Stirling spotlight
Plan an autumn trip to the heart of Scotland
THE NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT
Discover the life and legacy of Sir William Wallace at Stirling’s famous landmark, overlooking the scene of his greatest victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Visit the galleries, have a look around the gift shop, relax in Legends Coffee House, or walk along one of the nature trails. Tel: 01786 472140, www.nationalwallacemonument.com
KILBRYDE CASTLE
Kilbryde Castle offers exclusive private stays, small corporate events and garden visits. The castle sleeps up to 12 people and dines up to 16 guests. Larger events can be held in the garden and grounds. Perfectly situated in central Scotland, there is access to the rail and motorway networks. Additional properties are available, which sleep a further six people. Tel: 01786 824897, www.kilbrydecastle.com
THE BIRDS AND BEES
Created as a venue for the whole family to enjoy, The Birds and Bees is a local favourite in Stirling. This authentic farm steading conversion, recently shortlisted for Gastro Pub of the Year 2016 at the Food Awards Scotland, consists of a 65-seat restaurant linked to a lounge bar. The Birds and Bees also caters for private functions, with the Lomond Suite accommodating around 100 guests for weddings, birthday parties and other events. Outside, the Courtyard Garden offers two decking areas, complete with an area to play pétanque – French boules. Tel: 01786 473663, www.thebirdsandthebeesstirling.com
BLAIRMAINS FARM SHOP & COFFEE BOTHY
Situated in the shadow of the Wallace Monument, just 10 minutes from Stirling, Blairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy is the place to buy all sorts of wholesome Scottish produce and enjoy the Bothy menu’s selection of wholesome foods and scrumptious baking. Open seven days a week, Blairmains Farm Shop’s shelves are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, local farm-assured meats, poultry and game, tasty biscuits, Scottish cheeses and choice preserves – and not forgetting locally-brewed beer. Tel: 01259 762266, www.blairmains.com
WEST PLEAN HOUSE
Located on a mixed arable and equestrian farm three miles south of Stirling, West Plean House ensures the warmth, service and restful atmosphere that you would expect of a Scottish country house. Offering bed and breakfast accommodation with views of the extensive walled gardens, guests can take the short walk within the farm to the site of an Iron Age homestead with its panoramic views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and west to the scenic mountains and hills of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park. Tel: 01786 812208, www.westpleanhouse.com
LINDEN GUEST HOUSE
Linden Guest House is a semi-detached family home dating back to the 1920s. A short walk from the centre of Stirling, it is the perfect base to explore one of Scotland’s oldest cities. The guest house has recently been refurbished to offer guests the highest standard of accommodation. Family rooms can sleep up to five people, with twin and double rooms also available. Tel: 01786 627633, www.lindenguesthouse.co.uk
CORSHILL COTTAGE
Located just six miles from Stirling, Corshill offers self-catering accommodation within what was originally a blacksmith’s cottage. It stands amidst a large, charming garden, which it shares with the Smiddy and Stables apartments, and boasts views of the Trossachs and the Southern Highlands. Corshill can accommodate up to 11 people. Tel: 01786 462074, www.selfcateringholidaylets.co.uk