Falkirk

Falkirk and the surrounding area is bursting with brilliant contrasts. The area boasts some outstanding attractions, including The Kelpies, The Helix, The Falkirk Wheel, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, the Antonine Wall, and The John Muir Way to name but a few.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out this handy list of itineraries, packed full of ideas for day trips and longer stays in Falkirk and the surrounding area, or download the Falkirk Explored App to discover walking and cycling trails.

Get up-to-date information on things to see and do in the Falkirk area to help you plan your visit.

Modern wonders

The Falkirk Wheel, the world's first and only rotating boat lift is an engineering masterpiece which transports boats 115 ft between the different levels of the Union, and Forth & Clyde canals. You can ride on the wheel, and learn all about it at the visitor centre.

The town is also home to The Helix, a fantastic parkland providing activities such as cycling, walking, watersports and much more. Its star attractions are the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. At 30 metres high and made from 300 tonnes of steel, these incredible horse heads are monumental tributes to the horse power heritage that was vital to the early industries of central Scotland. Not only can you admire these amazing steel sculptures from afar, but visitors can get up close and even inside the structures with a Kelpies Experience Tour.

Historical treasures

Falkirk is alive with history. The Antonine Wall, dating from the second century, marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and now has UNESCO World Heritage status. You can experience life in centuries gone by at the impressive mansion of Callendar House, which stands in the attractive Callendar Park.

The 15th century fortress Blackness Castle made the perfect setting for the film version of Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson, and has recently been used as a location for the hit TV series Outlander. In a real-life tragedy, the army of William Wallace fell to the English under Edward I at Falkirk in 1298 but in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie defeated the Hanoverians in the other battle of Falkirk. For more on the area's connections to the big and little screen, check out Film on Forth.

Travel on a steam train on a seven-mile round trip along the southern shore of the Forth at Bo'ness and Kinneil Steam Railway, which boasts Scotland's largest railway museum. Look out for the unusual Dunmore Pineapple, or catch a film at the art deco Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness, the oldest of its kind in Scotland.

Top facilities and location

The town itself has all the amenities you would expect from a large town, including shops, shopping centres and a large number of award-winning independent boutiques, restaurants, café​​​​​​s and bars, as well as supermarkets and cinema. It also has a number of hidden heritage gems such as the Town Centre Heritage Trail, the Fawkirk with the tomb of Sir John de Graeme, and of course The Steeple located right in the centre of the pedestrianised town centre.

The town is easily accessible by road and rail with frequent services to nearby cities such as Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Find out more about accessible options and facilities in Falkirk area.

Great Outdoors

The Falkirk area is home to some amazing open spaces which makes it the perfect place to enjoy a few days exploring our many outdoor attractions, parks and activities.

With an extensive cycle and path network it is little wonder that the area was voted ‘Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood’ by Ramblers. You will find flat canal side paths, a section of the John Muir Way which takes in some major attractions, a great choice of cycling trails at Callendar Estate and much more.

If you don’t have a bike or haven’t cycled for a while, Falkirk offers several convenient bike hire options: 

• Greenrig Cycles at Callendar Estate: Hire bikes to explore the scenic trails. 

• The Falkirk Wheel: Combine a visit to this engineering marvel with a cycling adventure. 

• Zetland Park: Borrow bikes for free at the Bike Library, perfect for a day of family cycling. 

• Cycling without Age Scotland: piloted trishaw tours are available for people with limited mobility at key locations including The Helix Park, home of the Kelpies and Callendar Park. 

Whisky in Falkirk

Rosebank Distillery, dubbed the ‘King of the Lowlands,’ offers tours to discover the unique whisky-making process behind its legendary flavour, while ​​​Falkirk Distillery is a family business, which started production in 2020 after years of hard work by the Stewart family. They use water from the Artesian well onsite, and offer tours of the distillery by appointment. There is also Blackness Bay Distillery, an independent whisky distillery near the dramatic Blackness Castle. Witness the craftsmanship of whisky and rum production, followed by a delicious, hearty meal at The Lobster Pot.

For more information, visit the VisitFalkirk website.