The Best Hotels and Apartments to Book Near the Falkirk Wheel, Scotland

This traditional Scottish manor house is now a large modern hotel and spa set within 44 acres (18ha), just a 30-minute drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Unwind from your journey with a dip in the hotel pool, or treat yourself to a full body massage in the spa. Large groups should look at booking the separate five-bedroom lodge. Don’t miss dinner at its AA Rosette steakhouse – the rib-eye with red wine jus is worth it alone.

Just 2mi (3km) from the Falkirk Wheel, you’ll find Garthill Lodge in an upmarket neighbourhood. This new build offers two apartments: a one-bedroom place that sleeps four and an annexe ground-floor studio. Expect little luxuries such as Egyptian cotton bed linen and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries included in your stay, as well as a full kitchen for whipping up meals. The studio also has a small outdoor deck area.

Fancy staying in a real Scottish castle? This 14th-century fortress, just a 15-minute drive from Falkirk, was once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce. Rooms range from standard doubles to family suites sleeping four. Book the castle four-poster suite for the ultimate stay. Perks include a gleaming wellness centre, complete with an indoor pool and a jacuzzi. Dine under the glass pyramid ceiling at the on-site Grill Room – the sticky toffee pudding is particularly good.

These deluxe one- and two-bedroom apartments are closer to the Kelpies than the Falkirk Wheel, but they still provide an upscale, convenient stay. Each kitchen includes a washing machine and an oven, ideal for an extended stay. A digital keypad entry makes check-in a breeze, although management is just a phone call away if needed. There’s a shared garden for all guests to use – not to mention Victoria Park across the road – and on-street parking.

This serviced apartment building is adjacent to Victoria Park in northern Falkirk and has a bit more character than most. It houses eight apartments, each with one or two bedrooms, including some ground-floor accessibility for people with mobility issues. King-size beds, unlimited wifi and Netflix come as standard, plus there’s a shared garden gazebo, primed for warm summer evenings. Pets are also welcome, with beds and bowls provided.

Family-run business Kelpies has a range of fully serviced apartments in the town centre. Its deluxe Newmarket Street studio is a great option, with a kitchenette and an ensuite. It’s a little snug, but the prime location makes a stay here worthwhile – especially if you’re off to see the Kelpies or the Falkirk Wheel, just an eight-minute drive away.

Just north of Falkirk town centre, this “snug” is exactly what it says on the tin – a ground-floor, one-bedroom bolthole. Snuggle down in the double bedroom (which can be converted into a twin); those with kids or extra guests can also make use of the double sofa bed in the living area. Pop into the pub next door for a pint of Belhaven in the beer garden.

The best thing about this apartment is the balcony overlooking a lush lawn and the town’s waterway. Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms, sleeping five people in total. The decor is contemporary and minimalist – think wooden floors and neutral walls – and there’s a full kitchen, including a washing machine. Also, the Falkirk Wheel is just a seven-minute drive away – that is, if you can tear the kids away from the TV in the room with bunk beds.