Falkirk - Stay & Play in the heart of Scotland

The Antonine Wall

The Antonine Wall is the largest relic of the Roman occupation of Scotland. Built around AD142, on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, it marked the northern border to the Roman Empire and was constructed as a defence against the northern tribes.

By AD160 the Antonine Wall was abandoned as the Roman Army retreated to the south and in many places the wall has been built over or lost forever. However, despite the passage of time, substantial lengths of the wall can be seen at various sites within the Falkirk area including Rough Castle, Watling Lodge, Callendar Park and Kinneil.

Further Information
Museum Services,
Callendar House,
Falkirk
Tel: 01324 503770

Dunmore Pineapple

One of the most architectural wonders of Scotland is the beautifully built Pineapple in the garden of Dunmore House, near Falkirk. It was built as a folly in 1761 by an unknown Architect. It is part of the walled garden of Dunmore Park and was originally used as a garden retreat. Pineapples were known to have been grown in Scotland in the early 18th century and were probably grown in hot-houses on the south side of the garden wall at Dunmore. It is now in the custody of the National Trust for Scotland.

Opening Times
All year, daily: 9.30am to sunset.

The Falkirk Steeple

The Steeple is located in the heart of Falkirks pedestrianised High Street and has been a landmark in Falkirk since the late 15th century. The present steeple is the third to be erected and dates back to 1814. Designed by David Hamilton and built with sandstone, the steeple is over 140 feet high and 22 feet square at ground level. In 1927 the Steeple lost its top when it was struck by lightening but it was immediately re-built.

The Steeple housed the town lock-up and still contains two cells on the upper levels. Access to these is by a narrow spiral staircase. Today the Steeple is a Falkirk Council information point and houses the box office for Cultural Services events and activities throughout the Falkirk area.

Kinneil Museum and Estate

Kinneil Museum, located in Kinneil House, hosts the exhibition "2000 Years of History". Here you can learn all about the estate and those associated with it such as Antoninus Pius, St Serf, Mary Queen of Scots and James Watt.

Around the Estate are several other sites of interest including a Roman Fortlet site, a medieval village, Kinneil House, James Watt's cottage and the local sites of the Antonine Wall.

Opening Times
Monday to Saturday: 12.30 – 4.00pm
Admission Free

Contact Details
Kinneil Museum, Duchess Anne Cottages,
Kinneil Estate,
Bo'ness,
EH51 OPR

Website: Visit the website

Tel. 01506 778 530

The Scottish Railway Exhibition

The Scottish Railway Exhibition

A five minute walk from Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway is the Scottish Railway Exhibition. Here you’ll find a large selection of locomotives, carriages and wagons, as well as models and displays that tell the history of railways in Scotland.

There are a few surprises too – particularly the signs that actually encourage you to climb on to and explore some of the exhibits!

Opening Times

Weekends April-June, every day July – 26 August, from 11.00 to 16.30.

Admission

£1 per adult; children can visit for free but must be accompanied.

Contact Details

Scottish Railway Preservation Society

17-19 North Street

Bo’ness

EH 51 0AQ

Telephone 01506 825855

www.srps.org.uk

Blackness Castle

Blackness was once an important trading port and a key player in medieval Scotland's trade with the Baltic. The castle dates from the 15th century and is dramatically situated on a promontory which juts out into the Forth and commands views up and down the coast. It is shaped like a ship and was used as a location by Franco Zeffirelli for his film of Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson.

Opening Times
April – September: open all days
January to March: closed Thursday afternoons, Friday and Sunday morning.
October to December: closed Thursday and Friday.

Admission
Adult:£2.50
Child: 75p
Concessions: £1.90

Contact Details
Blackness Castle, 4 miles NE of Linlithgow on the Firth of Forth, off the A904.

Tel: 01506 834 807

Callendar House

One of Scotland's finest baronial mansions, Callendar House displays over 600 years of Scottish history and has played host to many great historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The interior feautures:

• Costumed interpreters recreating the daily routines of the past
• Authentic Georgian Working Kitchen
• Printer's and clockmaker's workshop and general store of the 1820s
• The Age of Enlightenment and The Industrial Revolution
• Exhibition galleries and interactive displays

Opening Times
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm (throughout the year)
Sunday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm (April – September)
Last Admission 4.00pm
No admission charges

Contact Details
Callendar House,
Callendar Park,
Falkirk FK1 1YR

Website: Visit Scotland

Tel. 01324 503 770