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Stirling Castle, Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies Private Shore Excursion

Stirling Castle

  • 8 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Your private day tour brings together the remarkable engineering of the The Falkirk Wheel with the majestic sight of the Kelpies and the brutal history of Stirling Castle. On this trip there is plenty of time to explore amazing architecture and take in breath-taking both natural and man-made wonders while immersing yourself in myths, legends and stories from the past with your very own private guide.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Bottled water throughout
  • Private transport in a luxury minivan
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to your group's interests
  • Door-to-door pickup and drop-off service
  • Photo stops at scenic coastal viewpoints
  • Snacks and Scottish shortbread en route
  • Dedicated local guide throughout the full day

What's not

  • Your guide will give you plenty of options on the day to choose from.
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Standing an incredible 30 metres tall, The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world and one of Scotland's most striking landmarks. These two magnificent horse heads, crafted from gleaming stainless steel by sculptor Andy Scott, pay tribute to the heavy working horses that once powered Scotland's canals, fields and industry. Their name comes from the mythical water spirits of Scottish folklore, said to have the strength of a hundred horses. There's time to walk right up to the base, take in their sheer scale, and capture plenty of photographs.

    1 h

  2. Just a short drive away lies another of Scotland's engineering marvels — the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world. This remarkable structure connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, gently lifting boats between the two in a slow, graceful turn. Watch the giant wheel in motion, or if you'd like, take a boat trip aboard it for a truly unique experience.

    1 h

  3. Sitting high on Castle Hill, Stirling Castle is one of the grandest and most important fortresses in Scotland. You'll be driven right up to the gates, where you can take in a spectacular view over the City of Stirling. Upon entering the castle, you'll be met with costumed characters who will transport you back to 16th-century life, showing you what the castle would have looked like during Mary, Queen of Scots' childhood. Stirling Castle is arguably one of the most significant places in Mary Stewart's history. Aged just nine months, Mary was crowned Queen of Scots — the ceremony was conducted in September 1543 in the Chapel Royal of Stirling Castle, and was the first time the Honours of Scotland were used.

    2 h

  4. Towering above the town from its position on Abbey Craig, the National Wallace Monument honours one of Scotland's greatest heroes, Sir William Wallace. From here you can enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, including the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Wallace led the Scots to a famous victory in 1297. A wonderful spot for photographs before the journey home.

    1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

Pickup
Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Hopscotch Travel
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Edinburgh

  • Its from-price is 396% above the median of the 1253 experiences we list in Edinburgh.
  • It is longer than most of them.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, rises on volcanic hills, with a castle on a crag, a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock and keeps the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels. From there, the Royal Mile runs downhill through the Old Town, past St Giles' Cathedral and a warren of narrow closes, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, rises above the palace with sweeping views.

Top-ranked sights in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle.

See all 1253 experiences in Edinburgh

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