During weekends in October, the venue is running “Witch and Wizard Workshops“. On offer will be “magical fun for all witches and wizards” aged two and older. Youngers can enjoy slime making, pumpkin decorating, face painting, Halloween colouring and puzzles. Mini golf vouchers will also be available.
The Wheel is also hosting “Pumpkin Archery” sessions – again at weekends during October – for ages eight and over. Spooky fun for all the family is promised.
The Wheel is staging “Burke and Hare Boat Trips“ on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November 2025. William Burke had a hand in building the Falkirk (Canal) Tunnel (near Falkirk High Station), before he got into grave robbing and murderous acts with William Hare.
Finally, a much-nicer character is heading for the Wheel in December. Santa is taking part in “Breakfast with Santa” days on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-23. Ticket holders will each get breakfast, elf workshop activities, a story and a present from Father Christmas himself.
Contact The Falkirk Wheel visitor centre
Tel: 0300 373 0868
(March to October: 10am – 5.30pm) (November to February: 10am – 3.30pm)
There’s a new digital guide to help you walk the Roman Antonine Wall – from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick – passing close to Spoke ‘n’ Boot here in Falkirk.
The new walking trail leads walkers over a mix of terrains – from pavements and canal towpaths to forest and farm tracks. You’ll be able to see the sites of Roman forts and fortlets – plus points of interest, such as pieces of public art.
The trail deviates from the line of the Wall in certain areas for walker safety. However, it mostly follows the actual route of the Roman wall, once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
The trail was created as part of the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project, which included five local authorities and Historic Environment Scotland.
Walkers explore Rough Castle Roman Fort Site near Spoke ‘n’ Boot. Images: Adrian Mahoney.
Wall facts
Location: The Antonine Wall stretched across central Scotland, from the Firth of Forth (Bo’ness) to the Firth of Clyde (Old Kilpatrick).
Built by Romans: Construction began around AD 142 during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.
Length: It ran for about 37 miles (60 km) and was shorter than Hadrian’s Wall (73 miles / 117 km).
Materials: Unlike Hadrian’s Wall (stone), the Antonine Wall was built mainly of turf blocks on a stone foundation, with a large ditch to the north and a road behind it for soldiers.
Forts: Around 16 forts and many smaller fortlets were built along the wall to house Roman troops.
Purpose: It was intended to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain and to control movement of people and goods.
Short use: The wall was only held for about 20 years before the Romans retreated back to Hadrian’s Wall around AD 162.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Today, the Antonine Wall is part of the “Frontiers of the Roman Empire” World Heritage Site, alongside Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes.
Distance slabs: Soldiers recorded their work with decorated distance slabs, unique to the Antonine Wall. Many of these can be seen in museums such as the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
Local legacy: Remains of the wall can still be seen in places like Rough Castle near Falkirk, at Callendar Park, Falkirk, and Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness.
Public transport operator First Group is to increase direct London train links with the Falkirk area.
The company has just secured the rights to extend its east coast Lumo service (currently running from Kings Cross to Edinburgh) across to Glasgow, with stops at Falkirk High Station.
This expanded service is due to start in December 2025, according to reports.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is performing live at Helix Park in Falkirk on Friday 13 June 2025. And Jess Glynne will be at the Helix the following day – on 14 June. Why not book concert tickets and stay at Spoke ‘n’ Boot nearby?
All the venues are within easy reach of our accommodation at Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
We’re also just a short walk or cycle to Falkirk High Station – offering fast rail services to the heart of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Why not combine a trip to the Edinburgh Festivals with an affordable stay with us?
Inside the historic Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness. It’s the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland! It’s a 25 minute car ride (or taxi journey) from Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
There also some amazing shorter trails, listed on the Falkirk Council website. The Council claims the area is home to more than 300 miles of paths and rights of way for walking and cycling.
Spoke ‘n’ Boot is a great place to be based if you fancy a short walking break in central Scotland. Contact us to find out more.
(Pictured below: people walking along part of the Roman Antonine Wall, near Bonnybridge.)
Why not combine some cycling with a stopover at Spoke ‘n’ Boot? Discover our lovely pods and cosy facilities in our Byre. Contact us to discuss your next stay.
The Distillery, on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal dates back to the 1840s. Sadly, it closed in 1993. Now the site has been restored by Ian Macleod Distillers, incorporating new buildings into the historic structures.
The world’s largest equine sculptures – the Kelpies – are 10 years-old this year. The 30 metre horse sculptures – the centrepiece of the Helix Park between Falkirk and Grangemouth – were officially launched in April 2014.
To celebrate a decade of success, attracting millions of people to the area, the Helix Park is staging Kelpies 10 on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
There’s a full, free day of family activities – plus a ticketed (paid for) evening concert. The concert will feature the singer Callum Beattie and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Spoke ‘n’ Boot is just a few miles walk from the Kelpies. Just head down to the Forth and Clyde Canal and Camelon and head east along the Canal. You’ll find the Kelpies in under four miles.
The two-day concert, in the shadow of historic Linlithgow Palace, is due to take place on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11, 2024. Tickets and full information on the concert is on the Party at the Palace website.
Spoke 'n' Boot Camping Pods Falkirk 
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