Things to do in Stirling

The university itself is located just outside Stirling in the village of Bridge of Allan. Bridge of Allan has fewer amenities to offer than Stirling, but is very nice and walking distance to the University.

Transport

The venue is located in the centre of Stirling, around a 10 minute walk from Stirling train and bus stations and walking or short bus distance from most hotels.

There is also a bike hire scheme in the city called Next Bikes with bike hire points on the university campus as well as at Stirling station, Bridge of Allan Station and in Causewayhead (about half way between). This service is free for students if bikes are hired for under an hour. See the Next Bike website for more information.

If you’re staying further afield, trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow run about every 30 minutes from Stirling station until around 11pm.

There is car parking available in central Stirling for a daily fee.

Please consider the environmental impact of your attendance and try to use public transport to attend if you can.

Where to stay

There are several hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs within Stirling and neighbouring Bridge of Allan. Additionally, a brand new Travelodge has opened next to Stirling station which is around a 10-minute walk from the venue.

Accommodation on the university campus is available to book through the University of Stirling, but this is a bus ride away from the venue and a holiday timetable will be in operation so buses are not very frequent.

Food

There are lots of nice restaurants in Stirling for a range of budgets. We can recommend any of the following for dinner: Gabe’s diner, Na Pizza, Greengates Indian, Cronies restaurant or Hermann’s

There are fewer options in Bridge of Allan, but try Jam Jar for dinner, or for something quick there is an excellent Chippy.

Drinks/Pubs

In Stirling try Brewdog, Nicky Tams or The Tollbooth for good beers and some simple snacks. In Bridge of Allan the Allanwater Brewhouse is a must visit.

Attractions

If you can stay over the weekend Stirling and the surrounding areas have loads to offer. Within the town check out historical attractions like Stirling Castle, the Old Town Jail or go on a ghost walk. Slightly further afield there is also the Bannockburn Experience.

Or very close to the university check out some film or theatre at the Macrobert Arts Centre or climb the Wallace Monument.

A short drive away (or get the number 59 bus, but check timetables for return buses) is Blair Drummond Safari Park where you might spot some of the research subjects used by the Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) at Stirling.

There are also loads of great local walks – climb Dumyat hill behind the university campus, or go walking in the Ochil hills. If you came by car we are only a short drive from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which is beautiful and has lots of outdoor sports available.