Falkirk
A UK Canal Boating Article
Category : Places
Falkirk is located in the central Lowlands of Scotland between the two major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The busy commercial centre of Falkirk was once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and remains of the Roman Wall can still be seen in the area. During the Industrial Revolution Falkirk was at the centre of the iron and steel industry Falkirk played a major role during this time and was a vital hub linking the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals.
The Falkirk Wheel has become known as the Eighth Wonder of the Waterways and is a striking landmark above the Carron Valley. Rising 115 feet into the air this unique engineering feat carries boats to and from the Union and Forth and Clyde Canal. Free to enter the Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre houses interactive displays where you can learn the history of the canals. Browse for an unusual gift in the shop or have morning coffee or afternoon tea in the cafe. The children can have hours of fun in the play park or on one of the nature trails. The new Mini Canal and Water Play Area will give children and adults a really vibrant, hands-on connection with the canals and with The Falkirk Wheel.
Callendar House is one of Scotland's finest baronial mansions and displays over 2000 years of Scottish history. The house has played host to many great historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. View the working Georgian kitchen, brought to life through costumed interpreters and The Park Gallery, a contemporary visual art space featuring emerging and established local, national and international artists. The house is situated in the magnificent setting of Callendar Park, offering beautiful walks, a 9 hole golf course, crazy golf, boating lake and kids play area.
The Antonine Wall was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 and dates back to the 2nd century. It marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and was built on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius as a defence against the northern tribe. Kinneil Estate, meaning ‘Wall’s End’, has the best preserved sections of the wall along with the foundations of a fortlet.
Owned by the National Trust The Dunmore Pineapple is one of the architectural wonders of Scotland.This beautifully structure was built in 1761 by an nknown architect and is situated in the garden of Dunmore House. It was built as a garden retreat where, it is believed, pineapples were grown in hot-houses on the south side of the garden wall.
The Steeple has been a landmark in Falkirk since the late 15th century and the present steeple is actually the third to be erected and dates back to 1814. Designed by David Hamilton it is built with sandstone and stand at over 140 feet high. It contained two jail cells as well as two other rooms, which were used the time as the town's lock-up. Today the Steeple is a Falkirk Community Trust information point and houses the box office for Cultural Services events and activities throughout the Falkirk area.
Falkirk town centre boasts first class shopping facilities with two large shopping centres, The Howgate and Callendar Square. The pedestrianised High Street contains a fine selection of local independent stores, boutiques and gift shops. There is an excellent selection of quality bars and restaurants which provide an ideal setting to relax and unwind.
The Falkirk Wheel has become known as the Eighth Wonder of the Waterways and is a striking landmark above the Carron Valley. Rising 115 feet into the air this unique engineering feat carries boats to and from the Union and Forth and Clyde Canal. Free to enter the Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre houses interactive displays where you can learn the history of the canals. Browse for an unusual gift in the shop or have morning coffee or afternoon tea in the cafe. The children can have hours of fun in the play park or on one of the nature trails. The new Mini Canal and Water Play Area will give children and adults a really vibrant, hands-on connection with the canals and with The Falkirk Wheel.
Callendar House is one of Scotland's finest baronial mansions and displays over 2000 years of Scottish history. The house has played host to many great historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. View the working Georgian kitchen, brought to life through costumed interpreters and The Park Gallery, a contemporary visual art space featuring emerging and established local, national and international artists. The house is situated in the magnificent setting of Callendar Park, offering beautiful walks, a 9 hole golf course, crazy golf, boating lake and kids play area.
The Antonine Wall was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 and dates back to the 2nd century. It marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and was built on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius as a defence against the northern tribe. Kinneil Estate, meaning ‘Wall’s End’, has the best preserved sections of the wall along with the foundations of a fortlet.
Owned by the National Trust The Dunmore Pineapple is one of the architectural wonders of Scotland.This beautifully structure was built in 1761 by an nknown architect and is situated in the garden of Dunmore House. It was built as a garden retreat where, it is believed, pineapples were grown in hot-houses on the south side of the garden wall.
The Steeple has been a landmark in Falkirk since the late 15th century and the present steeple is actually the third to be erected and dates back to 1814. Designed by David Hamilton it is built with sandstone and stand at over 140 feet high. It contained two jail cells as well as two other rooms, which were used the time as the town's lock-up. Today the Steeple is a Falkirk Community Trust information point and houses the box office for Cultural Services events and activities throughout the Falkirk area.
Falkirk town centre boasts first class shopping facilities with two large shopping centres, The Howgate and Callendar Square. The pedestrianised High Street contains a fine selection of local independent stores, boutiques and gift shops. There is an excellent selection of quality bars and restaurants which provide an ideal setting to relax and unwind.