No, Stirling Castle is not free to visit. The historic castle located in Stirling, Scotland, charges admission fees for visitors. However, there are some discounted and free entry options available.
Stirling Castle Admission Prices
The standard admission prices for Stirling Castle are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Online Price | Walk-up Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16-64 years) | £17.50 | £19.50 |
| Concession (65 years and over, unemployed) | £14.00 | £15.60 |
| Child (7-15 years) | £10.50 | £11.70 |
| Family (1 adult, 2 children) | £34.50 | £38.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | £50.50 | £56.00 |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) | £60.00 | £66.50 |
As you can see, there is a slight discount for purchasing tickets online in advance compared to the walk-up prices at the castle.
Free and Discounted Admission Schemes
While Stirling Castle is not entirely free to visit, there are several schemes that offer free or discounted admission:
Historic Scotland Members
Visitors who are members of Historic Scotland can enjoy free entry to Stirling Castle.
English Heritage, Manx, and Cadw Members
Members of English Heritage, Manx, and Cadw (the historic environment service of the Welsh Government) can receive half-price entry in their first year of membership.
Visitors with Disabilities
Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities can enter Stirling Castle for free.
Young Scot Card Holders
Visitors with a valid Young Scot Card can enter Stirling Castle for £1.
British Armed Forces
Current members of the British Armed Forces can enjoy free entry to Stirling Castle.
Car-free Visitors
Visitors who arrive at Stirling Castle by train, bus, or bike can receive a 25% discount on the standard admission prices.
Stirling Castle Explorer Pass
In addition to the individual admission options, Stirling Castle also offers an Explorer Pass. This pass is valid for 14 consecutive days and allows visitors to explore multiple historic sites, including Stirling Castle, for a single price.
The Explorer Pass prices are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16-64 years) | £35.00 |
| Concession (65 years and over, unemployed) | £28.00 |
| Child (5-15 years) | £21.00 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | £101.00 |
The Explorer Pass can be a cost-effective option for visitors who plan to explore multiple historic sites during their stay in Scotland.
Conclusion
While Stirling Castle is not free to visit, there are several options available to help make your visit more affordable. Whether you take advantage of the discounted admission schemes, the Explorer Pass, or simply plan your visit during off-peak hours, you can still enjoy the rich history and stunning architecture of this iconic Scottish castle.
References:
- Visit Scotland. (n.d.). Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/stirling-castle-p245741
- Secret Scotland. (n.d.). Stirling Castle Tour Information. Retrieved from https://www.secret-scotland.com/place/stirling-castle
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Stirling Castle – Ticket Selection. Retrieved from https://tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=TKTS&c=SCP
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Stirling Castle: Prices & times. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/prices-times/
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Tickets – Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/tickets/