Find the perfect stay near The Kelpies

The Kelpies are a pair of massive steel horse heads that rise 100 feet above the landscape at The Helix park. These structures pay tribute to the working horses of Scotland's past and look especially striking against the open sky. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the 350 acres of green space while taking in the sheer scale of these silver giants. It is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon outdoors and see a unique piece of engineering up close.

Finding yourself in the heart of Scotland's central belt gives you a chance to see some of the largest equine sculptures on the planet. These massive steel structures stand tall over a parkland that connects local waterways and offers plenty of space for a long walk.

Planning your visit to the park

You can explore the area around the sculptures for free, though a parking fee applies if you arrive by car at The Helix visitor car park. The site is located roughly 2 miles from the centre of Falkirk and is easily reached from Grangemouth. If you want to see the inside of the structures, a tour fee applies for the guided experience which usually lasts about 30 minutes.

The visitor centre and cafe generally operate between 09:30–17:00, but these times can shift depending on the season. To ensure you have the most accurate information, please check the official site for current opening times and to see if a tour fee applies for your preferred date.

Things to do around the water

Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around, with over 16 miles of paths criss-crossing the parkland. You can follow the towpaths along the Forth and Clyde Canal, which is a great spot for a relaxed stroll or a bike ride. There is also a large lagoon where you can watch the water or enjoy the breeze coming off the nearby Firth of Forth.

Families often head to the adventure play area or the splash marsh during warmer weather. If you have brought your dog, there is plenty of open space for them to run around the 350-acre park. The flat paths make it a simple journey for those using wheelchairs or prams, as the entire area was designed with accessibility in mind.

Exploring the landscape and sculptures

The Kelpies themselves are the main draw, standing 100 feet tall and weighing 300 tonnes each. These steel structures represent the heavy horses that once pulled barges along the Scottish canals. Because they are made of stainless steel, they reflect the changing Scottish sky, looking different every time you visit.

The surrounding parkland has been transformed from unused land into a green space filled with native trees and wetlands. It is a quiet spot to watch for local birds or simply enjoy the view of the Ochil Hills in the distance. The project has received several accolades, including the Saltire Society Civil Engineering Award, for its design and impact on the local environment.

Finding your way around The Kelpies is easy, and there are plenty of options for staying near the sculptures and for reaching them. You have various choices that put you close to the parkland or near local transport links.

Where to settle in

Grangemouth and the nearby town of Falkirk offer a great mix of places to rest your head. If you are travelling with children, the larger hotels near the main road links are a practical choice as they often provide 24-hour reception and family-sized rooms. For a more local feel, look for smaller guesthouses in the residential areas which often sit within a 2-mile radius of the site. Staying in this area means you are perfectly placed to enjoy The Helix, a park spanning over 350 acres that surrounds the steel structures. The terrain is mostly flat, so choosing a spot with bike rental available is a brilliant way to explore the local paths at your own pace.

Getting to the sculptures

The most convenient way to arrive is by train to Falkirk Grahamston Station, which is just under 2 miles from the park. You can also use Falkirk High Station, located about 3 miles away, which serves the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh. From either station, a 10-minute taxi ride or a short journey on a local bus will bring you to the entrance. If you prefer to walk, follow the canal paths for a pleasant stroll that takes roughly 45 minutes from the town centre.

Visiting the impressive sculpture of The Kelpies is easier when you book a nearby stay in Grangemouth via Opodo. We bring together the best local accommodation options, allowing you to compare prices and features in one place.