The Helix
The Helix is a massive, award-winning parkland project that seamlessly blends outdoor recreation, art, and local heritage. It is located between Falkirk and Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, and uses the postcode FK2 9EE.
What to Expect and Enjoy
The absolute showstoppers here are The Kelpies: two monumental, thirty-metre-high steel horse-head structures that pay tribute to the working horses of Scotland’s industrial past. Seeing them up close is breathtaking, and you can even book a guided tour to stand inside the structures and marvel at the complex engineering. Beyond the sculptures, the park features kilometres of smooth, multi-use paths perfect for casual walks and bike rides. Kids will completely lose track of time in the massive Adventure Zone and the Splash Play area, which features interactive water jets that are perfect on a warm summer day. There is also a beautiful, peaceful lagoon where you can watch local birdlife or watch model boats glide by.
Best For and Time Spent
This park truly offers something for everyone, making it perfect for multi-generational family outings, couples, dog walkers, and cyclists. The vast majority of the paths are wide, level, and fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
- Duration: You can easily spend two to four hours here if you explore the trails, take a Kelpies tour, and let the kids burn off energy in the play parks.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is a primary car park at the visitor centre near the Kelpies which fills up fast, and a larger free car park situated closer to the Falkirk Stadium side of the parkland.
- Food & Drink: The Helix Visitor Centre houses a lovely café serving fresh artisan baking, light lunches, and ice cream. There are also great wood-fired pizza kiosks operating near the base of the Kelpies during peak weekends.
- Evenings: If you can, try to visit or stay until dusk, as the Kelpies are beautifully illuminated from within by colourful, shifting lights.
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
The park is directly integrated into the local canal network, allowing you to walk or cycle seamlessly along a level path straight to The Falkirk Wheel or through the historic Falkirk Canal Tunnel. It is also a very short hop from the grand Callendar House and Park.