Your Visit to The Monument

Arriving at The Monument

You can obtain your entrance ticket at the Visitor Reception Building (in The Car Park area), or at the Reception Desk in The Monument. A minibus courtesy service operates between The Car Park and The Monument.

As you begin your visit you can collect a personal handset (supplementary charge payable) with an audio commentary at the Reception Desk, where you can collect a personal handset with an audio commentary to guide you through all the drama of Wallace’s life, and all the features of this famous building.

The Wallace Story

In the first level of The Monument you can trace the remarkable story of William Wallace, who took his campaign for freedom into battle and on to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

This is where you can see Wallace’s mighty broadsword, and listen in on his trial, where you will come to understand his unquenchable thirst for Scottish freedom.

The Hall of Heroes

It’s not just William Wallace who is commemorated in The Monument - Generations of Scottish heroes from Robert the Bruce and Rabbie Burns to Adam Smith and Sir Walter Scott are acclaimed in this famous gallery.

Their story is one of an immense contribution to science, industry, education and the arts.

An Incredible Story

It’s now a national landmark - but controversy surrounded the National Wallace Monument when it was constructed in the 1860s.

In this special exhibition an amazing story is told - of how Victorian craftsmen overcame all the challenges of their day to create their masterpiece on The Abbey Craig, back in the 1860s.

From The Top

When you reach The Crown at the top of The Monument the view will take your breath away.

It’s one of the finest sights Scotland has to offer, from Ben Lomond and The Trossachs in the West, and through The Forth Valley past the city of Stirling and The Ochil Hills to The Pentland Hills in the East.

Legends Coffee House / Gift Shop

Relax in Legends Coffee House, with its magnificent views of The Abbey Craig and The Monument. Enjoy a speciality coffee, and make your choice from a range of home-made soups, freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and cakes.

You can also take time to browse around The Gift Shop, and select a souvenir of your visit from the range of Scottish clothing and crafts, including a special selection of books on Wallace’s life and Scottish history.

Please note - each level of The Monument is accessed by a spiral staircase, with 246 steps to the top of the tower. The Visitor Reception building is fully accessible, but disabled access to The Abbey Craig and to The Monument is limited.