King Street and Athenaeum, Stirling

King Street is a cobbled road featuring broad sidewalks and regal historic buildings. The street is a great place to explore, boasting a variety of shops and restaurants. In the 18th and 19th centuries, King Street became known as a place for banking, with most of Stirling's banks located along this road.

The oldest building on King Street is the Golden Lion Hotel, where a statue of a gold lion stands above the columned entrance to greet you. Originally known as Wingate's Inn, the hotel opened in 1786 and is still in operation. The Victorian-era Stirling Arcade is a noteworthy shopping spot on King Street.

The Athenaeum is a prominent building that sits at the top end of King Street. It was built in 1816 and was originally a library and reading room. With beautiful architecture and design, the structure features a curved facade, a belfry, a tall clock tower, and a spire. A statue of Scottish hero, William Wallace, sits atop the arched entranceway of the building.