Local Attractions
Oaklands is one of the best places to stay in Falkirk and is also superbly situated for both city and rural pursuits. Just 10 minutes from the town centre of Falkirk, and less than 30 minutes from Edinburgh (the airport can be reached in 20 minutes), Glasgow and Stirling (the Gateway to the Highlands), Oaklands can truly be said to be right in the centre of Scotland.
Access is easy, with the M9 motorway (junction 5) just minutes away, and Polmont Station with its direct rail links to all three cities close by. There is an endless list of local opportunities. Oaklands is very close to Callendar House and the amazing Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s greatest engineering achievements.
Walkers can enjoy a range of different types of walk: canal, country park (Callendar Park, or Muiravonside Park with its magnificent aqueduct built by Thomas Telford), Roman Antonie Wall, seashore, or historic battle site (Bannockburn 1314, and Sherriffmuir 1715).
Just off the A905 Falkirk to Stirling road at Dunmore, and close to Airth Castle, stands “the most bizarre building in Scotland.” The Pineapple is a summer house built in 1761 with a first floor of cantilevered masonry in the shape of a realistic, prickly pineapple which is 45’ high!
The historic town of Linlithgow is also close by, the Palace having been visited by Robert the Bruce and being the birthplace of the tragic Mary, Queen of Scots. Although burned to the ground by Oliver Cromwell, the palace remains an impressive ruin with much of the structure intact.
Cyclists can enjoy the Forth and Clyde canal towpath which includes a stop at the Falkirk Wheel, and a torch lit journey through a mile long tunnel.
Shoppers can get personal advice from Helen and Andrew as to where to go and what to do in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Falkirk or Stirling.
Tourists can venture from here to almost any part of Scotland within a couple of hours.
One of the pleasures of staying in top quality accommodation in Falkirk is the range of restaurants available close to our guest house. Helen and Andrew are very happy to provide recommendations and prices.
Within minutes of Oaklands are The Beancross Inn and Finn’s Salt of the Earth. Linlithgow boasts a wonderful seafood restaurant, Ship2Shore, the more traditional Livingstone’s, and good pub food in The Four Marys and The Star and Garter. Falkirk has, among others, a very fine French restaurant, Pierre’s, a cheerful Italian, Antonio’s, and a hot Indian, The Sanaam.
So, not only can you enjoy one of the best guest houses in Falkirk, you can also experience very good dining.
