Scotland

I have mentioned Stirling Castle in earlier posts but having just created a new page for simplytop.com with a wealth of details about Stirling Castle I thought it was worth including a few of the important details here. Although I have yet to visit Edinburgh Castle from the information I have read it appears to me that it is rather over estimated, especially when compared to the fantastic example at Stirling.

Over the last few years there has been much time and effort, as well as a fair bit of hard cash, invested into the restoration works at Stirling Castle. At one time the castle was the most important place in the kingdom of Scotland and James IV was determined to make it one of the finest castles in Europe. Much of what we see today is thanks to James IV and the restoration works aim to bring the castle back to its former glory with an emphasis on the time of James IV.

The last time I visited the castle there had been considerable works already completed with incredible tapestries and other works of art being restored or recreated. Over the next twelve months it is hoped that these renovations will be complete but as with any historic building of merit there will be an element of ongoing work.

Under current UK legislation there are plenty of laws that have been created to make buildings and services more accessible to the disabled. Unfortunately these laws are simply impossible to enforce upon earlier times and this means that there are inevitably going to be areas of the castle that remain inaccessible to those visitors with poor mobility.

I myself suffer from such an inability and although the going was tough I took my time, resting whenever I could (thanks to the many wooden benches dotted around the complex) and although it took an age to get around I managed to see the majority of the castle. The most difficult places to access, which are not wheelchair accessible, are the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the medieval kitchens and the Elphinstone Tower. I managed the stairs to the first two but the tower looked that little bit too much.  One of the fantastic things made available to the disabled visitor is the use of a courtesy vehicle which I will use on my next visit as there are some rather steep areas in and around the complex that really take it out of you. I must state that although my visit was exhausting it was so enjoyable that next time I visit I will factor in an extra couple of hours so that I can see those areas I missed last time.

You can contact Stirling Castle using the information below:

Stirling Castle
Castle Esplanade
Stirling
FK8 1EJ

Tel: +44(0)1786 450000
Email: hs.stirlingcastle@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

If you are in a group of eleven or more then email hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0) 131 668 8831 to book.

The castle is open daily throughout the year

April-Sept 09.30-18.00
Oct-March 09.30-17.00

Simply Top have some excellent deals and last minute booking discounts on Stirling Hotels