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Falkirk

Falkirk which is traditionally a livestock centre, is sited on the M9 motorway and has a rich history weaving around the place which traces its way back to the remains of Roman Antonine Wall.

Falkirk also witnessed two major battles, in 1928 when William Wallace'sarmy  was defeated by the English under Edward 1 and the next one in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie's disintegrating force, retreating northwards, sent the Hanoverians packing in one of its last victories.

Stretching southeast from Stirling along the Firth of Forth is an area noted more for its industry than its scenic beauty, though there are one or two interesting historical sights, most notably Linlithgow Palace.

Phone code: +44 (0)1324

Falkirk is a historic town in Central Scotland. This town is bounded by famous cities Edinburgh and Glasgow towards the north-west and north-east direction respectively. Owing to its central location the town of Falkirk is the hub of major motorways and railways and is within driving distance from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Right from the Roman period the town played a crucial role in the history of Scotland, the Antonine Wall built between the Firths of Clyde and Forth is a very good example for this. It is one of the best places in the country to witness the most visible remains of Roman occupation in Scotland.

About Falkirk

The Falkirk provided the base for two historically significant battles. The first battle took place in 1298 when the army of King Edward I defeated William Wallace converting Scotland under English rule until Robert the Bruce took back control in 1346. The second battle took place in 1746 when the Jacobites led by Bonnie Prince Charlie stormed Stirling Castle. Researchers believe that the name of this town originated from the church named Faw-kirk, which was built in medieval period. The people of that area built houses around the church, which soon developed into a town and by 1550 Falkirk was well identified as a market town.

Other than historical landmarks and shopping centres Falkirk with its variety of landscapes offers excellent scope for an extensive outdoor activity. The verdant country side and modern townships perfectly blend together to make the town a perfect holiday destination

Eating Out

Other than enjoying the time shopping the tourist can also enjoy the variety of dishes offered by the finest restaurant and eateries spread across the region. During the International Food Festival conducted in July the restaurants in the town will show off their finest dishes.

Shopping

Falkirk is one of the prominent shopping destinations in Central Scotland with its array of speciality stores, many branded shops in the Mall and Callander Square located on the High Street.

Region

Stirling & Trossachs

Travel Directions to Falkirk

There are regular trains from Stirling, Perth, Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh to Falkirk Grahamston station, which is a 5-min walk from the TIC. Falkirk's centrally located bus station is at Callandar Rigs.

Activities

Local Sights & Activities for Falkirk

Falkirk is the main town between Stirling and Edinburgh, and a busy shopping centre. Falkirk is at the confluence of the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal, and southwest of the town centre is Scotland's newest engineering achievement, The Falkirk Wheel. Having opened in spring 2002 this huge steel structure is the world's first rotating boat lift – it basically transfers boats from one canal to another. And in case you want to know more background information about the project, you can find a visitor centre right underneath the wheel (daily 9.30am-6pm). You can also purchase tickets for a boat trip here (daily:April-Oct every 30 mins 9.30am-4.30pm; Nov-March hourly 10am-3pm; £ 8). The boat trip is not really necessary if all you would like to see is the wheel in action. This is best done by walking around the basin. From lock 16  on the Forth and Clyde Canal, about halfway between the Falkirk Wheel and the centre of Falkirk, the Bonny Barge offers cruises. (0772/086 6397 from £14).

Falkirk's main attraction is Callendar House, a huge turreted mansion extensively altered over the years but thought to date originally from the 14th century. It has several interpretative rooms bringing to love trades of the early 19th century, and is well worth a visit if only for its excellent working Georgian kitchens. Mon-Sat 1000-1700 all year, Apr-Sep also Sun 1400-1700. Tel. 503770.

North of Falkirk, near Airth, on the B9124, is The Pineapple, one of the most bizarre buildings in Scotland. This 45 ft-high pineapple was built in 1761 as a garden folly for the fourth Earl of Dunmore. It is now owned by the NTS. All year daily from 0930 till sunset.

There are three famous museums named Callander House, Kinneil Museum and Grangemouth Museum, which are operated by the Falkirk Museum Service displaying the rare collections that give a clear picture about the history of Falkirk. The Callander House exhibits a living history production entitled "William Forbes's Falkirk" which attracts huge number of visitors for its wide collection ranges from the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie to the dawn of the railway. There is a wide collection of Roman coins at the Kinneil Museum and the visitors can gain knowledge about the early planned towns in Scotland at the Grangemouth museum.

The Callander Park and the Dollar Park situated in the town provides an excellent opportunity for the family tourists to enjoy their time out in the fresh air. There are many activities available for the children including a Bouncy Castle and Crazy Golf. The prominent among the historic sites available in Falkirk are the remains of the rampart and ditch of the Roman built Antonine's Wall as their northern boundary of their empire.

Local Visitor Attractions

  • The Helix

    Family visitor attraction with walks near Falkirk that combine the interchange of canals between and East and West Scotland. Kids activity areas as well as walks, cycling and daily events.

Falkirk Hotels & Accommodation

Falkirk is the main town between Stirling and Edinburgh, and a busy shopping centre. To cater to the raising needs of accommodation facilities, the Hotels In Falkirk offers a variety of accommodation options, which includes hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast that makes this town a best place to enjoy a perfect family holiday.

Close to Callander House is the excellent Hotel Cladhan - highly rated by some who've stayed before.Late Rooms Availability for Hotel Cladhan in Falkirk

There's other Accommodation in Falkirk, details of which can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, 2-4 Glebe Street, Tel. 620244. It's open April to May daily 0930-1700, June to October daily 0930-1800, and August daily 0930-1900 (hours subject to change).

Falkirk Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering

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