Local Area
Two must-see villages
Nearby is the picturesque village of Dollar with its hillside Glen and Castle Campbell. Always worth popping into Kitty at Home for interior vintage, Troy-Anne's Patisserie (weekends only) or find a book at the Wee Bookshop. Head to the Ochil hills and climb King’s Seat (648m) or Ben Cleuch (731m) amongst other hikes.
Culross is Scotland’s best example of a burgh town from the C17/18th and is a National Trust for Scotland conservation village with a bright yellow C16/17th Palace. Popular with fans of the tv series Outlander as it’s a key film location.
Historic sites
Aside from Dollar and Culross, there are many other places to visit: Stirling Castle, the Wallace monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey as well as Dunfermline Abbey and Palace. Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith and Linlithgow Palace, both lived in by Mary Queen of Scots are fascinating to visit. And of course, the Falkirk Wheel is an icon to the area’s industrial heritage; combine with a trip to our local steam railway line.
Towns & cities
Relax and take the train by going from Alloa station (10 mins by car) to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Or by car, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, St Andrews, and Stirling are all within easy reach (hr or less).
Local farm shops/cafes
We also have several farm shops on our doorstep offering locally-reared and rare-breed delicacies including Solsgirth Home Farm, which also has a farmers’ market the second Saturday of the month. Or collect your chosen cuts and come back to us for a chilled evening following one of their recipe cards for dinner. And for lunches and teas we have Saline Shaw Café which is a lovely 25 min cycle along quiet roads.
Activities
Hire our all-terrain TREK bicycles to explore woodland, road and hill routes. Jump into a canyoning experience for either beginner’s or more advanced, or explore the Ochils while pony trekking (June to August).
Being Scotland, we have parkland golf courses including Muckhart and Tulliallan as well as brown trout fishing a short drive away. And of course distinguished courses at Gleneagles (37 mins) and St Andrews (1 hr) are nearby.
Family days out
From outdoor play parks, children-friendly animals, and dressing up with a sword and shield there is plenty to keep kids occupied at The Kelpies, the Helix Park, Briarlands Farm, Blairdrummond Safari Park, Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, and Go Ape Aberfoyle.
Traditional building materials & skills
Have you wanted to insulate your old house? Dealing with damp? How about trying some stone carving or lime pointing? We’re located between the two leading centres in Scotland so why not learn that DIY skill you’ve always wanted to learn and stay with us. Take a look at events run by the Scottish Lime Centre Trust and The Engine Shed.
Live music and performance
Come to us not only for traditional buildings but also trad music. The Tolbooth in Stirling is home to some of the best live musicians and performers working in Scotland from trad to jazz to contemporary music. An evening here with its intimate surroundings you’ll not forget, also due to the sensational and award-winning restoration and redesign.