Falkirk Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Callendar House which includes heritage elements and château or palace
Callendar House showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Callendar House which includes a garden
Callendar House featuring a castle and heritage elements
Falkirk
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 GlasgowOpens in a new window, EdinburghOpens in a new window 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 WheelOpens in a new window. 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 centre, 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 kilometres) 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 HouseOpens in a new window, 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 StirlingOpens in a new window and DunblaneOpens in a new window 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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Carron

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

Carron
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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
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹16,964 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹16,964
₹20,356 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,811 reviews)
"Super location, Grassmarket with plenty of restaurants and pubs, close to Royal Mile and view of the castle"

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹16,964 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹16,964
₹20,356 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,628 reviews)
"The breakfasts were amazing , as were the staff, nothing was too much trouble for them, they were very pleasant at all times... I was pleased with my room : the bathroom had a shower & a bath which I used to relax in the evening after a long day walking around Edinburgh, seeing all the wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹12,320 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹12,320
₹14,784 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,437 reviews)
"The accommodations were adequate, clean and the staff very helpful and welcoming."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,016 reviews)
"The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. I was given early check in at no extra cost. The location is 10/10. Breakfast was lovely. The gym is basic but does the job for a short stay. I had a very pleasant experience and would definitely return."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (955 reviews)
"Good location, facilities. Clean , modern. Front end staff are excellent with customer service. Courteous and helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (810 reviews)
"Lovely place to stay. The staff were very pleasant and helpful! Would stay again. 5 stars."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Falkirk

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 18%
4 - Good
20
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies are fabulous.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seemed a pleasant town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Falkirk