Falkirk

Travel Guide
Callendar House featuring 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 a stop by Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Polmont
A "Back to the Future" moment.....

Airth

Notable for its spas, restaurants, and historic sites, Airth is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Falkirk. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out The Dunmore Pineapple or Fife Coastal Path.

Airth
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Slamannan

Get to know Slamannan by checking out its restaurants, spas, and golf courses. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Falkirk Wheel or Callendar House during your time in the area.

Slamannan
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Carron

Carron might not have many top sights, but The Kelpies and Falkirk Town Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Carron
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is CA $286 per night from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6
CA $286
CA $343 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,025 reviews)
"Good location for castle and restaurants. Good reception check in and check out (Sara was really nice). Room was clean and comfortable. Restaurant has view of castle, food ok but quality variable. Pool facility good and nice and quiet"

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
4 out of 5
1 Morrison Link, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is CA $229 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $229
CA $275 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,581 reviews)
"Claire at the reception desk was personable, professional and a great ambassador for this hotel. Bravo! The room was a good size, everything was steps away, the restaurant was lovely."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is CA $371 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $371
CA $445 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
"Great location with close proximity to dining, shopping and royal mile. Staff couldn’t have been nicer. Very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
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.
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 (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (524 reviews)
"Amazing location while still maintaining peace for the trip"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
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 (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (536 reviews)
"Great stay, very central location right off the river! Staff were so very friendly!"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Native Edinburgh
Native Edinburgh
4 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (914 reviews)
"Nice but had builders working on scaffolding directly outside our window"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Native Edinburgh
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.

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Cities near Falkirk