The Kelpies & The Helix
The Kelpies & The Helix
The Kelpies & The Helix
4.5
About
The Helix: Home of the Kelpies covers over 350 hectares of green space between Falkirk and Grangemouth. The Helix includes the Plaza Cafe, the lagoon, woodland and wetland areas, miles of pathways and the Adventure Zone play area. The jewel in The Helix project is The Kelpies - the world's largest equine sculptures, standing at 30 metres tall and weighing over 300 tonnes each. To get up close and personal with The Kelpies, our highly recommended guided tours let you get inside the magnificient structures. The Visitor Centre is open from 10:00-16:30 daily and contains a Cafe, a gift shop and toilet facilities.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Katie PUnited Kingdom285 contributionsGreat bit of engineeringWhat another great engineer piece, a short drive from the Falkirk wheel. £3 car parking paid with contactless when entering. A small cafe and information centre. Food trucks outside with picnic areas.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2023
- Jan HLymington, United Kingdom35 contributionsMagical KelpiesAmazing structures that loom over the surrounding countryside. I had a tour of the inside of one of the Kelpies. The leader, Karen, was full of fascinating information and was really worth it. I returned at night to see them lit up and am so pleased that I did so. A magical experience.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 11 October 2023
- PThomas1985Stourbridge, United Kingdom396 contributionsImpressive!I visited on my way up to the Highlands, and it was well worth it! Hugely impressive structures, and a lot bigger than you'd expect. It's a place where you can wander around for an hour or so, stop off at the cafe and head off. I parked closer to The Helix, so had about a ten minute walk over to The Kelpies themselves. Very pleasant though!Thank you for your review and for stopping in to visit us here at The Helix; Home of the Kelpies! I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and I hope we will be able to welcome you back again in the future... Kind regards VickieWritten 4 December 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 October 2023
- Ellie Burns-BrookensPortland, Oregon11 contributionsThe stunning Kelpies and a very moody Scotland skyAmazing sculpture that you can't really appreciate it until you get up close. I went to take a photo and ended up with both an amazing reflection and then a storm came in. I also loved walking up and down the canals around the park as the signs are really interesting. If you want to see original photo it is at @travelphotoswithellie.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 October 2023
- ManicroseBourne, United Kingdom1,520 contributionsStunningAmazing statues. So impressive to see up close and definitely worth visiting if you get chance. There is a small park surrounding the statues as well as a cafe and visitor centre. Don’t pay for parking as you can park for free on the nearby industrial estate.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- FrqflierBrooklyn, New York673 contributionsGetting There was a Pain, but Worth the Trip!Impossible to take a bad picture here! If you're going, you know why. Actually, I'm kind of surprised this place hasn't exploded with TicTokers or Instagram people. I'm not a photo guy, but my pictures came out great! I went there via train from Glasgow. It's much closer to Edinburgh, but was still easy to get to from Glasgow, taking the train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Camelon. From there I took the #2 bus to the Falkirk Stadium which is right by the entrance to the Kelpies. It's still a pleasant 10 to 15 minute walk through a recreation area, but very clearly sign-posted. After my Kelpies visit, I took the bus back to Camelon and went over the Falkirk Wheel by a different bus, another great sight! Enjoy your trip. And don't worry, your pics will come out better than mine!Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 October 2023
- julie GStockport, United Kingdom213 contributionsLovely SightVisited whilst in scotland on holiday, you have to pay for parking on arrival think it was £3,50 good level park loads of spaces with toilets too. We walked down to the Kelpies and wow they are amazing, there is a paid tour but we didnt do this as we were visiting other attractions in the area. There is a visitors centre on site with a lovely cafe where we has some lunch, the food was lovely and staff were helpful and friendly, we also bought a few keepsakes from the gift shop, toilets also available inside which were were clean and well looked after. I would of liked to go back and seen them lit up at night unfortunately dont think we will have the time and its a bit far out to drive back for a visit. Maybe another time though.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- ndw78Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom2,928 contributionsA must see if in the areaPopped to see them when passing through Falkirk and glad we did. If you go to their car park it’s £3.50 or just before it there’s a free one. We didn’t get a chance to go around the whole park area. Which looked amazing but did walk along the canal for a bit as we were pressed for time and wanted to see the Falkirk wheel before heading offVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 October 2023
- Paulxh558Reading, United Kingdom8 contributionsAmazing sculpture.I've passed it before on the road but never stopped and visited. What a fantastic sculpture. I never knew a canal runs between them as you can't see that from the road. Great place but like many places it's 'Ok, done that' and probably won't go back. But well worth a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- BuddapiesBedfordshire, United Kingdom173 contributionsWow just WoWYes you can see them from the motorway. But getting right up close is amazing. The grounds are well kept. Just wish they would give some idea photo points to take pictures of the horses in the best light. The Restaurant was friendly and fun, the guys behind the desk were fun, helpful and kind.Thank you for your review and I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us and that you enjoyed meeting our amazing Team! Thank you also for the suggestion of posting 'photo point' suggestions which I will pass on to our Operations Team, as they are always looking for ways to improve our Visitor's experience while they are with us. I hope we will be able to welcome you back to The Helix; Home of the Kelpies for another visit in the future... Kind regards VickieWritten 23 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
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4.5
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Jag
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Have passed the Kelpies loads of times passing on the motorway. Attended today for a tour which was really worthwhile, loads of information provided by a friendly guide who is very keen on the whole project which she shared. Visited the internal Kelpie to see the mass of work which went into their build and design we were there in the afternoon which provided plenty of time to see the Kelpies and the ties up barges close by would highly recommend.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I am pleased that you enjoyed your visit and your tour of the Kelpies.
Thank you also for taking the time to stop by and see us, as while the Kelpies do look good from the motorway, they are much better up close and personal!
I hope we will be able to welcome you back to visit us again here at The Helix: Home of the Kelpies in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lynng515
Manchester, UK45 contributions
Sept 2022
We were on a visit to Falkirk for leisure to see a few of the sights one being the Kelpies. We have visited the Kelpies before during the day and my husband discovered that there is a tour inside them that you can do for only £6.50 each, which we booked on.
We were met outside the visitors centre by a lady named Pat who walked us as a group across to Duke and opened the one tonne door for us all. Inside was great you could see all the engineering that has gone in the making of it, it is amazing. Pat explained, using information boards how the idea and design came to life by Andy Scott. Would highly recommend taking the tour, it takes about 30 minutes but well worth it. Pat couldn't have been more friendly and helpful in answering questions.
We have visited the Kelpies (Duke and Barron) before during the day and have always wanted to see them lit up at night, so a few nights later on a cold but clear night we went back to see them and it is even more beautiful and atmospheric at night, great to just watch the colours morph or to have a wander through.
Parking is open until 10pm and free so plenty of time to visit at night. If you are in the area it is a must to visit.
We were met outside the visitors centre by a lady named Pat who walked us as a group across to Duke and opened the one tonne door for us all. Inside was great you could see all the engineering that has gone in the making of it, it is amazing. Pat explained, using information boards how the idea and design came to life by Andy Scott. Would highly recommend taking the tour, it takes about 30 minutes but well worth it. Pat couldn't have been more friendly and helpful in answering questions.
We have visited the Kelpies (Duke and Barron) before during the day and have always wanted to see them lit up at night, so a few nights later on a cold but clear night we went back to see them and it is even more beautiful and atmospheric at night, great to just watch the colours morph or to have a wander through.
Parking is open until 10pm and free so plenty of time to visit at night. If you are in the area it is a must to visit.
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
purpletravller
Glasgow, UK342 contributions
Jan 2020
Absolutely superb and so worth a visit. Would also recommend booking the tour as you are taken inside the kelpies and get the full story of how they came about plus some fascinating history. Our tour guide, Andy, was very loud but entertaining. Even better, as a special January offer the tour was free. We paid £2 for parking which was fine as there is such a lot to do and see in the surrounding area. Visitor Centre was clean and had a good selection of souvenirs. The café area isn’t very big and it was absolutely mobbed when we were in. All in all, a great day out.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I apologise for the delay in my response.
I am pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us and your tour with Andy - as you will now know, Andy is a larger-than-life character who is one of our most experienced Guides and his personality and passion for the Kelpies really does shine through in his tours!
I hope we will be able to welcome you back to The Helix - Home of the Kelpies for another visit in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alfie50
Southwold, UK2,775 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We come here quite often with our little dog. The kelpies are both beautiful sculptures, if you ste in the area they ate well worth the effort. Beautiful. As it was so wet Yesterday we ended up by going into the visitor centre/cafe for first time which was interesting, the food was good and reasonably priced.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I apologise for the amount of time it has taken to respond.
I am pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us here at The Helix: Home of the Kelpies and that you enjoyed your first visit into the Visitor Centre.
I hope we will be able to welcome you back for many more visits in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Slavetothecat
Manchester, UK484 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We were lucky enough to arrive during a brilliant sunset that set off these magnificent sculptures beautifully. At every angle they hold your gaze, whether far or near, you find yourself standing awestruck, wondering what they are thinking, or at least I did. We paid to park nearby as it was getting late, I wish we could have had more time with them but that car park shuts at 9.45pm. The only disappointment was the state of the toilets but it was at the end of a busy August day so understandable. I would definitely visit The Kelpies again, would like to book onto the tour.
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deebeeceeUk
United Kingdom558 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Wanted to see the Kelpies on our visit to Scotland so detoured to Falkirk. Fortunately the rain stopped for a while and we had a chance to stroll up to them.
They are huge and impressive and look amazing when the sun shines on them.
The cost is £3 for the car park, well managed with covid measures and payment is by contactless.
Read up about them on Google as the info centre is still closed. The toilets are also closed. Met a lovely man who worked there who gave us some history and insight and took pics of us.
They are huge and impressive and look amazing when the sun shines on them.
The cost is £3 for the car park, well managed with covid measures and payment is by contactless.
Read up about them on Google as the info centre is still closed. The toilets are also closed. Met a lovely man who worked there who gave us some history and insight and took pics of us.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bailey T
Nottingham, UK110 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The Kelpies are worth a visit if you are passing by. They are impressively sized sculptures and best viewed close up (although, you can get an ok view from the motorway whilst passing by). The Kelpies do light up at sunset and there are tours to go inside them, but little other information.
Parking closest to The Kelpies is a manned car parking fee of £2 or parking further away with a short walk is free.
There is a gift shop with a cafe and small exhibition.
Parking closest to The Kelpies is a manned car parking fee of £2 or parking further away with a short walk is free.
There is a gift shop with a cafe and small exhibition.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and for the great information about us here at The Helix: Home of the Kelpies.
While you can see the Kelpies from the motorway I do agree with you that they are best viewed 'up close and personal' and it is a lot safer than trying to get a good look while flying past on the road!
I am pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us and I hope we will be able to welcome you back for another visit in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlie
Brisbane, Australia143 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The Kelpies are a stunning view which you can see from the road, but when you get closer they are even more stunning.
High in the sky with a dose of Scottish mythos, it’s well worth a visit for mythology fans and sculpture lovers.
Entrance was free and you could go inside at a cost, but even just seeing them was brilliant. Recommended!
High in the sky with a dose of Scottish mythos, it’s well worth a visit for mythology fans and sculpture lovers.
Entrance was free and you could go inside at a cost, but even just seeing them was brilliant. Recommended!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I apologise for the delay in my response.
The Kelpies do look good from the road but I agree with you that they look even better when you see them up close, and it's a lot safer than trying to get a good look at them while whizzing past in a car!
I am pleased that you enjoyed your visit and I hope we will be able to welcome you back to The Helix: Home of the Kelpies to visit us again in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger K
Rio Rancho, NM490 contributions
Nov 2019
This was our final stop on our own, personal Andy Scott tour. The Kelpies are perhaps his best known works - and by far the largest of the ones that we saw.
We stopped in mid afternoon on a beautiful, partly cloudy day and the low afternoon sun made for some georgeous pictures. The place is free and there is pleny of parking, although if the close-in parking is full, you will have a bit of a walk.
But if you are planning on seeing the Kelpies during your vacation, I suggest also seeking out the other Andy Scott sculptures in Scotland as well. There is one in Aberdeen, one in Glasgow and a string of five others to the north and east of Stirling, almost all located in round-abouts.
We stopped in mid afternoon on a beautiful, partly cloudy day and the low afternoon sun made for some georgeous pictures. The place is free and there is pleny of parking, although if the close-in parking is full, you will have a bit of a walk.
But if you are planning on seeing the Kelpies during your vacation, I suggest also seeking out the other Andy Scott sculptures in Scotland as well. There is one in Aberdeen, one in Glasgow and a string of five others to the north and east of Stirling, almost all located in round-abouts.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I am glad that you enjoyed your visit with us.
We are very lucky to be so close to so many pieces of Andy Scott's amazing sculpture here at The Helix: Home of the Kelpies and I am pleased that you enjoyed visiting them, especially the Kelpies, and that got some lovely pictures while you were here.
I hope we will be able to welcome you back to visit us again in the future...
Kind regards, Vickie
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Russellnuman
Peak District80 contributions
Sept 2020
Wow, these structures are breath taking, it was great to see them and they are awe inspiring. We spent a good morning in lovely autumn sun admiring the Kelpies and they were just stunning.
Andy Scott has made a modern masterpiece and I would recommend anyone take the time to visit these spine tingling pieces of art.
Andy Scott has made a modern masterpiece and I would recommend anyone take the time to visit these spine tingling pieces of art.
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not sure. Didn't see any dogs there when we visited.
Written 8 May 2024
Does anyone know if the visitor centre &/or cafe is dog friendly (can’t see any reference on the website)
Written 25 March 2023
Hi, I did ask about this myself; dogs aren't allowed in the visitor centre though I noticed clips for leads on the picnic benches and they're welcome in the outdoor spaced.
Written 26 March 2023
could we just turn up in our campervan and park on the kelpie carpark over night or do we have to book before and how long can w stay there Please
Written 16 August 2022
We did not stop overnight but believe the bottom car park allows this, see their website or give them a ring during the day and they may be able to give you full answers on what you ask, hope this helps
Written 17 August 2022
Hello. We are visiting the Kelpies on 28 May 2022. We will be using Scot Rail to get to Falkirk. Are there any buses or taxis outside Falkirk railway station that take you to the Kelpies? I have mobility issues & cannot walk long distances. Thank you in advance.
Written 28 May 2022
Cammy C
Bathgate, United Kingdom
Hi there, are we having an emergency services day at the helix in Falkirk this year, 2022
I work with the Borders Water Rescue Team and we would love to make an appearance
Many Thanks
Cameron Clark
Mobile: 07780717169
Written 7 March 2022
Yes there is accessible parking close to the Kelpies
Written 5 December 2021
Are the Kelpies lit up at night during next week commencing Monday 4 October ?
If so, what time do the lights come on ?
Thank you,
David
Written 30 September 2021
They light up automatic by sensor every night
Written 15 October 2021
Can you walk from the wheel to the kelpies?
Written 16 August 2021
You can walk between the two along the canal path but tbh we found it a little disappointing with no benches en route to take a quick rest, very little to see nature wise and a lot of industry/housing estates.
Written 27 August 2021
Yes , if you have a blue badge t's free , also if you ask the chap where you pay, is spaces are available there's disabled parking right next to the visitor centre and they'll open the barrier and let you through.
Written 3 December 2021
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