Falkirk Local Information: 10 top things to know... more
-
1. History
Falkirk has some of the best evidence of the Roman occupation in Scotland including remnants of the Antonine Wall. The wall was similar to Hadrian’s Wall except that it has not stood the test of time as it is made of turf rather than stone. The wall marked the northern frontier between the Firth of Forth and Firth of Clyde during the AD 140s. Two major historical battles hav...Read more
-
2. Now
Falkirk is in the Central Lowlands of Scotland and midway between Scotland’s biggest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Both of these cities can be reached in just half an hour from Falkirk by road or rail. Falkirk is a large retail centre that serves a wide area of Central Scotland that stretches from Bo’ness to Cumbernauld.
-
3. Events
Big in Falkirk, Scotland’s national street arts festival is held in the town every May. Falkirk also hosts the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema which celebrates classic and rare films. The Silent Film Festival offers workshops for all ages and live musical accompaniments to the films.
-
4. Attractions
The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift and is one of Scotland’s biggest attractions. The wheel is made of 1,200 tonnes of steel and is 35 metres high. Visitors can experience this incredible feat of engineering with a 50-minute breathtaking boat journey.
-
5. Things To Do
Callendar House and Park tells the stories from hundreds of years of Scottish history. Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie have all been guests at the house over the centuries and costumed performers will bring the stories to life in a fun-filled and educational experience. Callendar House is open daily and has changing programmes which include tempo...Read more
-
6. Business
Falkirk has a strong industrial history and was once an important centre for the iron and steel industries. The town was the home to the Carron Company which manufactured UK pillar boxes and Carronades for the Royal Navy. Alexander Dennis, the largest bus production company in the United Kingdom, was based in Falkirk. Now two of the biggest employers in Falkirk are the UK Child...Read more
-
7. Transport
Falkirk can be reached easily by train, rail and bus. It is just half an hour away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland can be easily reached.
-
8. Entertainment
Falkirk Town Hall is the town’s major venue for performing arts, entertainment and film. There is an excellent selection of bars, pubs and restaurants in Falkirk and first class shopping facilities if you fancy indulging in some retail therapy.
-
9. Famous Landmarks
The Falkirk Wheel is the town’s most recognisable and popular landmark. The rotating boat lift was first opened in 2002 and is used to connect the waterways between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
-
10. Interesting Fact
Falkirk was the first place in Great Britain to have a fully automated system of street lighting. The system was designed and implemented by local Falkirk firm Thomas Laurie & Co Ltd. Falkirk also has the shortest street in Britain, Tolbooth Street.
Special Offers
Top Business Reviews
-
Warm welcome, friendly & great breakfast.
Linden Guest House
-
Great B & B
Linden Guest House
-
patient and informative instructor
Pamela Gray Driving School
-
Great Instructor
Pamela Gray Driving School
Falkirk Events
-
01 May 2013 - 31 May 2013
Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike
The Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike is held every May in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres. In the event teams have 24 hours to bike and hike across 73 miles of the Great Glen Way. Participants cycle the 30 miles to Fort William and can hike 8 miles to the Bronze ...more
-
01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013
The Big Summer Bug Hunt!
Every July the Falkirk Council Ranger Service invites children to come and take part in The Big Summer Bug Hunt in Callendar Park. With the help of the rangers, kids get the chance to sweep the meadows looking for the bugs and beasties living on the trees and in the lon ...more
-
01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013
Falkirk Walking Week
Falkirk’s week long walking festival takes place every June with a variety of long and short routes to explore throughout the Falkirk District. This popular event allows visitors and Falkirk residents to explore all the Falkirk has to offer.
-
01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013
The Big Fit Walk
The Big Fit Walk is a community event that takes place every June to encourage as many people as possible to take a 30 minute walk from their doorstep. It has proved to be so popular that it has led to the creation of other walking events in the area. The event aims to ...more
- See more events
- Add an event
Falkirk Marketplace
Falkirk Blog
-
Dedication to Olympics shown by ‘GetSetters’
Although the 2012 will be held in London, two schools in Falkirk will also be showing their support and getting involved with the big event. Falkirk High and Oxgang Primary in Grangemouth have been recognised for their commitment to Olympic...
-
Collision course after Teacher’s prize
A popular Falkirk science teacher has been rewarded for his dedication and hard work with a trip to see the world famous Large Hadron Collider. St Mungo’s physics teacher James Murphy was named as ‘Most Dedicated Teacher’ at a Stemnet awards...
-
David’s business is blooming
David Smith, a far travelled gardener from Plean has been nominated for the Lantra Landbased and Aquaculture Learner of the Year. He is currently studying an HNC in landscape management at Oatridge College. David, 29, created his own...
-
Out of this world top 10
A jet setting Falkirk DJ could get the chance to spin discs in outer space. Nick Wolanski, a 25 year old former St Mungo’s High School pupil, was the guest DJ at a private Virgin Galactic reception which was hosted by Sir Richard...
- See more blogs
