13 Best Free Things to Do in Central Scotland

Last Updated: November 28, 2023 by Craig Neil.

Prepare to journey into the heart of Central Scotland, a breathtaking land steeped in history and brimming with superb tourist attractions. Geographically, Central Scotland is diverse. It boasts a mix of Lowland and Highland landscapes, with the Grampian Mountains to the north and the Southern Uplands to the south, and its central location makes it a good hub to explore the rest of Scotland thanks to excellent road, rail, and air links.

Culture is at the core of Central Scotland. The region is known for its traditional Scottish music, dance, and folklore, but it’s also a hub for contemporary arts and innovation. There’s no shortage of attractions in Central Scotland either.

History enthusiasts can explore Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, or journey back in time at the National Wallace Monument, a tribute to the legendary Scottish hero William Wallace. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the Trossachs National Park, while urban explorers can lose themselves in the bustling streets of Perth and Dundee.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just enjoying a dram of fine Scotch whisky, Central Scotland has something to offer everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of its best attractions, specifically the ones that are completely free to visit, in this article.

Contents show

Callendar House

Address: Callendar Rd, Falkirk, FK1 1YR
Opening Times: Daily 10:00 to 17:00
Website: Callendar House

Callendar House in the town of Falkirk is a grand 14th-century mansion that blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. The attraction boasts a French chateau-style facade and was originally the ancestral home of the Callendar family, bearing witness to more than 600 years of history, but it’s now a 4-star tourist attraction.

The house is known for its iconic architectural style, featuring a French Renaissance-inspired front, Georgian interiors, and a Victorian kitchen. Visiting it is basically like walking through three different eras so it’s no surprise that it’s often used as a filming location for shows like the time-travelling Outlander.

One of the highlights of Callendar House is its fully restored 1825 kitchen where you can watch live demonstrations of Georgian cookery before getting a taste of the recipes of the past in the Callendar House tearoom.

The house lies within the sprawling Callendar Park which spans over 170 acres and features a beautiful ornamental garden, a picturesque lake, several walking trails, and a children’s playground, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Address: Ladysneuk Rd, Stirling, FK9 5NG
Opening Times: 1 April to 30 September: Daily, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. 1 to 31 October: Daily, 10 am to 4 pm
Website: Cambuskenneth Abbey

Cambuskenneth Abbey is a significant historic site in Stirling that was founded by King David I in 1147. Historically, Cambuskenneth Abbey was one of the more important abbeys in Scotland due to its close proximity to the royal Stirling Castle, hence the reason important events were held there such as the parliament held by Robert The Bruce in 1326 and the burials of King James III of Scotland and his queen, Margaret of Denmark.

The most striking feature that remains today is the bell tower, standing 69 feet high, which is one of the finest examples of 13th-century architecture in the country thanks to its arched windows and intricate stone carvings. Though much of the abbey was destroyed during the Reformation, the bell tower is almost entirely intact, and along with the burial ground its historical significance makes it a fascinating place to visit.

The abbey is managed by Historic Environment Scotland which keeps it open to the public with free admission, but visitors must bear in mind that specific opening hours can vary depending on the season so it’s advisable to check the HES website before leaving home.

Kinneil Museum

Address: Duchess Anne Cottages, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR
Opening Times: Mon to Sun 12:30 – 16:00
Website: Kinneil Museum

The Kinneil Museum is a fascinating attraction located in Bo’ness, 3 miles east of Grangemouth. The museum is housed in a 17th-century stable and provides an immersive journey into the history of the Kinneil Estate with an extensive collection of exhibits that covers everything from the Roman occupation to the Industrial Revolution.

The museum also showcases the life of the Duke of Hamilton who used to own the Kinneil Estate in the 15th century, and there’s an interactive model of a James Watt steam engine as well as displays about the development of the Antonine Wall.

After viewing the eclectic mix of artefacts you can buy a memento from the gift shop before heading into the garden where you can enjoy a quiet stroll, or go for a walk around the nearby Kinneil Estate which is home to several historic buildings including a Roman fort, a medieval church, and a cottage used by James Watt.

In a nutshell, the Kinneil Museum is a great free attraction that’s an ideal place to take inquisitive youngsters, transporting them back in time and letting them experience Scotland’s diverse history firsthand.

Dollar Museum

Address: Castle Campbell Hall, 1 High St, Dollar, FK14 7AY
Opening Times: Saturdays: 11 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 4.30 pm. Sundays: 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Website: Dollar Museum

The Dollar Museum is a fascinating historical site in the heart of Clackmannanshire. Established in 1988 by a group of local history enthusiasts, the museum is housed in the former Captain’s House, an A-listed building of architectural importance.

The museum features two main rooms of exhibits which rotate regularly to keep the content fresh, featuring a wide range of topics from local history and archaeology to the social history of the area. Noteworthy collections include displays about the Devon Valley Railway, the Harviestoun Brewery, and the Dollar Academy.

One of the main highlights is the large collection of artefacts from the local area which includes Roman coins, agricultural tools, and various items from the prehistoric era which provide a unique glimpse into the history of Clackmannanshire.

The museum is more than just a place to learn about the history of the area as it hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year including the annual Dollar Gala which attracts visitors from all over the country.

Fife Coastal Path

Address: Various points of entry. See website for details.
Opening Times: N/A
Website: Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path is a remarkable walking route that stretches 117 miles (188 km) from the Forth Estuary in the south to the Tay Estuary in the north. The path offers walkers a combination of scenic views, lots of wildlife, historic landmarks, and charming villages along the way.

Notable attractions and landmarks that you’ll see on the Fife Coastal Path are:

The Forth Bridges: The path begins near the iconic Forth Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aberdour Castle: This is one of Scotland’s oldest standing castles, dating back to the 12th century.
St Andrews: Known as the home of golf, this historic town also boasts the impressive ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle.
Elie Ness Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline.

For those visitors who’d like to deviate off the path to see what the region has to offer, I suggest these activities:

Bird Watching: The Fife coast is home to a variety of seabirds.
Golf: Fife is a golfer’s paradise with over 45 famous golf courses including The Old Course at St Andrews.
Beach Visits: The path includes several beautiful beaches such as Silver Sands in Aberdour and Elie Beach which are both perfect for a family day out.
Seafood Dining: Fife is renowned for its seafood. Anstruther Fish Bar is a popular restaurant that’s regarded as one of the best places for traditional fish and chips in Scotland.

Public transport services are available across much of the route, making it easy to break up the walk into smaller sections if required.

Loch Leven

Address: Kinross, KY13. Various points of entry. See website for details.
Opening Times: N/A
Out About Scotland visitor guide: Loch Leven

Loch Leven is a beautiful freshwater loch near the town of Kinross. This picturesque body of freshwater and its surrounding area is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it’s one of the best places in Scotland for birdwatching.

The loch spans approximately 5.4 square miles, making it one of the largest lochs in the Lowlands. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands and the loch itself is a haven for wildlife and is renowned for its population of pink-footed geese.

For history enthusiasts, Loch Leven Castle, situated on an island near the Kinross entrance, is one of the most important historic sites of its age in Scotland. Built around the 14th century, it has been a silent witness to many important events but is most famously known for imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots in 1567. You can reach the castle by a short boat trip from Kinross, which is an enjoyable experience though payment is required at the pier before stepping on board.

Apart from the castle, the Loch Leven Heritage Trail is another major attraction. This 13-mile trail around the loch provides panoramic views and is ideal for walking and cycling, while the nature reserve is a must-visit for bird watchers thanks to several bird hides.

Maid of the Loch

Address: Loch Lomond Marina, Riverside, Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8LF
Opening Times: See website for details
Website: Maid of the Loch

The Maid of the Loch is a notable piece of Scottish maritime history. She’s the last paddle steamer built in Britain and the last in a long line of paddle steamers on Loch Lomond. Constructed by A. & J. Inglis of Glasgow and launched on March 5, 1953, the Maid of the Loch sailed up and down the waters of Loch Lomond for almost three decades. The ship was a popular form of transportation and a significant attraction in its heyday, and it still draws tourists today.

The ship is much bigger than you might initially think, over 200 feet in length with a beam of more than 28 feet and designed to carry upwards of 1,000 passengers. She retired from regular service in 1981, but instead of fading into obscurity, she became a static tourist attraction, a restaurant, and an events venue at the southern end of Loch Lomond, near Loch Lomond Shores.

An interesting fact about the Maid of the Loch is the ongoing restoration effort to return the vessel to steam operation. The Loch Lomond Steamship Company, a charitable organization, purchased her in 1996 and has been working tirelessly to restore the ship to its former glory. Though currently not running, the ship allows free visits and has a small museum at the pier.

North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower

Address: 60 Main St, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, KY11 1JG
Opening Times: Thur to Sun 11:00 to 16:30 (plus Weds in Summer)
Website: Forth Bridges

The North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower, located in North Queensferry, is a fascinating piece of maritime history. Constructed in 1817, it’s the world’s smallest working light tower and a remarkable example of 19th-century marine engineering.

The tower was designed by the famous engineer Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the acclaimed author Robert Louis Stevenson, and stands at a modest height of 30 feet. While not exactly the biggest attraction in Scotland, this tiny tower played a vital role in guiding ships through the hazardous waters of the Firth of Forth for over a century and it’s certainly an interesting diversion for anyone exploring the estuary.

Its architecture is of the traditional round tower design, built of ashlar masonry and painted white for visibility, while the interior retains a rustic look with exposed stone walls. At the top, the lantern room houses a fixed white light which is still operational to this day.

The North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower served as a guiding beacon for ships entering the harbour until 1890 when the Forth Bridge was opened. After falling out of use, it was restored to working order in 2010 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors to the tower can climb the narrow spiral staircase and enjoy panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the iconic Forth Road Bridge. The tower also hosts a small exhibition that tells the fascinating story of its history and restoration.

St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve

Address: The Old Lifeboat Station, Nether Warburton, Montrose, DD10 0AQ
Opening Times: Open year-round.
Website: St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve

St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a beautiful reserve between the villages of St. Cyrus and Montrose. It’s managed by NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, and is renowned for its unique blend of landscapes and wildlife.

The reserve is characterized by its stunning cliffs, dunes, and grasslands, featuring a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for several miles as well as an enormous system of sand dunes and a freshwater lagoon. This habitat is home to a wide range of flora and fauna including over 70 species of birds and a variety of mammals like otters and deer, and the dunes and grasslands also provide a habitat for invertebrates like ants, beetles, and butterflies.

For visitors, the reserve offers a wealth of attractions. There are several walking trails to explore and the visitor centre provides informative displays about the wildlife and habitats of the reserve. Birdwatching is a popular activity and there are several vantage points and hides for spotting the reserve’s birdlife while the beach offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

The reserve is open year-round and admission is free, with good access via public transport and parking facilities for those who prefer to drive.

The Church of the Holy Rude

Address: St John Street, Stirling, FK8 1ED
Opening Times: Open daily.
Tel Number: N/A
Website: Church of the Holy Rude

The Church of the Holy Rude is one of the most significant religious sites in Scotland, and it’s the second oldest building in the city after Stirling Castle.

Established in 1129, the Church of the Holy Rude has been a focal point of religious life in Stirling for nearly nine centuries. It was founded by King David I, though the majority of the existing building was constructed in the 15th century, and it has survived various tumultuous periods in Scotland’s history including the Scottish Reformation and multiple wars.

The church is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows, the oldest of which dates back to 1530, as well as its huge wooden ceiling and an original 15th-century bell which is still in use today.

The reason why the church holds such historical importance is that it was the venue for the coronation of King James VI of Scotland who later became James I of England. This coronation means the Church of the Holy Rude is one of only two churches in the UK, along with Westminster Abbey, to have hosted a coronation. Another notable feature is the graveyard that surrounds the church where you can find centuries-old gravestones, and like Glasgow’s Necropolis, visitors can join a tour to discover its fascinating history with an expert guide.

Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery

Address: 40 Albert Pl, Stirling, FK8 2RQ
Opening Times: Tues to Sat 10:30 – 17:00. Sun 14:00 – 17:00
Website: Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery

The Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery, located in the historic city of Stirling, is a hidden gem that houses an impressive collection of artefacts and artworks. Founded in 1874, the museum collection was originally bequeathed by painter and collector Thomas Stuart Smith but it has grown significantly since then.

The museum’s collection contains a remarkable 40,000 objects encompassing archaeology, fine and decorative arts, and natural history, but the highlight is the Stirling Story which depicts the history of the city from its earliest times to the present day. Another notable feature of the Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery is the John Grierson Collection. John Grierson was the founder of the British documentary film movement who was born in Deanston near Stirling, and the collection includes an archive of his letters and photographs.

Exhibitions are regularly held at the museum, showcasing a wide range of themes from local and international artists to historical and contemporary subjects, and the gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions which ensures there’s always something new to discover. For younger visitors, the museum provides a range of interactive and educational activities, while for adults there are beautifully landscaped gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

River Tay Public Art Trail

Address: River Tay, Perth, PH1. There are various points of entry.
Opening Times: Open year-round.
Website: Art Trail

The River Tay Public Art Trail is a captivating walking route in the city of Perth. The trail runs along the banks of the River Tay and presents a unique way to explore the city’s cultural heritage as well as the river’s natural beauty. The trail was established with the intention of celebrating the River Tay and its surroundings as part of the ‘Perth is the Place’ project, an initiative aimed at rejuvenating the city’s public spaces.

The River Tay Public Art Trail includes a diverse range of artworks scattered along the path that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Each piece tells a story about the area’s past, present, and future, from sculptures crafted from local materials that pay homage to the region’s industrial heritage, to interactive installations that explore the river’s wildlife.

The trail starts at the Fergusson Gallery, located near the city centre, and follows the river to the Rodney Gardens. Along the way, visitors can also explore the Norie-Miller Path, take a detour onto the attractive Moncrieff Island, or take a much longer detour to the lovely Kinnoull Hill.