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 Since June 2002, the nearby town of Falkirk has been shining in the international tourism spotlight. Following a two year construction programme and many more years of design and planning, the world's first rotating boat lift opened for business.
As the centrepiece of The Millennium Link, the project to reconnect and regenerate the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, The Falkirk Wheel is hailed as a monument to the skills of modern engineering. Created to replace the flight of eleven locks that originally connected the two canals, the magnificent 115 ft Wheel is made of steel with two giant caissons each capable of carrying up to four boats at a time.
Visitors to The Falkirk Wheel have the opportunity to take part in a unique boatlift experience. The journey starts with passengers boarding a specially constructed boat at the Visitor Centre before heading out towards the magnificent Wheel itself. The boat then glides effortlessly into one of the water filled caissons where the doors close to form a watertight seal.
As visitors enjoy unhindered views of the Ochil Hills in the distance, The Falkirk Wheel starts to rotate, and in one smooth seven minute movement the vessel rises to the top of the Wheel where it continues its journey along a newly constructed aqueduct and through a 145 metre tunnel underneath the historic Antonine Wall.
Tickets for the boat trip experience on The Falkirk Wheel can be purchased by calling 08700-500 208 in advance. Prices are £8.00 for adults, £4.00 for children (15 years and under) and £6.00 concession. Children under five go free. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is priced at £21.00 and entry to the Visitor Centre and exhibition area (including a shop and Cafe) is free. There is a 10%% group discount on groups over 20 passengers and unlimited car parking is available for £2.00.
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