The Falkirk Wheel Is A Modern Day Miracle of Engineering
Scottish Attractions > The Falkirk Wheel To be honest, this isn't my kind of "attraction" and I arrived here by accident, but when I saw the Wheel in action I was glad I came.
It's an exceptional feat of engineering, the only rotating boat lift in the world, and it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. I can now understand why it was The Falkirk Wheel connects Glasgow and Edinburgh by canal, replacing 11 locks across central Scotland, that were abandoned in the 1930's. Apparently there was much discussion as to whether this was necessary, but the Falkirk Wheel is now a tourist attraction which has had a huge impact on the area. It’s success may lead to other developments around the newly renovated canals in the Falkirk area. The Visitor Centre, fully accessible, with disabled car parking provided, offers a magnificent viewpoint from which to see the Wheel in action, has a cafeteria and gift shop, and there is no charge for entrance. There is also a boat tour with audio and video support. A trip takes about an hour and provides an unforgettable day out for all the family.
The Wheel is situated in the Tamfourhill area of Falkirk, and served by two railway stations, both a short distance away, although most visitors travel by road, with every approach well signposted from the M8 and M876 motorways. It was named after the nearby town of Falkirk in central Scotland, a modern town, easily accessible from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Falkirk has excellent shopping centres, and the High Street is pedestrian only. Other attractions in the area include the remnants of the Antonine wall, built between the Firth of Forth and the Clyde to form the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Falkirk's history has seen contributions by William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and John Logie Baird. When darkness falls, the illuminations help enhance the Falkirk Wheel's stature as the third most popular visitor attraction in Scotland, behind only the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Edinburgh Castle. I have to admit I enjoyed this day out. Facilities Audio Visual Boat Trip Opening Times Until 31st March Monday - Wednesday 11.00-1600 Boat Trip Prices Adult £8.00 * Scottish charity - the Seagull Trust, formed in 1978, provides free canal cruising for anyone with a disability. They have four branches located on the Union, Forth & Clyde and Caledonian Canals at: Falkirk, Highland, Kirkintilloch and Ratho. Full details can be found on the bookings page.
More Scottish Attractions :
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, with one of Europe's great civic art collections is Scotland’s number 1 visitor attraction, and one of the best loved buildings.
This science and technology museum was awarded a five star rating in the visitor attraction category by the Scottish Tourist Board, Visit Scotland.
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