Falkirk

Travel Guide
Callendar House showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Bring the family to the world’s first rotating boat lift, walk on water and learn the rich history of a 14th-century château.

Falkirk is a small town with an ideal location beside Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Stroll beside the canals of this old-world village and spot châteaus dotted around the picturesque countryside.

Among the town’s highlights is the Falkirk Wheel. Bring the kids to this fascinating site to watch the futuristic boat lift in action.

The children’s zone includes exciting activities such as walking on water inside an inflatable ball. Tour the area in style on a Segway. Rent canoes and electric boats from the visitor center, which has information about the rotating lift. Take the kids to the playground.

Head west along a nature trail to reach nearby Rough Castle. Explore the ruins of this Roman fort dating back to A.D. 143. It is the best preserved of the 19 forts along the Antonine Wall.

Just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north are Bonnybridge Golf Course and Falkirk Golf Club, which have spectacular views of green hills and woods.

Make your way east to the vast Callendar Park to appreciate the wildlife and diverse vegetation. Marvel at the architecture of Callendar House, blending French Renaissance and Georgian styles.

Learn the history of this intriguing town. With its strategic transportation position on the canals, Falkirk became an important industrial town during the 18th and 19th centuries. It specialized in the iron and steel trade.

Winters are fairly mild considering the northern latitude. Enjoy the pleasant summer temperatures with a picnic in this quaint village.

The town is between Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland’s Central Lowlands. Ride a 30-minute train east from the former and west from the nation’s capital to reach it. Other nearby attractions include the towns of Stirling and Dunblane and the villages alongside the picturesque Firth of Forth.

Falkirk retains the treasures of several eras, from ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles to a modern rotating boat lift.

Where to stay in Falkirk

Polmont

Spas and restaurants are notable features of Polmont. You might consider stopping by Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Polmont
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Airth

Get to know Airth by checking out its spas, restaurants and historical sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like The Dunmore Pineapple or Fife Coastal Path during your time in the area.

Airth
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Slamannan

Notable for its restaurants, spas and golf courses, Slamannan is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Falkirk. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Falkirk Wheel or Callendar House.

Slamannan
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Carron

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Carron and surrounding area, you can visit The Kelpies and Falkirk Town Hall.

Carron
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
4 out of 5
1 Morrison Link, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €186 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€186
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12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,562 reviews)
"Property was clean and rooms were spacious and comfortable. Beds were very comfortable although pillows were not (in my opinion, I realize this is subjective). Water pressure was good and hot in the shower but it was not easy getting in and out of the tub the way it was positioned in the room. The ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €256 per night from 9 May to 10 May
€256
per night
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"A gem on Grassmarket! What a beautiful view of the Castle. Superb service. A five star facility for sure!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €222 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€222
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12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
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"The best night’s sleep! Very convenient to everything."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

YOTEL Edinburgh
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Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
4 out of 5
5 DIXON STREET, Glasgow, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
4 out of 5
26 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Native Edinburgh
Native Edinburgh
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74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
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"Native was ideal as was close to transport and everything to do in Edinburgh. Great one bedroom apartment. Staff were great and friendly. Restaurant and shops nearby."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Native Edinburgh
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Reviews of Falkirk

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
6
" "5 - Excellent 17.647058823529413%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 58.8235294117647%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 23.529411764705884%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Sep 2019

The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies are fabulous.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Sep 2019

Seemed a pleasant town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Sep 2019

Falkirk has the jellies and the wheel so interesting Access to Edinburgh

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
22 Aug 2019

Only passed through on our LEJOG cycle so not much to comment on.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Aug 2019

Met many helpful and pleasant people Town unfortunately quite run down spent time in Stirling

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Jul 2019

We have been before and loved the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel. Didnt go on this visit. We went ti Callendar House and Blackness Castle.