What is the Falkirk Helix?
The Helix is a 350-hectare parkland sitting between Falkirk and Grangemouth in Central Scotland. It's home to The Kelpies — two 30-metre horse-head sculptures designed by Andy Scott, unveiled in 2014, and now one of Scotland's most visited landmarks.
The park itself is a brilliant day out even beyond The Kelpies. There are miles of walking and cycling paths, a lagoon, woodland areas, an adventure playground for kids, and a visitor centre with a cafe and gift shop. Whether you're visiting from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or further afield, the Helix is easy to get to and worth the trip.
Plan Your Visit
The Kelpies
Learn the story behind the world's largest equine sculptures and what to expect when you visit.
Read more →Parking & Opening Times
Three car parks, blue badge access, and seasonal opening hours for the visitor centre.
Visitor info →Kelpies Tour
Go inside the sculptures on a 25-minute guided tour. Prices from £8.50 for adults.
Tour details →The Kelpies at Night
The sculptures light up from dusk until dawn, changing colour every 30 minutes. Free to visit 24/7.
Night guide →Things to Do Nearby
The Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House, adventure playground, cycling trails and more.
Explore →Events & What's On
Kelpies Live 2026 brings Madness, Faithless, JLS and more to Helix Park this June.
See events →Where to Eat
Cafes at the Helix, canalside dining, and the best restaurants near The Kelpies.
Food guide →Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Helix Park, between Falkirk and Grangemouth, FK2 |
| Entry | Free — The Kelpies are open 24 hours a day |
| Visitor Centre | Open daily, April–Oct 9:30am–5pm, Nov–Mar 9:30am–4pm |
| Parking | Free at Helix Car Park (78 spaces) or paid at Kelpies Car Park (175 spaces) |
| Inside Tour | £8.50 adult, £7.50 concession, £3.50 child (25 mins) |
| Cafe | Hot and cold food, vegetarian and vegan options |
| Dogs | Welcome in the park, check cafe policy on arrival |
| Accessibility | Level paths to The Kelpies, blue badge parking free at all times |
| Getting here | 30 mins from Edinburgh or Glasgow by car, near Falkirk High station |
Why Visit the Falkirk Helix?
The Kelpies have become one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks since opening in 2014, drawing around 500,000 visitors a year. Standing at 30 metres, they're the tallest equine sculptures in the world — and they're free to see.
But the Helix is more than just The Kelpies. The park covers a huge area with something for everyone: kids can burn off energy at the adventure playground, cyclists can tackle the 16-mile Helix Around Town Trail, and the visitor centre has a solid cafe and gift shop. In the evenings, The Kelpies light up in changing colours from dusk until dawn — worth seeing if you can time your visit.
The Helix is also a great base for exploring the wider Falkirk area. The Falkirk Wheel (the world's only rotating boat lift) is a short drive away, and Callendar House and the Antonine Wall are nearby too.