Welcome to Stirling’s Historic Top of the Town 

For Travel Trade & Tour Operators 

Discover Stirling: A city steeped in Scotland’s Legendary past, and no visit is complete without exploring the Top of the Town—a charming area filled with medieval architecture, stunning views, and the iconic religious landmark the Church of the Holy Rude. 

Why Include the Church of the Holy Rude? 

  • Historic Significance: Founded in 1129, this is the only surviving church in the UK, apart from Westminster Abbey, to have hosted a royal coronation. (King James VI in 1567). 
  • Architecture & Atmosphere: Admire the medieval craftsmanship, including the Gothic nave and intricate stonework.
  • Location: Just minutes from Stirling Castle, perfect for seamless tour planning. 
  • Flexible Booking: Group bookings can be arranged with either a self-guided tour or a private guided tour.

Plan Your Group Visit 

Recommended Itinerary 

  1. Stirling Castle – Explore Scotland’s royal stronghold. 
  1. Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery – A fascinating and offers panoramic views of Stirlingshire.
  1. Church of the Holy Rude – Step inside a historic coronation site.
  1. Cowane’s Hospital – Discover history behind John Cowane.  
  1. Lunch Stop – Visit Legends at Cowanes, located in the historic Guilded Halls of Cowane’s Hospital, directly across from the Church. Serving hot/cold drinks, home-made soup, breakfast rolls, filled rolls and cakes. With a takeaway option or seats indoors. There’s also a garden terrace for outdoor seating.

Group Booking & Accessibility 

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10AM- 6PM and Sunday 12PM-6PM (Last admissions 5:30PM)
  • Group Bookings: Small group bookings can be made through our online booking system here, with guided tours offered at 11am and 2pm. For further inquiries, please email holyrude@sdtourism with the subject line “Group Booking Inquiry”. When inquiring please provide the date, time of visit, group size and any accessibility needs.
  • Parking: There are no parking facilities at the Church. A limited amount of public on-street parking is available not far from the Church – in Spittal Street, St John Street, Broad Street and St Mary’s Wynd – and a little further away in Baker Street and along Upper Castle Hill on the north side of Stirling Castle.
  • Accessibility: The visitor experience at the Church of the Holy Rude is all on one level. It is fully wheelchair and pram accessible, with ramps provided in place of stairs.

Additional Resources 

  • Information Materials: Paying visitors to the church receive an orientation leaflet highlighting key features of the Church of the Holy Rude, along with a background and timeline. They will also receive our “Stories in Stone” guide for the Old Town Cemetery, which includes a detailed map of important gravestones and slabstones.
  • Visitors to the Church of the Holy Rude enjoy a 10% discount on their order at Legends at Cowane’s Coffee Hatch, located within the Guild Halls of Cowane’s Hospital. Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tour guides also receive free entry and a complimentary hot drink when with their group.

Ready to add the Church of the Holy Rude to your itinerary?

Make you booking today or email holyrude@sdtourism.org for more information.