Central Scotland

From the historic city of Stirling to the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, there is a lot to explore in Central Scotland.

The Trossachs National Park is home to Ben Lomond, a 974m mountain, which provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, and rewards adventurers with incredible views.

Stirling offers a mixture of historic features such as Stirling Castle and the Old Town, along with lively areas with restaurants, cafés, and independent boutiques.

Near Stirling is Callander, a popular town for tourists, as it provides a gateway between the Highlands and the Lowlands.

Those with an interest in History should make Stirling their first stop. The area is home to an old Victorian structure known as the Stirling Arcade. Originally built in 1881, it contained hotels, residential flats, a billiard hall, tea merchants, and the Alhambra Theatre. After falling into disrepair following the Second World War, the Stirling Arcade is now filled with interesting boutiques and cafés.

Stirling Castle, dating back as far as 1107, stands on a volcanic rock between the Highlands and the Lowlands. It has an interesting history, serving as a childhood home for many famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, and having changed hands eight times in fifty years during the Wars of Independence.

Wildlife fans will enjoy exploring natural beauty of the The Trossachs National Park, as well as the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Falkirk, which is a prime spot for birdwatching and relaxed walks.

There are plenty of places to visit for animal lovers, including the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, which is inhabited by over thirty birds including Eagles, Kestrels, Falcons, and all five species of British Owls.

The ZooLab Jungle Room in Larbert offers animal handling sessions and an indoor rainforest experience, and the Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is home to over 350 rare and exotic animals.

Central Scotland is also a great place for foodies, as there are all sorts of interesting places to eat and drink, from farm shops to restaurants. There are also several distilleries and breweries in the area including the Deanston Distillery and Visitor Centre for whisky fans, and the Allanwater Brewhouse for beer and cider lovers.

Central Scotland benefits from several A-roads, which form a ring around The Trossachs. The A84 runs from Edinburgh to Lochearnhead, with the A82 stretching down towards Glasgow. The area also benefits from its proximity to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airport. Travel within Central Scotland is via public transport, car, or bike.