Falkirk Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Callendar House featuring a castle and heritage elements
Callendar House showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Callendar House which includes a garden
Callendar House showing heritage elements and château or palace
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 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 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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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 Helix Park.

Carron
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is NZ$215 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$215
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,595 reviews)
"We know and like the area and chose it for that reason"

Reviewed on 6 Feb. 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is NZ$140 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$140
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,221 reviews)
"Close to the main city"

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
3 out of 5
69 Belford Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is NZ$92 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
NZ$92
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
Stay at this hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in our ...
5.8/10 (1,129 reviews)
"The staff were lovely the rooms were lovely and clean comfortable sleep id definitely recommend this one and affordable will return nice :)"

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

Britannia Hotel 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.
Carmel Apartments Residence
Carmel Apartments Residence
4 out of 5
Main Office, Thornhill Road, Falkirk, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Falkirk. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Falkirk Wheel and Antonine Roman Wall are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Family stay for two nights
"Two night stay visiting family. All good in the apartment, nice and warm, very comfy beds with nice heavy bedding. TV and WiFi were excellent. Coffee and tea were spot on too. Second time staying and will continue to use in the future."

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2024

Carmel Apartments Residence
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
3.5 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,919 reviews)
"Great location with helpful reception staff. Enjoyed kitchen facilities"

Reviewed on 30 Jan. 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Cheval Old Town Chambers
5 out of 5
Royal Mile, 329 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,943 reviews)
"Every was just great food room and location was just perfect"

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2025

Cheval Old Town Chambers
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