Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Falkirk is easy to reach from Scotland's major cities. Learn how to get here, where to park, and how to spend your day.
Getting there
Drive, take the train, or join a tour.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive via the M9 motorway (Junction 6 or 5) following brown tourist signs to The Helix | 40 mins from Edinburgh or Glasgow | Free or small parking fee depending on the car park | The main Helix car park is open 24/7 but charges apply. The closer Kelpies car park charges a seasonal fee and is locked at night. |
| Train: Take a train from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Falkirk High or Falkirk Grahamston, then take a bus or taxi | 20-30 mins by train, then 10 mins by bus/taxi | approx £10-£15 | Falkirk Grahamston is slightly closer (2 miles away) than Falkirk High (3 miles away). |
| Bus: First Bus No. 2 from Falkirk High station towards Bo'ness stops at Falkirk Stadium right across from the park | 10-15 mins from station | £2-£3 | Watch out for the pink bus stop opposite Falkirk Stadium. |
| Walk: Walk or cycle from Falkirk town centre or the Falkirk Wheel along the canal towpath | 45-60 mins walking from town centre | Free | The paths are well-paved, flat, and heavily used by cyclists and walkers. |
| Tour: Guided day trips from Edinburgh or Glasgow often combine The Kelpies with Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond | Full day tour | £40-£60 | A convenient option if you do not want to rent a car or navigate public transport. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open 24/7 all year round. May to September are the best months to visit. The weather is milder, and the Visitor Centre facilities are fully open.
Visiting after dark is highly recommended. Colourful LED lights illuminate the sculptures every night. This creates a striking visual contrast against the dark sky.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
The park features over 27 kilometres of paved walking and cycling paths.
Paths are flat, accessible, and buggy-friendly.
How the day runs
Step-by-step guides for your trip.
The main sights for a quick visit.
- Arrive at Helix Park
Park at the main Helix car park, where charges apply.
- Walk to The Kelpies
Follow the paved paths toward the canal.
- The Kelpies Inside Tour
Take the 25-minute guided tour inside the structures.
- Visitor Centre & Coffee
Browse the exhibition and grab a drink at The Horsebox Cafe.
- Walk the Lagoon
Take a 45-minute stroll around the water before leaving.
A relaxed pace focusing on play areas.
- Adventure Zone
Start at the fully accessible children's play park.
- The Great Lawn
Set up a picnic blanket on the vast green space.
- See the Sculptures
Walk up to the horse heads. Let the kids count the steel plates.
- Visitor Centre
Use the facilities and refill reusable water bottles.
Practical rules and packing
Scottish weather changes fast. Pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella, even in summer. The wind coming off the canal can be chilly. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 27 kilometres of paths.
Drone flying requires prior permission for safety reasons. You must keep dogs under control and clean up after them. Do not climb on the sculptures or enter the canal water. Camper vans can park overnight for a fee, but camping behavior is banned.
Easiest way to do it
Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs
9 h 4.9 (545)
- Scenic tour through Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
- Regular stops for photos and rest breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
From$61per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is the walk from the car park to The Kelpies?
It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the free main Helix car park to the sculptures. The paths are fully paved and flat.
Can you walk from The Falkirk Wheel to The Kelpies?
Yes. You can walk or cycle along the canal towpath. It takes 45-60 minutes to walk from Falkirk town centre or the Wheel. Walk the Canal has more details.
Which car park is best for The Kelpies?
The main Helix car park is open 24/7 but charges apply. The closer Kelpies car park charges a seasonal fee and locks at night. Use the main car park if visiting late.