We have come up with some ideas of activities to do during your Autumn holidays, with places to visit and to stay, and walks and activities in the Falkirk area. For more inspiration, check our website and follow our social media channels. Share your family moments with us using #VisitFalkirk or tag is in your snaps using @visitfalkirk on Instagram.
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, and have fun in the Roman themed play park (weather permitting).
Fun fact – did you know that the kitchen in Callendar House was used in Season 2 of Outlander?
2. 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!
3. Explore the world’s largest equine sculptures – The Kelpies
The Kelpies tower a colossal 30 metres above the Forth and Clyde Canal and from a dramatic gateway to the canal entrance on the East Coast of Scotland. Created by Scotland's leading sculptor Andy Scott, The Kelpies are a monument to horse powered heritage across Central Scotland.
Come and see the world's largest equine sculptures up close! You can even take a tour inside one of The Kelpies to marvel at the complexity and the engineering which created these fantastic pieces of art! Find out more about Kelpies tours here.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Please be aware that at peak times, Blackness village has limited parking. However, there are some great alternatives as to how you can travel to the Castle from Bo'ness:
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20min cycle (follow John Muir Way section 6)
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1h20min walk - shoreline (Follow John Muir Way section 6, or click here to see the Bo’ness to Blackness walking path leaflet)
7. 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.
8. 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.
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 of 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 and other award-winning food and drink establishments here.
