Alloa factfile

How to get to Alloa
Alloa is a small market town in the county of Clackmannanshire, Scotland. It is 50 km (32 mi) north-west of Edinburgh, and the same distance north-east of Glasgow. The historic town of Stirling is just 12 km (7.5 mi) due west of Alloa.

Famous landmarks in Alloa
Alloa's most famous landmark is the Alloa Tower, one of Scotland's largest surviving medieval towers. Built in the 14th century, it is the ancestral home of the Earls of Mar. Open to visitors from March to October, notable features include the medieval oak beamed roof, the dungeon and roof walk.

Shopping in Alloa
As one of Scotland's thriving market towns, Alloa's high street includes small independent shops as well as some high-street names.

A weekly market is held every Thursday at the bottom of Candleriggs. There are also a number of large supermarkets just outside the town centre.

For designer goods and well-known brands at reduced prices, Sterling Mills Designer Village is 3 km (2 mi) from Alloa.

Sports and leisure
There are several attractive golf clubs within easy reach of Alloa town centre, including Alloa Golf Club and the exclusive Gleneagles Golf Course.

Skiing fans can take to the slopes at Polmonthill and Firpark.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is open from March to late Autumn. Offering family fun, it's home to animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras, as well as fun-park attractions including a waterslide, pirate ship and pedal boats.

Things to see and do around Alloa
Clackmannan Tower is less than a mile from Alloa. This five-storey tower was home to Robert the Bruce in the 14th century.

For another slice of local history, Mill Trail Visitor Centre in nearby Alva tells the history of Clackmannanshire's wool-making traditions.

The Falkirk Wheel is 12 km (8 mi) from Alloa and was designed to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. It's the only rotating boatlift in the world. The Falkirk Wheel Experience offers visitors the chance to take a 60-minute trip on the wheel.

Natural beauty spots
Alloa is surrounded by some of Scotland's finest country parks. Animal lovers will enjoy Palacerigg Country Park. The rare breeds collection includes Eriskay ponies, Bagot and Guernsey goats and Tamworth pigs.

Gartmorn Dam Country Park provides opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. It has Site of Special Scientific Interest status and is an important area for migratory wildfowl during the winter.

Other country parks near to Alloa include Beecraigs and Muiravonside.