The Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies

Join us for a relaxed and memorable private day tour to two of Scotland’s most impressive modern landmarks: the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies. Set in the heart of central Scotland on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal, this tour combines clever engineering, striking sculpture, and a surprisingly scenic corner of the country that many visitors never think to explore.

The day is easy-going, well-paced, and ideal if you’d like something a little different from castles and cobbles (though don’t worry, Scotland still manages to sneak in plenty of history).

The Falkirk Wheel is the only fully rotating boat lift in the world, built to reconnect the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
If you choose to take the boat trip, you’ll experience the Wheel in action as it lifts boats up to the aqueduct above—an engineering feat that’s both beautifully designed and oddly satisfying to watch.

A few favourite facts (because Scotland loves a good “did you know”):

• It stands around 35 metres tall, roughly the height of eight double-decker buses stacked on top of each other.

• Each gondola holds 500,000 litres of water, about the same as an Olympic swimming pool.

• It uses remarkably little energy to operate, often compared to the power needed to boil eight kettles.

• It replaced the old route of 11 locks, which used to take most of a day to work through.

Your Visit to the Falkirk Wheel

Next, we’ll take the short drive to The Helix Park to see The Kelpies, two extraordinary 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures created by Scottish artist Andy Scott. They’re widely recognised as the largest equine sculptures in the world, inspired by the working Clydesdales that powered Scotland’s industry and canal heritage.

Tour Details

• Duration: Full-day (7-8 hours)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £695

• Includes:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included: Lunch and entry fees (to allow flexibility and choice)

Visiting The Kelpies at The Helix Park

You’ll have time to walk around the sculptures, take photos from the best angles, and hear the stories behind them, including the nod to Scotland’s kelpie folklore (thankfully, these are made of steel and keep themselves to themselves).