Tuesday, 12 June 2012 - Jail, Church, Castle

As we were staying in Stirling it only seemed sensible to spend the day looking at some of the local attractions.  We should have gone to Bannockburn, which was just around the corner, where they fought the battle of ... in 1314.  But we didn't (next time we will, I promise).  We decided instead to visit Stirling Castle, so we set off for the old part of town and found a good car park.  Off we set,  We didn't get far before we were accosted by a guy selling the charms of a visit to the Old Town Jail.  It sounded good so we decided to do it.  It was quite something with an actor (the same guy) pretending to be a warder and us being the prisoners.  So we got quite a lot of the history and had a good look around.  Great views from the top as well.  I see from looking this evening that the attraction is now closed.  Hope we didn't do that?

From the Jail showing Holy Rude and bits of the Castle behind the bell tower

After Jail we continued on up the road and wandered into the Church of the Holy Rude.  By now of course we have become addicted to old churches/abbeys/monasteries/basilicas/minsters and other assorted religious buildings.  And again this one did not disappoint - quite beautiful with lovely stone work and timber.

Inside Holy Rude

After leaving the church we wandered across to the hall next door where they sold tea/cakes/soup etc.  All run by volunteers who were amazingly funny and friendly.  The soup was good too.

On further up the hill to Stirling Castle.  This is also well worth a visit as the castle has seen a lot of Scottish history pass through.  We spent some time going through the castle.  By the time we finished it was late afternoon, so we drove back to our house.

Part of Stirling Castle, with Kiwi tourists

I just solved a puzzle.  When I was planning the trip I looked on Google Street View for the house we were renting (as you do).  I couldn't find it.  I have just looked again, remembering the street, and I see that even now, the street view was taken before the house we stayed in was built!  You can't rely completely on Google!

Tricia wrote:

Went to the Old Prison and Stirling Castle.  Great day.