The Kelpies
Iconic 30m steel horse heads, the world's largest equine sculptures, set in Scotland's vibrant Helix park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical illuminated views
The Kelpies
Best Time
Magical illuminated views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 30m steel horse heads, the world's largest equine sculptures, set in Scotland's vibrant Helix park.
"A truly breathtaking sight, the Kelpies are a must-visit for their sheer scale and artistic brilliance."
🚗 Parking & Access
Two car parks available, with day rates around £4.50. Accessible paths for easy exploration .
💡 Evening Illumination
Visit after dark to see the Kelpies lit up – a truly stunning and unforgettable sight .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Kelpies
The Helix, Falkirk
Towering 30-meter steel sculptures of horse heads, the largest equine sculptures globally. A breathtaking sight.
Illuminated Evening Views
The Helix, Falkirk
Witness the Kelpies glow at night, a truly mesmerizing and dramatic spectacle that transforms the landscape.
The Helix Park Exploration
The Helix, Falkirk
Vast parkland with walking, cycling, and play areas, offering a full day of outdoor activity for all ages.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Sculptures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Two car parks available, with day rates around £4.50. Accessible paths for easy exploration.
💡 Evening Illumination
Visit after dark to see the Kelpies lit up – a truly stunning and unforgettable sight.
🚲 Explore The Helix
Rent a bike or enjoy walks in the surrounding parkland; there's plenty to see and do.
💧 Falkirk Wheel Combo
Combine your visit with the nearby Falkirk Wheel for a double dose of engineering marvels.
Visiting Scotland and discovered these gems called the Kelpies.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Two car parks available, with day rates around £4.50. Accessible paths for easy exploration.
💡 Evening Illumination
Visit after dark to see the Kelpies lit up – a truly stunning and unforgettable sight.
🚲 Explore The Helix
Rent a bike or enjoy walks in the surrounding parkland; there's plenty to see and do.
💧 Falkirk Wheel Combo
Combine your visit with the nearby Falkirk Wheel for a double dose of engineering marvels.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The Kelpies offer incredible photo ops, especially during sunrise, sunset, or when illuminated at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Kelpies as a stunning and impressive landmark, highlighting their monumental scale and artistic beauty. Many enjoy exploring the surrounding Helix park, finding it great for families with play areas and walking trails. While some note the cost of parking and internal tours, the overall consensus is that they are a worthwhile and memorable visit, especially when seen illuminated at night.
"What an amazing piece of art! There is no way you can pass this attraction by when in the area. It is literally free to walk around the area to take in these metal sculptures. There a few places to park within walking distance. The first lot is free and the closer one for a price. It is very impressive to walk up to these horses. Their size make them easy to find and the singular path will take you to them. There are several food stands on site and a visitor center to learn all about them. You can go inside the sculptures during open hours - keeping in mind you can walk the grounds any time. Coming to see them lit up at night would also be an experience to consider if in the area. Thanks."
Troy Chiasson
"Despite Amy trying her best, we arrived safely. How refreshing to receive a warm welcome, unlike the other nearby attraction. £15 for an overnight stay, with a hot drink voucher included.
Stunning watching the night draw in and the Kelpies lighting up.
Plenty of space to pitch up, facilities available if required.
Why can't other places across the UK offer the same welcoming, safe place to overnight?
Recommended"
Keith Parkin
"Absolutely stunning! I sat in awe at the time and effort that went into fabricating these horses. We went at dusk so they were lit up and they looked amazing. Helix park has been built around them and the canal lock has been integrated into them to let the water and boats pass through. You can go inside them and there are information boards on how they were constructed. There is a café next to them and you can walk around the park which has the canal running around it.
I thought they were brilliant. If you enjoy art and big projects you should definitely go."
Karl Venus
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kelpies are located in Falkirk, Scotland, within The Helix park. You can reach them by car, with two dedicated car parks available. Public transport options include local buses that stop near the park. For those arriving by train, Falkirk High Street or Falkirk Grahamston stations are the closest, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.
Yes, there are two car parks at The Helix park. The cost for a full day of parking is approximately £4.50. Overnight parking is available for £15.00 after 5:00 PM.
Yes, local bus services operate to Falkirk and The Helix park. If arriving by train, Falkirk High Street and Falkirk Grahamston stations are nearby. From the stations, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the site.
From Edinburgh or Glasgow, the easiest way to reach The Kelpies is by train to Falkirk. The journey is relatively short. From Falkirk station, you can then take a bus or taxi to The Helix park.
The Helix park and the paths around The Kelpies are generally well-maintained and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, offering good views for all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to see The Kelpies and explore The Helix park is free. However, if you wish to go inside the sculptures for a tour, tickets are required and should be booked in advance.
The Helix park is generally open from dawn till dusk. The visitor centre and cafe are typically open until 5:00 PM, and the gift shop also follows similar hours. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for specific facilities.
Viewing the Kelpies from the outside and exploring The Helix park is free. If you want to take a guided tour inside the sculptures, there is a fee. Parking also incurs a charge of £4.50 for the day.
Yes, you can go inside The Kelpies on a guided tour. These tours offer a unique perspective and insight into the construction and symbolism of the sculptures. Booking in advance is highly recommended as tours can sell out.
Information on discounts for tours is usually available on the official Helix park website. It's worth checking for family packages or group rates if applicable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Kelpies are part of The Helix park, which offers extensive walking and cycling trails, children's play areas, water features, and other art installations. You can also visit the nearby Falkirk Wheel for a combined experience.
Absolutely! The Helix park has fantastic play areas, including water play zones, making it a great destination for families. The sheer scale of the Kelpies is also captivating for children.
To fully appreciate The Kelpies and explore The Helix park, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to do a tour inside the sculptures or visit the Falkirk Wheel, you might need half a day.
Yes, guided tours are available that allow you to go inside the sculptures. These tours provide fascinating insights into the creation and meaning behind Andy Scott's monumental work.
The best photo spots are from various angles around the base of the sculptures, across the canal, and from the elevated viewpoints within The Helix park. Evening, when they are illuminated, offers particularly dramatic shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at The Helix park which serves food and drinks. It's open until 5:00 PM. There are also picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food.
The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages. Options often include sandwiches, soups, cakes, and hot drinks, catering to visitors of all ages.
Yes, The Helix park has designated picnic areas, making it a great option for families or those wanting a more budget-friendly meal while enjoying the scenery.
Falkirk town centre is a short drive or bus ride away and offers a wider selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs if you're looking for more dining options.
Generally, responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted in public parks, but it's always advisable to check local bylaws or signage within The Helix park for specific regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kelpies are stunning at any time, but golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light. For dramatic shots, visit at dusk to capture them illuminated against the night sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the sculptures. A tripod is useful for low-light photography, especially at night. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and water reflections.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with The Helix park management if you plan professional shoots.
Include a person or a known object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a low angle can also emphasize their towering height. Experiment with different perspectives within The Helix park.
Try shooting from across the canal for a classic reflection shot. Angles from the elevated paths in The Helix park offer a broader view, and getting close allows you to appreciate the intricate steelwork.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of The Kelpies
The sculptures are a testament to modern engineering and artistic vision, transforming the landscape of The Helix park.Visitors can opt for guided tours that take them inside the sculptures, offering a unique perspective on their construction and the artist's intent. These tours provide a close-up look at the steelwork and the engineering marvel that allows these colossal structures to stand tall. The experience inside is often described as awe-inspiring, giving a true sense of their immense scale and the craftsmanship involved.
Exploring The Helix Park
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained, with well-equipped play areas and interactive water features that are particularly popular during warmer months. The park's design encourages exploration, with open green spaces ideal for picnics and relaxation. For those interested in engineering, a visit to the nearby Falkirk Wheel, a unique rotating boat lift, can be combined with a trip to The Kelpies for a comprehensive day out exploring Scotland's innovative spirit.
Visiting The Kelpies at Night
For photographers, the illuminated Kelpies present a fantastic opportunity for stunning night shots. The reflections in the surrounding water can add an extra layer of beauty to your images. While the visitor centre and cafe may close in the early evening, the illuminated sculptures remain a breathtaking sight. It's advisable to check the specific times of illumination, as they can vary seasonally. The evening visit provides a more serene and awe-inspiring encounter with these iconic structures.
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