Stirling, Scotland's smallest city, has been named the best place to visit in the UK by Time Out, beating Edinburgh, Portmerion, and London's the Strand. The publication praised its 'immense historical sights' and 'access to extraordinary landscapes.' Last year, Rightmove also ranked Stirling the happiest place to live in Scotland.
Part of the surge in attention is due to new low-cost train services. Lumo, dubbed the 'Ryanair of trains,' launched a direct route from London Euston to Stirling last month, with fares starting from £29.90 — a fraction of the cost of LNER and Avanti tickets.
First Impressions of the Stirling Highland Hotel
Metro checked into the Stirling Highland Hotel, a 170-year-old building originally a school before becoming a hotel in 1990. Located a short five-minute walk from the train station, the hotel offers easy access to Stirling Castle and the town centre. The building resembles a mini-Hogwarts, with tartan carpets and an observatory tower featuring a working telescope, built in the late 1880s. Tours hosted by The Royal Astrological Society are available to guests.
The hotel is dog-friendly, and check-in was efficient. Staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was welcoming.
Rooms and Amenities
Rooms are clean and comfortable, with standard features including two beds, a desk, a full-length mirror, tea-making facilities, and shower gel. A standout feature is the large window offering mountain views. Rooms start at £75 per night for a twin room.
Dining Options
Breakfast and dinner are served in The Scholars Restaurant, with a bar area also available. Breakfast is a full Scottish buffet, including potato scones and haggis. Dinner options are decent but not destination dining; locals recommend Brea or Fletchers for better food. Coffee is from a machine.
Spa and Leisure
The hotel's four-star spa includes a swimming pool, small sauna, jacuzzi (with a 10-minute bubble cycle), and a gym. Treatment rooms offer massages, manicures, and brow threading. The spa is clean and not too busy, though not particularly design-forward.
Final Verdict
The Stirling Highland Hotel offers a friendly stay in a great location, appealing to tourists seeking old-world Scottish charm with modern comfort. It is not a luxury hotel but stands out for its historical building, lovely staff, and location. Would I stay again? Absolutely.
