Here are some of our ideas for your autumn holidays, with places to visit and to stay, family breaks for school holidays, and walks and activities in the Falkirk area. For more inspiration, keep checking our website and follow our social media channels. Share your family moments with us #VisitFalkirk.
1. Discover 2,000 years of history at Callendar House & Park
Callendar House is a stunning 14th century, French chateau styled house, 4-star rated visitor attraction. Enjoy a wide range of temporary and permanent displays, including The Story of Callendar House, The Antonine Wall and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution 1750-1850.
Don’t miss the Georgian kitchen with costumed interpreters creating an exciting interactive experience. Explore the magnificent park and woodlands, have fun in the Roman themed play park (weather permitting) and enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea in the Tearoom.
Fun fact – did you know that the kitchen in Callendar House was used in Season 2 of Outlander?
2. Explore the world’s largest equine sculptures – The Kelpies
A visit to the Falkirk area must include the world famous Kelpies in the Helix Park! A colossal 30 metres tall sculpture above the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Have a wander and amaze yourself with these magnificent 100ft tall equine sculptures. Discover the Helix park, which boasts a large lagoon for water sports, a great lawn for events and activities, and an extensive network of family friendly cycling and walking paths. Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee and cake at the Visitor Centre Cafe, Plaza café or Horsebox café just beside the Kelpies. Why not hire an e-bike and take a cycle along the canal all the way up to the Falkirk Wheel.
3. Sail into the air on an unforgettable boat trip at The Falkirk Wheel
Just a short 10 minute drive or bus trip from the historic Falkirk Town Centre will take you to The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift. Sail 115 ft into the air in one of their barges, before enjoying a delicious coffee and choosing from a wide variety of quality foods at the visitor centre. The kids will love the play parks and exciting activities, including mini golf, paddleboarding, segways and much more!
4. A hidden gem on the outskirts of Falkirk - Cloybank Estate
Discover Cloybank Estate, a must-visit hidden gem on the outskirts of Falkirk.
Cloybank offers a wide variety of country sports, including golf, air rifle shooting, fishing; an animal area with ducks, geese, Pygmy goats, and much more.
Make sure you visit their family run tearoom, with a great range of home baked products, as well as produce from the onsite polytunnel. It has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy with your children, and is dog friendly too! The golf academy offers 3 pitching greens, 1 large putting green, and bunker practice. Plus, a 300 yard driving range complete with 6 open bays is also on-site.
5. Visit the elaborate and eccentric Dunmore Pineapple
The Dunmore Pineapple is a 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 thpse staying, with steps leading into the elegant room inside The Pineapple itself.
6. Explore the nature trails at Muiravonside Country Park
The 170 acre, Muiravonside Country Park is 2 miles south of Grangemouth, open all-year round with lots to do including nature trails, picnic sites, play areas and Newparks farm. Visitors can follow the River Avon Heritage Trail around the Park, past the historic Avon Aqueduct and see the relics of bygone industry and farming.
7. Explore the ship that never sailed - Blackness Castle
Shaped like a ship and situated on a promontory which juts out into the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle is known as 'the ship that never sailed'. The kids will love exploring this 15th century castle and be fascinated by the ‘Pit Jail’.
After your visit to the castle, enjoy home-cooked food and a warm atmosphere at The Lobster Pot, a quirky local pub a stone’s throw from the historic landmark or make your way to Mannerstons farm shop and cafe and sample their award winning ice-cream.
Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry. Book online here.
8. A peaceful and natural haven - Dollar Park & Walled gardens
Visit Dollar Park and enjoy a walk in this stunning parkland. Located a stone’s throw from Falkirk town centre, it has a range of spectacular flower displays throughout the year - the beautiful autumn colours are lovely to see.
Covering a half-acre, it offers a range of features and activities including: a sensory garden, and arbour area if you want to bring your own picnic, a bandstand, and a pond area teeming with wildlife. The walled garden is open 7 days a week from 10am until 3.30pm.
A large Victorian two storey mansion can be found within the park’s boundaries, which has its own café, Arnotdale House and Café. Check opening hours and menu here.
9. Enjoy an exclusive collection - 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.
10. Soak up the atmosphere of The Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway
There’s nothing like a departure by steam - climb aboard a wonderfully restored carriage and enjoy a scenic five mile journey to Manuel. A wonderful day out for all the family! Book your trip here.
Getting here by e-bike
Situated midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Falkirk has excellent transport links and cycling path networks. Cycling is a great way to explore Falkirk and beyond. Forth Bike is Scotland's largest electric bike share scheme. Hire an ebike from the main tourim attractions (Helix: Home of the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel), Falkirk High Street and a number of other locations. Discover more here.
Places to stay
With plenty of things to see and do, you may want to stay in the Falkirk area a bit longer. You will find we have a great range of accommodation. From B&Bs to hotels, safari tents, camping pods, camp sites and self-catering properties, there is plenty accommodation to choose from.
For our full listing of accommodation click here
Places to eat
A stop off at one of our many award-winning restaurants and cafes is a must. Plus if your kids ( and you ) fancy an ice-cream you are spoilt for choice with a number of ice-cream producers dotted throughout the area. Discover some of the best ice-cream parlours in the Falkirk area here.
Check our Food and drink page here.
