Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
The Kelpies in Falkirk
The Kelpies in Falkirk are two beautiful horse-head sculptures at The Helix Ecopark in Central Scotland. They make a fantastic day trip from our Edinburgh hotel, located just an hour’s drive away. These enormous stainless-steel structures are a truly awesome sight! They are the largest equine sculptures on the planet, towering 30 metres above the ground and weighing in at 300 tonnes each. 928 individual metal plates were used to create the stunning monument, which was built on-site over just 90 days in 2013.
Visiting the Kelpies in Falkirk
The Kelpies are one of Central Scotland’s must-see attractions. You won’t fail to spot them as you drive from Edinburgh to Stirling on the M9 … they are hard to miss! However, we highly recommend a closer look. There’s nothing quite like the experience of standing beneath these imposing structures and looking into the eyes of the legendary creatures.
There is a fascinating Visitor Centre on site with exhibitions and information, tour guides, a café and a gift shop. Plus, you get an amazing view of the Kelpies whatever the weather. The Kelpies are accessible 24 hours a day, but check the website for tours and Visitor Centre opening times.
‘We really enjoyed our visit to the Kelpies. We took the 45-minute tour and it was worth every penny. The Kelpies are amazing close-up and very photogenic. They make you want to reach out and pat them!’
– The Kelpies Tripadvisor Review
Inspired by Scottish Folklore
So, what is a kelpie anyway? Kelpie is the name given to a mythical aquatic beast in Scottish Folklore. These shape-shifting creatures are said to have the power and strength of 100 horses and can be found in the deepest waters of Scotland’s lochs. The Loch Ness Monster is the most famous of all, but there are many such legends all over the land. Tales of the kelpies became the inspiration behind sculptor Andy Scott’s vision. The creatures’ horse-like form is a nod to Scotland’s close relationship with horses through history. Their might, strength and shape-shifting qualities reflect the enduring and transformational aspect of Scotland’s landscapes over time.
‘Brilliant tour around and inside The Kelpies at The Helix! We all had a brilliant time. The Kelpies themselves were spectacular up close and inside. They have such beauty and presence and change minute to minute with changing light and seeing them from different angles.’
– The Kelpies Tripadvisor Review
Accommodation in Edinburgh, near Falkirk
Edinburgh is the perfect base for a holiday in Central Scotland. There is so much to see within the city, in addition to many fantastic day trips within an hour’s drive. Our budget hotel in Edinburgh city centre is ideally situated near Waverley Station, so you can easily reach Falkirk by train in about 30 minutes. The Kelpies and the nearby Falkirk Wheel are just two of the many stunning attractions you can visit on a stay with us. For help with booking accommodation in Edinburgh near Falkirk, check out our special offers or contact our team today.
