Stirling’s Top 10 High-Rated B\&Bs: Real Guest Impressions

Whenever I think of Stirling, I think not only of its towering castle and the dramatic history that shaped Scotland, but also of the feeling of waking up in a warm guesthouse, with the smell of a homemade breakfast drifting up the stairs. Hotels have their place, but in Stirling, it’s the bed and breakfasts and small guesthouses that truly capture the spirit of the city. They’re run by locals who know the winding streets and hidden corners better than any guidebook, and they make you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s home rather than just another room. Over the years, I’ve stayed in many of these B\&Bs, and each one left me with memories—sometimes as vivid as the monuments and landscapes themselves. What follows is my personal journey through Stirling’s top-rated guesthouses, with the details that mattered most to me and the stories I’ve heard from fellow travellers who shared a breakfast table or a fireside chat along the way.

1. Castlecroft Bed & Breakfast

Location: Castlecroft, Ballengeich Rd, Stirling FK8 1TN

I still remember walking up Ballengeich Road, the castle looming above me, when I first arrived at Castlecroft. The view was nothing short of breathtaking: Stirling Castle practically at my doorstep, rolling hills beyond, and the quiet promise of comfort tucked away in this small but unforgettable guesthouse.

Castlecroft has a warm, home-like atmosphere. The host, Laura, greeted me with genuine warmth, offering tea and homemade shortbread the moment I stepped in. The décor felt charmingly Scottish, with tartan cushions and wooden furniture that whispered stories of heritage.

Highlights and Advantages:

Incredible location just below Stirling Castle.
Panoramic views from the terrace.
Freshly cooked breakfast with local produce—smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were my favourite.
Parking available, which is rare in this part of town.

Guest Impressions: Many fellow travellers I spoke to commented on the calm, family-run vibe. One couple from Canada told me they had chosen Castlecroft for their honeymoon because they wanted “the romance of waking up beneath the castle,” and they weren’t disappointed.

Booking & Costs: I booked through Booking.com, which offered a flexible cancellation policy. Average price: around £110–£140 per night for a double room. My tip: book months in advance, especially in summer, because rooms disappear quickly.

2. Victoria Square Guest House

Location: 12 Victoria Square, Stirling FK8 2QZ

Victoria Square is a graceful Victorian property nestled in one of Stirling’s most elegant neighbourhoods. As I walked up the leafy avenue, I could already feel the quiet luxury. Inside, it felt more like a boutique hotel than a traditional B\&B.

Highlights and Advantages:

Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms with period details.
Luxurious beds and large bathrooms (mine had a freestanding tub).
Gourmet breakfast options, including smoked haddock kedgeree.
Close enough to the centre but set in a peaceful square.

Guest Impressions: Reviews consistently praise the attention to detail. One guest at breakfast whispered to me that she felt as if she were “living inside a Jane Austen novel.” I couldn’t disagree.

Booking & Costs: I secured my stay on Hotels.com because they had a “stay 10 nights, get 1 free” offer, which added value. Average cost: £130–£180 per night. Tip: mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends.

3. Munro Guest House

Location: 14 Princes Street, Stirling FK8 1HQ

Munro Guest House sits right in the heart of Stirling, which makes it incredibly convenient for exploring. When I checked in, owner Richard immediately made me feel like part of his extended family. He offered maps, restaurant recommendations, and even a local’s tip on where to find the best whisky bar.

Highlights and Advantages:

Location is unbeatable—5 minutes from Stirling train station.
Breakfast cooked to order, generous portions.
Rooms simple but comfortable, with all essentials.
Excellent value compared to nearby hotels.

Guest Impressions: Guests frequently describe Richard as “the highlight of their stay.” One traveller from Germany told me over coffee that “the rooms are nice, but the host makes it unforgettable.”

Booking & Costs: I booked via Expedia, which had a good bundle discount when paired with my train ticket. Price: £70–£95 per night. Tip: book directly with the guest house for occasional upgrades.

4. Linden Guest House

Location: 22 Linden Avenue, Stirling FK7 7PQ

Linden Guest House is a charming Victorian villa just outside the city centre. When I arrived, I immediately noticed the calm of the leafy residential street. Inside, it felt spacious yet cosy, with high ceilings and traditional furnishings.

Highlights and Advantages:

Family-friendly, with rooms that can accommodate groups.
Large breakfast selection—full Scottish, vegetarian, and continental.
On-site parking.
Great base for travellers with cars exploring the Trossachs.

Guest Impressions: A family from Spain at breakfast told me they felt “as if they were visiting Scottish relatives.” The hosts’ hospitality really sets the tone here.

Booking & Costs: I found the best deal through Agoda, where rooms ranged from £85–£115. Tip: check if they’re offering a free-night promotion—Agoda sometimes has it for longer stays.

5. Springfield Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Location: Easter Cornton Rd, Stirling FK9 5PB

On the northern edge of Stirling lies Springfield Lodge, a peaceful B\&B with views of the Ochil Hills. My first morning there, I sat by the window with a cup of tea and simply stared at the hills glowing in the sunrise.

Highlights and Advantages:

Spacious, quiet location.
Excellent traditional breakfasts with generous portions.
Rooms decorated with countryside charm.
Hosts offer great hiking and walking advice.

Guest Impressions: Many reviews online mention the relaxing countryside feel. During my stay, another guest said she felt “completely recharged, away from the bustle of the city.”

Booking & Costs: I booked via Airbnb, which offered competitive pricing at around £90–£120 per night. Tip: longer stays of 4+ nights often come with discounts on Airbnb.

6. Ravenswood Guest House

Location: 94 Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5HJ

This guesthouse is a personal favourite of mine because it feels modern yet retains a warm, homely touch. Situated near the Wallace Monument, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a scenic base.

Highlights and Advantages:

Rooms are bright and modern, with excellent Wi-Fi.
Delicious breakfast with homemade bread and jams.
Short walk to Wallace Monument.
Hosts are welcoming and full of local tips.

Guest Impressions: One guest I chatted with told me that “the homemade bread alone was worth the stay.” I agreed wholeheartedly after tasting it.

Booking & Costs: I found Ravenswood listed on Booking.com, with rooms between £95–£130. Tip: look out for their “Genius” member discounts, which can shave off 10%.

7. Kerrann B\&B

Location: 110 Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5HJ

Just a short stroll from Ravenswood lies Kerrann B\&B, another gem in Causewayhead. What struck me first was the sense of calm. The host welcomed me with tea in the garden, which felt like a scene from a novel.

Highlights and Advantages:

Clean, cosy rooms with thoughtful touches.
Breakfast tailored to dietary needs—vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Lovely garden for evening relaxation.
Free parking.

Guest Impressions: A young couple from France told me they were amazed at how personal the service felt—“like staying with friends.”

Booking & Costs: I booked through HotelsCombined, which showed me the best rates across several platforms. Price: £75–£105 per night. Tip: call ahead if you have dietary needs—the hosts go above and beyond.

8. Stirling Highland Hotel (Former High School, now Boutique Stay)

Location: Spittal Street, Stirling FK8 1DU

Though technically more a boutique hotel than a B\&B, I can’t leave this one out. The Stirling Highland Hotel is housed in a former school building, complete with observatory. When I stayed, I felt the weight of history in every corridor.

Highlights and Advantages:

Stunning building with character.
Leisure facilities including a pool and spa.
Excellent restaurant on site.
Perfect for those who want both history and comfort.

Guest Impressions: Many online reviewers describe it as “a stay in living history.” I met a fellow traveller who said the observatory tour was the highlight of his trip.

Booking & Costs: I booked through Expedia using a package deal with train tickets, which saved about 15%. Price: £120–£160 per night. Tip: look out for mid-week spa and dinner deals.

9. Number 10 Guest House

Location: 10 Gladstone Place, Stirling FK8 2NN

Number 10 is a delightful guest house with striking Victorian architecture. The interior mixes old-world charm with modern comfort. I felt instantly at home in my spacious room with bay windows.

Highlights and Advantages:

Spacious rooms with stylish décor.
Peaceful residential location but walkable to the centre.
Generous breakfast portions.

Guest Impressions: Guests rave about the peaceful atmosphere. One woman I met at breakfast said she “slept better here than anywhere else in Scotland.”

Booking & Costs: Found via Booking.com, priced around £100–£140 per night. Tip: the “early bird” discount is real—book at least 2 months in advance.

10. Springfield Lodge Guest House (Different from Springfield B\&B)

Location: 37 Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5EG

This smaller guesthouse near the university offers straightforward, no-fuss comfort. What I loved most was the friendliness of the hosts.

Highlights and Advantages:

Affordable compared to central Stirling.
Close to Stirling University and Wallace Monument.
Great cooked breakfast.

Guest Impressions: I overheard one student’s parents saying, “It felt like home—exactly what we needed after a long journey.”

Booking & Costs: I booked through Airbnb, where the nightly rate was £75–£95. Tip: last-minute bookings here are often cheaper than booking months in advance, surprisingly.

Experience During My Stay

Every B\&B I’ve stayed in around Stirling has left me with more than a bed for the night—it’s left me with a story. From homemade bread at Ravenswood to the castle views at Castlecroft, I’ve learned that Stirling’s hospitality scene is as rich as its history. And with platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hotels.com, finding deals and comparing options has never been easier. My biggest piece of advice? Book early, but always check multiple platforms—you’ll be surprised at the savings hiding in plain sight.