Date spot in Stirling
Doune Castle
Drive or take the bus to the 14th-century castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones.
Doune, eight miles north-west of Stirling
Address: Doune Castle, Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA- Trip
- Cheap and cheerful
- Culture
- Out of town
Why it's a good date: The audio guide is narrated by Terry Jones, which sets the tone. It's one of the busiest castles in the area, so book ahead, then walk along the River Teith afterwards.
Photo: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
More from our Stirling guide
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond, six miles north-west of Stirling
Address: Blair Drummond Safari Park, Blair Drummond, Stirling FK9 4UR- Activity
- Outdoors
- A treat
- Best in Spring, Summer
- Out of town
Drive through the reserves past zebras, rhinos and lions, then walk round the rest of the park on foot.
Why it's a good date: It brings out the big kid in both of you. The park closes in the depths of winter, so check the season before you go, and make it a full day.
Stirling Castle
Castle Esplanade, top of the Old Town
Address: Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ- Culture
- Mid-price
Explore the royal castle on its crag, from the restored Great Hall to the painted Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood.
Why it's a good date: Half indoors, half on the walls, so it works in most weather, and the views from the ramparts run all the way to the Highlands. Give it a morning and walk down through the Old Town for lunch.
Photo: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
The National Wallace Monument
Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead
Address: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead, Stirling FK9 5LF- Culture
- Mid-price
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
Climb the 246 spiral steps of the Victorian tower on Abbey Craig, past William Wallace's sword, to the open crown at the top.
Why it's a good date: The view from the top takes in the castle, the Forth and the bridge where Wallace won in 1297. Walk up the woodland path to the tower rather than taking the shuttle bus, and go on a clear day.
