Falkirk Wheel Wheels
The Millennium Link was an ambitious £84.5m project with the objective of restoring navigability across Scotland on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal and Union Canal, providing a corridor of regenerative activity through central Scotland.
A major challenge faced, was to link the Forth and Clyde Canal, which lay 35m (115ft) below the level of the Union Canal. Historically, the two canals had been joined at Falkirk by a flight of 11 locks that stepped down across a distance of 1.5km, but these has been dismantled in 1933, breaking the link.
What was required was a method of connecting these two canals by way of a boat lift. British Waterways were keen to present a visionary solution taking full advantage of the opportunity to create a truly spectacular and fitting structure that would suitably commemorate the Millennium and act as an iconic symbol for years to come.
The resultant, perfectly balanced structure that is The Falkirk Wheel ? the world?s first and only rotating boat lift ? was the eventual outcome of British Waterways collaboration with a design team that combined international experience of joint venture contractor Morrison-Bachy-Soletanche with leading specialists from Ove Arup Consultants, Butterley Engineering and Scotland-based RMJM architects.
Completion of The Millennium Link project was officially marked by Her Majesty The Queen on 24 May 2002 at The Falkirk Wheel.
Opening Times
1st November 09 - 31st March 10
Open daily 11:00-16:00 (Boat Trip Times)
1st April 09 - 31st October 09
Open daily 09:30 - 18:00 (Boat Trip Times)
Boat Trip Prices
Adult £8.00
Child (under 3) £4.25
Under 3's go FREE
Concessions £6.75
Family £21.05
Attraction Details
For enquiries about Falkirk Wheel, please contact the attraction using the details below.
AddressLime Road, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, FK1 4RS
Opening timesN/a
Entry costs
Attraction typeWheels
Hotels near Falkirk Wheel
Staying overnight in Falkirk?
Wondering where to stay that's close to Falkirk Wheel? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near Falkirk in Falkirk.
Bonnyside House
Bonnyside House offers accommodation in Bonnybridge. The accommodation boasts a hot tub. Edinburgh is 43 km from the property.
Best Western Park Hotel
Just a 5 minute walk from Falkirk town centre and a short drive from Falkirk Golf Club, this 3-star hotel is the perfect place for both business and leisure breaks..
Station Hotel
Station Hotel is located in Larbert, 41 km from Edinburgh and 32 km from Glasgow. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Antonine Hotel
Located in the centre of Falkirk, Antonine Hotel offers a restaurant, a bar and free private parking. The property is just 1 minute walk from Falkirks main shopping area, and 6 minutes walk to the rail station..
The Orchard Hotel
Situated in the heart of Falkirk, The Orchard Hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a bistro restaurant. Grangemouth is 8 minutes drive away; both Edinburgh and Glasgow are within 25 miles radius from the property..
Callender Apartments
Callender Apartments offers accommodation in Falkirk, 3.3 km from Falkirk Wheel. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
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