STIRLING GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Step inside Bannockburn House — Discover the past. Support the future.
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes 1hr 45min tour of Bannockburn House that reveals conservation techniques, surprising finds, and the community effort restoring this 17th‑century house.
Step inside Bannockburn House — Discover the past. Support the future..
Set within the fabric of Stirling, the Bannockburn House Heritage Conservation Tour is a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look at a 17th‑century house being rescued by Scotland’s largest community‑led conservation project. The tour moves beyond rooms and dates to show the research, forensic analysis and hands‑on craft that stitch a building’s past back together for future generations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hidden objects that reshape stories
Guides reveal surprising discoveries made during the works — from a centuries‑old bone comb hidden behind panelling to what the team calls “Scotland’s Oldest Lemon” preserved in a floor void — finds that inform research into trade, household life and the building’s past.
Conservation techniques in action
See conservation as a process: stabilising rare 17th‑century plasterwork, recording original wallpaper fragments, undertaking paint analysis and using laser scans and archival detective work to document and stabilise the house.
A community‑led rescue
This is far more than a house tour. Bannockburn House is described as Scotland’s largest community‑led project, where engineers, architects, archaeologists, craftspeople and local volunteers work together to research, conserve and reimagine the building.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
This is an intimate, working‑site experience: an exclusive guided visit that moves through areas of the house under active conservation, where you hear the stories behind each discovery and watch professionals and volunteers explain their methods and records.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should make other plans.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided experience runs for 1hr 45min.
Sturdy footwear is required (no high heels or flip‑flops). The house can be chilly even in summer; dress in layers. PPE/head protection is required and will be provided on the tour.
Meeting point is Bannockburn House; parking is included with a car park at the top of the drive, and limited Blue Badge parking nearer the house. Due to current works, approach may be along uneven woodland paths.
A shop operates on tour days. Onsite toilets include a chemical toilet for public use and an accessible toilet.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided Heritage Conservation Tour lasts 1hr 45min.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at Bannockburn House.
Is parking available?
Parking is included in your ticket; there is a car park at the top of the drive and limited Blue Badge parking closer down the drive.
Do I need to wear anything special?
Yes. Sturdy footwear is required; head protection/PPE must be worn on the tour and will be provided. No high heels or flip‑flops are permitted.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No. The tour is open to adults only, 18 years and up.
What accessibility options are available?
Access is currently limited: approach is via an uneven Woodland Walk, ramp access exists to ground floors (Wilson Wing) and special arrangements are required for ground floor entry to the Jacobean Wing — contact the operator at [email protected] to discuss requirements.