Falkirk Wheel Tours and Activities

Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel showing boating and interior views as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel featuring signage


Admire the futuristic style of the world’s first rotating boat lift and watch it in action as it plucks vessels from a quaint canal.

The Falkirk Wheel is an impressive structure of space-age design that connects canals. The rotating boat lift is a marvel of modern engineering, raising vessels by 79 feet (24 meters) from the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Take a short boat trip and get lifted into the air with panoramic views of the picturesque Falkirk countryside.

From the peak of the wheel, snap photos of the canals and fields of the Central Lowlands of Scotland. Enter the visitor center on the eastern side of the lift to learn about the lift mechanism and take part in family activities.

Walk on water inside an inflatable ball and rent a Segway for a tour around the site. Bring the kids to the playground and small water park. Bikes, electric boats and canoes are available to rent at the visitor center. Hike through the scenic meadows and forests via one of the circular and linear paths.

Gaze up at the imposing structure, which consists of concrete rings and bending arms. Learn about the intricate system that is one of the few working boat lifts in the United Kingdom. Once raised to the aqueduct at the top of the wheel, boats must pass through another series of lifts to reach the Union Canal.

The wheel opened in 2002, connecting the two canals for the first time since the 1930s. Learn about the initial mechanism, which comprised 11 locks and took almost an entire day to complete passage. It now takes about 1 hour. Pay a fee for a boat trip, with discounts for kids.

The visitor center opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Plan your trip before or after the annual maintenance closure from mid-January until early February.

Find the Falkirk Wheel in the Forth and Clyde Canal west of the city. Take a bus from the center of Falkirk to the boat lift in less than 30 minutes. Camelon Railway Station is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) walk northeast from the site. Use the parking lot with a small fee, a 5-minute walk from the lift.

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Popular places to visit


Top Falkirk Wheel Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Park Hotel

Park Hotel

3 out of 5
Camelon Road, Falkirk, Scotland
Park Hotel
The Vestry

The Vestry

3 out of 5
The Vestry Church Street High, Bonnybridge, Bonnybridge, Scotland
The Vestry
The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower

3 out of 5
The Tower Church Street High Bonnybridge, Bonnybridge, Scotland
The Bell Tower
Premier Lodge

Premier Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Westmains Industrial Estate, Grangemouth, Scotland
Premier Lodge
Metro Inns Falkirk

Metro Inns Falkirk

2.5 out of 5
Bean Cross Farm Polmont, Falkirk, Scotland
Metro Inns Falkirk
NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk

NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk

Falkirk
NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk
Kelpies Serviced Apartments

Kelpies Serviced Apartments

3 out of 5
30 Newmarket St, Falkirk, Scotland
Kelpies Serviced Apartments
VS-Entire Flat-Central Scotland-Falkirk| Self-Check-in |Pet-friendly | Parking

VS-Entire Flat-Central Scotland-Falkirk| Self-Check-in |Pet-friendly | Parking

Falkirk
VS-Entire Flat-Central Scotland-Falkirk| Self-Check-in |Pet-friendly | Parking
Central Falkirk 3 Bedroom Apartment

Central Falkirk 3 Bedroom Apartment

3 out of 5
45 Dalderse Ave, Falkirk, Scotland
Central Falkirk 3 Bedroom Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Falkirk Wheel

At Falkirk Wheel, you can indulge in relaxing spa breaks, enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Falkirk Golf Club or a golf resort, and explore boating activities on the iconic wheel itself. For a change of scenery, consider taking a day trip to Edinburgh, where you can experience the city's rich history and culture. There are plenty of activities in Falkirk to keep you entertained during your visit.

Shopping

At Falkirk Wheel, you can enjoy local shopping for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Livingston Designer Outlet, 24.1km away, Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, 22.5km away, or The Italian Centre, 20.9km away, all offering vibrant shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Helix Park, enjoy serene walks and picnic spots amidst nature, perfect for relaxation. Falkirk Golf Club offers a challenging course for golf enthusiasts, surrounded by beautiful scenery. For ultimate pampering, visit Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and unwind in a tranquil environment.

Adventure

For a thrilling experience, visit Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 25.7km from Falkirk Wheel, where the adrenaline of motor racing awaits. Alternatively, explore the scenic Fife Coastal Path, only 11.3km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For an action-packed day, try Delta Force Paintball Edinburgh, situated 17.7km from Falkirk Wheel.

Nightlife

Experience an exciting night at Monster Mania, an arcade adventure zone just 4.8km from Falkirk Wheel, perfect for family fun. For a romantic movie outing, Cineworld Falkirk, only 3.2km away, offers the latest films. For culture, enjoy a show at Cumbernauld Theatre, 9.7km from the Wheel.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Falkirk Wheel

Whether you're after a dose of culture or a romantic outdoor experience, Falkirk Wheel offers plenty to explore. Discover local attractions like castles, historic houses, and ruins, while also enjoying the vibrant Falkirk town centre. Don't miss the iconic Falkirk Wheel itself, as well as other landmarks in the area, making it a perfect getaway for any traveller looking to immerse themselves in Scottish history and beauty.

  • The Kelpies: Located 6.4km from Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies are stunning 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures that embody Scottish mythology and culture. Their impressive scale and intricate design create a captivating experience, especially when illuminated at night.
  • Stirling Castle: A 16.1km journey from Falkirk Wheel leads you to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's grandest castles, rich in history and romance. Explore its opulent rooms and enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
  • University of Stirling: Also 16.1km away, the University of Stirling boasts a beautiful campus with modern architecture and picturesque surroundings. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the blend of nature and city life.

Best time to go to Falkirk Wheel

The best time to visit Falkirk Wheel can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Falkirk Wheel falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Falkirk Wheel falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Falkirk Wheel

To save money on your visit to the Falkirk Wheel, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January or October to November, avoiding the peak season from June to August. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Mondays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine accommodation, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to look for eco-friendly options to support sustainable travel!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Falkirk Wheel are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Falkirk Wheel is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Falkirk Wheel is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Falkirk Wheel is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display hotel prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your accommodation at the Falkirk Wheel with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.