Kelpies in Falkirk: Day Trips and Tours from Edinburgh

The magnificent Kelpies monument in Falkirk is one of the most popular tourist sights in Scotland. Paying homage to the working horse heritage of the country, these towering sculptures are a marvel of modern engineering.

You can easily take a day trip to the Kelpies from Edinburgh, combining your visit with stops at other iconic local landmarks.

Read on for your guide to the Kelpies in Falkirk, one of the most interesting day trips from Edinburgh.

How do you get to the Kelpies from Edinburgh?

The Kelpies are in Helix Park between Falkirk and Grangemouth, just 19 miles from Edinburgh. You can easily take a journey to see the Kelpies by car, public transport, or on a guided tour.

From Edinburgh to the Kelpies in Falkirk by car

It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Edinburgh to Falkirk, and you will find the Kelpies just off the M9. Exit at Junction 5 for Falkirk/Grangemouth and follow the signs.

The Helix Car Park is free but fills up fast. It’s open year-round. The larger Kelpies Car Park has a charge and is open 8 AM – 10 PM.

From Edinburgh to the Kelpies by public transport

Take the train from Edinburgh and alight at Falkirk High station. From there you can hop on a bus which will take you the final three miles to Helix Park. If you don’t fancy the bus, you can always use a taxi instead.

Guided tour to the Kelpies in Falkirk from Edinburgh

Take the stress out of your visit and enjoy a guided day tour to the Kelpies from Edinburgh. Most excursions offer hotel pick-ups, so just sit back, and enjoy the ride. On full-day trips you will visit other famous sights in the area too.

What is the price of Kelpies tickets?

There is no fee to enter Helix Park and admire the Kelpies from the outside. Tours inside one of the sculptures are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-booking is not required.

These internal Kelpies tours last 45 minutes and cost the following:

• Adults: £5
• Concessions: £4.50
• Children: Free (2 children with 1 adult)

What is the usual itinerary of a Kelpies day trip from Edinburgh?

Kelpies day trips begin with a pick-up after breakfast from your Edinburgh hotel, with travel by mini-coach or luxury car.

Your first stop will be the Kelpies in Helix Park. Wander around outside taking photos and pop into the visitor center to learn more. Tours inside one of the sculptures are sometimes available at an additional cost.

Your Kelpies day tour continues with a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for a waterside stroll at Balmaha Village and views of Ben Lomond. Then you’ll explore Stirling Castle and the historic town, before returning to Edinburgh for dinner.

What kind of tours are available to go to the Kelpies in Falkirk?

You can enjoy both small-group and private day tours to the Kelpies from Edinburgh. Travel is by luxury mini-coach or private vehicle depending on the party size, with hotel pick-ups usually included.

Day trip to the Kelpies plus Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh

Guided small-group excursions to see the Kelpies are the cheapest way to visit this iconic Scottish monument. There are usually between 16 and 32 places on each tour so do check the details carefully if you prefer a smaller group trip.

You will pass through scenic Scottish villages and stop at other famous sights along the way.

Private day tour to the Kelpies plus Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh

These exclusive guided excursions take in the major highlights of the region in style. Timings are more flexible on private tours so you can have a say in the itinerary. Up to six places are available on your tour.

Private guided tour to the Kelpies plus the Falkirk Wheel from Edinburgh

Make the most of having your very own guide on this half-day trip to see the Kelpies. You will enjoy personal attention and trip customization during the exclusive tour, as well as travel in a private luxury vehicle.

Some of these private Kelpies day tours also visit Callendar House.

How much do Kelpies tours from Edinburgh cost?

The price of Kelpies day trips varies depending on group size and tour length. Lunch is not generally included but you can purchase food during the excursion.

Small-group full-day tours to see the Kelpies range from £40 to £63 per person, according to the coach capacity. These trips include visits to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle.

Private 5-hour Kelpies tours that also stop at the Falkirk Wheel cost £250 for up to four guests.

For a private tour that visits the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle, expect to pay £405 for four passengers, and £486 for six people.

What will you see at the Kelpies in Falkirk?

The Kelpies

Standing at 100 feet high and weighing 600 tonnes, the Kelpies monument is the world’s largest equine sculpture. It was built as a tribute to Scottish horse-powered heritage.

Hand-crafted out of stainless steel by local sculptor Andy Scott in 2013, the giant heads were modeled on two Clydesdale working horses called Duke and Barron. Back in the day, horses like these were used to pull wagons and barges around the country, transporting goods along roads and canals. You can take a tour inside Duke for a close-up look at the engineering.

Some people believe that the Kelpies also represent the shape-shifting water spirits that live in the waterways and lochs of Scotland.

Helix Park

The Kelpies are located in the center of Helix Park, which has several cycling and walking trails to explore.

There is also a visitor center here, which is open seven days a week for souvenir shopping and lunch. Kids love burning off energy in the adventure playground and splash park too.

When is the best time for a day trip to the Kelpies?

You can visit the Kelpies on a day trip from Edinburgh all year round at any time. There are no entry restrictions.

The Kelpies are a popular tourist attraction so come during spring or fall to avoid the crowds. Summer weekdays are a good bet too.

Visit an hour after sundown to see the Kelpies illuminated against the dark night sky – they’re quite a sight!

Know before you go

• Most guided day trips to see the Kelpies do not allow travelers younger than five years old to join the tour.
• You will be able to buy lunch and snacks at cafés or shops along the way.
• We recommend booking your Kelpies jaunt online to secure the cheapest prices and avoid missing out as places do fill up fast.
• Wear comfortable footwear because there will be some easy walking during the day.
• Make sure you have charged your camera batteries – there will be lots to photograph.