King's Park Stirling Walks around Scotland's most ancient Royal Park

Heritage Circuit

1.6 km · around 35 minutes · stops 1–8

A gentle, mostly level loop through the heart of the public park and its best-loved amenities — the tennis courts and pavilion, the bandstand and play park, and the community gardens — taking in two restored Victorian drinking fountains, the line of an ancient Roman road, and the site of James IV's royal Park Loch. The shortest of the three routes, and an easy introduction to the park.

Follow the blue trail stickers and signage (coming soon).

Tap a numbered marker for a photo and summary. Route and positions are draft and being checked on the ground.

Stops on this trail

  1. Tennis — Kings Park Tennis Club The tennis courts and pavilion are located near the skate park. Kings Park Tennis Pavilion was built in 1923 and still contains original fixtures and fittings.
  2. Band Stand Local people used to enjoy walking in Kings Park on a Sunday afternoon and evening in good weather, and often congregated around the Band Stand, which used to be located near the site of the current…
  3. Play Park / Skatepark This very popular play park was redesigned recently and reopened in Spring 2009. It caters for children of all ages.
  4. Community Gardens Directly across from the fountain and near the main gate, there is a pedestrian entrance leading into a sheltered garden area.
  5. Kings Park Drinking Fountain You are now at the main entrance of the Public Park. This Victorian-style ornamental drinking fountain is Listed by Historic Scotland as a Category B cast iron structure.
  6. Roman Road Turning left and walking towards the Kings Park Fountain, you are on the site of an ancient Roman road which, excavations have revealed, follows a route through the Park from the main entrance.
  7. Park Loch Once through the Park gate, in front and to your right are two gullies. It was in this area that in earlier times the Park Loch was located. James IV created this loch as a royal water feature.
  8. Victorian Drinking Fountains Before entering the Park at the side gate in Victoria Place, note the little ironwork drinking fountain. This is one of four restored fountains located round the park.