The Kelpies are two massive steel horse-head sculptures standing 30 metres tall near Falkirk, created by sculptor Andy Scott and opened in 2014. Named after the mythological shape-shifting water spirits of Scottish folklore, they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The Kelpies are part of The Helix park and overlook the Forth and Clyde Canal. A public path around the sculptures is free, and guided tours of the interior are available. They are illuminated spectacularly at night.
The Kelpies are two 30-metre high steel sculpture heads of horses standing on the eastern approach to The Helix, a 350-hectare park built on reclaimed industrial land between Falkirk and Grangemouth in Scotland's central belt. The sculptures were created by artist Andy Scott and unveiled in April 2014. They represent the mythological kelpie — a shape-shifting water spirit of Scottish folklore said to inhabit rivers and lochs, often appearing as a horse. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world. Each head weighs approximately 300 tonnes and is constructed from approximately 600 tonnes of structural steel with a skin of polished steel panels. They stand at the junction of the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Helix Canal Link, symbolically representing the role of heavy horses in Scotland's industrial history. The public path circling both sculptures is free at all times and provides close-up views of the extraordinary engineering. Guided tours of the interior structure run daily and allow visitors to enter the hollow sculptures and view the internal steel framework from inside. The sculptures are dramatically illuminated after dark with coloured lighting. The Helix park contains cycling trails, a paddling area, and a café. The nearby Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift, is approximately 15 minutes' drive away and makes an excellent combined visit.
Highlights
- 30-metre steel sculptures
- Interior guided tours
- Canal views
- Night illuminations
- The Helix park
Tips for visiting
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift (10-minute drive).
When to visit
Evening visits after dark during autumn and winter offer the most dramatic experience when the illuminated sculptures glow against the night sky. Summer evenings combine long daylight with evening illuminations from around 10pm. The park is busiest at weekends and during school holidays.
Accessibility
The Helix park paths around The Kelpies are fully accessible by wheelchair and pushchair on smooth, level paths. The interior guided tour involves narrow passages and stairwells and is not suitable for those with mobility limitations. Accessible parking is available at the park car parks.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it free to visit The Kelpies?
The exterior of The Kelpies and the surrounding Helix park are free to visit at all times. Guided interior tours of the sculptures have a separate admission charge (approximately £8.95 for adults).
What time do The Kelpies light up at night?
The Kelpies are illuminated after dark with changing coloured lights. The exact timing depends on seasonal darkness, but evening visits from October to March can see the illuminations from around 5pm.
How do I get to The Kelpies?
The Helix park is near Falkirk, approximately 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley and 40 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street. The park is a 30-minute walk from Falkirk Grahamston station or accessible by local bus.