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Monthly Archives: September 2019

Visiting the Historic Stirling Castle in Scotland

Stirling Castle is arguably one of the most important places in Scotland. It’s an easy day trip from Edinburgh and is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history and castles, as it is a very complete castle with very recognisable residents. We got to stop here for a few hours and had it was definitely worth the visit.

Stirling Castle

The History of Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is known as the dividing point between the Scottish Highlands and the rest of Scotland, but it also has incredible historical significance. The castle dates back to the 1100s and flip-flopped in ownership between the Scots and English (as that area often does in history). However, the oldest remaining part of castle – the North Gate – was built in 1381. The castle was heavily reconstructed under James IV and parts of that design can still be seen today. The Great Hall was completed in 1503 and is that very light building you see in photos, in contrast to the earlier sections of the castle done in grey stone (as you can easily see in one of my photos below). It was designed like this to be seen as a “gold castle” from miles away, and I noticed driving past Stirling from a distance that it is quite true! It looks magnificent when you see it from far away.

James V was coronated and lived at Stirling Castle, further cementing it in Scottish history. Mary Queen of Scotts was also coronated there, and her son James VI was raised there. After his time, the castle was used mainly for military purposes. Later construction was done during the Jacobite Rising and the castle served as a military depot all the way until 1964. Today it’s a magnificent place to visit and take in the centre of modern Scottish history, especially since I assume you’ve heard of at least one of those historic characters.

Visiting Stirling Castle Today

Stirling Castle Stirling Castle, Scotland

Stirling Castle, Scotland

The castle is really incredible. It is very well preserved and it’s obviously not of a cohesive design, but you can see the layers of building and history, which is quite fascinating. It’s also partly furnished as it would have been when Mary Queen of Scots and the King James’ would have lived there, and there are also people in costume. In one of the chambers, you can also see a Unicorn in Captivity tapestry. If you like medieval art, you’d recognise these unicorn tapestries. They originals are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as the Cluny Museum in Paris. These reconstructions are an estimate of what King James V had in the castle during his lifetime. You can see in the photos that the design of the rooms is very colorful and extravagant as it would have appeared in the 16th century.

If you didn’t know, Scotland’s national animal is the Unicorn, which is why you’ll see it around the castle and Stirling Town. Isn’t that such a great mascot?

A lot of work was done to ensure the castle today looks the same as it did several hundred years ago. For a history nerd like me, that’s so appreciated.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle Stirling Castle

Make sure to look up because a large part of Stirling Castle’s design is actually on the ceiling. The castle ceiling has what are called the “Stirling Heads.” These are carved historic figures that were completed in the 1540s – another restorative touch to make the castle feel as it did centuries ago.

Stirling Castle

You also want to be sure to check out the informative exhibitions they have. There’s actually some pretty cool forensic information and they have a tonne of artefacts that date back to the 14-16th centuries, which you can find in the rooms off of the gardens. There’s also a complete set of royal portraits carved in wood (the original Stirling Heads) that you can see in one of the castle rooms off the courtyard. The exhibit there also has information on the people in the portraits. The castle highlights a lot of cultural information that I and my family found very interesting. One of the best things about visiting is that we didn’t just see the castle but also got to learn a lot. The castle staff obviously puts a lot of effort into making the visit fun and educational.

Stirling Castle, Scotland Stirling Castle, Scotland

Stirling Castle, Scotland Stirling Castle, Scotland

Stirling Castle

As I said, we went in June 2019, so the gardens were absolutely beautiful! I love British gardens and Stirling had one of the prettiest when we went. Hopefully it’s similar for visitors in winter.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

Stirling Town

Stirling Castle is an easy stop from Edinburgh into the Highlands but the town of Stirling is also deserving of a look. There’s more to see around the town such as Holy Rude, which is where the King James Bible was written; Argyll’s Lodging, a Renaissance home that I haven’t been inside (but the outside is absolutely gorgeous); and quite a bit of shopping and restaurants. However, everything closes early, so be sure to get there at a reasonable time. The town itself is really charming and it’s also decently sized.

Stirling Castle, Scotland Stirling Castle, Scotland

You can also head across the river to another part of Stirling to see the National Wallace Monument. The monument was erected for William Wallace and has his two-handed sword inside. I bet the views from the top are magnificent as well, though we didn’t have enough time to go.

 Stirling Castle

If you’re in Scotland, I’d say Stirling Castle is someplace you have to see, especially if you’re interested in any of the history. The castle is super informative and though it’s an incredible step into the past of some of Scotland’s most known leaders. It’s still very much intact and furnished, which is a lot to have in this modern time. My family and I had a great time and learned a lot about Scottish history and the people who made it, and it’s someplace I’m very happy to have visited. If you’re not into history, it would still be fun to see the castle as it is so complete.

Stirling Castle, Scotland

Getting to Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is perched on top of a hill. You can access the castle via car (there is a small car park), a trolley on King Street, or a 15-minute strenuous walk uphill. We went in June 2019 and they were supposed to open a train that goes from the station to the castle.

To get to Stirling via public transport, there are many busses and trains that leave from Edinburgh and Glasgow, so it’s quite an easy ride. If you want to combine it with less accessible places you can also consider a day trip with Viator or GetYourGuide.

Stirling Castle

Have you ever been to Stirling Castle? What did you think?

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Stirling Castle, Scotland Stirling Castle, Scotland Stirling Castle, Scotland

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39+ Things to Do in Los Angeles

As the city of stars, there’s a lot of things to do in Los Angeles. Here’s a list of over 39 things to do on your trip to LA!

Please note that a few of these are outside city limits, but I included them on this list because they’re still staples of Los Angeles.

Places to See

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Certain celebrities have been selected to get a star on the Walk of Fame – and some even have more than one. See how many names you recognise on the ground.

See the handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Things to do in Los Angeles

This is particularly cool since you can see imprints of some of the most famous celebrities. These are outside of the TCL Chinese Theatre. You can also see a movie there (details under “activities”).

Go to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Things to do in Los Angeles

There are some pretty big names in Hollywood Forever, including Jayne Mansfield, Johnny Ramone, Rozz Williams, and Terry the Dog (you may know him as Toto). It’s a very relaxing place to walk around and they frequently have events such as movies there.

Go to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, as well.

There are some more famous internments at Forest Lawn, including Brittany Murphy, Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds, and Bette Davis.

Head to Greystone Park.

Greystone Mansion is the location of several films such as Spider-Man (2002), Batman & Robin, and Star Trek into Darkness. The beautiful park is open to the public (except when they’re filming, of course!).

Head over to Chinatown.

Unfortunately I haven’t been, but I’ve heard great things about Los Angeles’s Chinatown.

Museums

See art and views at the Getty Museum.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The Getty is one of the most famous art museums in the world. I personally thought the collection was underwhelming but the architecture and views from the Getty itself are spectacular and worth the ride up. It’s also free!

Escape to the Getty Villa.

In addition to the museum, there’s also the Getty Villa, which houses ancient art. It’s not near the Getty Museum so you will need to plan for both. Advanced tickets are also recommended for the Villa.

Visit the LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Things to do in Los Angeles

I have to say that the LACMA was going to be a highlight of my trip with its wide range of collections. However they were actually closed for renovation when I got there and didn’t have any warnings on their website. I was incredibly upset. Definitely call before so you can confirm that their collections will be open.

Head to the Broad.

Most cities have a contemporary art museum and Los Angeles’s is The Broad.

Visit the Museum of Death.

This is not for the faint-hearted – the Museum of Death is very graphic and focuses a lot on murder rather than just “death.”

Head to the GRAMMY Museum.

Los Angeles. Music. It makes sense, right? See if the Grammy Museum has an exhibit you’d be interested in seeing.

Step waaaay back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits.

This is one of the most unique places – you can actually see tar pits and learn about their history over millions of years at this museum, complete with the actual tar pits. Where else can you visit such a place in the city?

And also the Natural History Museum.

Los Angeles also has a Natural History Museum that has the main focus on dinosaurs.

Take a trip to the Huntington.

The Huntington looks gorgeous and houses a library, art collections, and botanical gardens.

Head to the Los Angeles Zoo.

Yes, LA does have a zoo, as well.

See all types of cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

If you like museums, the Petersen is available to see in Los Angeles.

See the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMOTH).

Many cities around the world have museums dedicated to the Holocaust, and LAMOTH is another example of that.

And visit the Museum of Tolerance.

This is a bit different – the Museum of Tolerance features exhibits on the Holocaust and other instances of non-tolerance over history.

Visit the Japanese American National Museum.

If you can’t go to Japan, this museum has some exhibits on the history of Japanese heritage in America.

See Walt’s Barn.

Walt Disney had another passion in his life: trains. You can still see his workshop and train sets at a place called “Walt’s Barn” up near Burbank.

Activities

Hike to the Hollywood Sign.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The hills of Hollywood are actually quite strenuous but very beautiful. The foliage with the cacti is so nice and it’s a gorgeous way to spend some time.

Or hike to the Wisdom Tree.

The Wisdom Tree is actually a lone tree in Hollywood Hills. A lot of people like to hike up to see the tree, and of course the scenery is beautiful with fantastic city views.

Get views from Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory has some exhibits but it’s best known for its fantastic views over Los Angeles. If you go to the surrounding park, the views of LA and the nature in the park is absolutely worth the trip.

See a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The Chinese Theatre was built in 1927 by Sid Grauman, who paired with big names at the time to create cultural masterpiece in then up-and-coming Hollywood. It’s where a lot of the red carpet premiers are today. It’s a bit more expensive but you can actually see a movie there, where they have a replica of the original interior and famous costumes, such as Dorothy’s dress. For a little less, you can also take a short tour.

Go on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour gives you a tour of their lot and you get to see some props, as well. You can also sit and get your photo taken on the set of Friends and Big Bang Theory. There’s a lot to be discovered.

Go on a Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.

Things to do in Los Angeles

You can also take a similar tour and see the lots of Paramount Studios, including their famous gate.

Ride along Mulholland Drive.

This area of LA is so beautiful. It’s strenuous so you may only want to walk or bike along part of the trail but it’s an absolute must-see. You can also drive if you’re willing to take on all the traffic, but know that you probably won’t be able to stop and take pictures.

Play some games on the Santa Monica pier.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The famous pier is actually quite decent, and I find parks like Santa Monica’s to be a staple of American culture. They have the Pacific Park with a nice selection of rides and games to play, just like at a county fair. I’d recommend spending a few hours there and getting the wristband for $35 because it gives you unlimited rides. Otherwise rides cost $5-8 each.

Chill out at Venice Beach.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Venice Beach is technically in Los Angeles and it’s a lot calmer than neighbouring Santa Monica. Also be sure to stroll by the Venice Canals for some cute photos.

Spend a day at Universal Studios.

I’ve been to the Universal Studios park in Orlando and it’s my favourite park! The one in Hollywood has similar rides and setups, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Spend a day at Disneyland.

I’ve been to Disney World in Orlando and have heard that Disneyland is actually not as good. My advice for the Disney parks is to research what you want to do so you can go to the proper park (Disneyland/Disney Adventure Park).

See a live recording.

A lot of shows like Conan, Ellen, and Dr. Phil are recorded in LA. Most are free! You can research how to get tickets online for your particular show but most are on a first-come, first-serve basis – slash – raffle system.

See a concert.

LA has a tonne of places to see live music, including the Greek Theatre, STAPLES Center, Hollywood Bowl, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Walk the Downtown Art Walk.

This actually isn’t a street art walk like it sounds, but rather a string of art galleries to visit in Downtown LA. Click here to learn more about the Art Walk.

Take a Celebrity House tour in Beverly Hills.

Is this ethical? You decide. But taking a tour to see the exteriors of rich peoples’ houses is quite enticing.

Buy something at Melrose Trading Post.

This was a gem I discovered when I was in LA; the Melrose Trading Post is an open-air flea market where you can buy all types of things, or just browse around.

Shop at Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the most popular places to go to shop.

Eat some new food.

Los Angeles is so famously known for its fantastic food scene. Be sure to do some research before heading over and try something you’ve never tried before.

Some Things to Know

Los Angeles is huge, think along the lines of Tokyo. Even just staying in a specific area like Hollywood requires some public transit unless you’re fine with walking in heat. LA does have a metro & bus system that can take you a lot of places. Renting a car is not ideal at all since the city can get very congested and parking is absurd.

Many activities sell out so be sure to purchase tickets in advance if possible.

As the city is so large, it’s best to make a map of where you want to go, what you want to see, where you want to eat, etc. Everything is so spread out.

Los Angeles is a very big city and though I was surprised to find it didn’t have an incredible amount to do, there’s still a lot for visitors to see and explore.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Los Angeles?

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41+ Things to Do in Los Angeles

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