Planning a road trip through Scotland? Make sure to stop at the Kelpies. Located in The Helix, a 350-hectare eco-park between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Kelpies are among the most striking man-made sights in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a memorable stop on your Scottish road trip or a fun family day out, this guide has everything you need to know when planning to visit the Kelpies in Scotland.
Tom and Elizabeth met at the University of Dundee back in 2009. Some of their dearest friends live in Scotland which means we have made several road trips to explore this beautiful country over the years. The Kelpies has been one of the perfect places to meet up with our friends and their families. Situated almost bang in the middle between Glasgow and Edinburgh they are the perfect stop for kids to grab fresh air and play.
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What Are The Kelpies?
The Kelpies are two 100-feet tall, 300-ton breathtaking horse-head sculptures made from structural steel. Located in Helix Park in Falkirk, they are the largest equines sculptures in the world. They were designed by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, and were officially opened in 2014.
How To Get To the Kelpies
The Kelpies are situated outside the town of Falkirk. They were built near the M9 motorway route, so you have a great view just driving by on the motorway, and they are easy to find from the road. Just follow the brown signs for ‘Helix park.’
Parking
There are two main car parks near the entrance that have a seasonal cost which is quite reasonable, under £5. There is a link to the parking costs here.
Alternatively you can do what we did and park in the lot at the Falkirk FC soccer stadium for free. It is only a few minutes extra walk, and there were plenty of spaces. However, if there is a football match happening this parking lot won't be an option. If you're visiting on weekend it will be best to check online if Falkirk have a game!
Activities for Kids
If you are holidaying in Scotland with kids, the Kelpies is a great destination to add to your trip. It’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and have your little ones get their wiggles out. Also, they won’t quickly forget the sight of those magnificent sculptures.
The Helix boasts a first-rate adventure playground that our kids adored. It’s got a huge tunnel slide, adventure course, a vast pyramid wooden climbing frame. It has something for kids of all ages, even older kids.
The walk to the Kelpies through wetlands and boardwalks has lots of opportunities for children to explore. There is a lot of water around Helix Park, ponds and canals, so be mindful regarding water safety.
There is plenty of greenspace around the Kelpie statues themselves. Our kids joined a group of other kids for a game of soccer in the shadow of the horse-heads.
Places to Eat
There is a café in the visitor center. It serves decent quality standard café dishes like baked potatoes, soup, sandwiches, and baked goods. Additionally, there are some food trucks with additional offerings. If you plan ahead it is great spot for a picnic from home.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time while planning to visit the Kelpies in Scotland, check out the Falkirk Wheel which is right next to the Helix. This is the world’s only rotating boat lift. It is an engineering marvel, lifting boats from one canal to another. Paired with Kelpies the two attractions are a true testament to Scotland’s rich history of ingenuity and engineering.
Visiting the Kelpies FAQs
A Kelpie is a mythical form that comes from Scottish folklore. They are shape-shifting water-horses that are said to live within Scotland’s many lochs. In certain versions of the myth they can take other forms as well, including human.
Yes. And some argue they are even more spectacular after the sun has gone down when the lights are activated and the sculptures are illuminated.
The Kelpies Tour offers short guided tour (less than 30 minutes) which includes an exploration of the exterior of the monuments. Adults tickets are £8.50, children are £8.50. Under 5’s are free. Visit the website to book ahead and check tour times.
Absolutely. Helix Park is a great place to bring your dog. They must be kept on a leash at all times.
Chances are you are finding yourself visiting the Kelpies as part of a larger trip in Scotland. This makes it a perfect stop for a couple hours to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and see one of the most impressive sights the Scottish landscape has to offer. We went with a group of friends and their kids and spent a long afternoon.
If you’re visiting Scotland you have to prepare for wet weather. Visiting the Kelpies is absolutely worth it if it’s raining, just wear appropriate clothing and bring an umbrella.
Very stroller friendly. The foot paths are very well maintained, and bathroom facilities have changing stations.
Final Thoughts
The Kelpies are an unforgettable stop to add your wider trip of Scotland. The sculptures are genuinely breathtaking (they look even better in person than they look in pictures). And the excellent playground and wide green spaces will absolutely make it one of your kids favorite parts of your trip.
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Looking for other things to do in the the UK with the family? Check out our other blog posts!