A Day Trip from Edinburgh: History and Beauty in Stirling

In June, I had the privilege of travelling to Stirling for a conference held at the University. The day I arrived, I had the entire day to myself and decided to see as much as I could between Edinburgh and Stirling — and it was incredible.

I took the new direct flight from Philadelphia to Edinburgh, which got me there in just about 5.5 hours. I asked the flight attendant if this route would become permanent, and she said it was likely only for summer tourism. However, if they could get better staffed in the future, it might become a regular offering. That would be the best-case scenario for me, as it eliminates the need for a connecting flight to Edinburgh or Aberdeen from London. It was so easy and fast — fingers crossed!

Dunfermline

When I arrived, my first stop was Dunfermline. Dunfermline was once the seat of Scottish royalty during the Braveheart era of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The abbey is both preserved and operational, and the palace ruins are visible in the immediate grounds. I was one of the first people there that day. The city centre was quiet and uncrowded. It was chilly for June — even in Scotland — but perfect weather for exploring. The abbey contains the tomb of Robert the Bruce, which was incredible to see. Right next door is the Andrew Carnegie Museum. Dunfermline is about a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh en route to Stirling. You cross the bridge at Queensferry, which is a great spot to stop for coffee or breakfast.

Culross

My next stop was Culross — or, for Outlander fans, the fictional Crainsmuir, the small town where Claire and Geillis are put on trial for witchcraft. Culross is a perfectly preserved 16th-century burgh, famous for its bright yellow palace and charming residential lanes. It was absolutely beautiful. I didn’t stay long, but I walked to the top of the town and back down, stopping at the Outlander filming locations for a few photos.

Bannockburn

Next, we went to the battlefield at Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce famously defeated the English in the early 14th century. Like most historic sites in Scotland, the visitor centre was excellent — and that includes the food. American museums tend to serve hotdogs and soggy fries. In Scotland, you can get a fresh sandwich, salad, dessert, and some tea — high-quality and cheap. It’s a great alternative if you’re cramming a lot into your day and need something quick. The battlefield itself is beautiful, though smaller and more contained compared to sites like Culloden or Gettysburg in the States. Its centrepiece is a massive and impressive statue of Bruce — and, as always in Scotland, the views are stunning.

Stirling

Finally, we arrived in Stirling. The first thing I did was visit Stirling Castle. I had always thought Edinburgh Castle was my favourite, but Stirling now takes the top spot. It sits atop a volcanic crag, commanding the city below. Unlike Edinburgh Castle, which is more military in function, Stirling Castle was a royal residence.

Many of the rooms have been refurbished with historically accurate paint and décor, and it is absolutely breathtaking. It houses the famous unicorn tapestries, which truly must be seen in person. The castle also has a beautiful garden and a walkable perimeter wall that offers some of the most beautiful views in Scotland — though it can be a bit vertigo-inducing at times!

With an hour left before National Trust sites closed, I squeezed in a visit to the Wallace Monument. The monument is a single tower, 246 steps to the top, which offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the country. It gave me serious Game of Thrones Eyrie vibes — especially when the wind hit at the summit. But be warned: this climb is no joke. The staircase is narrow and shared by those ascending and descending. You’ll often have to awkwardly squeeze past fellow visitors. Thankfully, there are three intermediate floors with exhibits on Wallace’s life and legacy — perfect for catching your breath as the spiral stairs begin to blur!

I ended the day by settling into my home for the next four nights: the Stirling Court Hotel on the University of Stirling campus. The campus, built in the 1960s, is a gem of mid-century architecture — and Outlander fans may recognize it as the fictional Inverness College, where Brianna visits Roger and runs into Geillis Duncan in 1968 (Season 2). The Pathfoot Building, where the conference was held, was also used in the filming. It was such an incredible journey to be in the very place I’ve studied — and seen on screen.

One year into my Scottish dream, and things are moving along. Soon, I’ll begin work on my third (technically fourth) dissertation chapter, submit an abstract for next year’s conference, and revise what I’ve already written. This experience has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for it — even in the difficult times.