If you are a history buff staying at Lenymede B&B, then there are a lot of interesting places for you to visit. On this page we will list key sites, which are largely described on other pages, but are presented here for your convenience. For descriptions of a wider variety of visitor attractions, go to the Places to Visit Page. For details of opening times and tariffs for many tourist attractions see Opening Times and Tariffs.
Commemorating King Robert the Bruce's victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn on June 24, 1314 this Centre is well worth a visit. At the battle 40,000 troops lead by Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, intercepted a force of 60,000 English forces who were on their way to relieve the garrison at Stirling Castle. In the ensuing battle the English lost 10,00 men and the victory is believed by many to have lead to the eventual independence of Scotland. There are excellent displays and an audio-visual presentation. A short walk from the centre's building is the flag pole and Rotunda marking the battle site, and nearby a rather magnificent statue of the King on horseback.
Site of the battle of 1715 between Jacobites and the Whigs. The site is marked by a memorial cairn on the west side of the road.
This late 15th Century bridge is the site of what used to be the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. This bridge succeeded earlier wooden structures including that around which was fought The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 when Sir William Wallace defeated the English army.
Much of the castle seen today, including the Royal Palace mid 16th century, Chapel Royal,and early 16th century, and the Great Hall is renaissance architecture, with strong French influence. The beautiful hammer beam roof was removed by one of the resident army garrisons, but is currently being restored so access may be restricted. Offering many displays, wonderful views from the battlements including Ben Lomond in the distance and the King's Knot, a raised grassy mound below the battlements that was once a magnificent formal garden. The castle also houses the excellent Regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. This is a superb place to visit, though at the other end of the scale, the smaller Doune Castle is also fascinating and should not be missed.
Many significant episodes in Scottish history took place here including the crowning of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543.
This excellent castle, presently undergoing restoration work, was built in the 14th century for the Regent Albany. One of the many outstanding features of this castle its main hall Used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the castle has more recently featured in the BBC production of Ivanhoe. Only 8 miles from Callander this castle is my personal favourite and is really worth visiting.
| OPEN | |
|---|---|
| 1st April - 10th September | Mon - Sat, 0900 - 1830 Sun 0930 - 1830 |
| 1st October - 31st March | Mon - Sat, 0930 - 1630 Sun 1400 - 1630 |
| Winter period | Thurs PM and Fri - CLOSED |
A magnificently located castle at the head of Dollar Glen, which provides an exciting approach through a narrow gorge accessible from the car park about 1 mile below the castle or from lower down in Dollar. This walk is real Tolkein country - don't miss it, but take care especially if wet.
The castle is extremely enjoyable despite being known as 'The Castle of Gloom' . The oldest part is the well-preserved 15th century tower round which the later buildings were constructed. The location is magnificent and the adjacent footpaths offer some beautiful walks with the upper ones providing excellent views. There is a tearoom and toilets.
Dating from as early as the Norman period, here you can see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall and the enormous 15th century gun, Mons Meg
Just west of Callander are a couple of interesting features a large glacial erratic on Bochastle Hill known as Samson's Putting Stone and on the adjacent summit to the left is Dunmore the site of a Caledonian or Pictish hill fort built as a defence against the Romans. As a point of interest there are two other hill fort sites in the area including one near the Bracklinn Falls and the other just off the B8032 and is shown as 'Dun' on the OS57 Landranger Map.
Just west of Callander, on the north side of the cycle track to Strathyre, lies the purported remains of a Roman camp. Several linear mounds can be seen.
Close by the Wallace Monument is the site of an Augustinian settlement established in 1147 by King David situated in a loop of the River Forth just outside Stirling. The 1300 AD campanile (restored) still stands. James III and his Queen are buried in the grounds.
Stirling's principal church for nigh on 500 years, parts of the nave and tower still date back to the late fifteenth century. The nave roof is the finest medieval timber roof in Scotland. King James the Sixth was crowned in this very building in 1567. A stroll round the Valley Cemetery will reward with many interesting features including the Ladies Rock and Star Pyramid as well as excellent views.
Situated about nine miles from Doune Castle on the larger of three islands in the Lake of Menteith, these are the ruins of a 13th century Augustinian Monastery founded in 1238 and in 1547 was used as a safe haven from the English army by Mary, Queen of Scots. If you have sharp eyes you may be able to pick out the remains of a castle on the adjacent island.
A very attractive cathedral, largely 13th century. Attractively situated above the Allan Water, along the banks of which is a pleasant walk accessible from the cathedral grounds.
Dating back to 1120 the cathedral has played a central role in Scotland's turbulent history. This beautiful building is a triumph of 14th and 15th century architecture with an exquisite roof. The Thistle Chapel was designed by Lorimer and is a jewel of Scottish craftsmanship. There excellent examples of stained glass windows both ancient and modern as well as a magnificent modern organ. this is the church of John Knox during the Reformation and contains memorials to two great Covenanting leaders, Montrose and Argyll.
This is the birth place of Mary, Queen of Scots and the residence of all the Stuart Kings. The impressive Royal Palace is adjacent to Loch Linlithgow. An excellent historic site well worth visiting. Don't miss the below ground rooms or the roof tops. Lots to explore.
Her Majesty the Queen's official residence in Scotland. See the State rooms, Mary Queen of Scots' Chambers and the historic apartments.
One of Scotland's finest stately houses and ancestral home of the Marquess of Linlithgow. The fine architectural features house beautiful State apartments with 17th century tapestries, wonderful antique furniture.
Now completely renovated and furnished in the style of its period this is a wonderful site to visit. This 17th century building, which grew by stages over a period of some 140 years is a wonderful example of a Renaissance mansion. The earlier construction was in fact carried out by William Alexander, but was later owned by the 9th Earl of Argyll who extensively extended the building. The beautifully restored rooms make this the place to visit for history buffs and are backed up by excellent 3D computer visualisations.
Situated to the right of the castle esplanade, this fine statue looks out towards rhw Ochils.
Want something a little macabre, visit the Beheading Stone on Gowan Hill, once the site of numerous executions including that of Murdoch, the Duke of Albany and former Regent of Scotland.
Astride a magnificent horse, this statue of Robert the Bruce stands at the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.
Want to see an impression of that folk hero, Rob Roy, then visit the statue at the Corn Exchange, stirling on the corner of the Back Walk
Situated in the grounds of Balquhidder Church, Rob Roy's Grave lies in a beautiful spot at the foot of Kirkton Glen and is only a short distance from Callander. As well as Rob Roy's grave, beside which lie the graves of his wife, son and brother, there are other interesting tombstones here as well as the ruins of the old church.
For genealogists searching for their roots, there are three cemeteries in Callander, one currently in use, the other two much older. The first is on the Stirling Road at the eastern end of town, onre is next to the Bridge carrying the A81 over the River Teith, and the last is on a raised area at the confluence of the two rivers, Eas Gobhain and Garbh Uisge.
Another site that may interest the genealogist, this cemetery is located close to the Lade Inn.
Located between the Churh of the Holy Rude and Stirling Castle, this cemetery holds much of interest.
Constructed around 142 AD on the orders of the Roman Emperor, Antonius Pius, this wall was intended to keep back the northern tribes. The wall stretched form Old Kilpatrick in the west to Carriden in the east. Built from earth and turf on a stone foundation, little of this now remains, but there are a number of sites in the Falkirk area including Callander Park.
Another Roman site, this one at Bearsden, just off the A81, is well worth seeing especially if you are passing on the way into Glasgow. Close by, in the cemetery, is a fine example of the foundations of the Antonine Wall.
For further information on places to visit see the following pages:
Contents
Introduction
Callander
The Trossachs
Activities
Maps
Stirling
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Walks
Photography
Images
Back to Page Contents