Access
Carers tickets
In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate - Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.
We recognise that some disabled visitors may need help to visit our sites and we offer free entry for accompanying carers, these can be added when making your booking. Please note this is limited to two carers per transaction.
Parking
The esplanade has a large tarmac parking area.
There are five accessible spaces about 65m from the castle entrance and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Whilst both Stirling Bus and Train Stations are within walking distance of the castle, it is situated up a steep hill.
There are 12 bays for coaches available for use whilst the passengers are visiting Stirling Castle. Alternative coach parking is at Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ (15 bays).
Free Learning Visit coaches are drop off only during April to October.
Due to high demand for parking, you may wish to use city centre parking or the Castleview Park and Ride Service (get off at the Old Town Jail, which is a 5 minute walk from the castle entrance). The park and ride is situated off junction 10 of the M9. For in-car satellite navigation systems, enter the postcode FK9 4TW as your destination point. Please note the service is not available on a Sunday.
There are no electric vehicle charging points located on the esplanade. The nearest charging points are located at Castleview Park and Ride.
We are unable to accommodate cars with trailers, caravans or mobile homes.
Wheelchairs
Four manual wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Approach to site
The route is cobbled and sloping with a maximum gradient of 1:15. The castle entrance is 180m from the furthest point of the car park.
Security and bag restrictions
For reasons of ease of movement, visitor safety and general security, suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in the castle.
We are unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
Visual Stories for Autistic Visitors
Use this guide to help you plan your visit to the castle. Through pictures of staff, the castle spaces and facilities, it will make sure you know what to expect when you visit.
Ear Defenders
A limited number of adult and children’s ear defenders are available at this site. Please ask a member of staff when your ticket is scanned if you want to borrow them.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
Visitors' dogs and other pets are not permitted at Stirling Castle.
Visiting the site
- Staff at the entrance will control the flow of visitors, and can provide any additional assistance.
A mobility vehicle to the Inner Close is available on request, and can be arranged by staff at the castle entrance. It can accommodate most wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but this is dependent on their dimensions. Please note that this service is dependent on the availability of trained staff to come off their normal role, so there may be a delay between the request and the pickup. - There is an adapted toilet in the first courtyard.
- The main route through the castle is 160m long from the gate to the Inner Close. It is surfaced with cobbles and has a maximum gradient of 1:9.
- The Unicorn Café has ramped access and is level throughout.
- The path around the Queen Anne Garden is level paving.
- The Royal Palace is open with access from the Lion's Den. A one-way system is in place.
- The Great Kitchens are accessible via several steps leading down to it.
- The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' Regimental Museum and Shop has 4 stone steps leading up to it.
To view the ground floor galleries, there are a total of 4 steps. There are several staircases throughout the museum. The total number of steps in the museum is 114. The shop has a one-way system in place. - The Chapel Royal has level access from the cobbled courtyard.
The Great Hall has level access from the cobbled courtyard. An adapted toilet is available here. - The Nether Bailey is a grassy area, 200m from the Outer Close along a cobbled track with a maximum downward gradient of 1:7.
