Falkirk is often overlooked, even by us Scots ourselves. That is verging on criminal as there is so much going on in this culturally rich corner of the country, both in and around the town and elsewhere in the surrounding region. Here are 9 reasons you really should head to Falkirk and check it out for yourself.
1. Reborn Rosebank
It’s brilliant to see one of Scotland’s most iconic whisk distilleries back up and a running again. Rosebank was revered as the ‘King of the Lowlands’ before it closed down in 1993. It lay in a derelict condition before being saved and given a massive rejuvenation, which allowed the stills to star running again in 2023. The first single malt whisky hit the magic three year and a day mark in 2026 and it will be fascinating to see all the ages they choose to release it at. They are a superb Visit Scotland five star visitor attraction with top notch tours with tastings at the end. The let you try some of the old stock from before 1993.
2. Cultural Callendar House
This palatial country house has a whiff of French romance in its architecture. Callendar House is deeply historic – both Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queens of the Scots slept here and the Roman Antonine Wall ripples through the surrounding park. The museum here is free enter and takes a deep dive into that eclectic history. Look out for temporary exhibitions here and swathe of seasonal events with autumn here and Christmas amongst the highlights.
3. The Kelpies!
There is just nothing quite like Duke and Baron, who together form the largest equestrian horse sculptures in the world. Many people come to just gawp at their soaring beauty, the world of renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott. I thoroughly recommend also delving inside on a guided tour, which really opens the story of how they were conceived, designed and built. It’s a fascinating story. For an extra element in 2026 they started the Kelpies Experience from Scottish Canals and Zone Events. You climb, clamber and eke your way up an aerial challenge that sweeps you up 25pm and right into the mouth of one of the Kelpies for a view you will simply never forget. Then you abseil back down like James Bond.
4. Heavenly Helix
This expansive Helix 350-acre public park stretches its green tentacles off between the Kelpies and Falkirk’s centre. You can just wander along the Forth and Clyde Canal admiring the wee canal boats, or check out their lagoon with its wildlife. There are walking trails and lashings of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Make sure to drop by the visitor to learn more about what is here and what is on.
5. The Ultimate Big Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating wheel on the planet and soars to a height of 35m, the height of eight double decker buses! Taking a boat ride up and down the Wheel is the best way to really get a feel for how impressive and unique it is. Make sure to also pop into the visitor centre to learn more. They have an ace café as well. The Scottish Segway Centre is here too and there are also canal walking options to the east, west and out towards the town centre and the Kelpies.
6. Excellent Café Eats
I ate really well on my list visit to Falkirk. Callander House has a superb tearoom with a daily soup special, freshly made sandwiches (ham with homemade chutney is a stand out) and an array of tempting cakes. They also do a plush afternoon tea in another gorgeous room with similar vaulting windows looking out over the park. They have an ace selection of teas too. The café at the Helix Visitor Centre is a wonder too, with sweeping views of those Kelpies. They have hot dishes and soup, alongside sandwiches and fresh cakes and traybakes.
7. Marvellous Music
Falkirk has produced its fair share of bands and artists. Standing at the top of the tree for me are indie gloomsters Arab Strap, who are a real cult band. They’re still going so look out for them. Look out too for solo performances from their central duo – Aidan Moffat and Malcom Middleton. Then there is one of Scotland’s biggest unsigned bands, the brilliant rock band Wrest, who have sold out Glasgow’s Barrowlands, but still play gigs in Falkirk. Then there is Brogeal with their more high energy folk fused sounds. Other names to look out for include Moonshine Docks, Ironsystem, BUZZBOMB, The Eddies, The Frauds, The Pearlfishers and The Hawker.
8. Staying Over
My top place to stay is the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa. They have superb steak restaurant, that also serve Scottish classics, as well as Indian dishes. There is a swimming pool too, as well as a gym and a spa with a swathe of health and beauty treatments. The hotel is just outside the town and is handy for exploring the surrounding area and getting to and from here with the motorway nearby and free parking.
9. The Falkirk Area
Roman history is rippled in and around Falkirk, with swathes of the Antonine Wall to explore, some of it part of the long distance John Muir Way walking route. I also adore the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, with the chance to ride an old steam train and visit their museum and model railway too. Also in Bo’ness there is a motor museum and the incomparable the Hippodrome. This grand art deco cinema dates to 1912 and it’s a real timewarp expeirnvce catching a film here. Look out for their annual silent film festival too. I’m also a huge fan of rugged Blackness Castle on the coast, which starred in TV’s Outlander.
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 and www.visitfalkirk.com.
*This post comes in conjunction with Falkirk Council. All views expressed are our own and our opinions remain resolutely independent.
