In short
- The sculptures are lit by colorful LED lights every night.
- Helix Park is open 24/7, making late visits possible year-round.
- Park in the main Helix car park at night; the closer one locks.
In this article
Seeing the world's largest equine sculptures after sunset offers a completely different perspective. The steel structures glow with internal LED lights, shifting colors against the night sky. Since the surrounding 350-hectare park never closes, you can arrive at any hour.
Are The Kelpies illuminated every night?
Yes, The Kelpies are lit up by colorful LED lights every night of the year.
The internal lighting system turns on after dusk. The lights cycle through various colors, illuminating the structural steel and stainless steel outer skin from within. You can view this visual spectacle 24 hours a day.
Which car park should I use for night visits?
You must use the main Helix car park for evening visits.
The main Helix car park is free and remains open 24 hours a day. The Kelpies car park, which is closer to the sculptures, is locked at night. If you park there late, your vehicle will be locked in until morning.
What should I pack for visiting The Kelpies at night?
Bring warm layers and a camera with good low-light capabilities.
The park is flat and paved, but the wind off the Forth and Clyde Canal gets cold quickly after sunset. Even in the summer months between May and September, you will need a jacket. A good camera will help you capture the LED lights clearly against the dark sky.
Can I take a guided tour at night?
No, The Kelpies Inside Tour only operates during the day.
The 25-30 minute inside tours require Visitor Centre staff, so they stop running before nightfall. Walking around the exterior of the 30-metre sculptures is completely free at all times. If you want to see inside, plan your visit during standard daytime hours.
Are the facilities open after dark?
The Visitor Centre and The Horsebox Cafe close in the evening.
If you visit after sunset, do not expect to buy hot drinks or use the indoor facilities. Plan to use restrooms before you arrive or visit nearby Falkirk town center, located a 45-60 minute walk away along the canal towpath.
Is the park safe to walk through at night?
The park has 27 kilometers of extensive, well-paved path networks.
The routes are flat, accessible, and heavily used by cyclists and walkers. Keep dogs under control and do not enter the water of the canal or lagoon. Bicycles should be ridden responsibly on the shared paths in low light.
Questions travellers ask
Can you visit The Kelpies at night?
Yes, The Kelpies are located in Helix Park, which is open 24/7 all year round. Entry to walk around the sculptures is free at all hours.
Are The Kelpies lit up every night?
Yes, they are illuminated by colorful LED lights every night after dark, creating a completely different view compared to the daytime.
Which car park is best for The Kelpies at night?
The main Helix car park is best because it stays open 24/7 and is free. The closer Kelpies car park charges a seasonal fee and gets locked at night.
