Full Park Explorer
The big loop, for those who want to take in the whole park. From the pavilion the route strikes out around the full perimeter, across open ground once used for the Stirling Races and past the site of the old Herds Hoose, with sweeping views back to the castle. It also passes the park's military connections and the field of the 1911 Circuit of Britain Air Race — longer and more open underfoot, but the most expansive way to experience King's Park.
Follow the orange trail stickers and signage (coming soon).
Want to see everything? Add the King's Knot Loop to take in the castle and knot-garden heritage stops too.
Tap a numbered marker for a photo and summary. Route and positions are draft and being checked on the ground.
Stops on this trail
- 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.
- 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…
- Play Park / Skatepark This very popular play park was redesigned recently and reopened in Spring 2009. It caters for children of all ages.
- Community Gardens Directly across from the fountain and near the main gate, there is a pedestrian entrance leading into a sheltered garden area.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stirling Races For a long time, horse racing had proved a popular sport in Scotland. Annual horse racing events, such as the Chapmen races, took place in Kings Park prior to, and during, the 19th century.
- Herds Hoose For a long time, much of the land in the Kings Park was let out as pasture to local farmers, and sheep and cattle were able to roam quite freely in the park.
- Kings Park Military Connections After 1603, Stirling continued to have royal connections and remained an important military garrison town.
- 1911 Circuit of Britain Air Race In May 1911, the Daily Mail sponsored a Circuit of Britain Air Race. The aim of this event, which offered a prize of £10,000, was to encourage aircraft development.