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Restaurant
3 star

The Portcullis Hotel

Castle Wynd, directly below Stirling Castle · Inn

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Photo: Estty Ophir / Google Maps

A small inn built into the old Grammar School beside the castle esplanade, with a well-regarded pub and terrace views over the Old Town.

About The Portcullis Hotel

The Portcullis Hotel sits at the very top of the Old Town on Castle Wynd, built into part of Stirling's former grammar school and standing almost in the shadow of the castle itself. It's one of the closest places to stay to the castle gates, with only a short level walk to the esplanade.

Downstairs, the pub is known locally for hearty food and a good range of Scottish beers, and its outdoor terrace, looking out over the rooftops of the Old Town towards the Forth valley, is a popular spot on clear evenings. The handful of bedrooms upstairs are simply furnished but benefit from the same views and the quiet of the upper Old Town at night.

Its position means guests trade some convenience for arriving cars, since the streets here are steep and narrow, in exchange for being closer to Stirling Castle and Argyll's Lodging than almost anywhere else to stay in the city.

Reception hours

Monday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Alan González

Comfortable rooms with a nice view of the town, we could even see the William Wallace monument in the distance. We made a reservation by email and confirmed by phone. Service was very good, very friendly. The food was also really really good. My favorite dish in the whole trip to Scotland was their chicken with haggis sauce. Sadly I forgot to take a picture, but it's embedded in my mind. Full Scottish breakfast was delicious too. A great extra is the location, the hotel is right next to Stirling Castle.

2 weeks ago · via Google

Claire Williams

We popped in to the restaurant without a reservation after a family day out at Stirling Castle. The staff were so helpful making space for us all. The food was good quality and reasonably priced. A lovely traditional pub vibe. I can see why it has such great reviews.

4 months ago · via Google

Andy Walker

Dropped in on a wet Saturday night in January after a long cold motorbike ride from Edinburgh. The staff found us space at a reserved table, as long as we could give it back to them in an hour, which was lovely of them. We sat near the wonderfully warm coal fire and ate cauliflower and broccoli cheese bakes, which were a proper hearty portion, delicious, and exactly what we needed to warm our cockles back up. Definitely recommend, and we will be back in the summer to visit the castle!

6 months ago · via Google

Robert Lees

Great bar and restaurant, reasonably priced good food with efficient and friendly staff. Well worth the walk up to the Castle for a meal and or drinks. Good range of beers and pleasant outside seating. Really nice vibe.

3 weeks ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Diners like this restaurant's delicious food, with many highlighting the steak pie, Highland chicken, and burgers. They also mention the friendly and attentive staff, who provide excellent service. Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere, often noting the roaring fire, and find the prices reasonable.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Castle Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1EG Get directions
Property type
Inn
Location
Castle Wynd, directly below Stirling Castle
Star rating
3 star
Guest score
8.3 / 10 (900 reviews)
Prices from
£95 per night
Good for children
Yes
Good for groups
Yes
Booking required
Yes
Destination
Stirling