Accessing the castle 

Face coverings

In line with Scottish Government guidance, we strongly encourage visitors to continue to wear face coverings in interior spaces.

Carers tickets

In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry and as advised by Capability Scotland, 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.

We are unable to accommodate cars with trailers, caravans or mobile homes.

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, a 5 minute walk from the castle entrance).

Wheelchairs

Two 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.

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 welcome. 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 are not permitted at Stirling Castle. 

Visiting the site

Aerial map of Stirling Castle with numbers of main points 

  1. Access the castle over a wooden slatted bridge, where staff at the entrance can provide any additional assistance. A staff driven mobility vehicle to the inner close can be requested on arrival. It can accommodate most wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but this is dependent on their dimensions.
  2. Upon entering the castle entrance, there is an adapted toilet to the left - accessible over an uneven cobble surfaces.
  3. The main route through the castle is 160m long from the gate to the Inner Close. It is surfaced with uneven cobble surfaces, on a 1:9 gradient between the outer and inner close.
  4. The Unicorn Café has ramped access and is level throughout. There is an accessible toilet to the left as you enter.
  5. The path around the Queen Anne Garden is level paving and a level route through the castle exhibition.
  6. As you enter the outer close there is a arched entrance to a passageway with accessible interpretive vaults, including an Access Gallery, before opening out to the Ladies Lookout viewpoint. There is an assessable toilet on the right, opposite the Access Gallery.
  7. The main entry route to the Royal Palace is via wooden stairs with 20 steps in the Lion's Den, which is off the above passageway, with an alternative accessible level entry to the Palace available from the Inner Close. There is a one-way system through the Palace rooms existing to the inner close. Staff can also give access to a rising platform lift to the Stirling Heads Gallery exhibition on the upper level.
  8. The Great Kitchens are located at the far end of the grass to the right as you enter the Outer Close. There are seven steps leading down to it and 1 or 2 step changes in level as you go through the spaces.
  9. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' Regimental Museum and Shop is situation at the top of the Inner Close and has 4 stone steps leading up to the ground floor galleries, and a further 4 steps inside as level changes. The upper levels are accessed by stairs, with the total 114 steps overall. As you follow the one-way system.
  10. The Chapel Royal has level access to the main floor level from the.
  11. The Great Hall entrance is from the cobbled Inner Close courtyard on the level access courtyard. An adapted toilet is available straight ahead as you enter.
  12. The Nether Bailey is a grassy area, 200m from the Outer Close along a cobbled track with a maximum downward gradient of 1:7.