4 Best Sights in Dunblane, Stirling and the Central Highlands

As unlikely as it might seem in this gentle valley, the Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is the place to see sea lions bobbing their heads above the water or monkeys swinging from the branches. Take a footbridge to Lemur Land or watch hawks and falcons in the Birds of Prey exhibit. Beware the llamas, who are more bad-tempered than they may appear. The spacious drive-through enclosure brings you close to rhinos, antelopes, camels, and lions. Look out for the monkeys there too (might be best to keep your windows closed). There are also rides, slides, and an adventure playground for the kids, as well as some fairground rides that cost extra.

This medieval castle may seem eerily familiar because it is a favorite with filmmakers: Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed here, and more recently it was used in the Game of Thrones and Outlander series (and the admission price has risen since Outlander aired). In 1361 the castle became the seat of Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland, who embarked on various building projects. The semi-ruined Doune is grim and high-walled, with a daunting central keep and echoing, drafty stairways up to the curtain-wall walk. Climb the wall; the views over the countryside will make it worthwhile. Monty Python's Terry Jones narrates a good audio guide. The best place to photograph this squat, walled fort is from the bridge, a little way upstream.

The oldest part of Dunblane—with its narrow winding streets—huddles around this church's square. Bishop Clement built the cathedral in the early 13th century on the site of St. Blane's tiny 8th-century cell; with the Reformation of the 16th century, it ceased to be a cathedral. In 1996 it was the scene of a moving memorial service for the 15 children and one teacher killed in the local school by Thomas Hamilton. There are free guided tours on Sunday afternoons. Be sure to view the medieval carvings in the choir stalls.