert Place, Dumbarton Road, near the Back Walk
Address: 40 Albert Place, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQBrowse the free town museum and gallery, home to what's thought to be the world's oldest football, plus Scottish paintings and local history.
Why it's a good date: Small and friendly, with plenty of odd treasures, so it's a good rain plan. It sits right by the start of the Back Walk, so you can go straight up to the castle if the weather clears.
Photo: James Emmans, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Airthrey Loch and the Macrobert
University of Stirling, Causewayhead Road
Address: Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LAWalk round Airthrey Loch on the University of Stirling campus, then see a film or a show at the Macrobert Arts Centre.
Why it's a good date: A walk with swans and the Ochils behind, then something to watch, all in one place. The Macrobert has a cinema, theatre and café bar, so it works in the rain too.
Photo: Euan Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
