The Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel
half day tour

  • The Kelpies
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • Helix Park
  • Horse Structures tour from Glasgow

See how art and engineering join forces to create these two incredible and unique Scottish monuments.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Places you explore


The Kelpies sculptures - The largest pair of horse sculptures in the world are made from 300 tonnes of steel.

Helix Park and the Forth and Clyde Canal - Explore this park or sit in the cafe and spend your time enjoying views of the Kelpies.

The Falkirk Wheel - A boat lift that’s as exquisitely designed as it is impressively engineered.

 

Your journey

 

Scotland is where scientists invented the television and radar. It’s where creatives imagined Peter Pan and the first picture postcard. It’s a place where technical ingenuity and artistic innovation thrives.

 

So on this tour, we pass the kilts, castles and whisky and give you a modern Scottish experience. You visit the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift in the world. And you experience the Kelpies, a beautiful and world-renowned contemporary sculpture.

Join this tour and learn about state-of-the-art Scotland.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 23:45 (tour departs at ) - ,
Finishes (approx.)
- ,
Luggage
You're restricted to kg (0lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • Entry fees to visitor attractions

Itinerary

Leaving George Street, the first stop of your tour is the Kelpies. These amazing 30m-high horse head sculptures hark back to the history and heritage of working horses pulling barges on the canal. They’re also a stunning example of modern design and ingenuity.

We’ll take a short walk through the Helix Park to appreciate the impressive beauty of the Kelpies up close.

From here, it’s a short drive to the Falkirk Wheel. This unique engineering feat was built to celebrate the millennium and restore the link between two of Scotland’s major canals. The result of this ambitious plan is the world’s only rotating boat lift; raising boats up 24m between the two canals.

On our tour, there’s no time to take a trip on the boat lift itself, but on most occasions you can watch it in operation. You’ll also get a chance to see the exhibition and visitor centre before heading back to Glasgow.

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .

See for yourself