Attractions in the Falkirk Area - Falkirk Council
Attractions in the Falkirk Area - Falkirk Council
Attractions in the Falkirk Area - Falkirk Council
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Attractions</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
22 Xtreme Kart<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Experience <strong>the</strong> thrill and adrenal<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
<strong>in</strong>door kart<strong>in</strong>g at its best at Scotland’s<br />
only 5 star kart<strong>in</strong>g centre. (Rated by<br />
VisitScotland)<br />
Lochlands Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Park,<br />
Larbert, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK5 3NS.<br />
www.xtremekart<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01324 579797<br />
21 Polmonthill<br />
Ski Centre<br />
All year round ski<strong>in</strong>g and snowboard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with 100m long artificial ski slope and<br />
20m nursery slope. Lessons available.<br />
Polmont Farm, Polmont,<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK2 0YE<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/ski<br />
Tel: 01324 503835<br />
20 Old Parish Church<br />
Graveyard<br />
The graveyard at <strong>Falkirk</strong> Old and St<br />
Modan’s Parish Church conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
important historical memorials from<br />
<strong>the</strong> era of William Wallace, <strong>the</strong> Battle of<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1298 and <strong>the</strong> second Battle of<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1746.<br />
Manse Place, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK1 1JN<br />
www.foasmpc.org.uk<br />
Tel: 01324 611017<br />
Free<br />
19 Muiravonside<br />
Country Park<br />
170 acres of woodland, parkland and<br />
gardens with nature trails, picnic sites<br />
and a Visitor Centre. In and around <strong>the</strong><br />
restored farm build<strong>in</strong>gs you can see<br />
ponies, pigs, goats, ducks and chickens.<br />
The Loan, By L<strong>in</strong>lithgow, EH49 6LN<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/muiravonside<br />
Tel: 01506 845311<br />
Free<br />
18 The Mar<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Leisure Centre<br />
Lagoon-shaped leisure pool with beach<br />
area and wave mach<strong>in</strong>e, plus soft play<br />
area and lots more.<br />
Glasgow Road, Camelon, FK1 4HJ<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/mar<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Tel: 01324 503750<br />
17<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil House,<br />
Museum & Estate<br />
A historic house, open on selected<br />
days and surrounded by parkland and<br />
woodland which <strong>in</strong>cludes rema<strong>in</strong>s of a<br />
Roman fortlet and <strong>the</strong> Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall.<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil Museum displays 2,000 years<br />
of history from Roman times to <strong>the</strong><br />
present day.<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil Estate, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR<br />
www.k<strong>in</strong>neil.org.uk • Tel: 01506 778530<br />
Free<br />
9<br />
M80<br />
A872<br />
5<br />
A9<br />
A91<br />
Denny<br />
A872<br />
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g 3 m<br />
Perth 36 m<br />
5<br />
A803<br />
A883<br />
B816<br />
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1<br />
Glasgow 18 m<br />
Carlisle 102 m<br />
Bonnybridge<br />
Dollar Park<br />
A803<br />
Bonnybridge<br />
GC<br />
B8080<br />
B803<br />
M9<br />
M876<br />
From <strong>Falkirk</strong> Town Centre<br />
Glasgow 25 miles<br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh 25 miles<br />
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g 14 miles<br />
Perth 47 miles<br />
Carlisle 109 miles<br />
16 Jupiter Urban<br />
Wildlife Centre<br />
2<br />
A9<br />
A883<br />
B816<br />
B9124<br />
Glenbervie<br />
GC<br />
Larbert<br />
8<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> Tryst<br />
GC<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
GC<br />
Camelon<br />
A803<br />
B905<br />
P<br />
4 12<br />
3<br />
11<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> High<br />
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has created<br />
10 acres of wildlife gardens and habitats<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g wetlands, woodlands and<br />
meadows.<br />
Wood Street, Grangemouth, FK3 8LH<br />
www.swt.org.uk<br />
Tel: 01324 486475 or 07739 428203<br />
Free<br />
i<br />
P<br />
Larbert<br />
Camelon<br />
Union Canal<br />
B902<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Grahamston<br />
B803<br />
P<br />
P<br />
22<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> Town Centre<br />
20 i<br />
10<br />
3<br />
P<br />
A88<br />
River Carron<br />
B803<br />
Central Retail<br />
Park<br />
P<br />
1 Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall<br />
Built by <strong>the</strong> Romans around AD142<br />
as <strong>the</strong> frontier of <strong>the</strong>ir Empire, <strong>the</strong><br />
Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall is now a UNESCO<br />
World Heritage Site. Substantial<br />
lengths of this remarkable<br />
monument can still be seen at<br />
various sites across <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> area.<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/anton<strong>in</strong>ewall<br />
Free<br />
18<br />
Scale:<br />
A905<br />
B902<br />
Stenhousemuir<br />
Key<br />
Par 3 Course<br />
0<br />
0<br />
i<br />
B906<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> Grahamston<br />
B8080<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> High<br />
A904<br />
7<br />
B902<br />
A9<br />
M876<br />
Forth & Clyde Canal<br />
Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centres<br />
Streets<br />
Pedestrian <strong>Area</strong><br />
Tourist Information<br />
A904<br />
2<br />
Airth<br />
3<br />
A905<br />
6<br />
B8028<br />
B825<br />
A876<br />
A876<br />
A9<br />
Falk irk<br />
A803<br />
Callendar Park<br />
500<br />
Metres<br />
500<br />
Yards<br />
15 The Hippodrome<br />
C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
Beautiful pre-art deco c<strong>in</strong>ema dat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back to 1912 screen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
releases and golden oldies.<br />
Re-opened <strong>in</strong> 2009.<br />
10 Hope Street, Bo’ness, EH51 0AA.<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome<br />
Tel: 01324 506850<br />
7<br />
8<br />
2<br />
14<br />
9<br />
16<br />
Avonbridge<br />
2 Avon Gorge Trail<br />
(near Muiravonside)<br />
Explore 9 miles of spectacular scenery<br />
between Avonbridge and L<strong>in</strong>lithgow<br />
pass<strong>in</strong>g through Muiravonside Country<br />
Park and under <strong>the</strong> Avon aqueduct<br />
which carries <strong>the</strong> Union Canal.<br />
Central Scotland Forest Trust<br />
www.csft.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01501 822015<br />
Free<br />
B9132<br />
A977<br />
Grangemouth<br />
5<br />
A803<br />
B810<br />
Polmont<br />
B8028<br />
13<br />
Polmont<br />
GC<br />
B9143<br />
B805<br />
A905<br />
Polmont<br />
A985<br />
A904<br />
Grangemouth<br />
GC<br />
A801<br />
B8047<br />
River Avon<br />
4<br />
21<br />
A801<br />
14 The Helix<br />
Currently under construction, <strong>the</strong> Helix<br />
is a Lottery funded project that will<br />
transform under-used land between<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> and Grangemouth <strong>in</strong>to a thriv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
urban greenspace of 300 hectares. Due<br />
for completion <strong>in</strong> 2013, you can follow<br />
<strong>the</strong> project’s progress at <strong>the</strong> website.<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>helix.co.uk<br />
B825<br />
19<br />
Fife<br />
Birkhill<br />
B792<br />
2<br />
1<br />
A706<br />
3 Barbara Davidson<br />
Pottery<br />
A work<strong>in</strong>g pottery which has been run<br />
by Barbara Davidson for over 40 years.<br />
There is a pottery shop and a gift shop <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> old farm build<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Muirhall Farm, Larbert,<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK5 4EW<br />
www.barbara-davidson.com<br />
Tel: 01324 554430<br />
Free<br />
M9<br />
1<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil<br />
B8029<br />
Union Canal<br />
B9037<br />
F i r th of F o r th<br />
17<br />
L<strong>in</strong>lithgow<br />
i<br />
15 5<br />
A706<br />
Bo’ness<br />
Bo’ness<br />
West Lothian<br />
GC<br />
West<br />
Lothian<br />
L<strong>in</strong>lithgow<br />
6<br />
A993<br />
13 Grangemouth<br />
Athletics Stadium<br />
Venue for local, national and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational athletics events.<br />
Kersiebank Avenue,<br />
Grangemouth, FK3 0EE<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/stadium<br />
Tel: 01324 504590<br />
Key<br />
1<br />
P<br />
i<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
A904<br />
A803<br />
A907<br />
Motorway<br />
Motorway Junction<br />
A Roads<br />
B Roads<br />
Car Parks<br />
Tourist Information<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e Railway<br />
Steam Railway<br />
Railway A985 Stations<br />
Canal<br />
River<br />
B9037<br />
Built-up <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
Parks<br />
1 <strong>Attractions</strong><br />
Free entry to attraction.<br />
Free<br />
Fees may apply for specific activities or events.<br />
Avon Gorge Trail<br />
Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall (l<strong>in</strong>e of )<br />
Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall (visible rema<strong>in</strong>s)<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil Estate<br />
Callendar Park<br />
Watl<strong>in</strong>g Lodge <strong>in</strong> Tamfourhill<br />
Roughcastle near <strong>Falkirk</strong> Wheel and Bonnybridge<br />
Seabegs Wood near Bonnybridge<br />
3<br />
B9080<br />
B903<br />
A904<br />
Blackness<br />
B9109<br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh 14 m<br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh Airport 9 m<br />
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Glasgow<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh<br />
1 0<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Kilometres<br />
Scale: 0.5<br />
0<br />
1 2<br />
Miles<br />
© 2010 <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. No part of this map may be reproduced without <strong>the</strong> permission of <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
Designed by Scribble Design Ltd. 01698 850342<br />
4 Blackness Castle<br />
Shaped like a ship and situated on a<br />
promontory which juts out <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> Forth,<br />
this 15th century castle is known as <strong>the</strong><br />
ship that never sailed.<br />
Blackness, EH49 7NH<br />
Price: See website<br />
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk<br />
Tel: 01506 834807<br />
A994<br />
4<br />
A899<br />
12 <strong>Falkirk</strong> Wheel and<br />
Tourist Information<br />
The world’s first and only rotat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
boatlift, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> Wheel offers a<br />
unique experience, designed to connect<br />
<strong>the</strong> Union Canal with <strong>the</strong> Forth and Clyde<br />
Canal 115ft below.<br />
The <strong>Falkirk</strong> Wheel, Lime Road,<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK1 4RS • Tel: 08700 500208<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>falkirkwheel.co.uk<br />
Tourist Info: 08707 200614<br />
www.visitscotland.com<br />
Free<br />
2<br />
5 Bo’ness and<br />
K<strong>in</strong>neil Railway<br />
Central Scotland’s steam railway by <strong>the</strong><br />
Firth of Forth, now with an extended 10<br />
mile round trip call<strong>in</strong>g at K<strong>in</strong>neil Halt,<br />
Birkhill Station and over <strong>the</strong> River Avon<br />
viaduct. Don’t miss <strong>the</strong> Scottish Railway<br />
exhibition at Bo’ness Station and look<br />
out for special events, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g visits by<br />
Thomas <strong>the</strong> Tank eng<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness,<br />
EH51 9AQ • www.srps.org.uk<br />
Tel. Station 01506 822298<br />
Office (weekdays) 01506 825855<br />
6 Bo’ness Motor<br />
Museum<br />
A private collection of over 20<br />
vehicles rang<strong>in</strong>g from a Baby Aust<strong>in</strong><br />
A30 to a Grand Tourer Aston Mart<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Enjoy a snack <strong>in</strong> Miss Moneypenny’s<br />
d<strong>in</strong>er and keep <strong>the</strong> young ones<br />
amused <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> soft play area, <strong>the</strong> Little<br />
Monsters Fun Factory.<br />
Bridgeness Road, Bo’ness, EH51 9JR.<br />
www.motor-museum.bo-ness.org.uk<br />
Tel: 01506 827007<br />
7 Callendar House<br />
and Park<br />
Over 600 years of history are<br />
wait<strong>in</strong>g to be discovered.<br />
Don’t miss <strong>the</strong> Georgian kitchen<br />
with costumed <strong>in</strong>terpreters br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
history to life, and leave time to<br />
explore <strong>the</strong> magnificent park and<br />
woodlands, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a section of <strong>the</strong><br />
Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall.<br />
Callendar Park, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK1 1YR<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/callendarhouse<br />
Tel: 01324 503770<br />
Free<br />
8 The Dunmore<br />
P<strong>in</strong>eapple<br />
This unusual structure was built <strong>in</strong><br />
1761 by an unknown architect as<br />
a garden retreat. View <strong>the</strong> exterior<br />
from <strong>the</strong> walled garden and orchard.<br />
Explore <strong>the</strong> surround<strong>in</strong>g woodland<br />
and ponds which teem with wildlife.<br />
Near Airth, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK2 8LU<br />
(Signed from <strong>the</strong> A905)<br />
www.nts.org.uk<br />
Tel: 0844 493 2132<br />
Free<br />
9 <strong>Falkirk</strong> Stadium<br />
Home to <strong>Falkirk</strong> Football Club and<br />
Amarillo bistro bar with panoramic<br />
views, open daily.<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> Stadium, 4 Stadium Way,<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK2 9EE<br />
www.falkirkstadium.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01324 618740<br />
10 <strong>Falkirk</strong> Steeple<br />
and Visitor<br />
Information Po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
A local landmark s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> late 15th<br />
century, <strong>the</strong> Steeple housed <strong>the</strong><br />
town lock up and today serves as an<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation po<strong>in</strong>t and box office for<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> Town Hall, The Hippodrome<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r local venues.<br />
High Street, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK1 1NW<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/cultural<br />
Tel: 01324 506850<br />
Free<br />
11 <strong>Falkirk</strong> Town Hall<br />
- Theatre, Music<br />
and C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
Carefully selected range of live music,<br />
drama, dance, comedy and film, with<br />
activities for families, workshops and<br />
exhibitions.<br />
West Bridge Street, <strong>Falkirk</strong>, FK1 5RS<br />
Price: See programme onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
for details.<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/fth<br />
Tel: 01324 506850
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Glasgow<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh<br />
Where To Stay<br />
In and around <strong>Falkirk</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re is a wide choice of<br />
accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. If you are<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g for a hotel, you will f<strong>in</strong>d several 4 star hotels with<br />
luxurious spa facilities; a great range of modern budget<br />
hotels on <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> approach roads to <strong>Falkirk</strong>, plus many<br />
good quality hotels <strong>in</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> town centre,.Grangemouth,<br />
Bo’ness and o<strong>the</strong>r local towns.<br />
There is also a wide selection of welcom<strong>in</strong>g guest houses<br />
and B&Bs where <strong>the</strong> personal touch and local knowledge<br />
is assured. If you prefer self-cater<strong>in</strong>g, you will f<strong>in</strong>d some<br />
beautifully situated and well-appo<strong>in</strong>ted houses, cottages<br />
and chalets <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
Most hotels have excellent restaurants which are well<br />
patronised by local people too. The area has a fur<strong>the</strong>r vast<br />
array of restaurants, bistros, cafes and bars <strong>in</strong> town and<br />
countryside locations.<br />
Search for accommodation at www.falkirk.gov.uk/<br />
visitfalkirk or www.visitscotland.com<br />
How to Get Here<br />
Visit <strong>Falkirk</strong> and <strong>the</strong><br />
Surround<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> is <strong>the</strong> perfect dest<strong>in</strong>ation for a day<br />
trip, a weekend away or a longer stay. With<br />
its rich history, family friendly attractions,<br />
canal boat rides, quality shopp<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
stunn<strong>in</strong>g scenery over <strong>the</strong> Firth of Forth,<br />
you’ll be tempted to stay a while. With<br />
cosy cottages, national hotel cha<strong>in</strong>s, canal<br />
barges and B&Bs, <strong>the</strong>re’s somewhere to<br />
suit every taste and budget.<br />
Mid way between Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh and Glasgow, <strong>Falkirk</strong> is right<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart of Scotland. Served by junctions 5 and 6<br />
of <strong>the</strong> M9, with excellent rail l<strong>in</strong>ks and two <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
airports with<strong>in</strong> strik<strong>in</strong>g distance, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> area is truly<br />
well connected.<br />
With an extensive range of <strong>in</strong>door and outdoor attractions<br />
on offer, you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d someth<strong>in</strong>g to do whatever <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and with many be<strong>in</strong>g free of charge, your visit needn’t<br />
break <strong>the</strong> bank! Whe<strong>the</strong>r you’re seek<strong>in</strong>g peace and quiet,<br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g activities, culture and heritage or green spaces,<br />
you can f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m all <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> area. Let us guide you<br />
through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> experience…<br />
By car from Carlisle and <strong>the</strong> south, it’s motorway all<br />
<strong>the</strong> way via <strong>the</strong> M6, M74, M73 and M80. Equally well<br />
connected are Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh via <strong>the</strong> M9, Glasgow via <strong>the</strong> M80<br />
and Stirl<strong>in</strong>g, Perth and Inverness via <strong>the</strong> M9/A9.<br />
By tra<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>re are direct day and sleeper services to<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> from London, a fast and frequent service to<br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh and Glasgow and services north to Stirl<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Perth and beyond.<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> itself has 2 rail stations – <strong>Falkirk</strong> High and <strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Grahamston and <strong>the</strong>re are numerous o<strong>the</strong>rs throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> district, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Larbert, Polmont and Camelon (see<br />
map overleaf).<br />
By air: Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh Airport (19.5 miles), Glasgow Airport<br />
(33 miles) and Prestwick (56 miles)<br />
Gett<strong>in</strong>g around on public transport - www.<br />
travel<strong>in</strong>escotland.com has <strong>in</strong>formation on bus and tra<strong>in</strong><br />
services with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area and for travell<strong>in</strong>g to/from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
parts of Scotland. Tel: 0871 200 22 33 (24 hour phone l<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
10p per m<strong>in</strong> from BT landl<strong>in</strong>es)<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation: www.falkirk/gov.uk/visitfalkirk<br />
Stirl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Glasgow<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh<br />
Beautiful Bo’ness<br />
The Great Outdoors<br />
Bo’ness is a beautiful historic town nestled<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Firth of Forth with lovely views over<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ochil Hills and <strong>the</strong> Forth Road Bridge.<br />
With impressive architecture, it boasts many <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs, not least of which is <strong>the</strong> pre-art deco<br />
Hippodrome c<strong>in</strong>ema. Orig<strong>in</strong>ally opened <strong>in</strong> 1912, it has<br />
been lov<strong>in</strong>gly restored and re-opened <strong>in</strong> 2009. Screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> latest releases and golden oldies, why not treat<br />
yourself to a film <strong>in</strong> this classic environment and comb<strong>in</strong>e<br />
it with a meal <strong>in</strong> one of Bo’ness’s restaurants or cafes?<br />
Whilst here, don’t miss <strong>the</strong> Bo’ness and K<strong>in</strong>neil Railway.<br />
A leisurely ride on a steam tra<strong>in</strong> takes you along <strong>the</strong> Firth<br />
of Forth to K<strong>in</strong>neil Halt, Birkhill Station and over <strong>the</strong> River<br />
Avon viaduct on a newly extended l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> a round trip of<br />
10 miles. Back at Bo’ness Station, peruse <strong>the</strong> Scottish<br />
Railway Exhibition for a unique exploration of 100 years<br />
of railways. F<strong>in</strong>ally, look out for special events, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
visits by Thomas <strong>the</strong> Tank Eng<strong>in</strong>e, on <strong>the</strong> railway’s<br />
website - www.srps.org.uk<br />
Also <strong>in</strong> Bo’ness is K<strong>in</strong>neil House, Museum and Estate.<br />
The house is open on selected days only (see www.<br />
k<strong>in</strong>neil.org for details), but <strong>the</strong> Museum is open all year<br />
round and features 2000 years of local history. K<strong>in</strong>neil<br />
Estate has several sites of <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a Roman<br />
Fortlet, a medieval village, <strong>the</strong> Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall site and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ventor, James Watt’s cottage – it was here he tested <strong>the</strong><br />
prototypes of his revolutionary steam eng<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, <strong>the</strong> Bo’ness Motor Museum houses a private<br />
collection of over 20 vehicles from TV and film, many of<br />
which have a James Bond <strong>the</strong>me. A fun visit for all <strong>the</strong><br />
family with children’s soft play area, Miss Moneypenny’s<br />
d<strong>in</strong>er and <strong>the</strong> 007 bar.<br />
A short drive from Bo’ness is Blackness Castle, a 15th<br />
century ship-shaped structure which juts out onto <strong>the</strong><br />
River Forth. The castle was used as a film set for Franco<br />
Zeffirelli’s ‘Hamlet’ starr<strong>in</strong>g Mel Gibson and is a lovely<br />
spot for a picnic and a stroll along <strong>the</strong> water’s edge after<br />
explor<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> castle walls.<br />
2002 saw <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Wheel, <strong>the</strong> world’s first and only rotat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
boatlift. This truly fantastic feat of modern<br />
eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g is not to be missed. Designed<br />
to connect <strong>the</strong> Union Canal with <strong>the</strong> Forth<br />
and Clyde Canal 115ft below, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Wheel provides a spectacular centrepiece<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Millennium L<strong>in</strong>k, which l<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>the</strong> East<br />
and West coasts of Scotland. For a unique<br />
experience, take a boat ride and sail through<br />
<strong>the</strong> air, or watch <strong>the</strong> wheel turn from <strong>the</strong><br />
impressive visitor centre, shop and cafe.<br />
For little ones, <strong>the</strong> Wheel offers a hugely popular children’s<br />
play park and new for 2011, a ‘m<strong>in</strong>i canal’ water play<br />
feature. Complete with locks, <strong>in</strong>teractive exhibits and<br />
a huge sand pit, prepare for lots of splash<strong>in</strong>g, digg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and giggl<strong>in</strong>g! Due to open <strong>in</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>g 2011, check www.<br />
<strong>the</strong>falkirkwheel.co.uk for updates.<br />
Hire a canal barge and enjoy <strong>the</strong> peace and tranquility of<br />
a holiday afloat, head<strong>in</strong>g to Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh on <strong>the</strong> Union Canal<br />
or to Glasgow on <strong>the</strong> Forth and Clyde Canal. Or, make <strong>the</strong><br />
most of <strong>the</strong> canal tow paths for a leisurely walk or bike<br />
ride. If <strong>the</strong> outdoor life is for you, don’t miss Muiravonside<br />
Country Park, where 170 acres of woodland, parkland and<br />
gardens await you. Children love visit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> animals <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> restored farm build<strong>in</strong>gs. Pass<strong>in</strong>g through Muiravonside<br />
Country Park is <strong>the</strong> Avon Gorge Trail. N<strong>in</strong>e miles <strong>in</strong> all, it<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ks Avonbridge with L<strong>in</strong>lithgow, tak<strong>in</strong>g you through some<br />
stunn<strong>in</strong>g scenery.<br />
In future <strong>the</strong>re‘ll be even more greenery to enjoy, thanks<br />
to <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>novative Helix project. This lottery funded scheme<br />
aims to transform 300 hectares of under-used land<br />
between Grangemouth and <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>in</strong>to an impressive green<br />
space for <strong>the</strong> community and visitors alike. The focal po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
will be <strong>the</strong> creation of two huge 30m Kelpies’ heads. These<br />
Scottish mythological creatures will be <strong>in</strong> place <strong>in</strong> 2012 with<br />
<strong>the</strong> site as a whole be<strong>in</strong>g completed by 2013.<br />
And F<strong>in</strong>ally<br />
Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g History<br />
to Life<br />
If it’s thrills and adrenal<strong>in</strong>e you require,<br />
pay a visit to Xtreme Kart<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Larbert,<br />
Scotland’s only 5 star <strong>in</strong>door kart<strong>in</strong>g centre<br />
- great fun for both children and adults<br />
alike. Alternatively, why not try out ski<strong>in</strong>g or<br />
snowboard<strong>in</strong>g at Polmonthill Ski Centre?<br />
The Mar<strong>in</strong>er Leisure Centre has a wave pool<br />
and chutes to keep little ones amused on<br />
even <strong>the</strong> wettest of days.<br />
Close to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> Wheel is one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall sites, Roughcastle.<br />
Stretch<strong>in</strong>g from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Anton<strong>in</strong>e Wall covered some 37 miles<br />
and was built under <strong>the</strong> orders of <strong>the</strong><br />
Emperor Anton<strong>in</strong>us Pius <strong>in</strong> 142AD to<br />
protect <strong>the</strong> Roman Empire. Today, many of<br />
<strong>the</strong> best preserved parts of <strong>the</strong> wall are <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> area. Along with Roughcastle,<br />
you can also see visible rema<strong>in</strong>s at<br />
Callendar Park, K<strong>in</strong>neil Estate, Watl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Lodge and Seabegs Wood (see map<br />
overleaf for locations).<br />
“The Bridgeness Slab” was a Roman Legionary distance<br />
marker stone found <strong>in</strong> Bo’ness <strong>in</strong> 1868, and a replica of<br />
this stone tablet is due to be <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> K<strong>in</strong>nigars Park<br />
<strong>in</strong> Bo’ness <strong>in</strong> Autumn 2011. In <strong>the</strong> meantime, K<strong>in</strong>neil<br />
Museum <strong>in</strong> Bo’ness and Callendar House <strong>in</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> both<br />
feature exhibitions on this UNESCO World Heritage Site<br />
and can be visited free of charge.<br />
Callendar House is one of Scotland’s f<strong>in</strong>est baronial<br />
mansions, built <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> style of a French chateau. Over<br />
600 years of history await you, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> house’s<br />
connections to great historical figures such as Mary,<br />
Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Pr<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Charlie. The Georgian Kitchen, open daily, br<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong><br />
past to life with its costumed <strong>in</strong>terpreters and The Park<br />
Gallery with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> house features contemporary visual<br />
arts and crafts exhibitions from local, national and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational artists.<br />
The house is situated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> magnificent sett<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
Callendar Park, which is well worth explor<strong>in</strong>g. With<br />
a par 3 golf course, children’s play area, crazy golf,<br />
boat<strong>in</strong>g lake and woodland walks you can easily while<br />
away a pleasant afternoon <strong>in</strong> this beautiful 18th century<br />
parkland. Both <strong>the</strong> house and park are open all year<br />
round and are free of charge.<br />
Some o<strong>the</strong>r local gems <strong>in</strong>clude Barbara Davidson Pottery<br />
at Larbert, where you can pick up a hand thrown pot or<br />
choose from a whole range of beautifully made items from<br />
a potter with over 40 years experience.<br />
The Dunmore P<strong>in</strong>eapple near Airth is a quirky, strik<strong>in</strong>g<br />
piece of architecture, built <strong>in</strong> 1761 as a garden retreat. You<br />
can visit <strong>the</strong> grounds to marvel at <strong>the</strong> spectacular design,<br />
or if you wish to see <strong>in</strong>side, it’s actually available to hire<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Landmark Trust as an unusual holiday apartment!<br />
There’s plenty to see and do all year round <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
area, but if you’d like to experience one of <strong>the</strong> local events<br />
or festivals, why not pick up a copy of our Events and<br />
Festivals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Area</strong> leaflet, or visit<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/events<br />
www.falkirk.gov.uk/visitfalkirk<br />
About Town<br />
If shopp<strong>in</strong>g is your pleasure, you won’t<br />
be disappo<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> <strong>Falkirk</strong>. With two large<br />
shopp<strong>in</strong>g centres, dozens of <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
retailers, a large retail park and a monthly<br />
Farmers’ market, <strong>the</strong>re’s plenty to keep<br />
you busy. Whilst <strong>in</strong> town <strong>the</strong>re are lots of<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts of <strong>in</strong>terest for visitors. The Steeple<br />
is a notable landmark right on <strong>the</strong> high<br />
street and dates back to 1814, although<br />
<strong>the</strong>re has actually been a steeple <strong>in</strong> town<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> 15th century, this be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
third.<br />
Beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> Steeple is Tolbooth Street, said to be<br />
Brita<strong>in</strong>’s shortest street at just 5ft long. Overlook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
High Street is <strong>Falkirk</strong> Old and St Modan’s Parish Church.<br />
<strong>Falkirk</strong> is believed to take its name from this church,<br />
“Faw” “Kirk”, mean<strong>in</strong>g “speckled church”, over time<br />
becom<strong>in</strong>g “<strong>Falkirk</strong>”.<br />
The church is also important for its connections to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Battle of <strong>Falkirk</strong>. In 1298 Sir John de Graeme,<br />
William Wallace’s right hand man, lost his life <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
war for Scottish <strong>in</strong>dependence and was buried <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
churchyard. Ano<strong>the</strong>r notable casualty, Sir John Stewart,<br />
is also buried <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> graveyard. As he lay wounded, his<br />
Men of Bute surrounded him and were all killed. The<br />
Celtic Cross monument <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> churchyard was erected<br />
as a memorial to <strong>the</strong>se brave men.<br />
When all <strong>the</strong> sightsee<strong>in</strong>g and shopp<strong>in</strong>g is done, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are a selection of good pubs, bars and restaurants to<br />
keep your taste buds satisfied and if you fancy danc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> night away, you can always check out a nightclub or<br />
two, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g City, <strong>the</strong> largest nightclub <strong>in</strong> Scotland.<br />
Alternatively, for someth<strong>in</strong>g more cultural, <strong>Falkirk</strong><br />
Town Hall (FTH) has an excellent programme of<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, from dance to drama, comedians to<br />
music and family orientated events. The FTH c<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
screens a broad range of films from ma<strong>in</strong>stream to art<br />
house and classics.<br />
free visitor map <strong>in</strong>side!