Day trips: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, Doune Castle, the Southern Highlands, Crieff and the Drummond Gardens and Castle, Callander, Loch Lomond, St. Andrews, Doune Castle, Glencoe, Fort William, and much more.

Sightseeing: Stirling is called the Gateway to the Highlands, and you can explore the region’s scenic glens, lochs, and castle-studded countryside from here. Excellent train and bus service connects you to Scotland’s most beloved cities, zipping you to Edinburgh and Glasgow in an hour or less. Of course Stirling itself is full of historic monuments, sweeping views, and one of Scotland’s best castles. Explore the nearby gardens, tour local distilleries, hike the countryside, or play a round of golf in the country where it was invented. Scotland offers something for everyone.

Off-the-beaten-track attractions that can’t be beat: Visit nearby Dunblane and its fabulous Gothic cathedral, enjoy afternoon tea at Tilly’s Tearoom and stroll along the lovely Allan Water. Dip into a local pub and enjoy live traditional music in the evenings with your neighbors. Tour one of the area’s distilleries and stay for a whisky tasting. Enjoy the cultural life of the university, and enjoy contemporary and experimental performing arts at the Fringe Festivals in Edinburgh (where the movement was born) and other towns. Weary of the crowds on the Royal Mile? Go underground and explore Edinburgh’s vaults or take a fascinating tour of its parliament building or the amazing National Museum of Scotland. Visit the parks and wildlife areas outside of Glasgow, and tour the university for free, seeing where some of the iconic Harry Potter scenes were filmed.