King's Park Stirling
Welcome to King's Park — Scotland's oldest park, founded in the 12th century as the royal landscape around the castle and used by every Scottish monarch from David I to James VI. Today it is a much-loved public park in the heart of the town, with a cafe, a play park, courts, an 18-hole golf course and open green space alongside the history.
And the views are magnificent: Stirling Castle high on its rock above the park, and the mountains beyond — Ben Lomond, Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chroin.
Visiting the park
Follow the trails below through the park's history, from medieval kings to the present day — or simply come for a walk and a coffee at the Pavilion.
Three waymarked trails to choose from
Pick a coloured route and follow the trail stickers and signage (coming soon) around the park — a short heritage circuit, or one of two longer loops.
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Heritage Circuit
1.6 km · around 35 minutes · stops 1–16
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King's Knot Loop
2.9 km · around 70 minutes · stops 1–24
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Full Park Explorer
3.3 km · around 70 minutes · stops 1–16 and 25–33
About King's Park
With its Castle situated high up on a volcanic outcrop, surrounded by fairly flat countryside and river crossing point, Stirling has over a long period marked an important strategic location, military fortification and gateway for armies travelling north and south.
Although the Kings Park now contains fertile land and various public amenities, in the past this Park would have been larger in size. The river Forth would have been more difficult to cross around Stirling because of boggy conditions in parts, particularly for an army travelling south. Stirling has been described as a "brooch holding Scotland together."
Stirling Castle was a principal residence of Stewart monarchs until 1603 when, following the Union of the Crowns, the royal court moved to London.
In August 2013 ownership of this ancient Royal park passed from the Crown Estate, via the Scottish Government, to Historic Scotland — now Historic Environment Scotland. Stirling Council holds overall management under a 150-year lease, with a long sub-lease of the golf course section to Stirling Golf Club, and the Council manages the public park area. The park covers around 453 acres of golf course, public open space and a few agricultural tenancies.