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 Bell Tower

The Bell Tower

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

The Vestry

3 out of 5
The Vestry Church Street High, Bonnybridge, Bonnybridge, Scotland
The Vestry
Metro Inns Falkirk

Metro Inns Falkirk

2.5 out of 5
Bean Cross Farm Polmont, Falkirk, Scotland
Metro Inns Falkirk
The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms

The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms

2 out of 5
23 Baxters Wynd, Falkirk, Scotland
The Courtyard Bar, Kitchen & Rooms
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
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
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 the Falkirk Wheel, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including pedal boating for a fun day on the water and scenic views that make for great photo opportunities. Explore the beautiful surroundings on guided tours or take exciting day trips. For thrill-seekers, there's also a karting center nearby, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

In Falkirk Wheel, enjoy local shopping at the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Livingston Designer Outlet, 15 miles away, for designer deals, or Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, 14 miles away, for a variety of shops and family entertainment.

Recreation

At Helix Park, enjoy scenic walks and serene surroundings perfect for relaxation. Falkirk Golf Club offers a vibrant outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts. For pampering, the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel Spa features rejuvenating body treatments in a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after your adventures.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 16 miles from Falkirk Wheel. For a scenic hike, explore the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, 21 miles away. For climbing enthusiasts, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, situated 18 miles from Falkirk Wheel, offers exciting outdoor challenges.

Nightlife

For an exciting night near the Falkirk Wheel, visit Monster Mania, an arcadeAdventureZone with family-friendly vibes just 3 miles away. Alternatively, catch a show at the Regal Community Theatre or Macrobert, both offering rich cultural experiences and entertainment, located 10 and 11 miles away, respectively.

Find the best attractions near Falkirk Wheel

While visiting the Falkirk Wheel, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to cultural, outdoor, and romantic experiences. Explore nearby castles, ruins, and historic houses, or enjoy the vibrant Falkirk Town Hall and local landmarks. Don't miss the iconic Falkirk Wheel itself, renowned for its unique design. Check out reviews and tips for an unforgettable visit to this fascinating area in Scotland.

  • The Kelpies: Located 4 miles from Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies are magnificent horse-head sculptures that celebrate Scotland's equine heritage. Standing at 30 meters tall, these impressive statues offer a cultural experience, with beautiful lighting at night that enhances their grandeur.
  • Stirling Castle: Situated 10 miles from Falkirk Wheel, Stirling Castle is a stunning historic fortress that exudes romance and culture. Explore its ornate architecture and lush gardens, and immerse yourself in the rich history that shaped Scotland.
  • Callendar House: A mere 3 miles from Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House is a charming historic residence that offers insights into local culture. Wander through its beautifully restored rooms and enjoy the scenic parkland that surrounds it.

Best time to go to Falkirk Wheel

Visitor numbers around Falkirk Wheel is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January or October to November, when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider last-minute deals on Expedia for more savings. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search filters to find budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Falkirk Wheel about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and 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.
  • 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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