Stirling

Quite why, with arguably an even more attractive castle than Edinburgh, and an almost equally stunning old town (though a lot more compact), more people don't go to Stirling is anyone’s guess. The old stomping ground of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce lies on a deeply strategic position between the Lowlands and the Highlands and has played centre stage throughout Scottish history. Its castle is well worth a day, the old town is a delight to ramble around, and the nearby Wallace Memorial as impressive for its views as for the sweeping tower that is testament to the man so memorably portrayed by Mel Gibson in Braveheart. It's a shame to miss it.