NTS Places to visit - Bannockburn

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BannockburnBattlefield

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Learn about this property
Bannockburn is the battlefield site where the fate of the nation of Scotland was decided. Here, on 23 and 24 June 1314, Robert the Bruce gathered his men to take on the professional army of King Edward II of England. Despite facing a greater number of troops, Bruce's men routed the English forces – a victory that meant freedom for Scotland from oppressive English rule.

The Battle of Bannockburn was one of the greatest and most important pitched battles ever fought in the British Isles. A turning point in the history of both Scotland and England, the battle had very significant medium- and long-term effects.

Bannockburn was the key battle in what are now known as the Scottish Wars of Independence: battles fought by the Scots against successive acquisitive English kings and between rival claimants for the kingship of Scotland.

Bannockburn is arguably the most famous battle to be fought and won by the Scots in Scotland, but it is widely acknowledged to be more than that— its name resonates in the Scottish psyche with ideas of freedom, independence, patriotism, heroism, perseverance, and triumph against overwhelming odds.

Bannockburn has long been at the core of the Scottish national identity and is reflected in many works of art and literature, such as Robert Burns’s ‘Scots Wha Hae’ or the more recent ‘Flower of Scotland’ by Roy Williamson of the Corries.

Did you know?

Edward's troops marched for 6 days to get to Bannockburn

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Opening times

Bannockburn

Site: all year, daily until dusk. (car park closed December and January).

The Heritage Centre has closed to make way for a state-of-the-art visitor experience opening in 2014. A temporary information unit is on site.

Access to the site may be restricted at times, please check the website before visiting.

NTS and HS are leading a unique project to revitalise the visitor experience and mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Plans for activities and events are underway.

The official opening of the new centre will be 24 June 2014.

Tel. 0844 493 2139

Click here to see admission prices