Some suggestions for local places to visit...
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Stirling Castle
One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around.
It towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314.
Stirling Castle is open all year round.
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Doune Castle
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle.
Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord's Hall with its musicians' gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen.
Highlights include:
• The views from the battlements – looking down on the fast-flowing River Teith and out towards the Menteith Hills and Ben Lomond.
• The cathedral-like great hall – one of the best preserved in Scotland.
• The kitchen and servery – conjure up images of how great banquets were prepared.
• The newly opened nature trail in the grounds
Doune Castle is open all year round.
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Wallace Monument
Completed in 1869 after eight years' construction, the 220 foot high Wallace Monument sits on the Abbey Craig two miles north of the city of Stirling itself.
It is believed that it was from this hilltop that, in 1297, William Wallace watched the English army approach across Stirling Bridge (which also lends its name to the battle itself).
The monument is certainly high and a steep climb in places, but is worth it to see the view from the top on a clear day. A shuttle bus operates from the car park to take you to the entrance of the munument itself. Please note that there is limited access to the tower for people with disabilities.
Wallace Monument is open all year round.
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Bannockburn Heritage Centre
The Battle of Bannockburn was one of the greatest and most important pitched battles ever fought in the British Isles. It was a key event in both English and Scottish history, had very real medium and long-term effects and was a turning point in the history of the British Isles. Bannockburn was the key battle in what are now known as the Scottish wars of Independence; battles fought by the Scots against successive acquisitive English Kings and between rival claimants from the kingship of Scotland.
Bannockburn can rightly be claimed the most famous battle to be fought and won by the Scots in Scotland, but it is widely acknowledged as more than that. The name is now synonymous in the Scottish psyche with ideas of liberty, freedom, independence, patriotism, heroism, perseverance and triumph against overwhelming odds.
The Heritage Centre provides a wealth of information about the history of the site, and the battlefield itself lies just beyond the walls.
The centre is open from March to October, but the grounds are open all year round.
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Stirling Old Town Jail
Stirling Old Town Jail stands at the heart of the city's historic quarter. If the outside was forbidding and grim, then it didn't get any better inside.
The Victorian reformers practised what they preached - which wasn't exactly comforting for the poor inmates. 'Coarse food; a dress of shame; hard, incessant, irksome labour; a planned and regulated and unrelenting exclusion of happiness and comfort' was their prescription for the unfortunate souls detained within these walls.
Nowadays The Old Town Jail is the perfect starting point for exploring the oldest part of the city.
Stirling Old Town Jail is open all year round.
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