Stirling Castle, Bannockburn visitors centre and Wallace's Monument are both in Stirling which is an easy 20minute drive away. The Blairdrummond Safari Park is also less than 20minutes away (although the garden bird life and nearby red kites, osprey and curlew may do the trick!) Access to all the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is also within 20-30 minutes drive (the hills can also be seen from the The Cottage windows and garden). Edinburgh and Glasgow can easily be travelled to by train from Stirling or else they're both only a 40-50 minute drive away. There are good local distilleries nearby and many good places to eat both in Kippen and other local villages. Boat trips on both Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine are excellent and there is a wealth of fantastic local history to be absorbed and experienced whilst in the Kippen area. It is said Rob Roy frequented the Kippen pub (The Cross Keys) when he was taking cattle to and from Stirling market. The Life of Brian was filmed partly at nearby Doune Castle and parts of the local area were used for locations for Outlander. If you're keen on hill walking, rambling, mountain biking, road cycling, canoeing, kayaking, open water swimming, fishing and generally being in beautiful outdoors scenery then you will very much be spoilt for choice. Kippen is a beautiful, friendly traditional Scottish village to be based in and the surrounding area has something for everyone.