7 reasons you should take your family to Falkirk

Hands up last time you took the kids to Falkirk? If you never have – shameful! – or it’s been a wee while, I suggest you hop on public transport to this supremely well connected town for a brilliant family day out. Even better, stay longer and really get stuck in. Trust me, your wee ones will thank you for it with myriad things to see and do, including some of Scotland’s top family-friendly attractions. We’re talking glorious Callendar House and the wonderful park that sweeps around it, those deeply dramatic Kelpies with The Helix parkland opening all around, backed up by the likes of the Falkirk Wheel and the rich legacy of the Romans. What are you waiting for?

1. The Kelpies!

Every time we pass them on the M9 motorway my kids always scream, “The Kelpies!”. These wonderful and wonderfully unique steel structures tie into the industrial past of Falkirk and the great era of the Clydesdale horses. They really set young imaginations off as they are no mere horses, rather ‘selkies’: mysterious creatures that haunt Scottish folklore. My daughters love just snapping photos of the Andy Scott’s remarkable creations, which soar 30 metres high into the heavens. Last time I was at The Kelpies we went inside on a tour, which totally blew my kids away. You can take two kids for free on the tour with each adult or senior ticket. Afterwards we retreated to admire our equestrian-inspired friends from the on-site café, which is a real treat too with its fresh Scottish produce.

2. The Helix

If you thought The Kelpies sit all alone on the outskirts of Falkirk, or that you should just visit them and scoot away, it’s time to think again. The surrounding The Helix public ecopark is a whopping 350-acre oasis alive with things to see and do for all the family. Allow at least half a day to explore it – you will want longer and will definitely want to come back. There are myriad walking routes – my favourite is along the banks of the boat-kissed Forth and Clyde Canal – as well as cycling trails, a lovely lagoon bursting with wildlife, with further rewilding and green initiatives planned. The Adventure Zone and Splash Play are great fun for kids too. Go green and arrive here on foot or two wheels, with free parking too. You can watch a video that opens up the ‘secrets of The Helix’.

3. Cool Callendar House

When I used to visit Callendar Park as a wee laddie you couldn’t get into this grand country house. Today it is open to the public as a superb free attraction that works really well for families. It’s got free parking too, which helps keeps those all important costs down. The tearoom here is superb too. They do all their homebaking and my wee girls love seeing what sweet treats they’ve conjured up, especially with afternoon tea. We like snaring a window seat to gaze out over the park too. Don’t miss the permanent exhibition that tells the fascinating story of Falkirk, nor the temporary exhibitions too and the working Georgian Kitchen. The latest exhibition is on the wonderful works of Scottish painter, and printmaker Barbara Rae, from 20 May– 10 September 2023. After visiting the house I take my girls for a wee wander around this glorious 170-acre green lung. It offers plenty of space to run around a playpark too. Look out for the new Natural Play trail that sweeps families off on a half hour adventure through the woods. For more on the free secret delights of Callendar Park check out this video.

4. The Romans

I keenly remember at school being totally fascinated by all things Roman and my girls are similarly entranced. And the good news is that you’ve come to the right place to learn more. The Antonine Wall is Scotland’s Hadrian’s Wall, running right across Central Scotland from the Clyde to the Forth. Handily the best preserved section is at Rough Castle right here at Falkirk. Wander and wonder amongst the foundations of the old fort and its hulking grassy slopes, marvelling at the defensive pits, which once would have been equipped with razor-sharp stakes to keep out pesky Picts. Not many people realise that you can find more about the Romans too at Callendar House. And kids can try on Roman garb and a helmet. Look out for the visible Antonine Wall ditch within the park just to the north of Callendar House. You can ramble right up and around the Antonine Wall itself.

5. Ride Scotland’s biggest wheel

There really is nothing like the Falkirk Wheel. Literally. The world’s only rotating wheel soars to a height of 35m, bewitching wee ones. Tell them that is the height of eight double decker buses!  It’s not just a sight to stare at either as you can join one of the boats that ascend and then descend the Wheel, opening up epic views of Falkirk and out across to the Ochil Hills. There is a visitor centre too and an excellent café that showcases fine Scottish produce. Look out for family fun days in the summer at this top notch family attraction.

6. Walk this Way

I’m a huge fan of the coast to coast long distance John Muir Way. It cuts right through Falkirk, offering a great way of exploring the town, but also of striding west along an arrow-straight sweep of canal, or east breaking away from the Union Canal (the cycle option tracks it more closely) and offering the diversion of the River Avon Heritage Trail, as it searches out Linlithgow. The John Muir Way is clearly signposted and has a great website with route descriptions and maps. Wee ones love following the signs and there is so much to see en route kids don’t even realise they’re exercising!

7. Further afield around Falkirk

There is so much else to do in and around the Falkirk District on a family day out or longer holiday. We love the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Get in the mood checking out the wee museum and model railway, before the romantic whoosh of steam greets your trust old world steed. Children travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or senior. There is nothing like a steam train ride, especially on their Thomas the Tank Engine specials and around Christmas. Nearby, Scotland’s oldest cinema awaits, the Hippodrome. This deeply historic cinema dates to 1912, an experience a world away from the faceless world of the multiplex and so much fun for kids and big kids alike. The Bo’ness Motor Museum is great fun too, with 25 vehicles, including a Baby Austin A30 and a Grand Tourer Aston Martin, with Bond exhibits to go with the Bond cars too.

Further Information

For more of what there is to see and do in and around Falkirk and the surrounding district check out www.falkirkleisureandculture.org/whats-on/ and http://www.visitfalkirk.com.