1. Take a trip on a steam train at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
Enjoy a scenic ten mile return train journey to Manuel along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the mighty Avon Viaduct.
The railway's main schedule commences on the 29th of March. However, trains will be running on selected dates in February where kids go free!
While you're there, make sure to visit the Museum of Scottish Railways; Scotland's largest railway museum!
Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway
2. Take a trip to see the world-famous Kelpies
The Kelpies are located in the 350-hectare expanse of Helix Park along with a lagoon, wetlands, splash play, trails, kids adventure zone, and accessible play area to keep your family busy. You can also book to take a tour inside one of The Kelpies!
Stop off at the visitor centre café to sample the mouth-watering menu of homemade and locally-sourced ingredients, including cakes, soup, sandwiches, and pizza.
The Kelpies
3. Experience Scotland’s oldest cinema – The Hippodrome
Beautifully restored, The Hippodrome is Scotland's oldest purpose-built cinema. Admire the stunning pre-art deco picture palace dating back to 1912 and enjoy the best major releases, independent films and classics with your friends and family.
Bo'ness Hippodrome
4. Sail into the sky at the Falkirk Wheel
At the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, you can soar 115 feet into the air. Boat trips are not currently in operation due to winter maintenance, they will be back in operation from March 2024.
Try out some of the other activities on offer – from boat trips, woodland walks, kids activity zone, mini golf, water play park, e-bikes for 16 and overs, and much more for a jam-packed family day out.
When it comes to food and drink, there’s plenty to choose from. Grab a bite to eat from the airstream food truck and wood-fired pizza oven. Or sit inside and enjoy a lunch at the visitor centre café while watching the Wheel at work.
The Falkirk Wheel. Image credit: Scotdrone
5. Enjoy an exclusive collection at Bo'ness Motor Museum
Opened in 2004 by Caroline Munro and Shane Rimmer, 2 of the stars of the Bond film, "The Spy who Loved Me", Bo’ness Motor museum has a private collection of over 25 vehicles, ranging from a Baby Austin A30 to a Grand Tourer Aston Martinon display. A wide range of James Bond memorabilia including cars, props and posters from many 007 films and TV can be found in the Museum, plus a comprehensive collection of transport memorabilia and a varied selection of artefacts from days gone by.
The Museum and gift shop are open weekends only from 11am to 4pm. For a weekday visit, please phone 01506 827007 to book an appointment.
If you plan to visit between November & Easter, please call 01506 827007 to check winter opening hours.
Bo'ness Motor Museum
6. Discover 2,000 years of history at Callendar House & Park
Callendar House is a stunning 14th century, French chateau styled house, rated 4-star visitor attraction. Enjoy a wide range of temporary and permanent displays and make sure not to miss the Georgian kitchen with costumed interpreters creating an exciting interactive experience, visit the stunning Tearoom and explore the magnificent park and woodlands, have fun in the Roman themed play park (weather permitting). Check the Falkirk Leisure and Culture Website for upcoming events and exhibitions.
Callendar House
7. Enjoy a Wizarding World experience at the School of Witchcraft & Potions
Located in The Lonely Broomstick shop, the School of Witchcraft & Potions is an immersive Wizarding World experience in the heart of Scotland. Enter into a world like you've never seen before and be immersed into the creation of potions, wand movements, spells and so much more!
The Lonely Broomstick
8. Bring your bike to Blackness
Shaped like a ship and situated on a promontory which juts out into the Firth of Forth, this 15th century castle is known as 'the ship that never sailed'. After your visit to the castle, enjoy the warm atmosphere and quirkiness of The Lobster Pot. A great place to enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee, or a delicious lunch or dinner.
Help us to avoid traffic congestion and support the local community by cycling instead of bringing the car. You can park in Bo’ness and enjoy the 20 minute scenic cycle along the foreshore to the castle – see the route here. Blackness Castle also offer a discounted price on entry tickets when visiting using public transport, walking or cycling.
Blackness Castle
9. Step back in time at Kinneil Estate
Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness was once owned by the Dukes of Hamilton and is now a public park open all year round and free to visit. Kinneil House can be found on the grounds and is open April - September, but Kinneil Museum is open all year round, every day except Tuesdays. Located in a 17th century stable block, it acts as an interpretative centre for Kinneil Estate. The exhibition 2,000 Years of History tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day. Antoninus Pius, St Serf, Mary, Queen of Scots and James Watt are among the many historical characters associated with the estate.
A short walk from the museum takes visitors to the Antonine Wall, awarded World Heritage Site status in July 2008. A Roman fortlet, a medieval Church, the site of the medieval village, and James Watt's cottage can also be found on the grounds.
Kinneil Museum
10. Marvel at the eccentric Dunmore Pineapple
An elaborate and eccentric summer house built in the shape of a pineapple in the 18th century by Lord Dunmore. The Pineapple presides over an immense walled garden open to visitors, while at the back is a private garden for those staying, with steps leading into the elegant room inside The Pineapple itself.
The Dunmore Pineapple
Accommodation in Falkirk
A warm welcome awaits you at a wide choice of Hotels, Guest Houses, Lodges and B&B's in Falkirk, Bo'ness and the surrounding areas. See all of our accommodation options here.
MacDonald Inchyra Hotel
Places to Eat
Falkirk is home to a number of award winning restaurants, as well as a growing number of food and drink producers. Take a look at some of our recommendations here.
Chianti Italian Restaurant
