National Wallace Monument

This place is simply amazing. They offer a bus that comes every 10 minutes. If you don’t mind walking up the hilly path or road, then walk as it looks great.
When you get closer too it, you just think wow, on the view and host looks.
Inside there are 246 stairs and around 4 floors I think. I think the sword was on the 2^nd floor. The stair space is very narrow. If you break a sweat, don’t worry, as the breeze at the top is amazing along with the views.
The view looks onto the site of the battle of Stirling bridge, and you can see Stirling castle a few miles behind it.
If you look the other way, you see beautiful mountains.
Turn the panoramic camera on when taking pictures.
Wow.
And the gift shop is amazing. They even sell a replica Wallace sword.

Visited April 2015: «Worth the stop along the way to Stirling Castle.»
We ate lunch at the café: chicken salad sandwich and Scottish Soup with brown bread. We chose to walk up to the monument instead of taking the shuttle. We definitely worked our gluts, abs, and buttock going up that hill. I am grateful that I purchased water from the café at the visitor’s center. If you have a physical disability, like me, or are significantly out of shape — take the tram up and walk back down. We climbed the 246 steps to the top of the monument, which were steep spiral steps in a turret. There are 3 levels before getting to the top. Each level depicts different parts of history around William Wallace: Hall of Arms; Hall of Heroes; Royal Chamber. The final level is the Crown. It was a windy day when we were up there, and some of the currents made it difficult to stand straight. The views are spectacular. It costs: £9.50 ($ 14.41). The tram is free.

Separating the known facts from the Hollywood mythology, spectacular views from the top, this monument is a must for all those wanting to soak in Scottish culture.
Personal aside, I was sad to see the Mel Gibson Wallace statue is no longer onsite.
One warning the stairs can be dizzying.

We could see the National Wallace Monument from Stirling Castle, so when we had a free afternoon we decided to head over and check it out.
Fair warning: it’s a LOT of stairs, and a pretty good climb from the parking lot to the tower if you don’t opt for the shuttle. If you have limited mobility (or are afraid of heights), this isn’t the place for you.
The views of the countryside from the top of the tower are great, but not really much better than you can get from the castle walls. The same could be said for the exhibits– some were interesting, especially William Wallace’s sword, but I didn’t really learn anything new or different from what I’d seen at the castle earlier in the day.
Definitely not a bad attraction, but on my next visit I’d opt for more time at the castle instead, or perhaps venture on to the next city since there’s so much of Scotland to see.

Beautiful views, intriguing monument — but boring displays. Close to Stirling Castle.
The William Wallace Monument, or rather the hill it is located upon, offers splendid views of Stirling and the surrounding valleys, so for that alone it is worth a visit. However, the museum inside is fairly dull and appeals mostly to children — and the view from the top of the monument isn’t much different from the one from the terrace in front of the entrance. From the bus/​car parking lot, it will take you about 15 – 20 minutes to walk up to the monument.
Especially if your time is limited, I recommend you just have a picnic at the Wallace Monument and then head over to the magnificent, nearby Stirling Castle — which is just much more worthy of one’s time and attention. If the weather is less than glorious, forget the Wallace Monument and just head to the castle.

We could see the Wallace Monument in the distance from Stirling Castle, and it seemed too cool not to visit. The visitor center at Stirling gave us a map and some driving directions, which was really helpful.
The monument itself is very distinct and architecturally impressive. But what I really enjoyed was the walk up to and around the monument. It was quiet and peaceful and quite beautiful. You also get some nice views of Stirling and the castle. I’m sure its even better going to the top of the monument, but sadly it was closed by the time we arrived. This also meant we missed out on seeing Wallace’s sword.
If I ever get the chance to go back to Scotland, I’ll have to plan my itinerary differently so that we make the visiting hours.

Visiting here was something we’d been planning to do for a while and unfortunately late November was not really the ideal time as it was freezing and incredibly windy!
We arrived to the visitor centre which is pretty small — it has a shop and a café, and toilets. The staff were really friendly and didn’t think me odd when I was really excited that there was a mini bus to drive us to the monument. A short ride later we were at the base of the monument and started heading up. Now walking up small circular staircases is another fear of mine so I didn’t really enjoy the experience and was relieved to reach the first floor where there was some information about William Wallace. I didn’t find the displays to be of a high quality and generally were a bit boring for an adult visitor, it made me remember being on school excursions as a kid. I believe it’s getting a refurb next year so hopefully that will be addressed.
As we continued up there were more displays, each less and less interesting than the last. But the view is worth it and we had a lovely clear day. It is a great spot to look over the surrounding area and admire the beauty of Scotland. Unfortunately for me I’m afraid of heights so spent the whole time clinging to the rail of the stairs. It was still a nice view though. Haha!
The walk down was just as frightening as I was sure I was going to slip and fall the whole way down. Thankfully I didn’t, and I was immensely relieved to reach the bottom. Would I return? No. I’ve been up, and once was enough for me. But I would recommend it to others as people who aren’t afraid of heights seem to really enjoy it.

246 Stufen, steile Stufen, in einem sehr engen Turm.
Dann: ein Wahnsinnsausblick auf Stirling, Stirling Castel, die Highlands und das Lowland Umland.
Mehr Ausblick geht nicht!
Auf dem Weg nach oben kann man das Schwert von William Wallace bewundern, dem dieses Monument gewidmet ist.
Auf drei Etagen im Turm wird umfangreich, informativ und kurzweilig über das Leben von William Wallace berichtet. Er ist der Volksheld, innerhin hat er es geschafft, die zerstrittenen Clans zu vereinigen, so das Robert the Bruce nach seinem Tod die Engländer in Schlacht bei Culloden schlagen konnte.
So weit stimmt der Inhalt von Bravehart, allerdings kann man hier wesentlich mehr über ihn erfahren.
Es lohnt sich, egal in welchem Stockwerk am aufgibt, weil man einfach keine Puste mehr hat.
Ich kann nur sagen: durchhalten! Oben angekommen wird man wahrlich entschädigt.

The Wallace Monument is not far from Edinburgh nor Glasgow.
I stopped there twice now in order to enjoy a brisk walk through the woods up to the view point infront of the monument, but especially to take a look at William Wallace sword.
I could not resist checking out the sword of a legend!
It is easy to park there. I never had a problem
When arriving, you are able to enjoy a wee shopping spree in the gift shop at the visitor centre at the bottom of the hill. There is also a coffee shop with outside seating.
From the visitor centre you can either walk up the hill through the wood or take the shuttle bus.
Today I was lucky and was able to step inside the monument. Last time I missed the opening hours (open until 17.00), so I was double excited to have made it. I was pretty much out of breath at arrival, but still able to blur out a few words to buy a ticket. They did not accept the Historic Scotland Membership card, but still, I was able to get about 10% off and paid around £8.
The personnel was very friendly and explained that the sword is displayed on the first floor. I thought that’s easy, but as soon as I started stepping up the spiral stairs, I started to get dizzy (going round and round and round). It’s a neverending climb!
The chamber on the first floor is reasonably sized. Quite a few visitors fit in there. You can listen to Wallace downfall by looking at a video and /​or read everything about his life on certain wall tablets. Very interesting.
On the ground floor you can find the gift shop. Don’t think that they are allowed to sell swords, but you can find all sorts of small touristy accessories and toys for the little ones.
Definitely worth the visit when in Scotland.

Superbe monument et non moins bel hommage au héros écossais William Wallace. C’est toujours émouvant de voir un pays honorer les siens.

As a proud Scottish lass it is in my blood to love the Wallace Monument. I think there may even be some sort of law that states if your Scottish and don’t like the Wallace Monument you have to go and live in England and we all know what they have in England… English people… arrrrrrrgggghh!
I’m just kidding of course. I love those Southern pansies really :-)
I think what people have to remember about the Wallace Monument is that it is just that… a monument. Nothing of specific historical significance happened there. The monument was merely built to commemorate a Scottish hero. If you want to know all about William Wallace you really need to go to Stirling Castle.
Having said that, there is a nice little tea room at the foot of the monument where I had a cup of green tea and a cheese and ham toastie.
You have to battle your way up a couple of hundred steps to get to the top of the monument and these are in a spiral staircase. It’s VERY claustrophobic so it’s not for the faint hearted. The views from the top are stunning though and it brings a tear of pride to ma wee Scottish eye to see it.

Es lohnt nicht unbedingt.

The National Wallace Monument overlooks the scene of Scotland’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The monument takes visitors through the life and accomplishments of Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland. Each floor of the tower has a different theme. On one, an overview of Wallace, the hero and patriot, is told by himself in the form of one of those slightly creepy, lifelike models onto whose face film is projected, kind of like a talking head, but with a body. Another level tells about the building of the monument; another is a Hall of Heroes. At the top of the 246 steps are some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Too many stairs and not enough Wallace! If it weren’t for the view at the top and getting to see (what is supposed to be) William Wallaces sword, I would say that this place is a bust. It’s a beautiful monument, but it needs something else to make it a better attraction, and even though I am only Scot by way of my father, I would think this place would be boring even for a native of Scotland.
I really wanted to love this place, but I couldn’t.

Worth seeing if you’re in the area but I wouldn’t make a special trip for it.

The Monument itself is very powerful — jutting out of the Craigs surrounding the area.
Amidst the 246 steps there are levels in which to learn about Scots of historical and scientific interest and also the history of William Wallace and the Monument itself.
Views from the top expansive — you can see the Forth of Firth winding its way through the land.
Worth the trip; especially if you can see Stirling Castle along the way.

Für mich war das Wallace Monument sehr beeindruckend zu sehen. Sowieso die gesamte Gegend um Sterling herum, auch die Sterling Bridge. Es ist schon so, dass man, wenn man den Film kennt, bzw. sich mit der Geschichte von Schottland ein wenig auskennt, viele Bilder im Kopf hat, den Hauch des Historischen fühlt. Das Monument ist von außen sehr schön anzusehen und auf einer Schottlandrundfahrt schon ein wichtiger Abstecher. Was mich sehr begeistert hat, ist das hier das Schwert von William Wallace ausgestellt wird. Wenn man sich dieses ansieht fragt man sich schon, wie er damit kämpfen konnte, da es für mein empfinden riesig ist und Wallace auch nicht unbedingt groß war. Ansonsten kann man hier ein wenig über die Historie Schottlands erfahren.

Pardon, kleiner Einwand = das Wallace Monument hat für mich ehrlich gesagt nicht so wahnsinnig viel zu bieten. Genauer gesagt geht mir hier der schottische Heroismus schon ein wenig ins lächerliche über (u.a. mit William Wallace Schauspieler). Da lohnt sich auch der Eintritt nicht mehr, zumal man hier auch nicht wirklich einen Informationsgewinn erzielt. Das was ich hier allein großartig finde ist die geniale Aussicht u.a. auch nach Stirling Castle. Hierfür lohnt sich allemal der Aufstieg.
Kleiner Tip: Bei Marks and Spencer im Ort einige von den genialen Salaten besorgen und hier oben ein kleines Picknick einlegen, da ist das Wetter fast egal!

This was nice. YOu can walk up to it, or there is a little van trolly guy (who does not bathe) who will drive you. We drove up with him. THe view is amazing!!! THis monument overlooks the scene of Scotlands victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This place traces the story of William Wallace thepatriot, martyr, and Guardian of scotland in great detail. It makes me very proud of my scottish heritage! Plan at least 2 hours here to soak it all in. There is a gift shop at the base of the monument as well as where you catch the smelly van. A must see!!!

This is a brilliant day out with freinds and family. You can park in the car park below and walk up the hills to the monument or if you’re not as fit as you used to be you can take the bus up.
Outside the monument before you pay anything to get in there are regular performances by an actor dressed in clothing from the time of Wallace and weiding a large sword and axe. Each time I’ve been here these have been brilliant and have given me a shiver of excitement.
The actor talks about fighting along side Wallace and gives an account of the history from the point of view of someone who experienced it first hand. It’s a brilliant addition to the experience and dispels some of the myths portrayed in the Braveheart film.
The monument itself involves a climb up a few hundred narrow steps to get a breathtaking panoramic view of central scotland from the top. There are levels on the way up which provide information and a very cool renactment of Wallace’s trial. They also provide a place to rest before embarking on the next flight of steps.
Wallace’s sword is on display in the monument and you get some idea of how giant the man must have been!
This is a must see for any tourist visiting Scotland and for all Scottish people in general.
Take the kids, you can even ask to get their photo taken with the actor outside weiding his giant sword and he won’t charge you a penny.

Stirling may not have as much architectural eye candy as Edinburgh, but it delivers a higher concentration of history tourism juju with it’s own bangin’ castle, Bannockburn and this here Wallace Monument all cuddled up next to each other.
The Wallace Monument is not just a 220 ft Victorian Gothic tower – as you ascend the 226 stairs, there are rooms at each turning where you can learn about William Wallace and the history of Scotland when he was alive. Up at the top is a killer view of the surrounding area, with plenty of seats for one to rest after the considerable stair hike. The monument is placed where Wallace is said to have watched the gathering of the English army right before the battle of Stirling Bridge. And you can see why he might have stood there — the view is expansively breathtaking.
You do have to pay to get in, but as you’ll be spending at least an hour here it’s well worth it. It’s 6 pound 50 for adults, 4.90 for seniors and students, 4.00 for children between 5 and 16, and a flat 17 pound price for two adults and two children.

Around 1270, a brave man named William Wallace was born. He did some cool stuff.
About 686 years later a crazy guy named Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson was born. He also did some «cool» stuff.
In 1995, Crazy Mel stared in the Hollywood smash hit Braveheart. Two years later artist Tom Church was so moved and inspired by the film that he created a giant statue of Wallace for the William Wallace Monument.
The problem was, he made it look exactly like good old Crazy Mel and not William Wallace. When I was here in 2006, the statue was imprisoned in a cage of metal, due to vandals who didn’t take kindly to Crazy Mel. Ironically, the base of the statue reads, «Freedom.»
Inside the tower, you can view what is supposedly Wallace’s sword;
In 2008 the statue of Crazy Mel was removed to make way for a new restaurant. It was later sold to Donald Trump.

Being associaated with such a patriotic story, Wallace Monument is a must for any tourist, or even local.
The only thing that bothers me about the monument is the spiral staircase. Not being a massive fan of the anyway, this one’s a belter! With so many people going up and down, especially in the tourist season, you’re guaranteed to get caught up in a scuffle at some point. not pleasant.

Das Wallace Monument bietet eine wunderschöné Aussicht auf Stirling. Es ist zwar anstrengend den Berg raufzukommen, weils stellenweise ziemlich steil hochgeht, aber für den Notfall gibt es auch noch Busse, die einen kostenlos hochfahren. Falls ältere Leute mal hoch wollen oder wenn einem die Puste ausgeht. Der Aufstieg an sich ist kostenlos, möchte man allerdings ins Monuments, dann muss man eine Gebühr bezahlen. Man bekommt dann einen elektronischen Führer in die Hand gedrückt (die Sprache kann man wählen) und erfährt darüber mitsamt passenden Bildern oder dem Wallace Schwert etwas über die Person William Wallace und über die Schlacht in Stirling. Viele kennen Wallace ja bereits aus Braveheart. Oben am Monument gibt es auch noch einen Schauspieler, der William Wallace verkörpern soll und eine nette Kostümierung anhat. Er kämpft dann ein bisschen, damit es auch für die Kids interessant ist.

The Wallace Monument is one of the most recognisable sights in Stirling. It stands atop the Abbey Craig and provides fantastic views over the whole of Stirling. On a clear day you can see for miles — well that is if you can still breathe by the time you climb the 240 odd stairs to reach the top. The 3 chambers on the way up are a godsend as they give you a chance to catch your breath and have some interesting stuff in them too. The climb to the top is very much worth the effort to see the sights of Stirling from a different perspective. William Wallace’s sword is on display and it is a sight to behold the size of it. There is also a lovely coffee shop that sells home baking in the monument which is very reasonably priced for a tourist establishment. In the car park area of the monument you can get a free bus to take you up the hill to the base of the monument if you wish to conserve your energy for the climb up the stairs. Also in this area is the lovely Mel Gibson statue for those that wish to see Hollywood’s version of William Wallace. This is a fantastic place to visit even if you don’t manage to make it/​or can’t manage to the top of the monument, the sights from the Abbey Craig are fantastic.

Very educational and patriotric place to go. Is a must visit for any scot in the area, although does leave you a bit out of puff. Lovely place for a day trip and a picnic, well priced.

Monumento al heroe escocés William Wallace.
Se situa en los alto de una colina, para subir a ella hay un bonito paseo a pie a traves del bosque.
Al llegar a la cima se disfruta de unas preciosas vistas del pueblo de Stirling y todos sus alrededores.
El monumento en si está compuesto por una torre a la que se accede por una escalera de caracol. A lo largo de la subida encontraremos varias salas dedicadas a la memoria de la historia de Escocia y de su heroe. Tambien podemos admirar la espada de este que se encuentra allí expuesta.
En la cima encontramos el mirador, por si no habíamos tenido suficientes vistas del lugar, desde aqui veremos aun más de esta bonita zona.