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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Black Loch or Falkirk Wheel.

Slamannan
Default Image

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
Metro Inns Falkirk

Metro Inns Falkirk

2.5 out of 5
Bean Cross Farm Polmont, Falkirk, Scotland
Stay at this hotel in Falkirk. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in their ...
5.8/10 (696 reviews)
Metro Inns Adventure
"Due to my mistake when booking, we had not realized that all rooms weren't en-suite. This is aajor factor for us as my husband is disabled. The receptionist on duty 6/8/25 around 14:30, was so helpful and managed to get us sorted. The rooms were lovely and clean as were towels and bedding."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Metro Inns Falkirk
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

4 out of 5
132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundable
The price is ฿4,077 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,077
฿4,892 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Good
"Front desk guys were very welcoming , friendly and helpful! The staff in charge of the kitchen not so kind , they were somehow rude to help when asked a question During breakfast time . Good location. Not so close by foot to the city center, but easy access by buss which stop it right outside the ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
The Social Hub Glasgow

The Social Hub Glasgow

4 out of 5
15 Candleriggs, Glasgow, Scotland
The price is ฿3,022 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿3,022
฿3,627 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (969 reviews)
"This was one of our favourite places to stay and it was too bad it was only one night. Such a central location and really great social hang out areas. The room was well organized and everything was very clean. Close to everything we wanted to see and I would highly recommend staying here again"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

The Social Hub Glasgow
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! (2,217 reviews)
"Very central location."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court

PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court

4 out of 5
121 Grove St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (387 reviews)
"Pros: Generous living spaces (sofa, dining, kitchen, w/d, d/w), Basic nespresso in room but only provided with 4 pods, and sophisticated coffee/beverage maker in lobby also). Two bedrooms. Tesco supermarket about 2 blocks away. Cons: Occasional awkward to navigate bedrooms as one had no closet (has ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court
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! (962 reviews)
"A little pricey but it’s right behind the castle and close to many dining options and easy walk to attractions."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 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

Things to do

Cities near Falkirk