New Year: New Horizons

January: the month of clean slates and fresh starts. The month that most of make over-ambitious New Year’s resolutions, and the very same month that 90 percent* of us abandon them. This year, how about we ditch all other New Year’s resolutions, and resolve instead to travel, making life a little bigger and brighter for a while?

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Plan your break in Scotland this January

Scotland is consistently popular amongst tourists. Not just because of its warm welcome, stunning landscapes, and historical narrative, but because there’s just so much to see and do here, especially in 2018. A new era in world sport gets underway this summer as Glasgow and Berlin host the inaugural European Championships. Glasgow and Scotland will host Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon while Berlin hosts Athletics. You can buy Glasgow tickets here: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/glasgow2018. Whether you get tickets or not, simply being in Glasgow throughout that time will be unforgettable, just as London was illuminated throughout the 2012 Olympic Games, and even months later. In addition, Scotland will be celebrating its ‘Year of Young People’ (http://yoyp2018.scot/), a packed, 12-month calendar of events including comedy festivals, film festivals, TED talks, design festivals, a comic con, poetry slam and much more, with events being added all the time.

Make Stirling your base

If you were to pick one place from which to explore the very best of Scotland throughout 2018, you’d be hard-pressed to better Stirling. Because of its central location, Stirling is less than one hour’s drive time from more than half of the population of Scotland**, and only 45 minutes’ drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports. You can head north to Inverness in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, east to Aberdeen in 2 hours and five minutes, or west to Oban – gateway to the Western Isles – in 2 hours and 10. Five minutes’ walk from the Stirling city centre, Stirling rail station offers direct routes to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness too, not to mention the coach services. Suddenly, most of Scotland is accessible, and you can still be home for dinner.

Go self-catering

So where would home be? Hotels can be an expensive choice, especially if you want to get up early and hit the road sightseeing, possibly missing fixed breakfast and dinner times. For the freedom you need to explore Scotland at your own pace, then self-catering could be the best option for you. Families can spread out, eat when (and what) they want, pack picnics, and, if you’re staying with Stirling Self Catering, make use of cots, high chairs, and toys – for free. A safe, enclosed garden is a welcome space after a day’s sightseeing, and preferable to hotel balconies that leave you terrified for your toddler. Because you’ll have room to unpack belongings instead of living out of a suitcase, self-catering gives you the chance to feel, and live, like a local, the very best way to immerse yourself in a new place. View our luxury properties here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/ If you are on a budget, we have some stylish and affordable apartments that offer value and comfort: http://budgetaccommodationstirling.co.uk/

So, what’s your New Year resolution for 2018 now? Still eat more veg? Or plan the holiday of a lifetime? Why not come to Stirling for an unforgettable self-catering break, and while you’re at it, try the Farmers Market (http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/) for fresh, local fruit and veg too. Who says you can’t have everything?

Our properties are your perfect base

Our properties are your perfect base

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

  • To help plan your perfect break: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/young-people/
  • *https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
  • **Source: Visitstirling.com

Plan the best of times in Stirling: Autumn

Here’s where to stay, and what to do, as we leave summer behind in Stirling. Time to kick up some leaves, explore historic sites, and throw the first log on the fire!

Autumn peace in Lallybroch

Lallybroch, on the Kersebonny Carse, sleeps 10

Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn getaway

Sleeping up to 10, Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn family getaway

Where to stay

As we leave summer behind, why not consider one of our more rural properties so that you can make the most of the turning leaves and new birdsong? Lallybroch (named after the fictional estate in Outlander) is an impressive 5-bedroom steading conversion. Set on the Kersebonny Carse just outside Stirling, Lallybroch is within easy reach of all amenities and historic sites. Yet it has a tranquil setting, with striking views to the Castle. In addition, we have Balfron Hayloft, a magnificent traditional stone-built farm steading conversion. It offers ideal family-sized holiday accommodation. Set in the rolling countryside of Stirlingshire with picturesque views of Ben Lomond and the Ochil Hills, Balfron Hayloft is an ideal base for touring the Scottish heartlands. And what’s more, both of these properties have stoves you can warm your toes at in the evenings. To book these and any of our properties, see: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Kick up some leaves

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Take a walk round Stirling University Campus in late September/early October for amazing foliage displays. Just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at https://www.pkct.org/Pages/Category/perthshire-big-tree-country

Bloody Scotland 8-10 September

Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. In this sixth year of the festival they welcome back popular favourites Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Denise Mina and last year’s McIlvanney Prize winner Chris Brookmyre. You also have the chance to catch Simon Kernick, Lynda La Plante, Peter May, Mark Billingham, and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing. They offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than a thousand venues throughout Scotland will open this year. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. Stirling is opening at least 25 buildings to visitors for free, with plenty more in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire too. Have a browse and plan your itinerary: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

The Enchanted Forest

To celebrate autumn, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? The Enchanted Forest is renowned for being Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 70,000 visitors in 2016. With dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score, explore Faskally Wood near Pitlochry in an unforgettable way. Scots Gaelic for ‘Edge of the Water’, this year’s show name Oir an Uisge has taken its inspiration from the magnificent Loch Dunmore that’s at the heart of Faskally Wood. For tickets (and don’t delay), see: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Autumn colour at Loch Faskally

Autumn colour at Loch Faskally

Craigvinean pine cone shelter by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter. Photo by Ronald Weir

Photo credits:

  • Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
  • Faskally Wood: Photo copyright Perthshire Picture Agency and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/

Easter Family Events 2017

Easter. Scotland has burst into bloom and the days are noticeably longer. It’s time for getting outdoors, and catching up with the kids now the school term has finished. To help you plan an Easter to remember, we’ve rounded up some of the best family events on offer within easy reach of Stirling.

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway

The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 14, Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April 2017. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet and an Easter egg hunt in the Museum. Enjoy the free colouring, crayons and tasty Easter treats that the Easter Bunny has left for all boys and girls over the weekend. The journey from Bo’ness to Manuel takes around 70 minutes, but all tickets are Day Rovers, so you can hop on and hop off as you like. Stay all day and explore the Museum, Model Railway and the railway site via the Visitor Trail at Bo’ness and the stations along the line. More information.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with National Trust

Cadbury have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland again this year to create Easter Egg Hunts in some of Scotland’s most historic settings. Chocolate and culture, combined! The nearest hunts to Stirling take place from Good Friday to Easter Monday at Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, Culross Palace, Fife, and House of the Binns in Linlithgow. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website first.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Scotland

Not to be outdone, Historic Scotland’s Easter Eggsplorer Trails take place at a number of iconic castles, abbeys, forts and palaces throughout Scotland. All you need to do is find the clues and complete the challenge to be a winner. Drop-in throughout the day, and the events are included in normal admission. The nearest participating venue to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, from Good Friday to Easter Monday.  You can search for other venues and more information here.

Easter weekend at Stirling Castle

Join the Easter family fun at Stirling Castle on Easter Saturday and Sunday. There are lots of heritage, history and archaeology themed activities for children. These are included in the normal admission price. More information.

RSPB Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Helix

On Easter Monday, work off all that chocolate with a scavenger hunt at the Helix. Meet near the adventure playground to set off on an adventure. What natural treasures can you find in the Park this spring? Check the weather and dress accordingly. And wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Suitable for families with children aged 4-10. Free, and no need to register. More information.

Feed the Lambs at Briarlands Farm

Easter just isn’t Easter without seeing an adorable lamb or three in the fields. Even better, you can feed them yourself at Briarlands Farm, just outside Stirling. Until 30 April you can hand-feed the farm’s newest arrivals at 12 noon and 4pm daily. Sessions are included in the normal admission price. Remember, there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had at Briarlands, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. More information.

Easter in the kitchen at Callander House

At 11am each day (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday), join the cook at Callander House to sample Easter treats from the Georgian Kitchen. The cook will be roasting a leg of lamb on the roaring fire on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with samples offered throughout the weekend. Find out how the Georgians celebrated Easter by using traditional methods to colour their eggs, and get the chance to taste delicious Easter simnel cake and hot cross buns. More information.

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Whatever you choose to do - Happy Easter!

Whatever you choose to do – Happy Easter!

Photo credits:

  • Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Boness and Kinneil Railway: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

A City Break and Some. Stirling in Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulnesss – autumn in Scotland can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. Burnished leaf displays, quieter streets, temperate weather, and good value accommodation too. Here’s five reasons why an autumn holiday in Stirling is far more than your average city break.

Twin room in Glendevon Apartment, one of our budget properties
Twin room in Glendevon Apartment, one of our budget properties
Edinburgh Castle, just a one-hour trip from Stirling
Edinburgh Castle, just a one-hour trip from Stirling

Great value accommodation

If you’re considering a city break in Stirling, why not choose from our budget accommodation portfolio at budgetacommodationstirling.co.uk? Each one of our properties is perfectly equipped for your stay, with crisp, modern interiors and ideal central locations in both Stirling and in Bridge of Allan. Offering exceptional value for money, these apartments will provide you with the ideal base to explore Stirling and its beautiful surrounds without hammering your budget in the run up to Christmas!

Gateway to Glasgow to Edinburgh

Slap bang in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is the perfect place for a city break. Not only is it the gateway to the Highlands (heck, you can be in the wilds of Glencoe in under two hours!), but its central location opens up both Glasgow and Edinburgh as easy day-trip destinations too. Direct trains run frequently from Stirling City centre to both cities, and you could be in the heart of Glasgow or Edinburgh in around 50 minutes. Plan your Edinburgh day trip here: http://edinburgh.org/ or your Glasgow adventure here: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/

Experience Scotland ‘in the fall’

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Stirling can provide the perfect base for ‘leaf peeping’ – just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at http://www.pkct.org/. Browse through their ‘Top 10’ for inspiration. Wow.

Scottish autumn wildlife

From spotting red squirrels to the bellow of red deer stags, autumn is an exciting time in the Scottish landscape, and it’s probably the best time to see our more elusive animals as they prepare for winter. For general information on what to look for and where, see VisitScotland’s autumn wildlife e-book here: http://ebooks.visitscotland.com/scottish-wildlife-series/. And if you want the help of an expert guide, there are many companies who can help you get the sighting you want. Check out this website for full information: http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/

Seasonal produce

One of the best things about the autumn is the bounty it brings, and Stirling is a brilliant place to get your hands on it. Visit Stirling Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month, from 10-4pm in Port Street Stirling. There, more than 25 stallholders will brave all elements to bring you the very best seasonal fare from their farms, orchards and kitchens. For more information, see: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/. Look out too for Perth Festival of Chocolate on 19 and 20 November at http://perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk/. And if foodie festivals are your thing, take a look at http://foodfestivalfinder.co.uk/scotland to ensure you don’t miss any during your Stirling city break!

Craigvinean pine cone shelter, by Ronald Weir
Craigvinean pine cone shelter, Perthshire. Photo by Ronald Weir
Autumn can be the best time to see Scotland's wildlife
Autumn can be the best time to see Scotland’s wildlife

Photo credits:

  • Edinburgh Castle By Klaus Hermsen (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
  • Red squirrel By 4028mdk09 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Hygge: embrace the chill

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to ‘cosiness’, and includes an appreciation of simple pleasures, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danes smile through their tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover ‘hygge’ in Stirling?

Snow White at the Macrobert Stirling

Snow White at the Macrobert, Stirling

The Enchanted Forest, Faskally: Photo by Angus Forbes

The Enchanted Forest, Faskally. Photo by Angus Forbes

Theatre

There’s nothing more in keeping with ‘hygge’ than immerse yourself in some good autumn theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Snow White is at the Macrobert Arts Centre on 11-12 October. Ballet Lorent’s spellbinding retelling of Snow White is a brand new dance theatre production for families. It’s a tale of a mother’s devastating jealousy, and a band of wild, forest-dwelling miners who reveal for us the importance of inner beauty. Written by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and music by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold (wow!). For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/snow-white/

Frankenstein is at the Macrobert on 25 October, a perfect piece of theatre for Halloween week. A brand new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece from the artistic team behind Blackeyed Theatre’s hugely successful production of Dracula. This show promises a fresh look at this landmark work of romantic, gothic and science fiction literature. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/frankenstein/

Outdoors

Wrap up warm, see your breath on the air, and pack up your family to embrace ‘hygge’ outdoors too. And get the slow-cooker on for your return home.

The Enchanted Forest: Probably THE event of the Scottish autumn calendar, this multi-award winning show runs until the end of the October. Fusing light and music to illuminate Faskally Wood in Perthshire at night, this year’s show has been named ‘Shimmer’. And it’s drawing crowds from across the nation. There are a few precious tickets left, so hurry, you won’t regret it! For tickets: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 22-23 October promises a nostalgic weekend of steam and spectacle. There will be a variety of steam locomotives at this family-friendly heritage railway and museum. Get yourself a hot chocolate and some cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Music

‘Hygge’ means taking time out of your schedule just for you, so how about some music for an autumn evening with a friend you’ve not seen in a while?

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc are at the Tolbooth, Stirling on 29 October. They’re a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands who have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music. With a firm focus on the rich traditional fiddle music from where they each belong, their harmony, rhythm, riffs and bass lines create a sound much richer than the sum of their three instruments. Enjoy! For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/nordic-fiddlers-bloc/

Rolling Back the Years on the 12 October at the Albert Halls, Stirling is the ultimate night of nostalgic indulgence! One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, this production takes the audience on a breath-taking musical journey through the 50s, 60s, and some of the brilliant sounds of the 1970s. It’s costumed and choreographed for each decade too. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/rolling-back-years/

Food 

Still wondering what to put in that slow-cooker? ‘Hygge’ eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from your local suppliers.

Stirling Farmers Market has an autumnal twist this Saturday, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be pumpkins for Halloween, organic squashes and vegetable spaghetti, seasonal game and wild venison, new locally hand-made cheeses, plus all the regular 25 or so stalls. Take time to chat to your stall-holder too, and make your grocery shop a day out rather than a chore. It’s the ‘hygge way’! For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Falleninch Farm has some of the best beef for miles around, perfect for colder nights, slow-cooking and comfort food. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop under the shadow of the Castle – the parking is free. If you’re pushed for time, there’s free local delivery for orders over £50 too. https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/about-us/

Free range happiness at Falleninch Farm

Free range happiness at Falleninch Farm

Falleninch cows in the shadow of the Castle

Falleninch cows in the shadow of the Castle

Photo credits: