Phone code: +44 (0)1786

Seven miles northwest of Stirling is the quiet village of Doune, which is worth visiting for its well-preserved late-14th-century courtyard castle, overlooking the River Teith. Built for the Regent Albany, it passed into the hands of the Earls of Moray (who still live there) following the execution of the Albany family by James I. Its most striking feature is the combination of tower, gatehouse and domestic quarters, which includes the Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen and musicians' gallery. Apr-Sep daily 0930-1830; Oct-Mar Mon, Wed and Sat 0930-1630, Thu 0930-1230, Fri and Sun 1400-1630. Tel. 841742.

A few miles south of Doune, off the A84 to Stirling, is the Blair Drummond Safari Park, Scotland's only wildlife park, with lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and various other exotic animals. There's a safari bus for those without their own transport. There are also sea lion shows and numerous other kids' activities. Mar to early Oct daily 1000-1730, last admission 1630. Tel. 841203.

[b]Transport[/b]
There are regular buses to Doune from Stirling, via Blair Drummond.