Stirling Old Town Jail

A visitor attraction staffed mainly by actors in character might sound avoidable but for history made palatable by human interest Stirling Old Town Jail is unbeatable. Try out pointless hard labour for yourself on a real crank and marvel at the sentences handed down by 19th century judges for pilfering potatoes. The exhibition about life in a modern Scottish prison is fascinating too. Just make sure the taxi takes you here and not to Scotland’s only women’s prison, also in Stirling.

What's On @ Stirling Old Town Jail

Daily Stirling Old Town Tour

1 Apr 2026 - 27 Dec 2026

Immerse yourself in the Old Town of Stirling on this 1.5 hour tour with a local, expert guide. Discover the secrets of Stirling, from cannons to castles, from local characters to epic heroes of legend. Walk Stirling's streets as the history of the city unravels and you can look at the buildings of Stirling Old Town with new eyes. Known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands', hear how Stirling events have influenced the course of Scottish history. Enjoy the tales of battles, kings and queens, and the everyday folk who shaped Stirling into the place it is today - a modern, bustling city. Discover the jails of Stirling, the happenings of the market place, crime and punishment, and best of all, decipher the secrets of three-hundred-year-old gravestones whilst enjoying the views that Stirling Craig gives you.