The 10 Best Things to do in Falkirk District, Scotland

This hidden gem, only 40 minutes drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh, is located in the historic town of Bo’ness. Our friendly staff will welcome you aboard one of our heritage steam or diesel-hauled trains and wish you a pleasant journey. The train travels along the shore of the Firth of Forth with views of the majestic Ochil Hills, before climbing a tree-lined gradient, passing woodland, wild flowers and waterfalls to the country station of Birkhill. Alight here to take a stroll in the ancient woodlands of the Avon Gorge.Beyond Birkhill, the train crosses the River Avon Viaduct to Manuel beside the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line. Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways, extended in 2012 with the addition of a 16,000 sq. ft. train shed to house the last remaining "Glasgow Blue Train", a recently restored Class 126 Diesel Multiple Unit and several other heritage items of rolling stock. In the main exhibition hall, operate a railway signal and points, climb aboard heritage locomotives and learn about the making, operating and using of Scottish Railways through the ages. Take time to sort some letters in the Post Office Sorting Van and view the classic video "Night Mail". Free parking, Station Buffet and Gift Shop.

This 35-meter-high rotating boat lift, the world’s first, connects the Forth & Clyde and Union canals.

Xtreme Karting in Falkirk allows both adults and cadets (ages 10-15) to experience the thrill of motorsport at its best! The FIRST karting centre in Scotland to achieve the 5 star rating from Visit Scotland! The centre features a purposely designed customer lounge area, with large windows overlooking the whole track area, and track side viewing, both areas feature the latest in race timing displays, allowing spectators to watch all the action on the track in complete comfort. The professionally designed track is set within a 30,000 sq ft unit, and features the latest barrier protection systems to ensure the safety of drivers. The exciting track layout features a bridge / underpass section and has been specially designed with hairpin bends, sweeping corners and long straights to provide adrenalin packed racing for novices and seasoned experts! The track is tested to the limit by our high performance EVO 5 Karts, specially tuned to deliver blistering performance!

For 6 centuries, through wars, rebellions and the industrial revolution, Callendar House has played host to many great historical figures: Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.Costumed interpreters bring history to life: sample authentic Georgian food, listen to stories about life below stairs, and watch the kitchen staff go about their daily tasks. Wed-Sun: 10am-5pm Closed Tuesday

Falkirk Community Trust has suspended all services until further notice in keeping with the Scottish Government’s advice on reducing social contact and maintaining the safety of all of our customers and staff. This includes our cafe and toilet facilities at The Helix: Home of the Kelpies and the Visitor Centre, and tours of the Kelpies have been suspended. The decision follows advice from the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland and aligns us with the UK’s efforts to delay the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). We look forward to re-opening our doors as soon as we receive the appropriate advice and would like to thank all of our customers for their patience and understanding in these uncertain times. We apologise for any inconvenience and would advise visitors to check our website for updates as they become available https://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Kind regards The Helix Team