Local Attractions
Grangemouth is superbly situated in the heart of Central Scotland and due to its favourable geographical location, you will soon discover what is in our very own doorstep when you choose to stay with us at the Helix. No need to venture far! Here are some local sites of interest.
The Helix
Our hotel is named in honour one of Scotland’s newest and major attractions, located minutes from the Helix Hotel by car. The Helix is one of Scotland’s leading visitor destinations, offering recreational space for locals and visitors alike. The stellar attraction at the Helix are the Kelpies (metallic sculptures of horse heads created by Glasgow artist and sculptor Andy Scott). Visitors can enter these magnificent works of art or enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities from cycling and water sports (electric bike hire available) to Nordic walking. The Helix is located in newly transformed land between Falkirk and Grangemouth, straddling the M9 motorway.Callendar House, Falkirk
A short bus or car ride from Grangemouth is Callendar House set in the stunning backdrop of Callendar Park in Falkirk. Dating from the 14th century Callendar House chronicles the history of this stately home from its establishment through to the 19th century as well as displays about the Antonine Wall, part of which runs through Callendar Park. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the restored kitchen dating from 1825 where costumed interpreters re-create an interactive experience with tastings of early 19th century food and depicting the lives of workers in such a large home. Visit the Park Gallery on the 2nd floor featuring a series of temporary exhibitions of contemporary visual art. An events programme is also available on the website with events all year round at Callendar House and Callendar Park.The Falkirk Wheel
Another popular attraction in the Falkirk and Grangemouth urban area, The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift strategically placed at the point where the Forth & Clyde Canal from Glasgow & The West meets the Union Canal (heading east to Edinburgh). Sail 35 metres into the air on this striking feat of mechanical engineering and descend into the Union Canal. The Falkirk Wheel is also an embarkation point for many canal cruises along the Forth and Clyde Canal and Union Canal and features attractions for kids including a Children’s Activity Zone, Water Activity Zone, Water Play Park. There is a visitor centre at the Wheel unveiling the history of Scottish Canals and The Falkirk Wheel. For more information, please visit the Falkirk Wheel website. Bus number 3 from Grangemouth takes you direct to the Falkirk Wheel.Blackness Castle
One of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds, Blackness Castle was built in the 15th century by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons. Built in the 15th century and massively strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, Blackness Castle has been a royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for Hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe. Blackness Castle is often referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its great stone ship appearance. From the castle you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Fife.Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre
Why not visit the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre during your stay with us? A real hit for kids and wildlife enthusiasts. Located in Wood Street in Grangemouth and only a short walk from the hotel, Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is a fantastic transformation of urban wasteland into an oasis for wildlife. The park contains a variety of habitats from woodland, grassland and wildflowers for spotting insects, mammals and birds. Look out for what’s on at the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre throughout the year on the Scottish Wildlife Trust website.Grangemouth Sports Complex
Fancy a swim or physical exertion to distress after a busy schedule? Grangemouth Sports Complex is a stones’ throw from the hotel, situated on Abbots Road in front of Zetland Park. If you have children with you, there are flumes to keep the young ones amused. Besides the swimming and leisure pool, dry-side activities include badminton, gym and cardiovascular machines and a range of classes to give your stamina a boost.Grangemouth Museum
Enjoy learning the local history of places during your travels? Why not visit the Grangemouth Museum placed in Grangemouth Library on Bo’ness Road. Learn the history of one of Scotland’s earliest planned towns, charting Grangemouth’s beginnings in the 18th Century as a settlement at the sea-lock of the Forth & Clyde Canal to its present status as a town of international renown, being one of Europe’s chief centres of the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Entry to the Museum is free of charge.Kinneil House
A section of the Antonine Wall and a Roman fortlet dating from 142AD can be found on the estate. Named as a British World Heritage Site in 2008, these have been partially re-instated with the addition of interpretative signage. The Kinneil Museum is housed in the 17th Century stable block at the Duchess Anne Cottages in the Park, also displays detailed information about the Wall, and the history of the Estate and the surrounding area in general.Linlithgow Palace
The magnificent ruin of a great Royal Palace set in its own park and beside Linlithgow Loch. A favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I (1406-37) onward. Building work commissioned by James I, III, IV, V and VI can be seen. The great hall and chapel are particularly fine. James V (1512) and Mary Queen of Scots (1542) were both born here.Surfaces inside the Palace are mainly stone slabs and small cobbles in the courtyard. The ticket office, shop and courtyard are accessible to visitors with disabilities. More mobile visitors should be able to access the first floor which forms the main part of the property. Access is available to Linlithgow Loch and extensive peel (park).