Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel which includes interior views and boating as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel featuring signage


Admire the futuristic style of the world’s first rotating boat lift and watch it in action as it plucks vessels from a quaint canal.

The Falkirk Wheel is an impressive structure of space-age design that connects canals. The rotating boat lift is a marvel of modern engineering, raising vessels by 79 feet (24 meters) from the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Take a short boat trip and get lifted into the air with panoramic views of the picturesque Falkirk countryside.

From the peak of the wheel, snap photos of the canals and fields of the Central Lowlands of Scotland. Enter the visitor center on the eastern side of the lift to learn about the lift mechanism and take part in family activities.

Walk on water inside an inflatable ball and rent a Segway for a tour around the site. Bring the kids to the playground and small water park. Bikes, electric boats and canoes are available to rent at the visitor center. Hike through the scenic meadows and forests via one of the circular and linear paths.

Gaze up at the imposing structure, which consists of concrete rings and bending arms. Learn about the intricate system that is one of the few working boat lifts in the United Kingdom. Once raised to the aqueduct at the top of the wheel, boats must pass through another series of lifts to reach the Union Canal.

The wheel opened in 2002, connecting the two canals for the first time since the 1930s. Learn about the initial mechanism, which comprised 11 locks and took almost an entire day to complete passage. It now takes about 1 hour. Pay a fee for a boat trip, with discounts for kids.

The visitor center opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Plan your trip before or after the annual maintenance closure from mid-January until early February.

Find the Falkirk Wheel in the Forth and Clyde Canal west of the city. Take a bus from the center of Falkirk to the boat lift in less than 30 minutes. Camelon Railway Station is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) walk northeast from the site. Use the parking lot with a small fee, a 5-minute walk from the lift.

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Things to do near Falkirk Wheel

At Falkirk Wheel, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exhilarating animal encounters and thrilling adventures at local parks. Boating on the scenic waterways offers a unique perspective of the iconic wheel, while nearby golf courses provide a relaxing challenge for enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking leisure or excitement, Falkirk Wheel has something to make your visit memorable.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Livingston Designer Outlet, 24.1km away, for a range of designer shops and entertainment. Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, 22.5km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience, while The Italian Centre, 20.9km away, boasts a delightful mix of shops and eateries.

Recreation

Explore Helix Park for a tranquil stroll amidst nature, perfect for unwinding. For golf enthusiasts, Falkirk Golf Club offers a scenic course to enjoy outdoor activities. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa, where relaxation awaits for a truly restorative experience.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Falkirk Wheel, explore the Fife Coastal Path, a scenic hiking trail 11.3km away. Engage in thrilling motor racing at Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 25.7km away, or enjoy high-energy fun at Delta Force Paintball Edinburgh, situated 17.7km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Falkirk Wheel with a visit to Monster Mania for some thrilling arcade fun, or catch a film at Cineworld Falkirk for a romantic evening. For a touch of culture, enjoy a performance at Cumbernauld Theatre, perfect for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk Wheel offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore nearby castles, ruins, and historic palaces, perfect for those seeking romance and history. Whether you're interested in leisurely strolls through scenic landscapes or immersing yourself in local heritage, Falkirk Wheel and its surroundings provide a variety of attractions to satisfy every traveller's curiosity.

  • The Kelpies: These stunning 30-metre-high horse head sculptures embody Scotland's rich mythology and industrial heritage. Located just 6.4km from the Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies offer an enchanting experience, especially when illuminated at night.
  • Stirling Castle: Situated 16.1km away, this historic fortress is steeped in romance and culture. Explore its magnificent architecture, royal apartments, and breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect day out.
  • Callendar House: Just 4.8km from the Falkirk Wheel, this magnificent historic house is set within a beautiful park. With its fascinating exhibits, it tells the story of Falkirk's history and offers a glimpse into the past.

Best time to go to Falkirk Wheel

The best time to visit Falkirk Wheel is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Falkirk Wheel

To save money on your trip to the Falkirk Wheel, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January and October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield the best rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and use public transport to keep costs down. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can further enhance your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Falkirk Wheel are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Falkirk Wheel about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Falkirk Wheel is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Falkirk Wheel is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Falkirk Wheel with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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