Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Tavernier’s Travels
We ended 2025 and started 2026 as we had dreamed: properly celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland. Following a brief pause in Scotland’s capital, Mum and I arrived in Stirling in the evening, after the sun had set and night had fully set in. First impressions consisted of carrying our by-now-unbearably-heavy luggage from the station and making the relatively short 15-minute walk to our hotel stretch out to almost half an hour as we battled the cold and our fatigue. After a day of travelling, and brief pit stop in Edinburgh, we were more than happy to disappear inside our hotel room for the rest of the night, trying to warm up and catch up on sleep in time for the all-important following day – New Year’s Eve.
Where we stayed in Stirling
We had booked to stay at the four-star Stirling Highland Hotel and Spa. From the exterior, it’s a decorative, historic and beautiful building. It had formerly been a school, and, to its detriment, the paper-thin walls and floors were a testament to this. Our sleep had been choppy, with the loud footsteps and conversations of other guests clearly audible from the floors above and below. Because the hotel also allows dogs and other animals to stay, barking could clearly be heard throughout the night. At that point, the highlight of our stay was the burger and chips we’d ordered via room service from the on-site restaurant, Scholars. Although it was delicious and went down a treat, the additional charge of £8 just for the tray (i.e. for someone to bring it up to our room and retrieve it the following morning) was a bit ridiculous.
As the hotel had been given four stars, we were expecting a four-star room; however, the room, and particularly the bathroom, was a bit grubby in places. Before arriving, we had considered whether to book some spa treatments and maybe enjoy an Afternoon Tea on New Year’s Day. However, by the following morning, we were quite glad we hadn’t.
Hogmanay in Stirling
The reason we had ventured to Stirling had been to experience an authentic, less touristy Hogmanay. We had joined the waiting list for our hotel’s celebrations as tickets had sold out, but we had also booked a table at a pub we’d heard good reviews about, Nicky Tams Bar and Bothy.
Depending on how quickly you could safely get down the steep hill from the hotel, the distance to the pub was about a 2-4 minute walk. But from what we’d seen on the night we’d first arrived, we were a little concerned by how safe the city might be once the sun had gone down, especially after midnight, when we’d be venturing back to the hotel. Thankfully, our fears were put to rest pretty quickly.
I’d heard about Nicky Tams on Google while searching for local pubs to see in the new year. I’d seen on social media that it was a lively pub, one enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and so we’d called ahead to reserve a table for the night. Nicky Tams is one of the oldest pubs in Stirling, having first opened in 1718. It has a rustic, intimate feel to it, with lowlights and tables close together so that, on a busy night such as Hogmanay, you’re not exactly sure whose coat you’re sitting on.
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the locals. Mum’s name (being Cher, although not named after the icon) served as a massive ice-breaker, with both the group who were kicked off our table when we arrived (sorry!) and the group at the adjoining table. Almost immediately, we were all chatting with one another, with more and more people joining as the evening progressed towards midnight. When midnight finally struck, the by-now overflowing pub (Nicky Tams was the only place in Stirling that wasn’t ticketed that Hogmanay) erupted into a rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ before dispersing out into the street. Being the lightweights we are, we didn’t stay too long past midnight, venturing back to our hotel for some much needed sleep, but feeling very much on a high for starting the new year by ticking something off our bucket list!
How we spent the rest of our time in Stirling
Things to do in Stirling
Stirling Town Centre
The city of Stirling is largely made up of Victorian architecture, as it was a popular destination in the 19th century. It’s charming, with lots of decorative nooks and crannies to admire as you meander about the place.
There are a few interesting monuments and statues in town (one of which had been adorned with a traffic cone in the spirit of Hogmanay madness) and fascinating engravings on paving stones. The shopping centre, Thistles, is a plus, with many high street stores to fill downtime. It’s especially useful if you find yourself in need of an extra jumper or something similar (such as, in Mum’s case, pain relief from wearing the wrong boots) to help deal with the Scottish winter.
Church of the Holy Rude
You might find the name of this historic church somewhat strange; it was taken from the Holy Road, which is an artefact of the cross used in Christ’s crucifixion. The church’s original foundation dates from 1129, when King David I founded it, but of the present church that stands today, the oldest part is dated from the 15th century. After Stirling Castle, it’s the second-oldest building in Stirling. Mary, Queen of Scots, spent her childhood in Stirling and would have most likely attended services at the church, while her son, James VI, had his coronation here.
After Stirling Jail (another attraction to visit if you’re so inclined), it’s a short walk further uphill, although it’s a steep hill, and we’d left it to a day when there was a dusting of icy snow on the ground, and the temperature had really plummeted.
With Scotland having two consecutive bank holidays (both New Year’s Day on the 1st and the 2nd January are bank holidays there), the church was closed, so we didn’t have a chance to see inside. But although it might sound a little strange, the standout feature of the church was the cemetery. There are a few features, such as the beautiful Martyrs Memorial, but, best of all, are the views.
Following a narrow path weaved between headstones (and being careful not to trample over the centuries-old graves) will lead you to Ladies’ Rock, a high mound of a hill. It apparently took its name from the time ladies of the court would watch the men jousting below from a safe distance. Nowadays, you’ll climb the hill to bear witness to the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape of Stirling. From the rugged mountains to the miles and miles of countryside surrounding you, it’s a climb I’d deem more than worth the struggle. Just be careful you make your way down the fairly steep, uneven stairs on the hill. Heard there are a number of hauntings around; a spooky experience in the cemetery.
Stirling Castle
I was told by one local that exploring this castle is better than visiting Edinburgh Castle, greatly due to the lower number of people who visit. Visually, it’s very similar to Edinburgh’s, only in this instance, the castle is perched atop an intrusive crag, once serving as a strategic and important fortification in the area. From the early 12th century, Stirling Castle served as a highly used royal residence for Scotland’s royal family before the country’s union with England. It was also used as the location for the crowning of many of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots.
For how tired we were (particularly of tentatively walking the snowy streets that day), we didn’t explore inside the castle, knowing that it would probably take a few hours to get the most out of it. But even if you don’t have any intention of exploring inside, I would still heartily recommend the walk up to the castle. As with the church, the beautiful views from the entrance are more than worth it, particularly of the Wallace Monument off in the distance.
Wallace Monument
Standing at 220 feet high, the Wallace monument dominates Stirling’s skyline. As the name suggests, it’s dedicated to William Wallace, the 13th and 14th-century knight who fought for Scottish independence against the English. In the 19th century, the monument was constructed with donations from the public following renewed interest in Scotland’s history. It took eight years to build, and Stirling was chosen as it was where Wallace had his greatest success.
It’s also possible to climb the monument, where I hear the views are exceptional. It’s a distance from the centre of Stirling, so you’ll need to catch public transport if you’re not driving, and be prepared for a steep climb to reach it. In our case, we enjoyed the view of it from various points in Stirling, most clearly from Stirling Castle, as well as from the train station during a beautiful sunset.
Where to eat & drink (or enjoy Hogmanay)
Nicky Tams
The pub is only about a 10-minute walk from the centre of town. And outside of Hogmanay, the pub is still lively, popular with both locals and tourists alike. I also hear their food is delicious!
Molly Malone’s
A bit closer to the centre of town (and didn’t require climbing a steep hill to reach!), Molly Malone’s is an Irish pub not too far from Stirling train station. In the middle of a Scottish winter, we greatly appreciated the delicious homemade Irish stew – it went down well with a pint of Guinness!
Granary Cafe
This café was on our route into town, and served as the perfect place to enjoy a delicious brunch with coffee. The waitresses were lovely and welcoming, and the ambience was chilled, with easy listening music softly playing in the background.
Blue Lagoon
This fish and chip restaurant is right in the centre of town, and so is fantastic for convenience. As well as being delicious and offering a hearty meal to battle the cold of a Scottish winter, there’s also plenty of seating inside.
Are you planning a trip to Stirling soon? If, like us, your visit includes a pit stop in Scotland’s capital, be sure to check out our guides to the Royal Mile and Victoria Street.
