Falkirk Wheel Tours

Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel featuring boating and interior views as well as a large group of people
Falkirk Wheel showing 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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Best Lodging Options Near Falkirk Wheel

Park Hotel

Park Hotel

3 out of 5
Camelon Road, Falkirk, Scotland
Park Hotel
Premier Inn Falkirk Central

Premier Inn Falkirk Central

2.5 out of 5
Main Street, Camelon, Falkirk, Scotland
Premier Inn Falkirk Central
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
The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms

The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms

2 out of 5
23 Baxters Wynd, Falkirk, Scotland
The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms
NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk

NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk

3.5 out of 5
23 Aitchison Place, Falkirk, Scotland
NEW Super 2 Bedroom Flat in Falkirk
Premier Inn Falkirk - Larbert

Premier Inn Falkirk - Larbert

2 out of 5
Glenbervie Business Park, Bellsdyke Road, Larbert, Scotland
Premier Inn Falkirk - Larbert
Kelpies Serviced Apartments

Kelpies Serviced Apartments

3 out of 5
30 Newmarket St, Falkirk, Scotland
Kelpies Serviced Apartments
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

During your visit to the Falkirk Wheel, enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks, boating, and a round of golf. Consider booking a day trip or hiring a tour guide to explore the area. For relaxation, indulge in a spa break or enjoy an afternoon trip to soak in the beautiful surroundings. Falkirk offers a delightful mix of adventure and leisure for every traveler.

Shopping

For shopping near Falkirk Wheel, visit local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Livingston Designer Outlet, Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, and The Italian Centre, all offering vibrant shopping experiences with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options, located about 13-15 miles away.

Recreation

Helix Park, located 3 miles from Falkirk Wheel, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The Falkirk Golf Club, just 1 mile away, provides a vibrant sports atmosphere for golf enthusiasts. For a luxurious retreat, visit Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa, situated 5 miles away, for rejuvenating body treatments.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 16 miles from Falkirk Wheel, where adrenaline meets speed. For a scenic adventure, hike the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, 21 miles away, offering stunning outdoor views. Engage in an exciting paintball match at Delta Force Paintball Edinburgh, 11 miles distant.

Nightlife

For a fun night near Falkirk Wheel, visit Monster Mania, an arcade adventure zone with thrilling vibes. Catch a show at the Regal Community Theatre for some culture and romance, or enjoy a movie at Cineworld Falkirk for a relaxed entertainment experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk Wheel offers a variety of attractions for all types of travelers, including stunning castles, historic ruins, and charming palaces. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or a romantic getaway, this iconic landmark has something for everyone. Be sure to explore nearby Stirlingshire hotels and read reviews about the famous Falkirk Wheel to enhance your visit. Enjoy discovering the rich history and scenic beauty that surrounds this unique destination.

  • The Kelpies: Located 4 miles from Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies are majestic horse-head sculptures that celebrate Scotland's mythological heritage. These stunning works of art are not only visually striking but also represent the region's connection to its industrial past, offering a unique cultural experience.
  • Stirling Castle: About 10 miles away, Stirling Castle is an iconic fortress steeped in history and romance. Explore its grand architecture and lavish interiors, while enjoying breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Callendar House: Just 3 miles from the Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House is a beautifully preserved historic home that showcases the area’s rich culture. Wander through its elegant rooms and lush gardens, and immerse yourself in the stories of the past.

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 trip to the Falkirk Wheel, consider visiting in January or from October to November when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s tools to compare prices and find last-minute deals. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Falkirk Wheel about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and best deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Falkirk Wheel with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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