Stirling University opened in 1967 on the Airthrey estate and is regarded by many as the most beautiful campus in the country. The 363 acre grounds and man-made loch were designed by Thomas White for the Haldane family in the late 18th century. Airthrey Castle itself was built to a design by Robert Adam. Grapes were grown in the estates own vineries, during the 19th century.

Since forming in 1970, the Airthrey Gardens Group have raised money to transform the grounds by planting thousands of colourful flowers, trees and shrubs and developing two scenic walks. The beauty of the campus owes a great deal to their efforts.

Beside Airthrey castle, you can play a round on the nine hole golf course. At the back of the course, look over the trees towards the Hillfoots and you will see two standing stones about 8 to 9 feet high. The stones bear no inscription and it is believed that they commemorate the site of a battle in 843 AD when, the Scots under King Kenneth MacAlpine defeated the Picts. The Stone may be linked to this event and the uniting of both races.

The campus is open to the public all year round and worth visiting for a stroll around the loch. The loch was popular with curlers and ice skaters until an accident on the loch in 1901, when the ice broke and two people were drowned. Covered with daffodils in Spring and rhododendrons in Summer, with the constantly changing colours of the Ochill Hills as a backdrop.
From the back of the university, you can access the Hermitage Woods and try to find the Hermitage itself.

Frequent buses run all day from Murray Place bus stop in town to the university.

University of Stirling website