Location

The Historic Stirling Bridge

Stirling is located in Central Scotland, with Glasgow and Edinburgh both about an hour's drive away, and at the start of the Highlands. For details of how to get to the campus, please visit this page of the University's website. You can find out a lot more about Scotland and things to do on the Visit Scotland website.

The University is located in the beautiful Victorian spa town of Bridge of Allan - which is pretty much amalgamated into greater Stirling- at the foot of the Wallace Monument. The annual Bridge of Allan Highland Games will be taking place on the day before Knit Camp starts, 8th August. For more details, click here.

Here's what the Visit Scotland site says about the area:

" Historic Stirling - Scotland's newest city and its heritage capital - is the ideal base to explore the nearby Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and the scattered towns and villages that dot the peaceful slopes of the Campsies and the rolling farmlands of Strathallan.

Stirling Castle, once the residence of Scottish kings, perches atop a long-extinct volcano, trailing behind it the exquisite architecture and cobbled streets of the citys Old Town. By contrast, modern Stirling bustles with activity and offers fine shopping and leisure facilities to complement its many historic attractions.

Bridge of Allan is an elegant former spa town nestling on the banks of the Allan Water, with broad, tree-lined streets featuring a wealth of hotels and specialised shops. Doune has an imposing 14th-century ducal castle, a favourite royal hunting retreat and tower house, as well as the Scottish Antiques and Crafts Centre. Doune Ponds is an excellent, award-winning nature reserve, with birdwatching hides from where you can observe the abundant wildlife. Nearby is the famous Blair Drummond Safari and Leisure Park, home to bigger and more exotic wildlife and a firm favourite with families.

Dunblane is an ancient community whose Cathedral Museum unfolds much of the rich and colourful history that surrounds the town. There are riverside walks along the banks of the Allan Water and the town centre still exudes an 'olde-worlde' charm where examples of 17th- and 18th century architecture blend with Victorian and more modern buildings, creating a distinctive setting for the various local shops and hostelries.

The Campsie Fells provide a scenic backdrop to the numerous colourful villages of the area. Attractive 18th- and 19th-century cottages provide a strong character in the historic village of Killearn, Nearby, Glengoyne Distillery, set beneath the distinctive volcanic plug of Dumgoyne Hill, welcomes visitors for guided tours. Fintry, tucked high among the hills, is noted for its regular awards in the 'Scotlands Best-Kept Village' competition. "

Accommodation

View of Andrew Stewart Hall Reception of Andrew Stewart Hall Donnelly Hall bedroom

Full board (full catering) at the Alexander Court Hall, Donnelly Hall and Fraser Hall

The Donnelly and Fraser Halls (US: single dorm rooms) are conveniently located just over the loch from the main campus (about a five minute walk across the bridge) and are close to the Pathfoot Building (Ravelry Weekend). Although there are kitchens in the halls, the power supply is limited during the vacaction to the refridgerators.

Alexander Court

The Alexander Court is at the far side of the campus, next to the golf course, and about a fifteen minute walk away from the main campus (beautiful walk alongside the loch). All halls have car parks, and all guests can use the social area in the basement of the Andrew Stewart Hall (which is now fully booked) along with all other campus facilities.

Catering

Meals are available to you in the main dining hall on the main campus. We highly recommend the excellent hearty full Scottish breakfast!

120 single bedrooms in 5 person flats with kitchen/dining/sitting area and shared shower rooms in Fraser Hall and Donnelly Hall. Please note that there are no rooms left in the Andrew Stewart Hall.

60 single bedrooms in the Alexander Court Hall, shared shower rooms and seating areas.

Price: £55, per person, per night AVAILABLE AS TWO (Alexander Court, Friday and Saturday only, £110), THREE (Donnelly Hall, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, £165) AND SIX NIGHT PACKAGES (Fraser Hall & Donnelly Hall, Monday- Saturday, £330).

John Forty's Court with view of Stirling Castle Kitchen & seating area

Self catering accommodation at John Forty's Court

This accommodation is situated almost in the centre of the city of Stirling and is most suitable for those of you with cars as you will need to drive yourself to the main campus for classes/other events. It is conveniently located near the centre of the city, with several supermarkets within easy driving distance. It is about a 10-15 minute drive away from the main campus. The kitchens are large with great seating areas. There is also a social room on site, which has a TV, vending machines, some rather dated furniture, snooker table, dart board. There is also an onsite launderette. There is a 24 hour porter on site. If you don’t feel like cooking, ask the Porter for take away menus (most of which deliver to the Court).

12 single bedrooms in 7 person flats, with shared bathrooms and kitchen/seating/dining area.

All photos copyright Joanne Watson