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Known for its rich history, Falkirk, in the heart of Scotland, is a unique blend of history and present-day charm. Things to do in Falkirk include visiting Roman ruins and grand mansions, or seeing world engineering wonders. Whether it is the towering steely giants called The Kelpies or the ingenious rotating structure that is the Falkirk Wheel, the places here promise to create lasting memories. Walking through parks and alongside canals would be a treat for nature enthusiasts, while museums, galleries, and theatres await the culturalists. For those looking for variety, Falkirk promises both the old and the new in every visit.
10 Things To Do In Falkirk
From Roman ruins to modern marvels, these things to do in Falkirk offer canals, castles, and culture—something memorable for every type of traveller.
1. Marvel At The Kelpies
Photo: Steven Straiton / Wikimedia Commons
The Kelpies form one of the most famous attractions in Falkirk, as they measure 30 metres tall and rest within the park, The Helix. The sculptors of these colossal horse-heads were built by an artist known as Andy Scott and represent the strength and the spirit of the working horses of Scotland. They are a wonderful celebration of the maritime and industrial past of the region. This is not the kind of place you come to look at the sculptures; you can explore the buildings in a guided tour, you can go and walk on the beautiful canal paths, you can come and enjoy the facilities at the Helix, which is a family outing place.
Location: The Helix Park, Falkirk
Highlights: 30-metre steel horse sculptures, guided tours
2. Take A Ride On The Falkirk Wheel
Photo: Sean Mack / Wikimedia Commons
The Falkirk Wheel is an internationally renowned rotating boat lift and an architectural success in contemporary engineering. It joins the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal, and removes a group of 11 locks with a beautiful and efficient structure which lifts boats 35 metres. The visitors can go on a boat ride, as it is a unique and adventurous experience, as well as being educational. The visitor centre offers attractive displays, a canal-side cafe and children’s activities. The building is not only very useful but also architecturally amazing, which is why it is surely one of the most interesting things you can do in Falkirk.
Location: Lime Road, Falkirk
Highlights: Rotating boat lift, boat trips, visitor centre
3. Explore Callendar House
Photo: Bewahrerderwerte / Wikimedia Commons
Callendar House is a 14th-century mansion located in the green park surroundings of Callendar Park. An inhabited house of the chateau-style, all made from a mixture of stone and stucco, this building dates back to the time when Mary, Queen of Scots, was a guest. There is also the Park Gallery featuring contemporary Scottish art and a delightful tearoom as a treat in the middle of the visit. The surrounding park is landscaped and ideal for a stroll, with old trees, a loch and a children’s playground.
Location: Callendar Park, Falkirk
Highlights: Georgian kitchen, exhibitions, art gallery
4. Walk The John Muir Way
Photo: M J Richardson / Wikimedia Commons
John Muir Way is one of the Great Trails in Scotland, covering 134 miles between Helensburgh and Dunbar. The Falkirk branch is one of the most scenic and accessible branches of the route, which zigzags through the woodlands, historic places, canal ways and open fields. Hikers and cyclists could observe beautiful scenery in the Forth Valley, see local animals and even visit some sights, such as the Falkirk Wheel or the ruins of the Antonine Wall. A walk over the John Muir Way is one of the best activities that anyone can get involved with in Falkirk.
Location: Falkirk
Highlights: Forest paths, canal trails, wildlife
5. Visit The Antonine Wall
Photo: Gunther Tschuch / Wikimedia Commons
The Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Built in 142 AD under Emperor Antoninus Pius, this turf fortification once stretched across central Scotland. Some of the best-preserved remains are at Falkirk, especially at Rough Castle Fort. Surrounded by peaceful trees and green fields, the site offers a serene spot for a calm stroll infused with rich history. Visiting Rough Castle is one of the top things to see in Falkirk, providing a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Location: Rough Castle Fort, Falkirk
Highlights: Roman ramparts, ditches, signage
6. Wander Around Falkirk Town Centre
Photo: Drkirstyross / Wikimedia Commons
Falkirk Town Centre is a small piece of paradise, combining both the ancient and the modern, featuring an environment which lets you put the pace of life aside and just go around, shop, and enjoy the local way of life. At a central position at the site is the traditional Steeple, an impressive tower built in the 1800s and which used to be a prison and is a proud installation today. The streets are filled with independent boutiques, second-hand bookshops, and cosy cafes, offering plenty to browse and take a break.
Location: Falkirk High Street and surrounding area
Highlights: The Steeple, cafés, shops, street life
7. Discover Muiravonside Country Park
Photo: Mike Smith / Wikimedia Commons
The 170-acre Muiravonside Country Park is a forest, meadow and woodland oasis along the river with open fields, and just outside Falkirk, a place to unwind. It is among the best destinations where one can avoid the noise of the city and remain close to nature. There are well-marked trails, which show you the beautiful views with glimpses of the Avon River, and the park has wildlife all year round. The most impressive feature is Newparks Farm, a working demonstration farm where kids will find animal livestock such as sheep, pigs, ponies, and chickens. It also has a playground, picnic facilities and events through the seasons appropriate to the family.
Location: Near Linlithgow Bridge, Falkirk area
Highlights: Farm animals, walking trails, picnic spots
8. Cruise The Union Canal
Photo: Rosser1954 / Wikimedia Commons
Falkirk can also be explored in one of the most relaxing and scenic routes possible through the Union Canal. The cruise goes through peaceful countryside, stone aqueducts and wooded areas, and there is a chance of spotting the occasional swans, herons and other local wildlife. Most cruises start close to the Falkirk Wheel, hence you can even take both experiences. A canal tour is one of the unforgettable things to do in Falkirk, as it suggests slow-paced sightseeing and nice views.
Location: Departures near Falkirk Wheel
Highlights: Canal views, aqueducts, tunnel passage
9. Admire Art At The Park Gallery
Photo: Ryan Hovatter / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Park Gallery, burrowed within the historic Callendar House, is the contemporary art gallery of Falkirk and features a revolving programme of exhibitions of works by young and established Scottish artists. It is an intimate but vibrant venue for viewing with exhibits of painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media being brought out. The uniqueness of the gallery is its emphasis on local voices and the local community, which culminates in the fact that most of the exhibitions deal with some issues of the heritage, cultural and environmental aspects of Scotland. One of the more structured cultural experiences travellers can do in Falkirk.
Location: Inside Callendar House, Falkirk
Highlights: Scottish contemporary art, rotating exhibitions
10. Attend A Show At The FTH Theatre
Photo: Library of Congress / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Falkirk Town Hall Theatre (FTH Theatre) is the centre of cultural life in Falkirk. Whether a dramatic play or a concert of music, stand-up comedy, dance shows or family pantomimes, one can find what he or she likes. The new and friendly venue of the theatre provides the audience with an amazing viewing experience, which includes good acoustics and seating. One of the best things that you can do in Falkirk in the evening hours is to watch a live show at FTH.
Location: West Bridge Street, Falkirk
Highlights: Theatre, comedy, music, live events
With giant sculptures and century-old Roman walls, canals and animated theatres, the multiplicity of things to do in Falkirk makes it an outstanding location in central Scotland. History buffs, nature lovers, contemporary culture enthusiasts or any other type of travellers can find a lot of unforgettable experiences in Falkirk. Home to family-friendly attractions, quiet walking routes and world-famous landmarks, something new is bound to be found. Start planning your Falkirk trip now with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Francois Matthysen / Pexels
