Bannockburn
Stirling, Scotland
Made famous in the final scene of the classic film Braveheart, the Battle of Bannockburn was where King Robert the Bruce led the greatly outnumbered Scottish forces to victory over the English in 1314. To this day, the victory is hugely celebrated in Scottish history, and the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Scotland.
The basics
At the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, you can tour the battlegrounds, visit the impressive bronze statue of Robert the Bruce, and even participate in a 3D battle re-creation. The interactive experience (which requires its own ticket), involves a multimedia, immersive battle reenactment and a virtual battle of your own.
Day trips to the attraction often leave Edinburgh or Glasgow and include round-trip transportation and visits to other attractions like Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument. You can also opt for a movie-themed tour and visit filming locations seen in Outlander, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones, and more.
Things to know before you go
- Bannockburn is a must-see for Braveheart fans and history buffs.
- Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds for free.
- The 3D Battle Experience requires an advance ticket purchase, and is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
- There's a café and gift shop on-site.
- The center and its outdoor grounds are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to get there
The village of Bannockburn lies in the city of Stirling, 36 miles (58 kilometers) west of Edinburgh and 27 miles (43 kilometers) northeast of Glasgow. Stirling is easily accessible by train from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. From Stirling, the Bannockburn Visitor Center is just a short bus or taxi ride from the train station. Parking is also available at the center.
When to get there
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre is open daily from morning to late afternoon. It closes shortly before Christmas, is shut for all of January, and then reopens in early February. Tickets for the 3D Battle Experience must be purchased ahead of time in pre-booked time slots. The battlegrounds are open daily year-round.
The National Wallace Monument
After Bannockburn, a visit to the nearby National Wallace Monument is a must. This stunning tower monument is situated on the top of Abbey Craig and overlooks the site of one of William Wallace’s most important battles, the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The monument tells the story of William Wallace and why he is one of the greatest heroes in Scottish history.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!