Seven great museums in Central Scotland that you have never heard of…
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The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, affectionately known as The Smith – has played a very special part in the history of Stirling since its foundation in 1874. Established by the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith (1815-1869), it is an historic public-private partnership which has continued to the present day.
Today, it functions as a gallery, museum and cultural centre for the Stirling area. It is the repository for the historical artefacts and paintings of Stirlingshire, at the same time offering exhibition opportunities for contemporary artists. Over twenty community groups meet regularly in its lecture theatre, and a café and biodiversity garden are among its attractions.
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Stand shoulder to shoulder with Robert the Bruce on the site of his greatest victory. Immerse yourself in the award-winning Battle of Bannockburn experience as you witness a digitally re-created version of the battle, up close!
Find out how warriors, pages, knights and civilians on either side of the conflict became involved and what role they played.
Discover more about the two opposing kings, whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland’s history, forever.
Follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce in our memorial park and see the spot where he raised his royal standard.
The Battle of Bannockburn experience puts you at the heart of the action so you can discover more about this crucial event in Scottish history.
The Scottish Crannog Centre
2,500 years ago, some people across Scotland lived in Iron Age loch-dwellings known as “Crannogs”. Eighteen of these have been found on Loch Tay in Perthshire. Since 1979, we’ve explored these ancient dwellings and in 1997 a reconstruction based on excavation results was built and became the showpiece of the Scottish Crannog Centre.
Explore the museum which holds ancient artefacts, and our Iron Age village, crafted with locally sourced materials, showcasing traditional craftsmanship with hands-on activities. Join expert-led tours.
Callendar House
Set within the leafy surroundings of Callendar Park, Callendar House is one of Falkirk’s most fascinating historic buildings. With a history stretching back more than six centuries, its walls have witnessed visits from figures including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Scotland’s past.
The house itself is full of character. Wander through beautifully restored period rooms, see what life was like in the impressive Georgian kitchen, browse changing exhibitions, and learn more about the area’s rich history. If you’re an Outlander fan, you may also recognise the house as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence from the second series.
The Black Watch Museum
Discover the story of Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment at Balhousie Castle in the heart of Perth. Home to a Collection of National Significance, our museum explores over 300 years of The Black Watch’s military history from their formation in 1739 to their amalgamation in 2006.
Scottish Vintage Bus Museum
The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum is set in a 49-acre site, north of Dunfermline and houses over 100 buses, as well as trains, a horse tram, and other exhibits. Whatever your age there will be something there for you!
They have over 100 vehicles on site large and small, old and not so old. Their oldest vehicles date from the 1920s and our newest from 2004.
Bannockburn House
Hidden near Stirling in the heart of Scotland, Bannockburn House is one of Scotland’s most extraordinary historic places. A rare 17th-century house with deep connections to the Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the story of tartan. Today, it is owned by the community and cared for through one of the most ambitious community-led conservation and restoration projects in the UK.
This is more than a house. It is a living rescue project, a place where history is being researched, conserved, and shared in real time. From remarkable original interiors and architectural survival to stories that connect Bannockburn House with some of the defining moments of Scottish history, every room has something to reveal.