Overnight Parking at The Kelpies, Falkirk, Scotland

While The Helix offers the charm of staying near the monumental Kelpies, it's essential to remember that this is a parking facility, not a traditional campsite. Here are some important guidelines and amenities provided for overnight guests:

Duration of Stay

Your adventure under the gaze of the Kelpies is limited to one night, ensuring every traveler gets a chance to enjoy this unique experience.

Departure Time

All vehicles must vacate the car park by 11:00 AM the following day. This allows for maintenance and preparations for new arrivals.

Toilet Facilities

Toilets at The Helix are open throughout the night; however, there are no shower or changing facilities. A Changing Places toilet, designed for those who need more space and specialized facilities, is accessible with a radar key (not provided) but is not to be used for showering.

Waste Disposal Rules

Please do not empty chemical toilets in the park's facilities and refrain from dumping grey water on site. The Helix aims to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Rubbish Disposal

Visitors are encouraged to minimise rubbish and use the bins provided sparingly. Please take away as much waste as possible to help keep the area pristine.

Cooking and Barbecues

If you're planning to cook or barbecue, please do so within the hard-standing area of your allocated space, adhering to safety guidelines to prevent damage to the park and inconvenience to other visitors.

Access Restrictions

Note that the car park barrier closes overnight from 20:00 – 07:00 (Nov-Mar) and 22:00 – 07:00 (Apr-Oct) to limit access. Should you need to exit during these hours, an emergency exit with a self-lifting barrier is available—remember to close the gate after driving through. This is an exit-only gate and does not allow re-entry.

Lighting

The car park lighting turns off at 23:00, so ensure you're settled in by then.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Additionally, it's just a 10-minute drive to the Falkirk Wheel, another intriguing site that offers overnight parking, although with more restricted access and limited space (more details in a forthcoming blog post). For other necessities, a BP petrol station and a McDonald's are conveniently located just a short drive away.

Special Perks

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a voucher for one free hot or cold drink, redeemable at the Helix Visitor Centre directly opposite The Kelpies. Be sure to redeem your drink by 10:30 AM to kick start your day with a refreshing beverage.

The Kelpies location & directions

If you're coming from Edinburgh, take the M9 motorway towards Stirling and exit at Junction 5 for Falkirk/Grangemouth. Travelers from Glasgow can reach The Kelpies by taking the M80 towards Stirling, then joining the M9, and exiting at Junction 6 for Falkirk/Grangemouth. For those driving from the South, such as from Carlisle, follow the M74, then transition to the M73, and continue on the M80, M876, and M9, exiting at Junction 6 as well. If you're arriving from Perth or the North, take the A9, join the M9 towards Edinburgh, and exit at Junction 6 for Falkirk.

For those driving electric vehicles, Falkirk Stadium offers convenient EV charging stations, with 10 rapid (50KW) and 16 fast (22KW) chargers available, located just a three-minute walk from The Helix and a 20-minute walk from The Kelpies. These charging facilities are accessible outside of match days, ensuring your vehicle can be topped up while you explore this impressive Scottish landmark.

The Falkirk Wheel

For those looking to extend their adventure, The Falkirk Wheel is just a short 20-minute drive away. Like The Kelpies, it offers overnight parking, making it another convenient option for campervan travellers. The Wheel, a remarkable feat of engineering, is well worth a visit, and its close proximity means you can easily combine both iconic attractions into your itinerary.

Conclusion

Choosing to stay overnight at The Kelpies not only provides a secure and picturesque parking spot but also places you in the heart of Falkirk's cultural landscape. Although the facilities are basic, they are adequate for a comfortable night’s stay in your campervan. Whether you’re heading deeper into the Highlands or just exploring the local sights, starting your journey at The Kelpies ensures a memorable and magical experience. So why not spend a night under the watchful eyes of these giant steel horses? Your Scottish adventure awaits!