The Falkirk Wheel
The world's only rotating boat lift. A marvel of engineering and our flagship destination, The Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal in a half-turn that only takes five minutes.
The world’s only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering – and the same power it would take to boil eight kettles.
Transforming the contaminated site of a former tar works, The Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 and replaced a flight of 11 locks that once stepped the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth & Clyde, more than 100 feet below. Whereas weary travellers once had a day’s heavy work opening and closing 44 lock gates to complete the journey between the two canals, The Falkirk Wheel allows vessels to transit between the two waterways in just a few minutes.
Now one of Scotland’s busiest tourist attractions, The Falkirk Wheel attracts around 500,000 visitors each year. The Wheel has transformed Falkirk into a key tourism destination, with visitors traveling from all over the world to marvel at the working sculpture which combines modern engineering and technology with ancient principles set out by Archimedes more than 2000 years ago.
When one of the structure’s gondolas is lowered, the opposite one rises, keeping the vast, 1800 tonne boat lift in perfect balance as it carries canal barges 35 metres into the air in a matter of minutes. Incredibly, the structure uses just 1.5kWh for each rotation.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions about visiting The Falkirk Wheel.
Useful information
Accessibility
The Falkirk Wheel site is fully accessible for visitors with mobility problems and is wheelchair friendly. We have limited Blue Badge parking spaces directly outside the Visitor Centre.
Facilities on-site can be used with ease, and a wheelchair or mobility scooter can also be taken onboard the boat trip (please mention this when booking so we can reduce capacity slightly on-board to allow for a chair).
We also offer the use of wheelchairs on-site if visitors wish to borrow one free of charge, please just ask at the Reception desk and we will arrange this for you.
Disabled patrons pay full price which is £13.50 however if accompanied by a carer then the carer goes free. We have concession rates for our young at heart visitors so over 60’s pay £11.50.
Food and drink & gift shop
Our cafe and gift shop are always open during opening hours.
We also have a number of food outlets that are open during the summer months* that serve everything from ice cream and pizzas to chilli chips and hot dogs, as well as our famous mac 'n' cheese, toasties and seasonal food offerings.
* Subject to availability.
Venue hire
The Falkirk Wheel has a visitor centre that provides information about the history, operation, and significance of the wheel.
The Falkirk Wheel offers three spaces for venue hire – Blueprint Room, Wheel Room, Visitor Centre.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on-site and in our Visitor Centre, but should be kept on leads at all times. Dogs are allowed to sit at the high tables, but for hygiene reasons only assistance dogs are permitted in the café. We have water bowls for dogs at various points around the site.
Well behaved pooches are permitted onboard our boat trips, however the experience can be quite overwhelming for those of a nervous disposition, so we advise only confident (and continent) doggies board.
Missing booking confirmations
If you have booked one of our boat trips but are missing your email confirmation please check your spam/junk folders. If you still can't find your confirmation please email the team at TFW_Bookings@scottishcanals.co.uk.
What times are the boat trips?
During the summer we usually operate a 10-boat schedule daily, with departures at*:
| 10:00 |
| 10:40 |
| 11:20 |
| 12:00 |
| 13:10 |
| 13:50 |
| 14:30 |
| 15:10 |
| 15:50 |
| 16:30 |
You can view available slots on our departures schedule by clicking here.
* Due to operational demands it may be necessary for us to reduce our boat schedule at short notice.
How do I book a free carer's ticket?
There is an option to select a carer's ticket when booking here. Please bring proof of your carer status to present on arrival.
Do I need to pre-book a boat trip?
While we regularly have ticket availability on the day, we strongly recommend booking any tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. We welcome a lot of touring coach parties who regularly fill up our boat trips - our boats only have limited capacity, and we've only got the one Wheel!
Can I book by phone?
We're unable to accept any bookings by telephone. You can book activities and boat trips online by clicking here, or by purchasing on the day (subject to availability).
Can I cancel or amend my boat trip booking?
We are unable to accept any cancellations or amendments to pre-booked boat trips 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure. Our team will endeavour to make amendments to bookings outwith the 48-hour period, however we cannot guarantee any requested changes. Cancellations before 48-hours will be refunded in full.
To make an amendment or cancel your boat trip please email TFW_Bookings@scottishcanals.co.uk with your booking details.
How long does the boat trip take?
Our boat trips take approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic on the waterways.
Booking with an ASVA pass
We always look to welcome our ASVA partners whenever we can. If you're in possession of an ASVA pass please email TFW_Bookings@scottishcanals.co.uk to reserve a booking. Valid ASVA passes must be presented upon arrival,
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Gift vouchers can only currently be purchased in-person from our Visitor Centre and can be redeemed for boat trips only.
How do I book a group on a boat trip?
Groups of more than 15 are entitled to a discounted group rate. Please email TravelTrade@scottishcanals.co.uk to enquire.
What happens if I miss my boat trip?
We always recommend being in the Visitor Centre at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time of departure. If for any reason you are late for your booking our team may look to rebook you on a later sailing, however if there is no availability we are unable to refund any missed bookings.
Is motorhome parking availabile?
Yes! We love having our motorhoming friends over to stay. Overnight parking is subject to availability and is £15 per vehicle, per night. We have an elsan point as well as toilets, showers and washing and drying facilities.
Access to these additional facilities can be secured with a refundable £20 cash deposit.
Please check in at the Visitor Centre during opening times upon arrival if you're wishing to stay at The Falkirk Wheel.
