Menstrie Castle Stay

Menstrie Castle was built around 1560 and later became known as the birthplace of Sir William Alexander. He was born here in 1557 and rose to become the 1st Earl of Stirling in 1633. By 1626, he had been appointed Principal Secretary of State for Scotland and was given responsibility for developing a Scottish colony in what is now Nova Scotia.

To support the venture, he proposed the creation of the Order of Baronets of Nova Scotia. The idea was simple at the time. Those who paid the required fee would receive a title along with a large grant of land in the new colony. The plan was launched in the late 1620s, but it did not gather enough backing. In 1631, King Charles I transferred the territory to Louis XIII of France, and the few settlers who had arrived were instructed to burn the small settlement they had built. The project ended soon after. The collapse of the scheme left Alexander in severe financial difficulty. He died in London in 1644, and his embalmed body was returned to Scotland and placed in the family vault at the High Kirk of Stirling.

The castle itself fell into decline from the middle of the eighteenth century. By the early twentieth century, it was in a poor state and at risk of being lost. Its survival is thanks to a determined campaign led by actor and conservationist Moultrie R Kelsall, who fought to save the building. In 1951, Menstrie Castle was officially listed as a building of national importance, protecting it from demolition or alteration without government approval. Today, it stands restored and cared for, offering visitors and guests a chance to experience its long and layered history.

The restoration keeps the spirit of the original building while adding a light touch of contemporary style. The castle now holds three self-catering apartments, each with its own look and layout. You can still see the sixteenth-century character in the thick stone walls, sash windows, archways, and small turret details that give the place its classic castle feel. The interiors are fitted with quality furniture and modern comforts, but the old charm is still very present, especially when you look out at the views from the windows.

The Alexander Apartment is a spacious two-bedroom space that sits right above the small museum dedicated to Sir William Alexander. It stretches across two levels and offers one king bedroom and one double bedroom. The Turret Apartment is a three-bedroom home named for its master bedroom, which includes the castle turret and lets guests stay inside a special part of the building’s history. The Baronet Apartment is a cozy one-bedroom space on the ground floor. Its name comes from the Baronets of Nova Scotia, created by King James alongside Sir William Alexander. It gives guests a simple and comfortable stay while still keeping that classic castle atmosphere.

Although the castle does not have its own restaurant, it has a well-equipped kitchen that lets guests cook their own meals and sit together at the table to share their day. It gives you the freedom to eat the way you like.

If you prefer to head out and explore, there are plenty of places nearby where you can enjoy a good meal without going far. Tasty Bite is handy if you want something quick and comforting. Leo's serves hearty Scottish dishes in a relaxed and friendly setting. The Woodsman Restaurant in Fishcross is another good pick if you enjoy country-style cooking. You can also stop by The Birds and Bees, a rustic gastropub inside a converted farm steading that is well known for its steaks and classic British pub food. All of these spots are close enough to reach easily and give you plenty of variety throughout your stay.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Menstrie Castle Stay sits in a quiet spot at the foot of the Ochil Hills, so you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, open views, and easy walks right from the doorstep. A small museum inside the castle highlights Sir William Alexander’s history. Once you step out, you have some of Scotland’s most loved landmarks close by.

Menstrie Castle is part of the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail, a route that links historic towers and castles that once housed the families who shaped the region. You can visit Alloa Tower, Sauchie Tower, Clackmannan Tower, and Castle Campbell, each offering its own slice of medieval life and all within easy reach. The wider Forth Valley adds even more to see. The Stirling Old Bridge and Bannockburn sites help you understand some of Scotland’s major turning points. The Old Town Jail brings Victorian stories to life with entertaining tours and performances.

The Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle are both a short trip away and make an easy day out if you want to dive into Scottish history. The area between the hills and the River Forth also gives you lots of walking routes, viewpoints, and open countryside to explore.

The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel are impressive engineering landmarks worth seeing in person. The Japanese Garden at Cowden offers a quiet place for a peaceful walk, and Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is a fun pick for families with its animals, drive-through safari, and dinosaur walkthroughs. Everything is close enough for easy day trips, so you can mix quiet time at the castle with as much exploring as you like.

If you are planning a small celebration during your stay, the team is glad to help you explore what can be arranged. Since the property offers apartment-style stays, the setup works best for intimate moments rather than big gatherings. It is always a good idea to check with the team in advance so they can guide you on what is possible.