Falkirk has been officially recognized as the best place to visit in Scotland for families, according to a new ranking published by rail operator LNER. The central belt town secured first place thanks to its extensive range of child-friendly activities, abundant green spaces, and family-oriented accommodation options.
The comprehensive study evaluated 71 towns and cities across Scotland and England, scoring each destination in five key categories: family-friendliness, sustainability, culture, outdoor experiences, and food. Using data from sources including the Office for National Statistics, Yelp, and Hotels.com, researchers adjusted figures for population size and applied weighted metrics to ensure equitable comparisons.
Falkirk emerged as the leader among Scottish locations for families, offering an impressive 511 kid-friendly activities—more per capita than any other destination in the country. The town also boasts 11 public parks and themed attractions, contributing to one of the highest concentrations of green spaces designed with families in mind. Family accommodation options were similarly strong, with Falkirk providing 159 family-friendly hotels per 100,000 residents, the highest rate in Scotland. Dining options also catered well to families, featuring a broad selection of child-friendly restaurants.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, highlighted the value of the research: “Choosing the right destination can be challenging, especially when planning something special. This study removes uncertainty by revealing what different places excel at. We hope it assists travelers in making informed decisions for day trips or extended breaks, showcasing the excellent destinations along our routes.”
The report also highlighted other standout Scottish destinations by category. Aberdeen was named the country’s most sustainable city, praised for its low air pollution levels, abundance of second-hand shops, and walkable, compact layout promoting low-impact tourism. Stirling earned recognition as Scotland’s cultural hub, offering an exceptional concentration of museums, bookshops, historic sites, and events despite its modest size. Inverness was identified as the premier outdoor destination, ideally located between the Highlands and Loch Ness, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and dolphin spotting in the nearby Moray Firth. Edinburgh maintained its reputation as Scotland’s culinary capital, featuring the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and receiving accolades from the Good Food Guide as the “Most Exciting Food Destination of 2025.”
