1. Edinburgh to The Kelpies
Leaving Edinburgh, head towards Falkirk via the A90 and M9, exiting at Falkirk/Grangemouth for The Kelpies at Helix Park. This drive should take about 45 minutes. There is a car park here (charges may apply) and a visitor centre. The Kelpies is a stunning sculpture of 2 horses heads, 30 metres high. Created by artist Andy Scott in 2013 to represent the heavy horse industry in Scotland. They are named after horse-like beasts called kelpies from Scottish mythology.
2. The Kelpies to Falkirk Wheel
From here, take the A9 to the Falkirk Wheel, just a further 5 miles, also with paid parking and a visitor centre. This rotating boat lift, which joins the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, opened in 2002. At 35 metres tall, it is a fascinating feat of engineering. Here, you can take a spin on the wheel with a boat trip, visit the shop and grab some lunch in the cafe.
3. Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow Palace
Now heading back towards Edinburgh, make a stop at Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. This is around a half-hour drive and there is a car park at the front. Although now a ruin, the palace is well-preserved and there is plenty to see. Feeling hungry? The Champany Inn is just a 5-minute drive from Linlithgow Palace. Serving up amazing burgers and steaks at The Chop House.
4. Linlithgow to Hopetoun House
Our final stop on the way back to Edinburgh is Hopetoun House in South Queensferry. It’s open in the summer months only, so check opening times and dates before visiting. This is a grand stately home and beautiful grounds, around a 25-minute drive from Linlithgow. If you’d prefer to eat near here, The Boathouse on South Queensferry High Street offers wonderful food with spectacular views of the Forth Bridge. There are a few car parks and on-street parking in South Queensferry.
5. South Queensferry to Edinburgh
From South Queensferry, it is a 30-minute drive back to Edinburgh via the A90. Back to your cosy accommodation at Parliament House Hotel.
‘This was such a cute hotel. Loved the old quirky charm of the place. Staff was very accommodating. They were able to get us in our room early so we could take a break after a long day of flying. Would definitely stay here again.’
– Facebook Review
