Is a Visit to the Kelpies in Scotland Worth It?

The Kelpies are iconic metal sculptures in Scotland that many pass by on the way to other places. But is it worth stopping in Falkirk to see the Kelpies up close?

I’ve been so curious about seeing these gigantic horse-head sculptures, so I finally headed to Falkirk to see them for myself.

While it’s a quick visit, these sculptures are impressive enough to warrant a stop — perhaps on the way to somewhere else or in combination with another destination in Falkirk (like Callendar House).

Here’s my honest experience visiting the Kelpies to help you decide if it will be worth it for you to visit as well.

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About the Kelpies

The Kelpies are a sculpture made of steel, 100 feet tall and 300 tons heavy, depicting two horse heads.

What is a kelpie? A kelpie is a horse-shaped water spirit that lures people into the water, according to Scottish folklore. Stories of kelpies were told as a cautionary tale for children to stay away from the many lochs and rivers in Scotland.

Why was the Kelpies sculpture created? The Kelpies were created by artist Andy Scott in 2013 to honor Scotland’s history and folklore while also revitalizing the area as a tourist destination. In 2025, the Kelpies and Helix park received a milestone of 1 million visitors, so their efforts have clearly worked.

A person stands facing the towering Kelpies Scotland sculptures at sunset. The sky glows with pink and blue hues, while trees and power lines create a striking backdrop behind these iconic horse-head landmarks. — The Kelpies

When to Visit

I arrived just before sunset and left after dark to see the Kelpies illuminated at night.

Which view is the best?

Daytime: If you go during the day, you could snag a ticket to tour the inside of the Kelpies.
Sunset: If you go during sunset, you can see the spectacular skies behind the Kelpies.
Nighttime: If you go at night, you can see the Kelpies illuminated from within.

To get the best of both worlds, consider visiting at sunset and staying until night fall. It’s still light enough out during sunset to appreciate the sculptures and really see them (and get a photo of yourself in front of them), but the nighttime view is equally incredible.

But, if this doesn’t work in your time schedule, stopping anytime during the day would be great too!

Two large horse head sculptures, known as The Kelpies Scotland, stand near a canal at sunset. Their reflections shimmer in the water, framed by a bridge, powerlines in the background, and grassy banks along either side of the canal. — The Kelpies at sunset

A large, illuminated horse head sculpture inspired by the Kelpies Scotland glows with purple and blue lights at night beside a pathway lined with lit bollards. The sky is dark, and the sculpture rises from a grassy area. — The Kelpies at night

How Long to Spend There

I think it took me longer getting to the Helix park than the time I spent at the park, visiting the Kelpies.

It can be a quick visit or you can take your time and linger at the park, admiring the Kelpies. It’s totally up to you!

Here are some estimated times to spend at the Kelpies:

Traveling from Falkirk Grahamston train station to Helix park: 20-30 minutes (by bus, one way)
Admiring the Kelpies: 20-30 minutes
Browsing the visitor centre: 20 minutes
Watching the sunset: 20 minutes (if you visit at this time)

Is It Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?

Visiting the Kelpies won’t take a full day. It might barely take an hour.

However, I think these sculptures are worth the time to stop and see properly.

They’re stunning up close and just massive. It’s an impressive piece of artwork.

To be more efficient with your time, I’d suggest adding the Kelpies as a stop on the way to another destination or making a day of your visit to Falkirk by checking out Callendar House as well.

Should You Join a Group Tour to See the Kelpies?

All group tours that stop at the Kelpies (and not just drive by) follow a similar route.

They’ll take you to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit all three of these places, and let me tell you, they are all worth visiting.

Pros for Visiting on a Group Tour

You’ll get to visit several places in one day, including the iconic Kelpies.
You’ll get to leave the driving and planning to a local.
Your tour guide will share stories and histories with you about every place you visit, giving you a richer experience.

Recommended 1-Day Group Tours to Visit the Kelpies

Timberbush Tours’ From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour
Rabbies’ From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Highland Explorer Tours’ Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
The Hairy Coo’s From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

Two large metallic horse head sculptures, known as The Kelpies Scotland, stand against a blue evening sky. Made of interlocking metal panels, one Kelpie is upright while the other’s head is slightly tilted back. — The Kelpies

A white tour boat sails on a blue lake, Loch Lomond, surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. — Loch Lomond

A person with long hair stands on the stone terrace of Stirling Castle, having traveled from Glasgow, overlooking a town and distant hills under a clear, bright blue sky. — Stirling Castle

How to Get There On Your Own

If you’d rather visit the Kelpies on your own, that is also an option.

This is what I did, taking a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk Grahamston, and then taking a bus to Helix park.

It’s very easy to do, and this way, you can visit at the time you prefer (like sunset, for example).

How to book your train tickets: The easiest way to purchase your train tickets is via an app, such as Omio or Trainline, so you can search and compare transportation options easily. Select the open or anytime return option if you’re not sure what time you’ll be done visiting the Kelpies.

How to save money on train tickets: If you will be doing a lot of train travel in the UK, consider getting a railcard for 33% off. On my first trip to the UK, I was traveling with my mom so we got the Two Together Railcard and saved quite a bit.

People walk along a lit path at dusk near the large, illuminated purple horse head sculpture known as The Kelpies, one of the iconic sights in Kelpies Scotland, with hills rising in the background. — The Kelpies

Other Things to Do in Falkirk

While in Falkirk, consider visiting some of its other attractions, such as Callendar House.

Visit Callendar House

The Callendar House in Falkirk is a 14th-century French chateau that is free to visit.

You’ll find that most of the rooms in the house are empty of furnishings.

It’s mostly a museum now, with informational boards propped up on the walls to tell you about the history of the house and the area.

Why visit Callendar House?

It’s famous for playing host to famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Its Georgian kitchen, which is a fully restored 1820s kitchen, was an Outlander filming location for the Duke of Sandringham’s kitchen (Belhurst Manor) in season 2.
It sits on the site of the 2nd-century Roman Antonine Wall, and there is an exhibit in the house to tell you more about this history.

A person stands on a leaf-covered path leading to a large, castle-like building with pointed towers, Callendar House, surrounded by bare trees and greenery on an overcast day. — Callendar House

A person with long hair and a backpack stands on a grassy lawn, facing Callendar House, a large, historic stone mansion with multiple pointed roofs and chimneys under a cloudy sky. — Callendar House

Have Tea in the Callendar House Tearoom

One of the most beautiful rooms in Callendar House is its tearoom.

Do stop for a cup of tea or pastry and enjoy the views out the window. I did this and thoroughly enjoyed my cuppa. It was nice to sit and warm up after being out in the cold all morning.

You can also book afternoon tea here in advance, which is served in a separate room, apart from the casual diners.

A cozy room with teal chairs, wooden walls, and large windows offers a view. A decorated Christmas tree stands by the windows, while a tea set rests on a white table in the foreground. — Callendar House Tearoom

A grand, ornately decorated room with wood-paneled walls, a large mirror above a carved fireplace, green upholstered chairs, and small tables arranged for dining. — Callendar House Tearoom

Explore Falkirk’s Town Centre and Try the Best Thai Food

Falkirk has a charming town centre that is worth wandering around. Its history goes back centuries, starting as a medieval marketplace. I particularly love the Falkirk Steeple, which features a bell and clock tower, right in the middle of High Street.

There’s a lot more to Falkirk than meets the eye, so I’d recommend reading more about the history as you explore.

The Falkirk Local History Society has two walking routes you can take and has included the histories behind places you’ll pass.

Where to Eat in Falkirk

Erawan Thai Restaurant. My number one recommendation is to eat at Erawan Thai Restaurant in Falkirk. It’s the best Thai food I’ve had in Scotland and perhaps even anywhere outside of Thailand. I’ve returned twice, just for their pad Thai, if that tells you anything.

Where to Stay While Visiting

Falkirk makes for a great day trip from Edinburgh, so I’d recommend staying in Edinburgh while visiting. That way you don’t have to lug your suitcases around.

To make things even more convenient, you should consider staying near the Waverley Train Station, especially if you plan to do a number of day trips from Edinburgh.

For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my post, “Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid.”

Recommended hotels in Edinburgh near Waverley Train Station:

However, if you’d rather stay in Falkirk for the night while visiting the Kelpies, here is the best option.

Recommended hotel in Falkirk:

The Graeme Hotel

What to Pack to Visit Scotland

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Scotland during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.