Falkirk

Things to do in Falkirk

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Top 10 attractions in Falkirk

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Edinburgh Castle
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Castle

10
4.7/5
2.9k reviews
Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on the volcanic cliffs above the Royal Mile, guarding Scotland for centuries—it once served as a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. Today, you can stand at the exact spot where the One O'Clock Gun fires, stroll through St. Margaret's Chapel, and explore the National War Museum on the west side, which showcases centuries of Scottish military history through uniforms, medals, and weapons, alongside the Crown Jewels displayed beside the Stone of Destiny. The castle esplanade echoes with the sound of bagpipes, the Crown's history predates the Act of Union, and the breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth stretch out before you. This historic British landmark still commands awe from people across the island.Edinburgh · 36.8km from Falkirk
The Kelpies
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Falkirk

The Kelpies

4.5
4.7/5
14 reviews
The Armored Horse is located in Falkirk, Scotland. It is 30 meters high and is the largest horse-shaped sculpture in the world. One of the two silver-steel giant horses raised their heads and the other nodded, which looked very visually striking from a distance. You can take a guided walking tour to discover the story behind it, the creative vision of artist Andy Scott, and the true story of the local working horses. At the end of the formation, you can also feel the amazing steel sculpture design of the giant horse from the inside.Falkirk · 2.6km from downtown
The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel

4.3
The Falkirk Wheel is located near the town of Falkirk in central Scotland and is a rotating boat lift. It is considered a niche attraction, but the wheel itself is quite interesting. Because the Forth and Clyde Canal and The Union Canal meet in Falkirk, and there is a 24m drop between them—as high as an 8-story building—this boat lift was built to solve the navigation challenge for vessels traveling between the two canals. When boats arrive, they ride the giant wheel from low to high, significantly reducing the time it takes for them to pass through. It is now a visitor center where visitors can take a boat and experience what it is like to ride a giant elevator. Additionally, there is a water park here that is very popular with children.Falkirk · 3.6km from downtown
Edinburgh Old Town
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9
4.9/5
132 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.Edinburgh · 37.4km from Falkirk
Palace of Holyroodhouse
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.7
4.7/5
381 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.Edinburgh · 38.4km from Falkirk
Stirling Castle
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Stirling

Stirling Castle

4.6
4.7/5
79 reviews
Stirling Castle is a fortress castle building with cliffs on three sides on the Castle Hill in Stirling, Scotland. Although there have been traces of human activity here as early as prehistoric times, it was not until 1110 when King Alexander I of Scotland built a chapel here that the first official record of an actual building was found here. As for the Stirling Castle seen today, it was almost all in the late 15th century to the end of the 16th century, during the reign of several kings such as James IV, James V and James VI of the Stuart Dynasty. built. Stirling Castle is located on a 77-meter-high cliff in the Old Town of Stirling and was once the palace of the King of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, who played an important role in British history, also lived in this castle. The castle is an iconic building throughout Scotland and even Great Britain. It has witnessed many wars and historical movements in Scottish history. Some people call it "a brooch of Scotland", which fully shows its historical status and importance. Stirling Castle was a very famous royal castle in the 12th century. In the history of Scotland, whether it is stories involving war and peace or stories related to imperial power, many stories are related to this castle. Without this castle, there would not be the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge, which Wallace directed here in 1297. Now, the castle is converted into the Legion Museum.Stirling · 16.8km from Falkirk
Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace

3.5
5.0/5
1 reviews
Linlithgow Palace is strategically located, uniquely built, and has a long history. It was once the palace of Scottish kings, and Mary I, Queen of Scots, was born here.Linlithgow · 11.7km from Falkirk
Calton Hill
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Calton Hill

7.1
4.6/5
516 reviews
Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.Edinburgh · 37.8km from Falkirk
The National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument

4.2
The National Wallace Monument was built in 1869 and is one of Scotland's significant historical landmarks. It stands on a 67m high hilltop outside Stirling, standing as a testament to the Scots' victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Its exterior features a Victorian Gothic style, and from the foot of the monument, you can take in panoramic views of the historic town of Stirling and its surroundings, where many bats and crows often gather.Stirling · 17.3km from Falkirk
Princes Street
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh

Princes Street

6.7
4.8/5
339 reviews
The total length of Princes Street is only 1.5 kilometers. This street divides Edinburgh into two cities, the old and the new, the new city in the north and the old city in the south. The east end of Princes Street is connected to Calton Hill. The hill is not high and overlooks the city.Edinburgh · 36.9km from Falkirk

Experiences you can't miss in Falkirk

Featured Day tours in Falkirk

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1-day tour to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh, UK
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From€108.04
Edinburgh to Inverness: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands
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4.3/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
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From Edinburgh: Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky Tour
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4.8/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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Loch Lomond, Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour
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4.9/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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55 consecutive positive reviews
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West Coast Lochs & Castles Tour - from Glasgow
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Duration: 10 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Falkirk

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Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Whisky & Highlands Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 9.5 hrs
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Gothic Edinburgh: afternoon tea tour of women's stories and hidden history
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Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
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Featured Cultural experiences in Falkirk

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From Glasgow: Stirling Castle, Outlander & Loch Lomond
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4.7/5
· 47 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
91.5% of travelers recommend
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From Edinburgh: 1-Day Outlander Experience with Attractions
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4.9/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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From Glasgow: The Kelpies, St Andrews and Fife Adventure
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4.6/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Day Trip
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4.8/5
· 43 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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95.3% of travelers recommend
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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free
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4.4/5
· 1.1k reviews· 54 booked
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1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip
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113 booked
Duration: 2.9 hrs
English
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From€83.25
The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 23 booked
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Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 26 booked
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Featured City sightseeing in Falkirk

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From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
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Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
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4.4/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus in the United Kingdom
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews· 912 booked
English
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Glasgow City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus
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3.7/5
· 3 reviews· 369 booked
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Free things to do in Falkirk

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What travellers say about Falkirk

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M54***718 October 2026
5.0
The magnificent castle embodies the history, culture, and glory of Scotland. The visitor pathways and signage were well-organized, and there was even an audio guide in Mandarin, which allowed tourists like us who don't speak English to gain a deeper understanding of the castle. The staff at the visitor center were warm and attentive, and the police officers in the square outside the castle were friendly and responsible, helping me find my lost wife.

Edinburgh Castle

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_TS***i819 June 2022
5.0
what can I say, impressive is an understatement and definitely worth a visit to see the shear size of these Celtic Clyde's- my husband is in this picture for a comparison of the size (and he's not vertically challenged like myself !)

The Kelpies

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M Ahem3 May 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!

Edinburgh Old Town

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Anonymous user24 September 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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werduy19 January 2025
5.0
This is a great historical location. Of course I am into the ruins and all that entails, but regardless fun! Kissing the stone does require you to hang update down over the castle wall but it iscompletely safe. The grounda are beautiful andpeaceful. We came on a rainy day so crowds may have been smaller due to that. Be sure to plan for a few hours to see as much as possible. Easily 4 or more.

Stirling Castle

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clorofila14 April 2025
5.0
amazing place by a lake. you can easily spend 4 hours in Linlithgow and enjoy the views and cozy Village.

Linlithgow Palace

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苏河家园14 July 2025
5.0
卡尔顿山是爱丁堡标志性景点,其以新古典主义建筑群、360度城市全景和丰富的文化活动而闻名。设计灵感以雅典帕特农神庙为蓝本,山顶上希腊式立柱恢宏雄伟,像一座被时光凝固的神庙骨架,静静守护着爱丁堡。‌

Calton Hill

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樂悠遊11 May 2022
5.0
Princes Street in Edinburgh is the main avenue that separates the old and new cities. Walking on this street, you can not only enjoy the pleasant gardens and the magnificent castle, but also enjoy shopping😁😁

Princes Street

Popular cities near Falkirk

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Falkirk?

Don't miss these attractions in Falkirk: Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies, and The Falkirk Wheel. If you like Day tours, try 1-day tour to St Andrews, Falkland & The Kelpies | Kingdom of Fife | Comfortable minibus. If you enjoy Food & drink, try From Edinburgh: Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky Tour.

You can give From Edinburgh: Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky Tour and Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Whisky & Highlands Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to St Andrews, Falkland & The Kelpies | Kingdom of Fife | Comfortable minibus, 1-day tour to Loch Lomond + Stirling Castle + The Kelpies | Comfortable minibus with admission tickets included, and 1-day tour to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh, UK. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 17 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Falkirk is around EUR 54.58 – EUR 672.85. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

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