Parking at The Kelpies
The Helix has three car parks. Two of them are most useful for visitors heading to The Kelpies:
| Car Park | Spaces | Cost | Hours | Walk to Kelpies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Car Park (park entrance) | 78 | Free | Open 24/7 | 5–10 minutes |
| Kelpies Car Park (near sculptures) | 175 | ~£4 all day | Locks at night* | 2 minutes |
*The Kelpies Car Park locks at 10pm (last entry 9:30pm) from April to October, and at 8pm (last entry 7:30pm) from November to March. There is no exit until the next morning at 8am — so if you're visiting at night, use the Helix Car Park instead.
Local Tip
The Helix Car Park is free and open 24/7. It's only a 5-10 minute flat walk to The Kelpies along a surfaced path. Unless you have mobility issues, it's the smart choice — you save the parking fee and avoid the risk of getting locked in.
Blue Badge Parking
Blue badge holders park free at all Helix car parks at all times. There are designated accessible bays in both the Helix and Kelpies car parks.
Campervans
You can park a campervan at the Helix Car Park without booking in advance. Only the Helix Car Park allows overnight parking — the Kelpies Car Park locks in the evening. Facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.
Opening Times
The Kelpies (Sculptures)
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Free to visit at any time — there's no gate or entry point. The sculptures are lit from dusk until dawn.
Visitor Centre & Cafe
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| April – October | 9:30am – 5:00pm daily |
| November – March | 9:30am – 4:00pm daily |
The visitor centre houses the cafe, gift shop, toilets, and baby changing facilities. It's also where Kelpies tours depart from.
Kelpies Tours
Guided tours run daily at set times — typically 11:00, 11:30, 13:30 and 14:30. Times may vary, so check in advance during busy periods. Full tour details →
Facilities at the Helix
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Toilets | Inside the visitor centre (including accessible toilets) |
| Baby changing | Available in the visitor centre |
| Cafe | Hot and cold food, vegetarian and vegan options, indoor and outdoor seating |
| Gift shop | Souvenirs, keepsakes, and products from local producers |
| Play area | Adventure Zone near the Plaza Cafe (separate location in park) |
| Cycling | Miles of paths, cycle-friendly throughout the park |
| Wi-Fi | Available in the visitor centre |
Dogs at the Helix
Dogs are welcome throughout Helix Park and around The Kelpies. Keep your dog on a lead near the play areas and visitor centre. Water bowls and bins are dotted around the park.
The cafe's dog policy can vary, so check when you arrive — dogs have been welcomed in the outdoor seating area.
Accessibility
The Helix is well set up for visitors with mobility needs:
- Level, surfaced paths from both car parks to The Kelpies
- Blue badge parking free at all car parks
- Accessible toilets in the visitor centre
- The walk from the Kelpies Car Park is around 2 minutes on flat ground
- Wheelchairs and powered scooters can navigate all main paths
The inside tour of The Kelpies involves steps, so it may not be suitable for all visitors. Check with the visitor centre for specific accessibility options on the tour.
Best Time to Visit
The Helix is good year-round, but timing makes a difference:
- For photographs: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Dusk is ideal if you want to catch the lights coming on.
- For avoiding crowds: Weekday mornings, or visit outside school holidays. Weekends and summer afternoons are busiest.
- For the night lights: Winter evenings — the lights come on as early as 4pm, and there are far fewer people around.
- For families: Dry days when the kids can use the adventure playground and you can walk the trails.
Event Days
During major events like Kelpies Live concerts, access and parking arrangements change. Car parks may be closed to general visitors, and some areas of the park may be restricted. Check the events page before visiting if you're coming during June.
Getting Here
Find out how to reach the Helix from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and across Central Scotland.
Directions →