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Stirling – |
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 Stirling
Castle is definitely one of Scotland's most dramatic castles, a massive
fortress seated on a high promontory, just waiting to be attacked. And beseiged
it was, over and over, starting with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Sometimes the Scots held it, then the English would attack, and then it
would be just the reverse. In 1297, William Wallace retook the castle, but
in 1304, King Edward successfully beseiged the citadel with a terrible war
machine, called "War Wolf." Mary Queen of Scots lived at Stirling
Castle as a child and was crowned here. Don't miss the restored castle kitchen
where you can find out what they cooked and served in the castle. The ramparts
are the perfect place for kids to stretch their legs, with fine views of
the city below. |
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Bannockburn
Heritage Centre – After several years of skirmishing with the British,
Robert the Bruce routed the British forces at the Battle of Bannockburn
in 1314. Today the battlefield is peaceful, but you just have to imagine
25,000 Brits and Scots on horses, on foot, in hand-to-hand combat. The Heritage
Centre has a multimedia presentation of the battle, re-creations of historic
characters and displays of heraldic flags. |
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Farmlife Centre (Thornhill) – Enjoy a tranquil rural setting
when you visit the Farmlife Centre, where kids can take a tractor ride,
ride ponies, try your hand at farming, enjoy the baby animals, and rest
your feet in the tea room. |
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Castle Campbell (Dollar, east of Stirling ) –
If you're a Campbell, visit the Campbell stronghold in the Lowlands, called
"Castle Gloom." It may have been dark and gloomy, but now there's no roof
so the castle is light and airy. Views of the Dollar Glen from the tower
are especially good. Take the mile walk through the glen to the castle. |
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When
Edward I attacked Stirling, he used a new monstrous weapon, a trebuchet,
that leveled one wall of the castle. Based on medieval drawings,
modern day builders construct two types of trebuchets, and hurl
250 lb. balls at a stone wall. The trebuchets are awesome in action.
(Video - DVD)
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Break
through castle defenses in 3-D mazes. Each page has facts about
a castle siege – the plan, approaching the castle, breaching
the gatehouse, seizing the battlements, into the castle keep.
At the end, crack the heraldic code. (Picture book)
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Build your own
version of Stirling Castle with castle cards – 158 pieces,
cards slot together to make block towers, roofs, fortress walls.
Complete instructions for budding castle builders (Klutz makes it
fun), all the cards can be re-used, and it's perfect to bring on
your trip. (Activity pack)
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(More children's
books on other Scotland pages) |
