Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument & Bannockburn

If Scotland’s history is your thing, kings, battles, rebellions, and the kind of stories that shaped a nation, this private day tour to Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn is a superb way to experience it properly. With Tour Guide Scotland, you’ll explore these iconic sites at a comfortable pace, with clear, engaging storytelling that connects the places to the people and events that made them famous.

This is a day built for curious minds: rich in history, easy to follow, and full of moments where you’ll look out over the landscape and suddenly understand why everything happened here.

We begin at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic fortresses. Dramatically positioned high above the surrounding countryside, it played a central role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was closely connected to Mary, Queen of Scots.

You’ll have time to explore the castle at your own pace, from grand halls to royal apartments, with your guide bringing the history to life through the real stories of power, strategy, and survival that unfolded within these walls.

And then there are the views. From Stirling Castle, the landscape opens out in every direction, a reminder that this wasn’t just a beautiful location, it was a strategic one.

Stirling Castle: Scotland’s Royal Stronghold

Next, we visit the impressive National Wallace Monument, which rises above Stirling as a tribute to Sir William Wallace and the events surrounding the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297). Inside, you’ll find exhibits exploring Wallace’s legacy and the wider context of the independence struggle, offering a grounded look at the real figure behind the legend.

If you’re up for it, you can climb the tower steps for panoramic views across the Stirling region, including key locations tied to Scotland’s medieval battles. It’s a rewarding climb and a memorable way to see the landscape in the same “big picture” way that commanders once did.

Tour Details

• Duration: Full-day (7-8 hours)

• Departure From: Glasgow and Edinburgh

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £695

• Includes:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included: Lunch and entry fees (to allow flexibility and choice)

The Wallace Monument: Scotland’s National Hero

We finish at Bannockburn, the site of Robert the Bruce’s most famous victory in 1314, where a smaller Scottish force defeated the army of Edward II. It’s one of the defining moments in Scotland’s national story, and standing on the battlefield gives the history real weight, no textbook required.

Bannockburn: The Battlefield of Independence

We’ll visit the Battle of Bannockburn area, where interactive interpretation and exhibits help explain what happened, why it mattered, and how Bruce’s leadership changed the course of Scotland’s future. Outside, the statue of Robert the Bruce stands as a powerful reminder of the determination behind the victory, and a fitting way to conclude a day focused on Scotland’s fight for independence.