landmark
The Kelpies
Two 30-metre steel horse-head sculptures towering over the canal at Falkirk, a striking modern landmark off the M9.
4 km · about 10 min drive
Photo by Tom Sargent
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Polmont
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Polmont
Polmont works well as a base: 10 minutes from Shieldhill, 21km from Stirling Castle.
Polmont is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 5,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Shieldhill, about 4 km away.
Polmont (Scottish Gaelic: Poll-Mhonadh) is a village in the Falkirk council area of Central Scotland. It lies towards the east of the town of Falkirk, north of the Union Canal, which runs adjacent to the village.
Due to its situation in Central Scotland, many locations can be seen from Polmont, ranging from the OchilRead more
Hills and the River Forth, to Cairnpapple Hill. Although giving its name to Polmont Young Offenders Institution, the prison is in fact in Reddingmuirhead.
Where to Stay in Polmont
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Polmont?
Within an hour or so of Polmont: The Kelpies (4 km), Culross (9 km), The Dunmore Pineapple (11 km), Queensferry Crossing (18 km).
Are there any good drives near Polmont?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, Rest and Be Thankful (A83) and Glen Lyon.
Where is Polmont?
Polmont is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Shieldhill.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 5,040
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.9905, -3.7074
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Polmont
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
photogenic
Culross
Scotland's most complete 17th-century burgh: ochre-coloured Culross Palace, cobbled wynds and white-harled cottages on the Firth of Forth, preserved by the National Trust. Doubles as Cranesmuir in Outlander.
9 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
The Dunmore Pineapple
An outrageous 14m stone pineapple crowns this 1761 walled-garden folly, built for the Earl of Dunmore and rated among Britain's most eccentric buildings. Free to visit, hidden down a lane near Airth.
11 km · about 20 min drive
bridge
Queensferry Crossing
The world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
18 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Forth Bridge
UNESCO-listed Victorian cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth, a masterwork of 19th-century engineering in 54,000 tonnes of steel.
20 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
Knockhill Racing Circuit
Scotland's national motorsport centre, a compact but thrilling circuit with sharp elevation changes near Dunfermline.
20 km · about 25 min drive
cafe
The Bikers Cove
A waterfront biker cafe in South Queensferry beneath the iconic Forth bridges, offering stunning views and a warm welcome to riders.
20 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Stirling Castle
One of Scotland's largest and most important castles, sitting atop Castle Hill and closely associated with Scottish independence.
21 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Polmont
- 18 kmQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
- 33 kmThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- 33 kmCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- 34 kmArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
- 74 kmRest and Be Thankful (A83)The famous climb out of Glen Croe in Argyll with the old military road beside it; landslide-prone but a spectacular gateway to the west coast.
- 76 kmRest and Be ThankfulA famous viewpoint at the top of Glen Croe where 18th-century soldiers carved the name into a stone after completing the military road.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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