The Falkirk Wheel Reviews Summary

Category: Tourist attraction

Address: Lime Rd, Falkirk, FK1 4RS, United Kingdom

Phone: +443003730868

Rating: 4.6
based on 563 reviews.

Engineering and Design

Pros:

  • "Amazing engineering marvel, it is absolutely spectacular."
  • "It's an amazing piece of engineering, and they apparently made a prototype from Lego when designing it."
  • "Incredible piece of engineering, rotates barges from upper canal to the lower and vice versa."
  • "An astonishingly beautiful piece of engineering that's more like a work of art."
  • "What a fantastic piece of civil engineering, the wheel replaced a flight of 11 locks that had fallen into disrepair."
  • "The Falkirk Wheel is a remarkable feat of engineering and an iconic landmark located in Falkirk, Scotland."
  • "A wonderful piece of architecture. I was full of admiration for how it worked and it still works very well."

Cons:

  • "It's a fantastic feat of engineering but, if you go on a ride it gets so steamed up inside that you cannot see the views or actually properly enjoy the experience."
  • "Only downside was the wheel itself and boats could be doing with a good clean as it's starting to look a bit grubby."
  • "I was expecting more in the way of an exhibition of how it was built and how it works. Just one TV monitor showing the mechanism, that's all."

Family and Children Activities

Pros:

  • "Plenty of activities for kids are there is a large play park on site too."
  • "Kids enjoy the mini golf and play area near by."
  • "Also children play area and activities available for the little ones including water zorbing, boat trips."
  • "There's also paddle boarding, bumper boats and a small pool for kids to play in."
  • "Caters really well to families and the amenities are well kept."
  • "Good with families too, lots for the kids to do."
  • "Lots to keep the kids amused, including mini golf, boating pond, water play and kayaking."

Cons:

  • "Shame there isn’t much view from the boat trip. With the amount of people on board to the safety equipment blocking the view it was difficult to see anything."
  • "The small kids weren’t particularly entertained for the whole ride."
  • "Lots of the water bits were closed (Eureka section) which was a shame."
  • "Kids only went on the balls that are in the water which I thought at £8 was a bit steep."

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

  • "Good signposts to get to the car park. ANPR is used for the car parking."
  • "More than sufficient parking however it does cost."
  • "Free Parking for Blue badge holder but it is a bit of a walk from some parts of car park."
  • "The area has loads of parking."
  • "Parking was free in the north car park and you pass the broadwalk restaurant, which I can highly recommend."
  • "Parking is reasonable it's only £3.50 per day free for disable you have to verify your blue badge at the visitor center."
  • "Car park is £3.50 for the whole day which is good."

Cons:

  • "We had a lovely time. Parking we had no problem with but I think it's a shame you get charged £3.50 but didn't bother me."
  • "Parking is £3.50 for the day but don't lose your ticket as it costs £15!!!"
  • "Only negative thing about the experience was that the signage could have been better saying that you didn’t have to pay after 6pm."
  • "If you have neglected to pay you have a last chance at the exit kiosk but that causes a traffic backup."

Cafe and Restaurant

Pros:

  • "There is a great cafe on site, ample parking and a tour of the wheel if you want to experience it in action."
  • "Toilets (FREE) are within the visitors centre as is a cafe and shop with plenty of souvenirs and information boards giving you an insight into the wheel."
  • "We did eat in the restaurant, well coffee and cake and it was delicious, in fact all the food looked lovely."
  • "Great customer service at the cafe and a nice cuppa coffee as well."
  • "The cafe is lovely for lunch."
  • "Always a delight to view. Nice coffee and food."
  • "Great shop and cafe. Great place to spent a few hours."

Cons:

  • "Stopped in the cafe for lunch, nothing special, usual museum/attraction food, costs more than it should, no other options."
  • "Quality of food in the café is less good."
  • "The café was somewhat weird. Despite standing awaiting service by a breakfast counter for five or so minutes. No one from the shop thought to mention that we'd find an open service counter just round the corner."

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