
You will find much of Scotland's rich heritage in Stirlingshire. Stirling was awarded city status in 2002 and the old town is as vibrant today as it was in 1314 after the Battle of Bannockburn when Robert the Bruce defeated the English and secured Scottish independence.
Surrounding the city are rolling hills and lush farmlands peppered with picturesque villages. Take time to explore The Trossachs, a spectacular area of woodlands, rivers and mountains stretching from Stirling to Perth.
Royal Hotel Bridge of Allan, No.55 Grill RoomA splendid example of baronial Scottish architecture, the Royal Hotel is right in the centre of Bridge of Allan, within easy reach of Stirling.
Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan, Stirling - Cuisine: European
Creagan HouseA few hundred yards north of Strathyre stands Gordon and Cherry Gunn's comfortable country hotel Creagan House. The setting is a corker, with forested hills as a backdrop and views over to Bein an Sidhean 'mountain' and the meandering River Balvaig.
Strathyre, Callander, Stirling - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Cromlix HouseThis grandiose mansion surrounded by 2,000 acres of forests, rolling farmland and heather moors is approached by a winding private road through parkland and pastures; it is rated among the top ten hotels in Scotland.
Kinbuck, Dunblane, Stirling - Cuisine: Scottish
Black Bull HotelThe Black Bull started life as a simple village inn serving the needs of locals and travellers, but these days it puts on an impressive show as an elegantly appointed but unostentatious family-run hotel within easy reach of Glasgow, Edinburgh and – of course – Loch Lomond.
2 The Square, Killearn, Stirling - Cuisine: British
The Inn at KippenRecently taken over by members of the Heirs family, this refurbished hostelry in a sleepy Stirlingshire village now functions as a lively inn-with-rooms.
Fore Road, Kippen, Stirling - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Park Lodge HotelThis delightful and lovingly restored Georgian house (with a Victorian wing) has been personally run by the Marquetty family for more than two decades and it shows.
32 Park Terrace, Stirling, Stirling - Cuisine: International