Forth Valley

Across the Forth Valley you’ll discover landscapes that charmed Scotland's royal dynasties for centuries. The legacy of historic battles at places like Stirling Castle and Bannockburn is thoughtfully honoured with visitor centres and monuments. You can marvel at modern landmarks like The Kelpies, or explore charming villages, farm shops and rural communities. Covering part of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the Forth Valley is also famous for its glittering lochs, rolling hills and lush countryside.  

Here lies our land: every airt 
Beneath swift clouds, glad glints of sun, 
Belonging to none but itself. 

Kathleen Jamie, Scottish poet, from Here lies our land

From iconic castles to industrial masterpieces, the Forth Valley is home to some thrilling landscapes and attractions. 

Stirling Castle

Pay a visit to one of Scotland’s grandest structures. Stirling Castle was a favoured royal residence and the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Touring the area? Stop by the nearby National Wallace Monument too. 

Visit Stirling Castle 

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Scotland’s first National Park is home to miles of spectacular walking, cycling and wild landscapes. Soak up some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  

Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

The Falkirk Wheel

The world’s only rotating boat lift, connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal through an ingenious feat of engineering. A must-see! 

Admire the Falkirk Wheel  

The National Wallace Monument

High above the city, the striking stone tower of the National Wallace Monument offers sweeping views across the Forth Valley and a chance to explore the story of Scotland's national hero, William Wallace.

Climb the National Wallace Monument

The Helix

Follow the winding paths beside the Forth & Clyde Canal and marvel at the towering Kelpies at Helix Park, where Scotland's mythical horses rise dramatically above the shimmering waters. 

Plan a day out at Helix Park

Immerse yourself in peaceful glens, bustling market towns and attractions you’ll never forget.  

Stirling

Step back in time on the streets of Stirling, home to the iconic Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Explore the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, walk through King's Park or visit nearby attractions including the poignant Battle of Bannockburn Experience (visitor centre currently closed for refurbishment, grounds open). Leave the city's bustle behind and head out to Gartmorn Dam, where woodland trails and shimmering water offer a peaceful escape into nature.

More about Stirling 

Callander

Sometimes called the ‘gateway to the Highlands’, Callander sits on the edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Follow riverside walks along the River Teith, browse independent shops on the lively main street or venture into the surrounding countryside for cycling, hiking and wildlife spotting. Popular nearby attractions include Bracklinn Falls and Ben Ledi. 

Visit Callander 

Dollar

Nestled at the foot of the Ochil Hills, the small town of Dollar is as pretty as a picture. Walk through the woodland paths of Dollar Glen winding beneath towering cliffs to visit the dramatic ruins of Castle Campbell, once home to the powerful Clan Campbell. Afterwards, look out for Dollar’s cool independent shops and cafés for a relaxing pitstop. Just outside the town, the Japanese Garden at Cowden offers a different kind of tranquillity, with still ponds, graceful bridges and traditional Japanese planting, from vibrant maples to sculptured shrubs of all shapes and colours. For another delightful stop, visit Solsgirth Home Farm, where you can go on a lambing tour, join hands-on experiences and generally slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of rural life.

Plan your trip to Dollar Glen

Falkirk

Discover one of Scotland's most remarkable engineering and cultural destinations. Visit the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures, and experience the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift. Explore miles of canal-side paths, enjoy family-friendly attractions at Helix Park, and uncover Roman history along the nearby Antonine Wall. Step back in time at Callendar House, a magnificent historic mansion set within Callendar Park, where you can admire its elegant interiors, or join a guided tour at Rosebank Distillery and explore the art of Lowland whisky-making, as the pleasant aroma of malted barley fills the air. For a memorable adventure, take a trip to the nearby Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, a heritage steam railway offering train journeys through the beautiful Forth Valley countryside. Or explore the imposing fortress of Blackness Castle, sitting on the shore of the Firth of Forth, where you can climb the battlements and take in stunning views across the water. 

Explore Falkirk