Amongst the area’s favourite attractions are the Church of Holy Rude, the crowning place of King James VI of Scotland, King’s Park (perfect for bringing the dog along too), or a round at Stirling Golf Club. Family-friendly holidays must include a trip to attractions like Briarlands Farm just north of Stirling or Go Country activities like canoeing and cliff jumping on the edge of Loch Ard.

History fans will delight in the 13th century bell tower at Cambuskenneth Abbey, amongst other things, and culture vultures should visit the Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling. Nature doesn’t get much more inspiring than a hike in the Forth Valley and The Trossachs. After all that, cosy inns and pubs with rooms lay in wait to provide good food, good drink and a comfy bed for the night.