The Kelpies, Scottish Highlands Travel Guide

Monumental Horse Heads of Steel

Soaring 30 metres into the sky, The Kelpies are two colossal horse-head sculptures that dominate the landscape of The Helix park between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Created by Glasgow-based sculptor Andy Scott, these gleaming steel giants pay homage to the powerful Clydesdale horses that once hauled barges along Scotland’s canals and worked the fields of the region. Their muscular necks and proud heads are rendered in polished stainless steel, catching the light in dramatic ways throughout the day. At night, they are illuminated in changing colours, transforming into a glowing landmark visible from the nearby M9 motorway.

Myth, Industry and Art Combined

The name "Kelpies" draws from Scottish folklore, where kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits often appearing as horses that lure people into rivers. Scott’s sculptures blend this mythical resonance with a very real tribute to the working horses that powered Scotland’s canals and agriculture. The Kelpies stand beside a new canal extension linking the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea, symbolically bridging past and present. Their design captures both the strength and grace of the Clydesdale, with every curve and rivet reflecting careful craftsmanship and engineering. The result is a powerful fusion of art, history and local identity.

Exploring The Helix Park

The sculptures are the centrepiece of The Helix, a 350-hectare eco-park created on formerly underused land. The park is designed for recreation and connection, with over 27 km of paths linking 17 communities. Visitors can walk or cycle around a lagoon, enjoy a splash play area and adventure playground, or find a quiet spot for a picnic. The park is flat and well surfaced, making it accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and casual strolls. Along the way, subtle design details like hoof-shaped paving stones around the sculptures add a playful, thoughtful touch to the experience.

Inside the Kelpie: A Guided Journey

For a deeper understanding, guided tours take visitors inside one of the Kelpies. These short, informative tours reveal the intricate steel framework, the engineering that supports the massive structure, and the story behind its creation. The interior offers a unique perspective on the scale and ingenuity of the sculpture, with views out through the horse’s eyes and neck. The tour is especially engaging for older children and adults interested in art, engineering or local history, and it complements the free outdoor experience by adding context and insight.

Visitor Facilities and Practicalities

The Helix Visitor Centre serves as the main hub, open daily with a café, exhibition space, gift shop and toilets. The exhibition tells the story of The Kelpies, the artist, and the surrounding Falkirk area, making it a good starting point for first-time visitors. The café offers hot drinks, snacks and light meals, while the gift shop stocks souvenirs and locally inspired items. Parking is available on site, with seasonal charges, and there is also free parking nearby at Falkirk Stadium (except on match days). The park is pet-friendly, though dogs are not allowed on the Kelpie tour itself.