The Kelpies
United Kingdom
Towering 98 feet (30 meters) above the Forth and Clyde Canal, The Kelpies are a monumental tribute to the horses that have shaped Scotland’s industry and mythology. Sculptor Andy Scott’s two steel structures are within The Helix park, where you’ll find playgrounds, a café, a visitor center, and walking and cycling paths.
The basics
The Kelpies honor the Clydesdale horses that played crucial roles in Scotland’s industrial development by pulling wagons, ploughs, barges, and coalships. The name is apt as kelpies are mythological beasts known throughout Scotland, which are said to each have the strength of 10 horses. Visitors can learn more about the historical and cultural context of the sculptures by taking a tour of The Kelpies—tours even take visitors inside the heads of the horses for a look at their engineering.
A number of guided sightseeing tours from Glasgow and Edinburgh make a stop at The Kelpies, as well as visiting other nearby attractions, such as the Falkirk Wheel, Stirling Castle, and Loch Lomond.
Things to know before you go
- Helix Park and the Kelpies are wheelchair accessible.
- Public restrooms are available in the café.
- Dogs are welcome.
How to get there
If travelling by train, Falkirk High station is 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away, while Falkirk Grahamston station is 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). Public buses run from the center of Falkirk to The Helix; take the F14 bus and get off at the Etna Road For The Kelpies stop. If driving, you can park in the free The Helix parking lot or in the paid Kelpies lot.
When to get there
The Kelpies are open daily year-round. The visitor center opens from morning until early evening, while 25-minute guided tours of the Kelpies run several times a day. It’s a good idea to book ahead if you’re planning to visit on a weekend or during the busy school holidays.
Falkirk Wheel
Visitors can admire another example of Scottish engineering ingenuity at the nearby Falkirk Wheel. The world's only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes. You can learn more at the visitor center and experience the wheel in action by taking a boat tour.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!