Our Area
Draw a circle round Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, and Grangemouth will be at the centre of it. That's why the Grange Manor makes an excellent base for exploring the scenic and historic heart of Scotland.
Start on our doorstep at Falkirk...
Or head for Stirling, the heritage capital of Scotland...
For city slickers, two of the best in the world are just along the road from The Grange Manor -
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Try Loch Lomond: Probably the most famous body of water in the world.
There is also the National Wallace Monument: Climb the tower and take in one of the finest views in Scotland.
Of course, Scotland is also the home of golf. If you would like to say you've played a round where it all began, the Old Course at St Andrews is just over an hour from the hotel. The championship course at Gleneagles is also well within range. Other excellent courses in the area include Glenbervie and Tulliallan. We'll be happy to give you directions.
Falkirk
The Falkirk Wheel
A recent "must see" - The World's first and only rotating boat lift. This modern and innovative structure, standing some 115 feet high, replaces 11 locks of canal travel of yesteryear which took a full day of a boatman's time to negotiate - now some 30/40 minutes.
The Antonine Wall
A 2nd century ruin marking the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. They actually only stayed about 20 years before abandoning their fortresses to the blue-painted picts - you can see the wall best at Kinneil Estate, which literally means 'wall's end'.
Callander House
Once the home of the Jacobean Livingston clan, has a fascinating recreation of life 'below stairs' in their Georgian kitchens.
Blackness Castle
A moody, atmospheric 15th century castle overlooking the Firth of Forth - when Mel Gibson used it as a movie set a few years back, this time it was Hamlet, not Braveheart.
Linlithgow Palace
About 15 miles from the hotel, a splendid 15th century ruin, and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Stirling
Stirling Castle
Set on a high rocky outcrop, is considered by many to be Scotland's grandest castle - many displays and a medieval kitchen reconstruction.
Church of the Holy Rude
Just down from the Castle, was the site of the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots' son, the infant King James VI ( later James I of England) in 1567.
Old Town Jail
St John Street, features living history performances.
Wallace Monument
Abbey Craig, 1 mile northeast of Stirling, the nation's homage to William (Braveheart) Wallace. Climb the 222 ft Victorian tower, catch your breath, then have it taken again by one of the finest views in Scotland. Interactive displays, plus Wallace's two-handed broadsword - the very same one depicted on our bistro menu.
Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Battlesite
A National Trust for Scotland site near Stirling. Social history displays and AV recreation of the famous battle in which Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.
Glasgow
Scotland's largest city, is a treasure chest of things to do. With arguably the best shopping in the UK outside of London, it's also got some of the world's most spectacular museums and galleries. For example, The Burrell Collection, Museum of Transport and The Lighthouse which opened as a gallery in 1999,and is an imaginative restoration of one of the architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh's most fascinating buildings.
Related sites: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society -
http://www.crmsociety.com
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital, attracts tourists from the world over, drawn to its special mix of ancient and modern. Princes Street must be experienced.
Edinburgh International Festival & Fringe
Every August (3 - 25 Aug 2008). During that time (1-23 Aug 2008) the famous Military Tattoo is performed nightly on the Esplanade beneath.
Edinburgh Castle
Seeped in hundreds of years of history and home of the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Loch Lomond
Probably the most famous body of water in the world and certainly one of the most beautiful, Loch Lomond is where highlands meet lowlands and the contrast is most dramatic. With Ben Lomond towering over the northern-most stretch of the loch, there are numerous opportunities for water sports and picnicking. Year round boat trips can be arranged at Balloch. The area has recently been created a National Park.
National Wallace Monument
William Wallace - Scotland's Braveheart - had his greatest victory at Stirling Bridge, where in 1297 he led his men against the English army of Edward I and drove them from Scotland, inflicting a devastating raid on the north of England as he chased them home. In retaliation, the following year, Edward invaded Scotland and this time the Scots were crushed at Falkirk. Wallace escaped to France where he tried unsuccessfully to enlist support for the Scottish cause. He returned and was arrested in 1305 near Glasgow. In London, he was hanged, drawn and quartered and, alas, only two-quarters of Scotland's greatest patriot ever made it back to his native land (to Stirling and Perth, to be precise).
The National Wallace Monument can be found at: Abbey Craig, 1 mile northeast of Stirling. Climb the 222 ft tower, catch your breath, then have it taken again by one of the finest views in Scotland. Interactive displays, plus Wallace's two-handed broadsword.
