Things to do in Falkirk

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic rock cliff at the end of the Royal Mile. For nearly a thousand years, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, bearing witness to Scotland's turbulent history. The castle brings together several iconic buildings and exhibition halls: St Margaret's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, is one of the earliest surviving stone structures in Edinburgh, and this Romanesque chapel still retains its medieval appearance; the One O'Clock Gun, in use since 1861, was originally fired to help calibrate time for ships in the Firth of Forth, a tradition that has continued for more than a hundred years and is one of the castle's most recognizable traditional features. In the Crown Room of the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland are displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny; this set of treasures, comprising a crown, a sceptre, and a sword of state, dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important symbol of Scottish sovereignty. The National War Museum on the west side of the castle uses uniforms, medals, and weapons to trace Scotland's centuries of military history. Looking north from the high ramparts of the castle, visitors can take in the magnificent sea views of the Firth of Forth; this is also an excellent spot for overlooking the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Falkirk

The Kelpies

The Armored Horse is located in Falkirk, Scotland. It is 30 meters high and is the largest horse-shaped sculpture in the world. One of the two silver-steel giant horses raised their heads and the other nodded, which looked very visually striking from a distance. You can take a guided walking tour to discover the story behind it, the creative vision of artist Andy Scott, and the true story of the local working horses. At the end of the formation, you can also feel the amazing steel sculpture design of the giant horse from the inside.

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel is located near the town of Falkirk in central Scotland and is a rotating boat lift. It is considered a niche attraction, but the wheel itself is quite interesting. Because the Forth and Clyde Canal and The Union Canal meet in Falkirk, and there is a 24m drop between them—as high as an 8-story building—this boat lift was built to solve the navigation challenge for vessels traveling between the two canals. When boats arrive, they ride the giant wheel from low to high, significantly reducing the time it takes for them to pass through. It is now a visitor center where visitors can take a boat and experience what it is like to ride a giant elevator. Additionally, there is a water park here that is very popular with children.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.

The Helix: Home of The Kelpies

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Stirling

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is a fortress castle building with cliffs on three sides on the Castle Hill in Stirling, Scotland. Although there have been traces of human activity here as early as prehistoric times, it was not until 1110 when King Alexander I of Scotland built a chapel here that the first official record of an actual building was found here. As for the Stirling Castle seen today, it was almost all in the late 15th century to the end of the 16th century, during the reign of several kings such as James IV, James V and James VI of the Stuart Dynasty. built. Stirling Castle is located on a 77-meter-high cliff in the Old Town of Stirling and was once the palace of the King of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, who played an important role in British history, also lived in this castle. The castle is an iconic building throughout Scotland and even Great Britain. It has witnessed many wars and historical movements in Scottish history. Some people call it "a brooch of Scotland", which fully shows its historical status and importance. Stirling Castle was a very famous royal castle in the 12th century. In the history of Scotland, whether it is stories involving war and peace or stories related to imperial power, many stories are related to this castle. Without this castle, there would not be the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge, which Wallace directed here in 1297. Now, the castle is converted into the Legion Museum.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

TOURS & TASTINGS Silver Tour – ONE WHISKY – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Ideal for whisky first-timers & families Interactive & fun introduction to Scotch whisky Hosted in English with free audio guides in 21 languages A storytelling adventure for everyone, rich in visuals, aromas and sensory surprises. Discover the origins of whisky, art of whisky making and magic of maturation. Step inside the cask and experience its fiery creation – seen nowhere else in the world! Learn why the angels always take their share. Unlock the contrasting aromas and flavours of Scotland's five whisky regions. Journey across Scotland in our sweeping 180-degree cinema – from the mysterious Loch Ness to the ‘Harry Potter' steam train, past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, over castles and distilleries. You'll even see Highland cows! Delve into the history and alchemy of creating the perfect blend. Explore the glass-and-marble vault of the world's most popular whisky collection – one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world. Master the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Includes Tutored tasting of one single malt, blend or soft drink – you choose! Gift-boxed original Glencairn crystal whisky glass worth £7.00 to take home (adults only). Special whisky aroma card to take home. Digital tutorial on hosting your own tasting – includes the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Gold Tour – FIVE WHISKIES – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Get a REAL taste for Scotch whisky Ideal for whisky enthusiasts Includes Our SILVER TOUR with one whisky of your choice + all inclusions... PLUS Tutored nosing & tasting of four contrasting regional single malts. From the citrus notes of the Lowlands and fruitiness of Speyside to the heathery Highlands and unmistakable smokiness of Islay, our expert led nosing and tasting offers a complete journey across Scotland's whisky regions. One year membership of the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, with discounts in our award-winning specialist whisky bar and shop – home to 600 single malts, blends & Scotch whisky liqueurs.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is strategically located, uniquely built, and has a long history. It was once the palace of Scottish kings, and Mary I, Queen of Scots, was born here.

The National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument was built in 1869 and is one of Scotland's significant historical landmarks. It stands on a 67m high hilltop outside Stirling, standing as a testament to the Scots' victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Its exterior features a Victorian Gothic style, and from the foot of the monument, you can take in panoramic views of the historic town of Stirling and its surroundings, where many bats and crows often gather.