Day Trip To Stirling Castle from Edinburgh by Train

Scotland is an amazing place, and we love visiting Edinburgh for its history, culture and beauty. However, there is so much more to Scotland than its major cities. Our family found so much to see and do within the beautiful countryside outside of Edinburgh, such as the iconic Stirling Castle. We took a day trip to Stirling Castle from Edinburgh by ScotRail train, and it was an easy 45-minute trip down the rails to the town of Stirling, Scotland.

The train ride allowed just enough time for a spot of tea and some gorgeous views of the countryside whizzing by. We reached the Stirling train station easily, and set out for a nice walk through this charming town up the hill to Stirling Castle. Rain drizzled from muted grey skies, which added a perfect air of Scottish mystery to our visit. On arrival, we crossed over the moat and through the castle gates directly into the 16^th century.

The initial impressions were undeniable. We felt transported into the world of medieval history, kings and queens, and perhaps a hint of  Game of Thrones.

Daily Life at Stirling Castle

On certain days, Stirling Castle comes to life with a population of actors in period costume. We were fortunate to witness this reenactment of life here in the 1500-1600s. Women dressed as Ladies in Waiting and men as Courtiers, who greeted us as Lords and Ladies come to visit the Queen. In each major room of the Castle, demonstrations were set up to illustrate various parts of daily life.

For example, in one vast room a feast was set up. Long tables with real food and dishes cooked during that time were on display. We were told by the fair maiden this was a royal banquet, because the food featured was chosen to display the wealth of the household when greeting VIP guests. (We felt honored to be rated as VIPs.) A roasted goose, partridges and other meats sat on serving platters. Nearby sat sweets like fruit pies, mincemeat tarts, and gorgeous figures made from sugary marzipan. The dragon was truly a work of art.

Inner Chambers Offer a Glimpse Inside

Nearby, we entered another hall filled with an armory of swords, shields, and suits of armor. We couldn’t help posing for a selfie or two with these old relics.

Venturing into the Queen’s bedchambers, we witnessed where Mary Queen of Scots once resided in her royal estate. Her room was hung with ancient tapestries depicting scenes of war, peace, hunting, and other noble activities. The canopy bed was adorned with deep red fabrics, draped across the bed and made into linens. To say it was ornate would be an understatement. It was downright over the top in the best of ways.

In these quarters, two ladies in waiting and a gentleman courtier were dressed as they would have been for a royal ball. They looked incredibly uncomfortable in these richly embroidered clothes of brocade and embellishment. One can only imagine what it must have been like when the weather was hot! Remember, they only bathed rarely and never brushed their teeth. So despite their finery, these people must have been fairly rank. Thank goodness for the invention of perfume.

But they looked good, and that was very important.

Craggy Battlements Surround the Castle

The outside perimeter of Stirling Castle was designed for defense of the Crown, fortified by thick castle walls. The drawbridges and gates had metal spikes on their bottoms in case anyone tried to squeeze underneath as they were closing. Pockets were designed for pouring burning hot oil on those unlucky souls who skirted the first rounds of defense. All towers were designed for arrows and crossbows. Archers would shoot through slits in the castle walls to reach the attackers below.

Along the parapets all around the Castle, ledges were designed within the walls for the cannons. Several were left on display for us modern visitors. Standing nearby, we imagined how difficult it must have been to load enormous metal cannonballs into these giants. During our visit, many of these battlements were soaked wet by the regular rains. Within their crevices, moss and ferns were growing out of the stone, lending an authentic old-world feeling.

Vast Kitchens to Feed the Masses

One can only imagine how much food it took to feed a castle full of people each day. The kitchens were vast, and Stirling Castle has done a great job of displaying what took place in the palace cookery. In one area, enormous pots are set up on fireplaces meant to boil stews and vegetables for the royal tables. In another, bakery ovens are shown with bakers making loaves of hearty bread. Giant wheels of cheese, baskets full of fresh fruit, kettles of fish and a whole pig on a roasting spit illustrate the wealth of the Castle.

If this all makes you hungry on your visit, you can always pop over to the Castle’s Unicorn Café for a full meal or snack to get you by.

Hands-On for Kids

For those with younger kids, there is a very cool display on the ground floor. Here, Castle are dedicated to hands-on learning areas about life in the castle. In one, clothing of the Queen, King, and courtiers was on display.  Real examples of fabrics were replicated from back then, all available to touch and feel. There are even small costumes the kids can try on to feel more authentically from the period.

In another room, an artisan is shown carving the famous Stirling Castle medallions out of giant rounds of wood. Upstairs in the castle, you can see the ceiling adorned with these medallions and family crests. They are truly a marvel of artistry and are a well-known part of the Stirling Castle tour. Look for them in the King’s chambers upstairs.

Getting to Stirling Castle

Plan on spending a good half day on this Stirling Castle adventure. Allow enough time for the short ScotRail train ride, the walk through the little town of Stirling, and then the incredible castle tour. Although I would have preferred an earlier start (teens likes to sleep laaaaaaate), we arrived at the Castle at about 10 am. After a thorough tour, we departed the Castle around 1 pm for a little lunch in town.

Stirling Castle ticket prices are very reasonable – 18.50€ for adults and 11€ for kids 7-15. Younger kids are free.

A Great Hotel in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the perfect home base for exploring Scotland, and we found an ideal hotel from which to enjoy our adventures. We very much enjoyed our stay at the Old Town Chambers, one great hotel in Edinburgh. We booked a two bedroom, two bath suite overlooking with a tremendous city view. These are basically apartments, and ours included a full working kitchen (which we did not use except for coffee and tea). It was wildly comfortable, and the beds so cushy it was hard to rouse ourselves each morning. Part Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this luxurious experience is easily booked on points or cash.

Old Town Chambers was just steps from the Royal Mile and all its sights. We easily walked to Edinburgh Castle,  St. Giles Cathedral, and the main train station. Now we want to go back in the Summer for the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. So much to see and do!