Photo of The Kelpies, a landmark near Airth, Falkirk, central Scotland.

© Steven Straiton / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

The Kelpies

National icon

Giant steel horse-head sculptures.

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Andy Scott’s two giant horse heads rear 30 metres above the canal at the Helix, on the eastern edge of Falkirk. Built in steel and finished in 2013, they nod to the working horses that once hauled barges along Scotland’s canals. Free to see any time and floodlit after dark; you can also book a guided tour inside the structures. There’s parking at the Helix, with paths leading straight to the sculptures.

More places to visit near The Kelpies

Photo of The Helix Park, a visitor attraction near Airth, Falkirk, central Scotland.

The Helix Park

Attraction near Airth

350-hectare parkland between Falkirk and Grangemouth built around the Kelpies, with lagoon, trails and play areas.

2 km E

Photo of Callendar House, a house in Falkirk, central Scotland.

Callendar House

House near Falkirk

Grand French-chateau-style mansion and free museum in Callendar Park, Falkirk, telling the district's story.

2.8 km S

Photo along the John Muir Way, a long-distance trail running from Helensburgh to Dunbar, Scotland.

John Muir Way

Scotland's Great Trail

A coast-to-coast across Scotland's waist, from Helensburgh to the conservationist's birthplace at Dunbar.

2.8 km S · spans 9 counties

Photo of The Falkirk Wheel, a landmark near Airth, Falkirk, central Scotland.

The Falkirk Wheel

Landmark near Airth

The world's only rotating boat lift, linking the Forth & Clyde and Union canals near Falkirk.

5.7 km W

Photo of Dunmore Pineapple, a garden near Airth, Falkirk, central Scotland.

Dunmore Pineapple

Garden near Airth

Extravagant 18th-century stone pineapple folly crowning a walled garden in the Dunmore estate near Airth.

6.7 km N

Photo of Kinneil House & Estate, a house near Bo'ness, Falkirk, central Scotland.

Kinneil House & Estate

House near Bo'ness

Historic house and museum in wooded parkland at Bo'ness, where James Watt worked on his steam engine.

7.7 km E