We stumbled into Stirling Castle very early Easter Sunday and immediately went to the Costa Coffee shop situated the lower level. That's right, in the middle of an imposing, and breathtaking castle there is a chain coffee shop. Regardless, I was grateful for the coffee. Stirling is a much more comfortable castle. That may not make too much sense, but I found it to be a lot less overwhelming than others. Edinburgh Castle is just daunting, there's no way to see it all, but Stirling is doable.
We wandered throughout the castle and saw most of it in about an hour. The views are amazing: just green and lush and wonderful. It was still early, so there was a nice mist hanging over everything, and it felt quiet and peaceful. From one side of the castle, we could see the William Wallace Monument, stark and imposing on its hilltop.
Apparently, in the kitchen, there are some freaky mannequins that the British seem to like to put in castles, but we decided not to see them. The rooms that are in every castle--great hall, chapel, etc.--were pretty standard. They're impressive, but a great hall is always impressive and rarely unique. After puttering around the castle for a while, we went out to what I guess is the backyard. There are stone paths and the softest grass I've ever rolled around in. I rolled in the grass, and it was great.
The whole experience there just made me feel impish. Maybe we were just overly tired, but it was something else too. Some attractions just wear a person out; you feel validated for seeing them but exhausted. Stirling Castle invigorated me. I felt privileged that I was allowed to see something so beautiful, and it gave the rest of my day a glow.