The Battle Of Bannockburn Experience

TODAY and TOMORROW join us for our FREE family-friendly event 'The Rise and Fall of the Clan' - not to be missed!!
#fortheloveofscotland #bannockburn1314
https://battleofbannockburn.com/…/rise- and-fall-of-the-clan/

This weekend sees our fantastic Rise and Fall of the Clan event taking place at the Battle of Bannockburn for FREE!
Great family-friendly event featuring living history performances of clan warfare, weaponry, and tactics, AND - weather permitting - live musket fire!
All welcome! Drop by for hourly performances throughout the afternoons 😁⚔️🛡️
... https://battleofbannockburn.com/…/rise- and-fall-of-the-clan/
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Keep the children in line during the October break by signing them up for Knight School!
Children will be put through their paces during their one-hour session, taking part in archery (rubber tipped), kid's jousting, and infantryman spear training activities!
Knight School sessions will be running daily throughout the October holidays from Monday 15th-Friday 19th October, with sessions at:... 11am - 12 midday 12 midday - 1pm 2pm - 3pm
£3.50 per child. Our Knight School sessions are suitable for children aged 5 and above, and are aimed at children aged between 5 and 11 years old.
Please note that children must be supervised by an adult at all times during the sessions.
Due to maximum capacity limitations per session we strongly recommend booking in advance to reserve a place, but - depending on availability - we are happy to accept drop-ins on the the day! Places can be booked in advance via the NTS Events website or reserved by contacting the centre via learningatbannockburn@nts.org.uk or 01786 812 664.
All Knight School activities take place outdoors and will take place in all weather conditions therefore we recommend that you bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. In the instance of particularly adverse weather conditions the sessions may be cancelled.
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The Second Scottish War of Independence (1332-1357) is proving to be a popular subject for our lecture series attendees!
Don't miss out on the chance of hearing Dr Iain MacInnes present on the subject THIS TUESDAY (2nd Oct, 7pm) - book your ticket now!
https://www.nts.org.uk/…/lecture-second -scottish-war-of-ind…

This weekend at Bannockburn come and find out more clan warfare from the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries!
Join our team of reenactors for hourly demonstrations of the dress, tactics and weaponry throughout the afternoon AND - if we're lucky - live musket firing! (Fingers crossed for good weather! 🤞)
29th-30th Sept - FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT 😁⚔️🛡️
... https://battleofbannockburn.com/…/rise- and-fall-of-the-clan/
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THIS WEEKEND AT BANNOCKBURN📜🖋️:
FREE hands-on medieval writing activities - suitable for all ages! Drop-by the centre, 12-4 pm, and get hands-on with history!

Rounding off our Living History Month we'll be joined by three soldiers of the clan as they take you through their dress, tactics, and weaponry of the 14th, 17th, and 18th centuries!

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th September 2018
... Demonstrations on the hour throughout the afternoon: 12 midday, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
FREE EVENT - no pre-booking required.

Live musket firing (weather permitting).
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We're pleased to announce that the Battle of Bannockburn's Autumn Lecture Series will be commencing in a few weeks' time!
Our lectures will be running on the first Tuesday of each month (Oct-Dec), 7-8 pm, with tickets costing £5pp.
First up on Tuesday 2nd October will be Dr Iain MacInnes (UHI) talking about 'What happened next? The Second Scottish War of Independence (1332-1357)’ - not to be missed!!
... https://battleofbannockburn.com/whats-on/ events/
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‘From the Battlefield to the Headmans Block: A Second Battle of Stirling?’
Warwick Louth (Scottish Battlefields Trust/NTS Battle of Bannockburn)
Tuesday 4th December, 2018 - 7-8pm
... Whenever we talk about a battle of Stirling, we all too often refer to Wallace’s victory at the Bridge in September 1297. However with its role controlling the central pass from the Ochils to the Highlands, coupled with its role as the central military arsenal in South-West Scotland, the castle itself has been the scene of military activity far beyond the Wars of Independence. This would be no more manifest than September 1648. With the army of the Solemn League and Covenant realing from non-compliance to central agreements made with the English Parliament, treatment of the King without prior consultation, and a crushing defeat at Preston, a lightning strike at Stirling threatened to reignite the War of the Three Kingdoms. But what happened and where is the battlefield? Using cutting edge historical and archaeological research and analysis, Warwick will break down the events, organisation and makeup of the armies involved, as well as exploring lines of archaeological investigation in order to understand how a relatively minor battle at Stirling directly led to the execution of Charles I in January 1649 and would directly influence Anglo-Scottish relations over the next century.
Tickets £5 (cash only on the door)
Pre-booking is highly recommended - admission cannot be guaranteed without prior booking. Bookings for The Battle of Bannockburn's Autumn Lecture Series can be made via learningatbannockburn@nts.org.uk or 01786 812 664 - or pop into the centre and talk to a member of staff!
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'Project Real Archaeology: Revealing and rediscovering the archaeological collections of the National Trust for Scotland'
Dr Natasha Ferguson (The National Trust for Scotland)
Tuesday 6th November, 2018 - 7-8pm
... Since May 2018, Dr Natasha Ferguson has been working as Lead Inventory Officer for Archaeology within NTS’s flagship initiative Project Reveal. Natasha will talk primarily about her role within Project Reveal and some of the archaeological objects and assemblages she has been analysing and tracking down within Trust properties across Scotland, ensuring they are sorted, archived and researched to a consistently high standard. From the earliest prehistory to 19th century pottery, it’s an exciting opportunity to reveal and rediscover the archaeological treasures held within the NTS collection.
Tickets £5 (cash only on the door)
Pre-booking is highly recommended - admission cannot be guaranteed without prior booking. Bookings for The Battle of Bannockburn's Autumn Lecture Series can be made online via www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/bannockburn/e vents, or tickets can be reserved and paid for on arrival via learningatbannockburn@nts.org.uk or 01786 812 664 - or pop into the centre and talk to a member of staff!
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‘What happened next? The Second Scottish War of Independence (1332-1357)’
Dr Iain MacInnes (University of the Highlands and Islands)
Tuesday 2nd October, 2018 - 7-8pm
... Many people know about Scotland’s fight for independence under William Wallace and Robert Bruce, and can point to the battle of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn as important points in this period of history. But many people also think that the war ended with Bannockburn, or at least with the peace that was agreed between Scotland and England in 1328. Less appear aware that the war recommenced only four year later, over many of the same issues as before, in a continuing Scottish civil war as well as a renewed Anglo-Scottish conflict. This lecture will discuss what happened after 1328, and consider the period that has become known as the Second Scottish War of Independence, from war’s recommencement in 1332, until peace was agreed once more in 1357.
Tickets £5 (cash only on the door)
Pre-booking is highly recommended - admission cannot be guaranteed without prior booking. Bookings for The Battle of Bannockburn's Autumn Lecture Series can be made via learningatbannockburn@nts.org.uk or 01786 812 664 - or pop into the centre and talk to a member of staff!
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NOTICE: Due to adverse weather conditions, the Battle of Bannockburn will close today (19/09/18) at 1.00pm for the safety of all visitors and staff. We hope to open tomorrow morning as normal but will provide updates via the website and social media should the dangerous conditions continue. Many thanks for your understanding.

This weekend at Bannockburn we're getting hands-on with CALLIGRAPHY as part of our Living History Month! Try your hand with a medieval quill and see if you can recreate the old letter forms! Sat & Sun, 12-4pm - FREE!
#ForTheLoveOfScotland #Bannockburn1314 #NTS #handsonlearning

This weekend at Bannockburn!
Living History interactive display 'Meet the Camp Followers' including arrow fletching, coin striking, and medieval potions and remedies - along with armour and weapons handling in our Learning Room!
Sat & Sun, 12-4 pm - FREE!
... #Bannockburn1314 #ForTheLoveOfScotland
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This weekend at Bannockburn: 'Meet the Camp Followers'!
Drop by our FREE living history sessions and meet the archer and hedgewife preparing for battle - on the very site the Scottish army camped & prepared for battle in 1314!
Sat. 8th & Sun. 9th September, 12-4pm ... #fortheloveofscotland #Bannockburn1314
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THIS WEEKEND! Our Living History Month begins with Lotions and Potions on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September 12-4. Learn how our ingenious and innovative hedgewives created lotions and potions to cure a range of injuries and ailments in the middle ages!
This family-friendly event is FREE!
#bannockburn1314 #fortheloveofscotland

September is Living History Month at the Battle of Bannockburn! Every weekend in September we have an exciting schedule of Living History activities!
First up this weekend, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September from 12-4pm, you can meet the hedgewives and try out various lotions and potions from the medieval period! 🧙‍♀️
This event is FREE and suitable for all ages!
... #bannockburn1314 #fortheloveofscotland
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TODAY! Join our storyteller in the Bannockburn cafe today (11am-12 & 1-2pm) for FREE tales and songs of the Wars of Independence!
#Bannockburn1314 #ForTheLoveOfScotland

COMPETITION TIME! Calling all young budding artists - we need your help!
We're giving our Education Room at the Battle of Bannockburn a make-over and installing a new, narrative-style artwork design which will tell the story of the battle of Bannockburn in ten scenes. Our local primary and secondary school pupils are designing nine of the panels and we need your help designing the tenth! If you'd like to see your artwork immortalised on the walls of the Battle of Bannockburn ...for all future learners to enjoy, then read the competition details attached and get designing!
Competition open to all school-age children (4-18 years old). Please include the child's name, age, and a parent or guardian's contact details on all entries.
#YearOfYoungPeople2018 #Bannockburn1314 #ForTheLoveOfScotland
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We timed our visit for the 3.15 on a Saturday afternoon so it wasn't too busy. If you go at peak times I imagine you'd get less out of it. You need time to get the most out of the interactive displays; and although you initially only get 10 mins after the 3D filmed battle, you can go back after the re-enactment for as long as you like and pick up the remaining displays.

The guide was brilliant and really added to the atmosphere in the re-enactment. I was dubious about this segment as the staff don't tell you what's involved (deliberately) but it was not physical and was great fun. Go with an open mind and get involved! We are National Trust members so cost us nothing-result!

We go back time and again, and love it more each time. We enjoy seeing the clothing, armour and weapons in the education room, and enjoy the 3D films and characters. The battle experience is different every time and we always get caught up in the excitement.

Recommended for the whole family, from 5 to 85!

Visited with my husband, who is English and my two children. Very knowledgeable guide. In the battle, my husband and son ended up on the English side and my daughter and I were on the Scottish. Thoroughly enjoyed the 3D exhibition and the battle. Well worth a visit.

Really enjoyed our visit yesterday. The 3d experience was really good fun and full of interesting facts. The battle experience was fascinating, watching how the original battle unfolded on and having it explained so well really brought history to life. Doing our own mock battle was such good fun and a great way to get your head around the different troops and the battlefield. Can't wait to do it again.

Just home from visiting today and would thoroughly recommend it. Every member of staff were really happy and helpful, even when my son tried to make himself a penny and the machine jammed, a member of staff stopped on their way to lunch and pulled the full machine apart so he could finish it. We went into the armour room first to let our son try some things on and he loved it! Getting to play with weapons is always going to get the kids excited though! Afterwards, we headed out to the monument and read the plaques outside I think doing this before the 3d renactment is a good shout because youve already read some things the guide goes over (great for tactical thinking!) The monument itself is lovely and clean and the views gorgeous. The 3d experience itself starts as 2 puppet theatre type videos explaining why each king was fighting after which you are led into a room filled with armour, weapons, tactical information and 4 large 3d screens for walls. You are then talked through some battle scenes, and witness some combat first hand as if you were in the middle of the fighting. Once you have watched the battles, you have 15 minutes to gather as much tactical information as possible...this is VERY important. Id advise you to read as much as you can and revisit the interactive stuff afterwards. When you enter into the 3rd room the battle itself is brilliant and I can imagine it can get pretty tense some days!



The guide was brilliant, funny, informative and really really helpful (it was actually him who had helped my son earlier with his penny). You can tell that the staff enjoy working at the venue, and that they are really passionate about the history surrounding the cite.



A great day out for everyone but id advise you to go in a group to really get that competitiveness inside you going!

I'll be brutally honest: I went in not expecting much. I am not a stranger to battlefields and though I do love history, we all know that battlefields can be a bit boring.



Not this one! Like Culloden, they offer both the English and Scottish viewpoints (which I love). They share this via 2 historical 3D figures, before moving you into a room with a 360° 3D video about the preparations of, and the events leading up to, the battle itself. Once you're done there, you go into a room with an interactive map. Your group is divided into English and Scottish soldiers and you are given control of a division. They then allow you to recreate the battle according to your own strategies. This gets even the most disinterested person into it! (I'd like to point out today that it was my archers that I had moved to the highest ground today that allowed for the English to win this time around!)



The guide who worked with us through the battle strategy game was excellent. He was super knowledgeable and had that biting sense of humor we all know and love Scotland for.



After that, we were able to go into a room with period costumes and dress as knights (including chainmail). The giftshop and the cafe were also very nice.



I'd definitely go back again!

I went with gorebridge primary school and i loved it great tour guide Ross and a fantastic battle guy who had us all inpressed with his booming voice and banter. Came away with loads of information and many facts about� Robert the Bruce and the battle. I will defo be back in the summer with my kids and to try your cafe as the cakes and buns looked yum � and to also see the castle�

Great visit. Knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere. 3D effects are engaging for kids and adults alike.

First class very knowledgeable staff highly recommend the tour and battle room �� brilliantly immersive top class

Fantastic day out for kids. Interactive re enactment of the battle and 3D displays. Our guide was superb and made it really fun. Highly recommend!

Absolutely stunned to see such negative reviews of this fantastic place!

We're just home from a thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially our guide who was informative and funny at the same time, he was a great storyteller! The 3D battle at the end was amazing, really tense!

Can't comment on the cafe as we went into Stirling for lunch but looked clean and bright.

All in all, an amazing day. Thanks so much!

A bit too heavy on shiny new technology; the 3D gadgetry and all that turned me off. But the hands on experience in the room where you could change into chain mails and helmets and stuff was the highlight of my day and the people working at the center are all very nice and dedicated.

Won't be in a hurry to return. Very overpriced for what it was. Feel there's too much technology which teaches you nothing about the battle itself. Personally I don't want to stand in the middle of a battle with arrows /horses , nor did I want to participate in a silly hi-tec battle game which was was dictated by the guide. We had American visitors with us and they said they'd learned nothing. The staff selling tickets gave us no indication of what was ahead of us which I think was wrong. Had we known, we would just have walked up to the statue which we found was accessible without paying an entry fee.

We have visited the "new" visitor centre at Culloden and it's way superior to that at Bannockburn.

Looking at the Bannockburn Experience as a primary teacher, I would not bring a class there as it is totally unsuitable for enhancing their learning.

We had a great time at the experience today, but do feel strongly that it is slightly overpriced for what is actually on offer. Visually the 3d section is spectacular but that's really all there is to get hyped up about. Upon reflection, the attraction could be so much more, if a little more thought was placed into the historical information provided (perhaps). I felt that the guide (during the first part of the 3d tour) was really quite obnoxious to a couple of small children with his demeanour and abrupt manner. If this individual, thinks it is acceptable to address young children in that fashion, perhaps he is in the wrong role - he may be a qualified x, y & z but these are young kids and a softer approach should be taken. The Gent that chairs the battle game was exactly the opposite, he encourages and stimulates all peer groups to get involved in an open plan Bannockburn strategy game. Personally, the gift shop is very good but needs more Scottish produce, I feel that they are missing a trick to both benefit Scottish producers and maximise on a worldwide tourist base that will visit this attraction.

This really doesn't have the substance for a guided tour and for +£30 for two adults and a child for the 3D experience & battle room it isn't great value for money.

The 3D room would be better on a rolling loop with entry without a tour guide tied to a party, though with guides attending the room.

The battle game room really is not interesting unless you are participating. I was going to take part but backed out going in, as the vibe of having to interact with some of my fellow visitors - who I'd just spent the last half hour competing with for a position at the interactive characters- was not good. Sure enough when viewed on, it was tedious and made worse by the fact we were not informed that we could moved out of the room to the final film at any time. Obviously so the show can be sold as X amount of time.



On the plus, the weapons & armour dressing up is fun and all the staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly

Great concept but left disappointed. ..the film's could have been longer.. and the room where you can go round to listen to different characters is rushed with no option to catch up.. the battle strategy 'game ' nice concept but really depends on who is in group.. archery you pay extra for .. the 'dressing up' was fun for kids.. had expected more of a museum or being able to read through information rather than being rushed through 3D experience.. having have previously visited the portacabin visitor centre I had expected more..

after a 14 mile walk with my sister, we popped into the cafe for a cup of tea. Pricey at £2.15 each we both received half a pot of tea and had to go and tell the guy that there wasn't enough water in the pot for a cup of tea . I come from the Bannockburn area and we have loyalty cards which got us a discount but am shocked that the visitors to the cafe should have to put up with this. Also the service was very slow. Disappointed dot com

Waited 30 minutes for the 3D battle with my 7 year old and his pal. Took then to play at the statue at the rear. Not only did the man raise his voice at my son because he was super excited for the battle but after I had built this up to the two boys he gave us a duplicate number going to participate in the battle. Another person got our turn, He ignored us and acknowledged everyone else. My boys had to sit for the whole game not being able to participate. Very disappointed with his whole demeanour . Left two small boys very disappointed

This is the worst historical attraction I have ever visited. Full of 3D gimmicks and absolutely no facts or history. To not even have a proper exhibition about such a famous battle is extremely poor. As for the “battle experience”, could not wait to get out of there. We spent 30 mins sat around in a circle giving out meaningless commands whilst a bloke pointed a stick at some circles on a screen. We “changed history” by recreating a battle - no we didn’t! To top it all off the guy was rude. In summary, the attraction was far too childish for adults and far too complicated for children. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

We timed our visit for the 3.15 on a Saturday afternoon so it wasn't too busy. If you go at peak times I imagine you'd get less out of it. You need time to get the most out of the interactive displays; and although you initially only get 10 mins after the 3D filmed battle, you can go back after the re-enactment for as long as you like and pick up the remaining displays.

The guide was brilliant and really added to the atmosphere in the re-enactment. I was dubious about this segment as the staff don't tell you what's involved (deliberately) but it was not physical and was great fun. Go with an open mind and get involved! We are National Trust members so cost us nothing-result!

We go back time and again, and love it more each time. We enjoy seeing the clothing, armour and weapons in the education room, and enjoy the 3D films and characters. The battle experience is different every time and we always get caught up in the excitement.

Recommended for the whole family, from 5 to 85!

Visited with my husband, who is English and my two children. Very knowledgeable guide. In the battle, my husband and son ended up on the English side and my daughter and I were on the Scottish. Thoroughly enjoyed the 3D exhibition and the battle. Well worth a visit.

Really enjoyed our visit yesterday. The 3d experience was really good fun and full of interesting facts. The battle experience was fascinating, watching how the original battle unfolded on and having it explained so well really brought history to life. Doing our own mock battle was such good fun and a great way to get your head around the different troops and the battlefield. Can't wait to do it again.

Just home from visiting today and would thoroughly recommend it. Every member of staff were really happy and helpful, even when my son tried to make himself a penny and the machine jammed, a member of staff stopped on their way to lunch and pulled the full machine apart so he could finish it. We went into the armour room first to let our son try some things on and he loved it! Getting to play with weapons is always going to get the kids excited though! Afterwards, we headed out to the monument and read the plaques outside I think doing this before the 3d renactment is a good shout because youve already read some things the guide goes over (great for tactical thinking!) The monument itself is lovely and clean and the views gorgeous. The 3d experience itself starts as 2 puppet theatre type videos explaining why each king was fighting after which you are led into a room filled with armour, weapons, tactical information and 4 large 3d screens for walls. You are then talked through some battle scenes, and witness some combat first hand as if you were in the middle of the fighting. Once you have watched the battles, you have 15 minutes to gather as much tactical information as possible...this is VERY important. Id advise you to read as much as you can and revisit the interactive stuff afterwards. When you enter into the 3rd room the battle itself is brilliant and I can imagine it can get pretty tense some days!



The guide was brilliant, funny, informative and really really helpful (it was actually him who had helped my son earlier with his penny). You can tell that the staff enjoy working at the venue, and that they are really passionate about the history surrounding the cite.



A great day out for everyone but id advise you to go in a group to really get that competitiveness inside you going!

I'll be brutally honest: I went in not expecting much. I am not a stranger to battlefields and though I do love history, we all know that battlefields can be a bit boring.



Not this one! Like Culloden, they offer both the English and Scottish viewpoints (which I love). They share this via 2 historical 3D figures, before moving you into a room with a 360° 3D video about the preparations of, and the events leading up to, the battle itself. Once you're done there, you go into a room with an interactive map. Your group is divided into English and Scottish soldiers and you are given control of a division. They then allow you to recreate the battle according to your own strategies. This gets even the most disinterested person into it! (I'd like to point out today that it was my archers that I had moved to the highest ground today that allowed for the English to win this time around!)



The guide who worked with us through the battle strategy game was excellent. He was super knowledgeable and had that biting sense of humor we all know and love Scotland for.



After that, we were able to go into a room with period costumes and dress as knights (including chainmail). The giftshop and the cafe were also very nice.



I'd definitely go back again!

I went with gorebridge primary school and i loved it great tour guide Ross and a fantastic battle guy who had us all inpressed with his booming voice and banter. Came away with loads of information and many facts about� Robert the Bruce and the battle. I will defo be back in the summer with my kids and to try your cafe as the cakes and buns looked yum � and to also see the castle�

Great visit. Knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere. 3D effects are engaging for kids and adults alike.

First class very knowledgeable staff highly recommend the tour and battle room �� brilliantly immersive top class

Fantastic day out for kids. Interactive re enactment of the battle and 3D displays. Our guide was superb and made it really fun. Highly recommend!

Absolutely stunned to see such negative reviews of this fantastic place!

We're just home from a thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially our guide who was informative and funny at the same time, he was a great storyteller! The 3D battle at the end was amazing, really tense!

Can't comment on the cafe as we went into Stirling for lunch but looked clean and bright.

All in all, an amazing day. Thanks so much!

A bit too heavy on shiny new technology; the 3D gadgetry and all that turned me off. But the hands on experience in the room where you could change into chain mails and helmets and stuff was the highlight of my day and the people working at the center are all very nice and dedicated.

Won't be in a hurry to return. Very overpriced for what it was. Feel there's too much technology which teaches you nothing about the battle itself. Personally I don't want to stand in the middle of a battle with arrows /horses , nor did I want to participate in a silly hi-tec battle game which was was dictated by the guide. We had American visitors with us and they said they'd learned nothing. The staff selling tickets gave us no indication of what was ahead of us which I think was wrong. Had we known, we would just have walked up to the statue which we found was accessible without paying an entry fee.

We have visited the "new" visitor centre at Culloden and it's way superior to that at Bannockburn.

Looking at the Bannockburn Experience as a primary teacher, I would not bring a class there as it is totally unsuitable for enhancing their learning.

We had a great time at the experience today, but do feel strongly that it is slightly overpriced for what is actually on offer. Visually the 3d section is spectacular but that's really all there is to get hyped up about. Upon reflection, the attraction could be so much more, if a little more thought was placed into the historical information provided (perhaps). I felt that the guide (during the first part of the 3d tour) was really quite obnoxious to a couple of small children with his demeanour and abrupt manner. If this individual, thinks it is acceptable to address young children in that fashion, perhaps he is in the wrong role - he may be a qualified x, y & z but these are young kids and a softer approach should be taken. The Gent that chairs the battle game was exactly the opposite, he encourages and stimulates all peer groups to get involved in an open plan Bannockburn strategy game. Personally, the gift shop is very good but needs more Scottish produce, I feel that they are missing a trick to both benefit Scottish producers and maximise on a worldwide tourist base that will visit this attraction.

This really doesn't have the substance for a guided tour and for +£30 for two adults and a child for the 3D experience & battle room it isn't great value for money.

The 3D room would be better on a rolling loop with entry without a tour guide tied to a party, though with guides attending the room.

The battle game room really is not interesting unless you are participating. I was going to take part but backed out going in, as the vibe of having to interact with some of my fellow visitors - who I'd just spent the last half hour competing with for a position at the interactive characters- was not good. Sure enough when viewed on, it was tedious and made worse by the fact we were not informed that we could moved out of the room to the final film at any time. Obviously so the show can be sold as X amount of time.



On the plus, the weapons & armour dressing up is fun and all the staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly

Great concept but left disappointed. ..the film's could have been longer.. and the room where you can go round to listen to different characters is rushed with no option to catch up.. the battle strategy 'game ' nice concept but really depends on who is in group.. archery you pay extra for .. the 'dressing up' was fun for kids.. had expected more of a museum or being able to read through information rather than being rushed through 3D experience.. having have previously visited the portacabin visitor centre I had expected more..

after a 14 mile walk with my sister, we popped into the cafe for a cup of tea. Pricey at £2.15 each we both received half a pot of tea and had to go and tell the guy that there wasn't enough water in the pot for a cup of tea . I come from the Bannockburn area and we have loyalty cards which got us a discount but am shocked that the visitors to the cafe should have to put up with this. Also the service was very slow. Disappointed dot com

Waited 30 minutes for the 3D battle with my 7 year old and his pal. Took then to play at the statue at the rear. Not only did the man raise his voice at my son because he was super excited for the battle but after I had built this up to the two boys he gave us a duplicate number going to participate in the battle. Another person got our turn, He ignored us and acknowledged everyone else. My boys had to sit for the whole game not being able to participate. Very disappointed with his whole demeanour . Left two small boys very disappointed

This is the worst historical attraction I have ever visited. Full of 3D gimmicks and absolutely no facts or history. To not even have a proper exhibition about such a famous battle is extremely poor. As for the “battle experience”, could not wait to get out of there. We spent 30 mins sat around in a circle giving out meaningless commands whilst a bloke pointed a stick at some circles on a screen. We “changed history” by recreating a battle - no we didn’t! To top it all off the guy was rude. In summary, the attraction was far too childish for adults and far too complicated for children. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

We timed our visit for the 3.15 on a Saturday afternoon so it wasn't too busy. If you go at peak times I imagine you'd get less out of it. You need time to get the most out of the interactive displays; and although you initially only get 10 mins after the 3D filmed battle, you can go back after the re-enactment for as long as you like and pick up the remaining displays.

The guide was brilliant and really added to the atmosphere in the re-enactment. I was dubious about this segment as the staff don't tell you what's involved (deliberately) but it was not physical and was great fun. Go with an open mind and get involved! We are National Trust members so cost us nothing-result!

We go back time and again, and love it more each time. We enjoy seeing the clothing, armour and weapons in the education room, and enjoy the 3D films and characters. The battle experience is different every time and we always get caught up in the excitement.

Recommended for the whole family, from 5 to 85!

Visited with my husband, who is English and my two children. Very knowledgeable guide. In the battle, my husband and son ended up on the English side and my daughter and I were on the Scottish. Thoroughly enjoyed the 3D exhibition and the battle. Well worth a visit.

Really enjoyed our visit yesterday. The 3d experience was really good fun and full of interesting facts. The battle experience was fascinating, watching how the original battle unfolded on and having it explained so well really brought history to life. Doing our own mock battle was such good fun and a great way to get your head around the different troops and the battlefield. Can't wait to do it again.

Just home from visiting today and would thoroughly recommend it. Every member of staff were really happy and helpful, even when my son tried to make himself a penny and the machine jammed, a member of staff stopped on their way to lunch and pulled the full machine apart so he could finish it. We went into the armour room first to let our son try some things on and he loved it! Getting to play with weapons is always going to get the kids excited though! Afterwards, we headed out to the monument and read the plaques outside I think doing this before the 3d renactment is a good shout because youve already read some things the guide goes over (great for tactical thinking!) The monument itself is lovely and clean and the views gorgeous. The 3d experience itself starts as 2 puppet theatre type videos explaining why each king was fighting after which you are led into a room filled with armour, weapons, tactical information and 4 large 3d screens for walls. You are then talked through some battle scenes, and witness some combat first hand as if you were in the middle of the fighting. Once you have watched the battles, you have 15 minutes to gather as much tactical information as possible...this is VERY important. Id advise you to read as much as you can and revisit the interactive stuff afterwards. When you enter into the 3rd room the battle itself is brilliant and I can imagine it can get pretty tense some days!



The guide was brilliant, funny, informative and really really helpful (it was actually him who had helped my son earlier with his penny). You can tell that the staff enjoy working at the venue, and that they are really passionate about the history surrounding the cite.



A great day out for everyone but id advise you to go in a group to really get that competitiveness inside you going!

I'll be brutally honest: I went in not expecting much. I am not a stranger to battlefields and though I do love history, we all know that battlefields can be a bit boring.



Not this one! Like Culloden, they offer both the English and Scottish viewpoints (which I love). They share this via 2 historical 3D figures, before moving you into a room with a 360° 3D video about the preparations of, and the events leading up to, the battle itself. Once you're done there, you go into a room with an interactive map. Your group is divided into English and Scottish soldiers and you are given control of a division. They then allow you to recreate the battle according to your own strategies. This gets even the most disinterested person into it! (I'd like to point out today that it was my archers that I had moved to the highest ground today that allowed for the English to win this time around!)



The guide who worked with us through the battle strategy game was excellent. He was super knowledgeable and had that biting sense of humor we all know and love Scotland for.



After that, we were able to go into a room with period costumes and dress as knights (including chainmail). The giftshop and the cafe were also very nice.



I'd definitely go back again!

I went with gorebridge primary school and i loved it great tour guide Ross and a fantastic battle guy who had us all inpressed with his booming voice and banter. Came away with loads of information and many facts about� Robert the Bruce and the battle. I will defo be back in the summer with my kids and to try your cafe as the cakes and buns looked yum � and to also see the castle�

Great visit. Knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere. 3D effects are engaging for kids and adults alike.

First class very knowledgeable staff highly recommend the tour and battle room �� brilliantly immersive top class

Fantastic day out for kids. Interactive re enactment of the battle and 3D displays. Our guide was superb and made it really fun. Highly recommend!

Absolutely stunned to see such negative reviews of this fantastic place!

We're just home from a thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially our guide who was informative and funny at the same time, he was a great storyteller! The 3D battle at the end was amazing, really tense!

Can't comment on the cafe as we went into Stirling for lunch but looked clean and bright.

All in all, an amazing day. Thanks so much!

A bit too heavy on shiny new technology; the 3D gadgetry and all that turned me off. But the hands on experience in the room where you could change into chain mails and helmets and stuff was the highlight of my day and the people working at the center are all very nice and dedicated.

Won't be in a hurry to return. Very overpriced for what it was. Feel there's too much technology which teaches you nothing about the battle itself. Personally I don't want to stand in the middle of a battle with arrows /horses , nor did I want to participate in a silly hi-tec battle game which was was dictated by the guide. We had American visitors with us and they said they'd learned nothing. The staff selling tickets gave us no indication of what was ahead of us which I think was wrong. Had we known, we would just have walked up to the statue which we found was accessible without paying an entry fee.

We have visited the "new" visitor centre at Culloden and it's way superior to that at Bannockburn.

Looking at the Bannockburn Experience as a primary teacher, I would not bring a class there as it is totally unsuitable for enhancing their learning.

We had a great time at the experience today, but do feel strongly that it is slightly overpriced for what is actually on offer. Visually the 3d section is spectacular but that's really all there is to get hyped up about. Upon reflection, the attraction could be so much more, if a little more thought was placed into the historical information provided (perhaps). I felt that the guide (during the first part of the 3d tour) was really quite obnoxious to a couple of small children with his demeanour and abrupt manner. If this individual, thinks it is acceptable to address young children in that fashion, perhaps he is in the wrong role - he may be a qualified x, y & z but these are young kids and a softer approach should be taken. The Gent that chairs the battle game was exactly the opposite, he encourages and stimulates all peer groups to get involved in an open plan Bannockburn strategy game. Personally, the gift shop is very good but needs more Scottish produce, I feel that they are missing a trick to both benefit Scottish producers and maximise on a worldwide tourist base that will visit this attraction.

This really doesn't have the substance for a guided tour and for +£30 for two adults and a child for the 3D experience & battle room it isn't great value for money.

The 3D room would be better on a rolling loop with entry without a tour guide tied to a party, though with guides attending the room.

The battle game room really is not interesting unless you are participating. I was going to take part but backed out going in, as the vibe of having to interact with some of my fellow visitors - who I'd just spent the last half hour competing with for a position at the interactive characters- was not good. Sure enough when viewed on, it was tedious and made worse by the fact we were not informed that we could moved out of the room to the final film at any time. Obviously so the show can be sold as X amount of time.



On the plus, the weapons & armour dressing up is fun and all the staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly

Great concept but left disappointed. ..the film's could have been longer.. and the room where you can go round to listen to different characters is rushed with no option to catch up.. the battle strategy 'game ' nice concept but really depends on who is in group.. archery you pay extra for .. the 'dressing up' was fun for kids.. had expected more of a museum or being able to read through information rather than being rushed through 3D experience.. having have previously visited the portacabin visitor centre I had expected more..

after a 14 mile walk with my sister, we popped into the cafe for a cup of tea. Pricey at £2.15 each we both received half a pot of tea and had to go and tell the guy that there wasn't enough water in the pot for a cup of tea . I come from the Bannockburn area and we have loyalty cards which got us a discount but am shocked that the visitors to the cafe should have to put up with this. Also the service was very slow. Disappointed dot com

Waited 30 minutes for the 3D battle with my 7 year old and his pal. Took then to play at the statue at the rear. Not only did the man raise his voice at my son because he was super excited for the battle but after I had built this up to the two boys he gave us a duplicate number going to participate in the battle. Another person got our turn, He ignored us and acknowledged everyone else. My boys had to sit for the whole game not being able to participate. Very disappointed with his whole demeanour . Left two small boys very disappointed

This is the worst historical attraction I have ever visited. Full of 3D gimmicks and absolutely no facts or history. To not even have a proper exhibition about such a famous battle is extremely poor. As for the “battle experience”, could not wait to get out of there. We spent 30 mins sat around in a circle giving out meaningless commands whilst a bloke pointed a stick at some circles on a screen. We “changed history” by recreating a battle - no we didn’t! To top it all off the guy was rude. In summary, the attraction was far too childish for adults and far too complicated for children. Avoid, avoid, avoid.