Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel showing boating and interior views as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel which includes 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 metres) 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 centre 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 centre. 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 centre 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 centre of Falkirk to the boat lift in less than 30 minutes. Camelon Railway Station is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometre) 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 relaxing spa treatments, challenging rounds of golf, and delightful boating experiences. The stunning scenery surrounding the Wheel enhances these activities, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to unwind or engage in some outdoor fun, Falkirk Wheel offers something for everyone.

Shopping

In Falkirk Wheel, you can enjoy local shops and boutiques. For a larger shopping experience, if you're up for a drive, visit the Livingston Designer Outlet, 9.3km away, or Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, 8.7km away, both offering a range of brands and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Helix Park, unwind amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation. For golf enthusiasts, Falkirk Golf Club offers a refreshing outdoor experience. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa, where luxurious pampering awaits just a short drive from the Falkirk Wheel.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 9.9km from Falkirk Wheel, where adrenaline meets speed. For a unique adventure, try Delta Force Paintball Edinburgh, situated 6.8km away, or test your climbing skills at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, 11.2km distant.

Nightlife

In Falkirk Wheel, Monster Mania offers a lively arcade adventure just 1.9km away, perfect for families. Cumbernauld Theatre, located 3.7km away, showcases culture and romance. Adventure Planet, 6.2km distant, provides another thrilling arcade experience for all ages, ensuring a memorable night out.

Find the best attractions near Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel offers a unique blend of attractions, including historic castles and ruins, ideal for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the iconic Falkirk Wheel itself, a marvel of engineering, while also enjoying romantic strolls in the surrounding areas. Whether you're interested in history or simply want to take in the scenic views, Falkirk has plenty to offer for an enriching holiday experience.

  • The Kelpies: Marvel at the stunning 30-metre high horse-head sculptures that celebrate Scotland's industrial heritage. Located just 2.5km from the Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies offer a unique cultural experience, especially when illuminated at night.
  • Stirling Castle: Explore one of Scotland's grandest castles, situated 6.2km away. Stirling Castle boasts rich history and romantic views, making it a perfect spot for soaking in the dramatic landscapes and discovering royal stories.
  • Callendar House: Just 1.9km from the Falkirk Wheel, this historic house features beautiful gardens and exhibitions that reflect Falkirk's cultural heritage, providing an intimate glimpse into the past.

Best time to go to Falkirk Wheel

The best time to visit Falkirk Wheel can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Falkirk Wheel falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Falkirk Wheel falls in January, 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 CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Falkirk Wheel

To save money during your visit to the Falkirk Wheel, consider travelling in January or October to November when accommodation rates are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better prices, while last-minute deals on sites like Expedia can also provide discounts. Aim to stay on a Monday for the cheapest rates, and utilise the price filter on Expedia to find the best offers. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings, and take advantage of public transport to explore the area affordably.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Falkirk Wheel is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Falkirk Wheel with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.