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? Why not check out this handy interactive map, 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.
For an up to date list of what is open in the Falkirk area please see here.
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.
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 collection of railway artefacts. 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, award-winning boutiques, restaurants, supermarkets and cinema. The town is easily accessible by road and rail with frequent services to nearby cities such as Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
For more information, visit the VisitFalkirk website.
