King's Knot
A 3-metre octagonal mound and geometric earthworks where Scottish kings once displayed their power and culture.
A historic royal pleasure ground beneath Stirling Castle, the King's Knot comprises an octagonal stepped mound rising 3 metres high, surrounded by geometric earthworks that once formed elaborate formal gardens. Originally designed as an ornamental garden for Charles I in the 1620s and restored by Queen Victoria in 1842, this free-to-visit landmark offers peaceful walks, stunning castle views, and a tangible connection to Scotland's royal heritage. Perfect for leisurely strolls, dog walking, and photography.
A brief summary to The King's Knot
- Scotland, Stirling, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Ladies' Lookout within Stirling Castle or use satellite imagery to fully appreciate the geometric scale and design of the King's Knot—the site is far more impressive from above than from ground level.
- Research the site's history before visiting, as there is limited on-site signage explaining the royal gardens' significance and the restoration work undertaken by Queen Victoria.
- Walk The Back Walk footpath along the northwestern periphery of Stirling Castle for free elevated views of the King's Knot and surrounding landscape without paying castle entry fees.
- Visit during late afternoon for peaceful atmosphere and optimal lighting for photography, particularly to capture the geometric patterns and castle backdrop.
- Bring a dog or allow extra time for leisurely exploration—the open green space is ideal for relaxed walks and is popular with locals for casual recreation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Stagecoach buses serve Stirling town centre with routes passing near King's Park. Journey times from central Stirling are approximately 10–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Services run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays. Single fares typically range from £1.50 to £2.50 GBP. Alight at stops near Dumbarton Road or Royal Gardens and walk to the entrance.
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Walking
From Stirling town centre, the King's Knot is approximately 1.5–2 kilometres away via a 25–35 minute walk. The route is mostly flat with paved surfaces through residential areas. Alternatively, The Back Walk footpath offers a scenic 20–30 minute approach along the northwestern periphery of Stirling Castle, providing elevated views and avoiding road traffic. Both routes are accessible year-round.
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Car
Parking is not available directly at the King's Knot entrance. Visitors must park in surrounding residential streets or at nearby car parks such as Castleview Park and Ride (approximately 500 metres away) and walk to the site. Stirling town centre car parks are 1–1.5 kilometres away. Journey time from central Stirling by car is 5–10 minutes, though parking availability varies by season and time of day.
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Taxi or Ride-share
Local taxi services operate throughout Stirling with typical fares from the town centre to King's Knot ranging from £6–10 GBP. Journey time is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-share services may also be available during peak hours. Drivers should be directed to the entrance on Dumbarton Road near Royal Gardens.
The King's Knot location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The King's Knot
A Royal Pleasure Ground Through the Centuries
The King's Knot sits within the ancient King's Park, Crown property since at least the 1100s, where Scottish royalty once pursued leisure activities including jousting, hawking, and hunting. The park itself was formally established by William the Lion in the 12th century and underwent significant development between 1490 and 1508, when James IV transformed it into an ornamental landscape. More than 1,000 trees were planted in 1497, and the park was enriched with fish pools, vegetable gardens, and orchards. When the Scottish court relocated to London in 1603 following James I's accession to the English throne, the gardens fell into disrepair.Charles I's Grand Vision and Victorian Restoration
The distinctive earthworks visible today were created between 1627 and 1629 in preparation for Charles I's Scottish coronation in 1633. William Watts, appointed as Master Gardener to His Majesty at Stirling Castle, designed and constructed the King's Knot as an ornamental garden modelled on the romantic châteaux gardens of France. The feature was intended to enchant and impress visitors, demonstrating the wealth, power, and cultural sophistication of the Stuart monarchy. The octagonal stepped mound, rising 3 metres high with a rectangular parterre to the southeast, became the centrepiece of this carefully planned landscape. When Queen Victoria visited in 1842 and complained about the gardens' condition, she ordered extensive restoration work that fundamentally altered the site. The mound was considerably modified, and it is possible the entire orientation of the gardens was changed during this Victorian intervention.The Geometry of Power and Prestige
The King's Knot's distinctive octagonal form and geometric layout were not merely decorative—they embodied Renaissance ideals of order, control, and royal authority. The earthworks create a series of natural undulations across the landscape that are best appreciated from an elevated vantage point, particularly from the Ladies' Lookout within Stirling Castle itself. From ground level, the site appears as a gently rolling green space, but aerial views reveal the sophisticated geometric patterns that once defined formal garden beds and pathways. The adjacent Queen's Knot, now a flat expanse of grass, hints at the scale and ambition of the original royal gardens, though little remains of their former splendour beyond the main mound.A Living Landscape Today
Today, the King's Knot is maintained as a peaceful, open green space managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The site is entirely free to visit and remains open year-round, accessible to all. The grassed earthworks invite leisurely exploration, and the location has become particularly popular with dog walkers and families seeking outdoor recreation near Stirling Castle. The park's flat terrain and open character make it welcoming for casual visitors, though the full historical significance of the site is best understood through research or interpretation from the castle ramparts above. The geometric undulations that once formed the ornamental gardens now create a distinctive landscape that local residents affectionately know as 'the cup and saucer'—a testament to how this royal feature has become woven into the fabric of contemporary Stirling life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Statues
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The Star Pyramid
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Rob Roy McGregor Statue
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Stirling War Memorial
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The Crossed Peels
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Monterey Jack's Stirling
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City Walls
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Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast
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Contempo
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St Ninians Well
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Tourist Information Point
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Stirling City Heritage Trust
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Historic Scotland
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memorial
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A solemn stone memorial honouring Stirling's fallen, set within a verdant park of woodland walks and quiet reflection.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stirling Golf Club
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The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
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Martyrs' Memorial
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Old Town Cemetery
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Cowane's Hospital
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Church of the Holy Rude
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Drummond Pleasure Ground
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Stirling Old Town Jail
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Step back into Victorian Scotland with immersive live tours, historic cells, and panoramic views at Stirling Old Town Jail.
Mar's Wark
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Explore the evocative Renaissance façade of Mar's Wark, a 16th-century aristocratic townhouse ruin near Stirling Castle.
Queen Anne’s garden
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VisitScotland Stirling iCentre (Old Town Jail)
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Discover Stirling’s history and culture through the iconic Old Town Jail, once home to the VisitScotland iCentre, your gateway to exploring Scotland’s heritage.
Stirling GhostWalk & Old Town Tour
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Experience Stirling’s haunted Old Town with the charismatic Happy Hangman on a thrilling evening of ghost stories, history, and humor.
Argyll's Lodging
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Stirling - Lower Castlehill
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Stirling Castle
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Essential places to dine
MacMillans Kitchen
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Victoria Square
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The Orangery at Victoria Square
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Refined Scottish dining in a historic conservatory setting, famed for its Grand Afternoon Tea and seasonal local produce.
The Portcullis
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Hermanns
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Scholars Restaurant
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Mamma Mia Restaurant
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Old Town Coffee House
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Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy
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Italia Nostra Ltd
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Sida Thai
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Brea - Scottish Restaurant
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No 2 Baker Street
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Green Gates Authentic Indian Restaurant.
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Corn Exchange
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A lively Stirling pub and nightclub blending historic charm with vibrant dining and late-night entertainment.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Courtyard Gift Shop
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Palace Gift Shop
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Abbey Antiques Ltd.
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Carefully curated antiques and fine art hidden on historic Friars Street in Stirling.
Made In Stirling
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Discover Stirling’s vibrant creative heart with unique handmade art, crafts, and workshops at Made in Stirling’s flagship store.
House of Henderson
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Discover bespoke Scottish Highlandwear crafted with tradition and care at Stirling’s House of Henderson, kiltmakers since 1923.
Europa Music
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Stirling's independent vinyl and CD sanctuary for collectors and music enthusiasts.
A'ila Home
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Discover Stirling’s unique homewares treasure trove offering quirky, quality décor and gifts that add personality to every room.
Bluebell's Childrenswear
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Discover stylish, quality children's clothing and gifts in Stirling’s charming Bluebell's Childrenswear boutique.
Cancer Research UK
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Stirling Health Food Store
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Calluna ethical living
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Trend
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Nickel & Dime
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F&F Clothing
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Clan Artisan Ltd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Lawsons
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BrewDog Stirling
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meraki
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Port Customs Bar
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Vinney’s Bar
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The Borestone Bar
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Anchor Bar
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The William Wallace
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1314 Inn
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Westerton Arms
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The Bawbee
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
