The Kelpies, Falkirk Scotland
Visitor Centre, The Helix, Grangemouth, Falkirk FK2 7ZT
Hours: Everyday 9:30am – 5:00pm
Ratings:
Overall: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Kid/Family Friendly: 5/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Price: Free
Our Visit to The Kelpies:
Stunning works of art! We saw them from the freeway and decided to get closer. As you get close you lose sight of them and we were like “how?! They’re so big!” Eventually, we turned into Helix Park, which has plenty of walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and cool sculptures throughout. The grounds are very well kept.
There are two different parking lots, one closer to the park, and one close to the statues. Once you park, it is a little bit of a walk (an easy walk) to the statues, maybe 5 minutes. How awesome that you can walk right up to them! Plenty of photo opportunities from every angle. There is also a visitor center which includes a cute gift shop, restrooms, and cafe.
They do offer tours of the statues, which allows you to see the inside of them! Our daughter loved being able to run all around and couldn’t get over the size of the Kelpies. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend planning a visit here. It’s a whole day of fun, for free! And it’s beautiful.
Click Here for tours and getting to the Kelpies!
Google – Yelp – TripAdvisor – FourSquare
Planning to visit? Continue reading for some helpful information and tips!
What are the Kelpies?
In Scottish folklore, a kelpie is a dangerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse. Generally, the kelpie appears to their human victims as a gray or white horse, entices them to ride on their back, then carries them down to a watery grave.
Morbid.
Why were the Kelpies Built?
People thought that the entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal needed a dramatic feature to welcome visitors so Scottish sculptor Andy Scott designed the Kelpies. For the most part, they are inspired by the working horses, such as Clydesdales, who played a key role in Scotland’s industrial heritage.
-The canal extension reconnects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the River Forth, and improves navigation between the East and West of Scotland. You can explore the canal by walking, cycling, or boating.
-There are two National Cycle Routes and the John Muir Trail that passes through the Helix.
-You can explore the Helix around the Tour Route (HArTT), a 25km cycle route that starts at The Helix and goes to The Falkirk Wheel, Callendar Park, and back to The Helix
When were the Kelpies built?
Built of structural steel with a stainless steel cladding, The Kelpies are 30 meters high and weigh 300 tons each. Construction began in June 2013 and was completed in October 2013. The sculptures are open to the public as of April 2014.
Where are the Kelpies located?
The statues are located in The Helix, a park project that connects sixteen communities in the Falkirk area, which is full of things to do, for instance, there is an adventure play park, a splash play water fountain, a lagoon, coffee shop, and a visitor center.
Want to tour the Kelpies?
You can purchase tour tickets online here at their official site, or in person at the visitor center. It takes about 25 minutes and takes you inside the sculptures.
Pricing:
Adults: £10.50
Seniors/Students: £6.50
**2 children for every paying adult goes free!**
Tour times: 10:30am
12:30pm
2:30pm
Enjoy your Visit!
No matter what time or year you go, or who you go with, a visit to the Kelpies will ensure a great day! I hope this guide helped you plan the perfect day out on a budget!
