Falkirk named best family destination in Scotland
Falkirk has been named the best place to visit in Scotland for families, according to new research by LNER published this week.
The study, commissioned by the train operator, analysed 71 towns and cities across England and Scotland against five travel themes: family-friendly, sustainability, culture, outdoor experiences, and food.
Drawing on data from sources including the ONS, Yelp and Hotels.com, it assessed a wide range of factors such as child-friendly activities, hotel availability and dining options.
In Scotland, Falkirk secured the top spot for family-friendly destinations, while York took the top spot for England. The full study is available at: LNER Best Destinations to Visit.
The research highlights several reasons why Falkirk stands out for families:
- 511 child-friendly activities - the highest per capita in Scotland.
- 11 parks, offering a strong choice of green spaces for families.
- A wide selection of kid-friendly restaurants, making dining out with children easier.
Main attractions
This latest recognition adds to Falkirk’s strength as a visitor destination. The Helix Park and The Kelpies attract around 850,000 visitors annually, while The Falkirk Wheel welcomes approximately 500,000 visitors each year.
Other major attractions include Callendar House, extensive play areas, and around 500km of walking and cycling routes.
Tourism is a major contributor to Falkirk’s economy. Each year, the area attracts more than 800,000 visitors, including over 500,000 overnight stays.
The Falkirk Tourism Strategy which was approved in 2023, helps to direct the work of the Council and local tourism partners to develop and promote Falkirk as a visitor destination.
Visitor spending is estimated at £150 million annually, supporting around 4,500 jobs — approximately 6% of all local employment.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
To be recognised nationally as Scotland’s best family destination reflects the work being done across Falkirk to create safe, welcoming, and accessible places for families to enjoy.
“This latest study confirms that the area offers a wide choice of attractions, activities, and facilities, and highlights the importance of tourism to the local economy. We will continue to work with our partners to build on this success.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said:
This research helps take out the guesswork and shows what different places have to offer. We hope this guide helps people make more informed choices, whether they’re planning a day trip or a longer summer break.