The Helix, Falkirk - Image 1
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The Helix Falkirk

4.7
·89 reviews·Grangemouth, United Kingdom

Home to the world's largest equine sculptures, The Kelpies, this park offers art, adventure, and scenic walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dusk

Sculptures light up beautifully

CrowdMedium
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The Helix, Falkirk - Image 1

The Helix Falkirk

Best Time

Dusk

Sculptures light up beautifully

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to the world's largest equine sculptures, The Kelpies, this park offers art, adventure, and scenic walks.

4.7
(89 reviews)

"The Kelpies are stunning, just breathtaking. Free access around the park itself."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Parking Available

Use the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT) for free parking, a short walk to the Kelpies.

💡 See Them Lit Up

The Kelpies are stunning when lit at dusk. Plan your visit to catch this magical sight.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Kelpies

The Kelpies

The Helix Park

Towering 30-meter equine sculptures, the largest of their kind, inspired by Scottish folklore.

Helix Adventure Playground

Helix Adventure Playground

The Helix Park

A fantastic play area for kids with giant tube slides, climbing frames, and a dedicated toddler zone.

Canal-side Walks

Canal-side Walks

The Helix Park

Scenic, flat paths perfect for strolls, picnics, and even a walk to the Falkirk Wheel.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Kelpies Visit

The Kelpies are impressive any time of day, but many visitors recommend seeing them at dusk when the internal lights illuminate the sculptures. Arriving before sunset allows you to experience them in daylight and then witness the magical transition to night. Consider booking tours in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out.

Parking and Accessibility

Free parking is available at the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT), a short walk from the Kelpies. The main car park has a fee of £2.20 and accepts card payments. The park is flat and well-maintained, making it safe and accessible for wheelchairs and prams, with friendly staff ready to assist.

Best Times

When
Dusk
Why
Sculptures light up beautifully
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for playground and walks
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Helix Park is The Home of The Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world. Located between Falkirk and Grangemouth, it was created as a space for the communities in the Falkirk area to come together. The Kelpies go a step further in bringing together not only from different parts of Scotland and the UK, but from all over the world. The Kelpies have transformed the area into a five-sta...
@graeme.explores.scotland
4K likes • 142.9K views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Use the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT) for free parking, a short walk to the Kelpies. Instagram

💡 See Them Lit Up

The Kelpies are stunning when lit at dusk. Plan your visit to catch this magical sight. TikTokInstagram

Looking for places to visit in Scotland? The Helix Park is The Home of The Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world, located between Falkirk and Grangemouth.The lights inside The Kelpies come on at dusk until dawn 🐴 🐴 #VisitScotland #Scotland
@visitscotland
1.7K likes • 56.3K views
Come and visit The Kelpies with us! If you park in the Helix Car Park (use postcode FK2 7ZT and follow the signs) it's FREE parking. The Helix Playground is just a short walk from the Kelpies & is fab with big tube slides, climbing frames, swings and a toddler area too. There is a boating lake and dog friendly cafe with lovely views as well as a doggy wash station. Then it's a short walk thr...
northeastfamilyfun
64 likes • 13.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

Enjoy flat walks, a lake, and an adventure playground. Great for dogs too! Reddit

🎟️ Book Kelpie Tours

Go inside one of the Kelpies on a guided tour for a unique experience. Book ahead! Instagram

Today I’m at the #STEM at the helix community event with @falkirk.council . I’m excited to let the public have some fun with accessible construction tech they can use to help keep their buildings in good care! stematthehelix #construction #womeninconstruction #buildingconservation #conservatorsofinstagram #conservationtechnology #tech #womeninstem #womeninconstruction #falkirk
tylerlottjohnston
22 likes • 448 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

Use the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT) for free parking, a short walk to the Kelpies. Instagram

💡 See Them Lit Up

The Kelpies are stunning when lit at dusk. Plan your visit to catch this magical sight. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

Enjoy flat walks, a lake, and an adventure playground. Great for dogs too! Reddit

🎟️ Book Kelpie Tours

Go inside one of the Kelpies on a guided tour for a unique experience. Book ahead! Instagram

♿ Accessible for All

The park is flat, clean, and safe for wheelchairs and prams. Staff are very helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(89 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and artistry of The Kelpies, describing them as breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The surrounding Helix Park is praised for its family-friendly amenities, including an excellent adventure playground and accessible walking paths. While the park itself is free to explore, some visitors note a charge for the main car park and paid tours inside the sculptures.

"In the Helix park there are various walks (all flat, some in amongst wetlands), a large lake with a selection of water-based activities, play park and plenty of amenities.
We visited the Kelpies sculptures which are very impressive, though we were too late to actually go inside them. Stunning! They start to light up as the daylight fades.
There is a canal side walk all the way to the Falkirk Wheel"

Sally McCollin

"Was a beautiful day on Tuesday, the horses structure was awesome. Took your breath away. We booked a wheelchair as i have had a fall, the staff were so friendly and helpful, even the Carpark attendant went out of his way to make sure I was ok. Thank you for making our day so special."

Tracey Thain

"Stunning structure. Just breathtaking. Free access around the park itself. When you drive in the first car park is free but if your drive on, the main car park you pay - £2.20 for car. They do accept card. The park itself is clean and flat. Safe for wheelchair and prams. Great giftshop and staff are very informative. They recommend a few place for us and more importantly they told us the Falkirk wheel was under maintenance and won't be working so we save some time and visit the town instead."

Helen

What People Like

Impressive Kelpie sculptures
Family-friendly adventure playground
Accessible and flat park paths

What People Dislike

Car park fee
Paid tours inside Kelpies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Helix Park is located between Falkirk and Grangemouth. You can reach it by car, with free parking available at the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT). It's also accessible via public transport, though specific routes may vary. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is free parking at the Helix Car Park (FK2 7ZT), which is a short walk from the Kelpies. The main car park has a fee of £2.20 and accepts card payments. Instagram+1

Absolutely! There's a canal-side walk that connects The Helix Park to the Falkirk Wheel, offering a pleasant route for a stroll or cycle. Reddit

While driving is convenient, local bus services do operate in the Falkirk and Grangemouth areas, connecting to the vicinity of The Helix. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

The postcode for The Helix Car Park is FK2 7ZT. This will help you navigate directly to the parking area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to The Helix Park and viewing The Kelpies from the outside is completely free and the park is open 24/7. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can go inside one of The Kelpies on a guided tour. These tours offer a unique perspective on the engineering and art. It's recommended to book these in advance. Instagram

The Helix Park itself is open 24/7 for free viewing of The Kelpies. However, the visitor center and any specific attractions within the park will have their own operating hours. Instagram

Information on tour pricing can vary. It's best to check the official Helix Falkirk website or contact them directly for the most current ticket prices and booking details. Instagram

While viewing from the outside is free, if you wish to take a guided tour inside one of The Kelpies, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure your spot. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Helix Park offers a lot! There's a fantastic adventure playground, a boating lake with water activities, scenic walks, a splash play area, and woodland trails. It's a great spot for families and dog walkers. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's very family-friendly! The adventure playground is a major draw with slides and climbing frames, and there's also a splash play area for warmer days. Instagram+1

Yes, there are various eating options available, including a dog-friendly cafe with lovely views. The visitor center also likely offers refreshments. InstagramReddit

The Helix Park is a great place for dog walking, and there's even a dog-friendly cafe on site. Remember to keep your dog under control and clean up after them. Reddit

The park features flat, well-maintained paths, making it very accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and easy walking. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Dusk is particularly popular as the internal lights of The Kelpies illuminate, creating a dramatic effect. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Beyond The Kelpies, the park offers scenic views of the water, the playground, and the surrounding landscape, providing diverse photographic subjects. Instagram

Photography rules inside The Kelpies during tours can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or the visitor center staff for their specific policy on photography. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of The Kelpies. For dusk shots, a tripod will help with low-light photography. Even a smartphone can capture stunning images. Instagram

It's advisable to check with the park management or local authorities regarding drone usage. Many public spaces have restrictions to ensure safety and the enjoyment of all visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Helix Park is a dream destination for families! The adventure playground is a huge hit, boasting massive tube slides and climbing structures that kids adore. There's also a splash play area for sunny days and plenty of open space for running around. Instagram+1

Parents will appreciate the free parking and the accessible, flat paths, making it easy to navigate with prams. The nearby cafe is dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join the fun too. It’s a perfect spot for a fun-filled, active day out that caters to all ages.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Helix Park is fantastic for budget-conscious travelers as entry to the park and viewing The Kelpies is completely free. You can enjoy the impressive sculptures and the surrounding parkland without spending a penny. InstagramReddit

Free parking is available at the Helix Car Park, saving on transportation costs. While there are paid tours inside The Kelpies and amenities like cafes, you can have a wonderful experience simply by exploring the grounds, enjoying the playground, and having a picnic. Instagram

♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs

The Helix Park is exceptionally well-equipped for visitors with mobility needs. The entire park features flat, well-maintained paths, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Reddit+1

Staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, going out of their way to ensure a comfortable visit. The accessibility extends to the car park, with options available to assist visitors. This focus on inclusivity ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty and scale of The Kelpies and the park's amenities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and Engineering of The Kelpies

The Kelpies are colossal equine sculptures, each standing at 30 meters tall and weighing over 300 tonnes. Designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott, they are inspired by the mythical water spirits of Scottish folklore, the 'kelpies'. These magnificent structures are not just art; they are a remarkable feat of engineering, representing the historical importance of the horse in Scotland's industrial heritage, particularly in the canal and shipping industries. TikTokInstagram+1

The construction involved a complex steel framework clad in stainless steel, giving them their distinctive, shimmering appearance. Visitors can even take guided tours inside one of the Kelpies, offering a unique perspective on their internal structure and the incredible craftsmanship involved. This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the scale and ambition of the project. Instagram

Since their unveiling, The Kelpies have become an iconic landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe and significantly boosting tourism in the Falkirk area. They are a testament to modern public art and its power to transform landscapes and communities. TikTokInstagram

Family Fun at The Helix Park

The Helix Park is a paradise for families, with a wide array of activities designed to keep children entertained for hours. The centerpiece is the impressive adventure playground, featuring giant tube slides that kids love, challenging climbing frames, and swings. There's also a dedicated area for toddlers, ensuring fun for all age groups. Instagram+1

Beyond the playground, the park boasts a splash play water fountain area, perfect for cooling off on warm days. For those who enjoy nature, there are woodland walks to explore and a large boating lake. The park's flat, accessible terrain makes it easy for families with prams and young children to navigate and enjoy their day. InstagramReddit

With free parking and a dog-friendly cafe, The Helix Park provides a convenient and enjoyable day out for the whole family. The combination of active play, natural exploration, and iconic art makes it a must-visit destination for those traveling with children. InstagramReddit

Exploring The Helix Park on Foot

The Helix Park offers a network of well-maintained, flat paths that are ideal for walking and exploring. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls around the large boating lake, taking in the scenic views and the impressive Kelpie sculptures. The accessibility of these paths makes them suitable for everyone, including those using wheelchairs or pushing prams. Reddit+1

A particularly popular route is the canal-side walk, which provides a direct and pleasant connection to the Falkirk Wheel, another significant local attraction. This walk allows visitors to experience the revitalized industrial landscape and appreciate the integration of art and nature. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a short walk to admire The Kelpies or a longer excursion towards the Falkirk Wheel, The Helix Park provides a beautiful and accessible environment for outdoor activity. The park's commitment to biodiversity is also evident, with areas managed to support local wildlife. Instagram