The Helix was borne from an idea in 2003 to build an ecopark as part of the Falkirk Greenscape Initiative, transforming 350 hectares of land between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Today, The Helix connects 16 local communities through our extensive path networks stretching over 27km and has welcomed over XX amount of people since opening in 2013. The park also has Green Flag, Gold Green tourism and Visit Scotland's 5 Star accreditation as well as recently winning The Thistle Award's 'Great Day Out' award in 2023.

Parking

The Helix Car Park – This small 78 space car park is located to the left of the road entering the park across from the wetlands. This car park is free and open 24/7.

The Kelpies Car Park - (April – October 8am-10pm November – March 8am-8pm) This larger 175 space car park is located at the top of the Park, a short walk from the Kelpies and Visitor Centre. Season car parking charges apply.

The Falkirk Stadium – The Falkirk Stadium is located across the road from the Helix Park on the playpark side. This is a free car park with varying opening times. Use of this car park will be communicated by the events team. This car park will be shut on all Falkirk FC match days.

How To Get Here

By Car

From Edinburgh: Follow M9 westbound. Exit at Junction 5 for Falkirk/Grangemouth.

From Glasgow: Take the M80 towards Stirling, exit at Junction 8 for M876 and join M9, exit at junction 6 for Falkirk / Grangemouth.

From Carlisle and the South: M74, M73, M80, M876, M9, and follow the signs for Falkirk as above.

From the North: Follow A9/M9 South towards Edinburgh, exit at Junction 6 for Falkirk as above.

By Train

Falkirk is served by 2 railway stations, Falkirk High (3 miles away) and Falkirk Grahamston (2 miles away). Times and tickets can be purchased from www.scotrail.co.uk or by contacting National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 Falkirk High, High Station Rd, Falkirk, FK1 5QX Falkirk Grahamston, Meeks Rd, Falkirk, FK2 7EZ

By Bus

For details of bus travel to Falkirk contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 20 22 33 or find timetables at www.travelinescotland.com

From Falkirk High Station: Join the First Bus 2 bus for Bo'ness at Salmmanan Road approx. 2-minute walk from the rail station. This bus will stop on Falkirk Road opposite Falkirk Stadium (watch out for the pink bus stop) this stop is the side entrance to the Helix Park.

Facilities

Toilets – There are 3 sets of toilets located at The Helix. These are located at the Plaza Café, Visitor Centre, and at the Kelpies Car Park.

Plaza: Gents - 2 urinals, 1 cubicle, Ladies – 3 cubicles and 1 accessible toilet

Toilet Block: Gents – 2 urinals, 2 cubicles, Ladies – 3 cubicles, 1 changing places toilet, 1 accessible/baby change toilet

VC: Gents – 2 urinals, 2 cubicles, Ladies – 4 cubicles, 1 baby change, 1 accessible

Vehicle Access: The Helix has 3m wide paths which allows for vehicle access across the site to help with event builds. Use of vehicles within the Park must be discussed with the Events Team.

Power and Water Access: No third-party event organiser has the right access to power and water on site with an agreed site permission. This must be discussed with events team and may incur additional charges.

Catering

Plaza Café – The Plaza Café sits in the heart of the Park overlooking the lagoon, by the Great Lawn events space. The Plaza sells cold food, hot drinks, and soft drinks. There are varying seasonal opening times, however, from November – March the Plaza will only be open on the weekends.

Visitor Centre – (April – October 9.30am – 5pm November – March 9.30am-4pm) The Visitor Centre is located by the Kelpies. Both hot and cold food and drinks are sold at the Visitor Centre.

Food Kiosk / Ice Cream Van – There is a catering van located by the Kelpies and an ice cream van located by the playpark. The catering units on site have varying seasonal opening times. For events requiring catering, it is the event organisers responsibility to notify the events team so the caterers on site can be prepared.

Considerations

Residents - There are several onsite boaters who live on the canal. If any restrictions are in place, it is the event organisers responsibility to notify the residents to ensure they are aware, they also must be given a contact number.

Pipeline - There are major pipelines running throughout the park so depending on the nature of the event placement of infrastructure must be considered as well as the use of ground spikes and distribution of weight. Any generators due to be brough on site must be agreed with the events team prior to the event and they must be diesel generators.

Site Map

You can download a PDF of our site map here; The Helix Site Map PDF