Close to Historic Stirling
Shielbrae House is situated in Central Scotland, the gateway to the Highlands and within easy reach of Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Locally there are many great historic attractions, Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument and The Bannockburn Heritage centre to name but a few. Other attractions include Blair Drummond Safari Park, The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
Closer to the House there are scenic walks around North Third Reservoir and in the wider roaming countrside of Central Scotland
We have highlighted some of the best places to visit and activities for the active and not so active that we highly recommend to our visitors to get the best of out of their stay at Shielbrae House.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. During the Wars of Independence, which were civil wars among the Scots as well as a struggle between Scotland and England, the castle changed hands eight times in 50 years. And it is no accident that famous battles such as Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn took place within sight of its walls. In times of peace Scottish royalty came to Stirling to enjoy its comforts, the superb hunting and to hold court – the castle was often the centre of government. Royal building projects like the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace of James V, marked it o Infamous deeds took place here, like the murder of the earl of Douglas by James II. It was also a childhood home of some of the most famous people in Scottish and British history, such as Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I.
Bannockburn
At Bannock Burn in 1314 King Robert, the Bruce took on the much larger English army to win the freedom that shaped Scotland’s future. At the Borestone Park stands the monumental statue of King Robert the Bruce, this has become one of Scotland’s most famous icons.
The Bannockburn Rotunda is a spectacular site and is well worth a visit. See the map of the battlefield and view the knight's armour in the visitor centre. You can also experience the epic encounter in an audio-visual show and exhibition.
3D Experience
See the battle brought to life and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with medieval warriors preparing for combat. Let the Battle of Bannockburn 3D experience take you to the heart of Scotland's most historic battle.
Outdoor Activities
We are able to organise outdoor activities for our guests from family days out to corporate team building events and Hens and Stags get togethers.
A short distance from Shielbrae is Clay Pigeon Scotland who are able to provide a whole range of activities including Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and Air Rifle Shooting. Just tell us your requirements at the time of booking and we will send you the contact details of how to book your activities.
The location of Shielbrae House is perfect for cycling and walking with great quiet roads and walking tracks around the North Third Resevoir and over to Carron Valley where your can enjoy some great cycling routes and perhaps take a walk up Meikle Bin (570 metres high)and enjoy some fine views around The Fintry HIllsThe Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The lift is named after Falkirk, the town in which it is located. It reconnects the two canals for the first time since the 1930s. It opened in 2002 as part of the Millennium Link project.
The plan to regenerate central Scotland's canals and reconnect Glasgow with Edinburgh was led by British Waterways with support and funding from seven local authorities to create a dramatic 21st-century landmark structure to reconnect the canals, instead of simply recreating the historic lock flight.
The wheel raises boats by 24 metres (79 ft), but the Union Canal is still 11 metres (36 ft) higher than the aqueduct which meets the wheel. Boats must also pass through a pair of locks between the top of the wheel and the Union Canal. The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.
We have highlighted just a few of the places to visit and things to do but there are many other great days out to be enjoyed in and around Shielbrae House. If you need further information to plan your holiday, event or short break just get in touch and we will be happy to help.
James and Tracey