As a visitor to Helensburgh you can feel far away from everywhere and at the same time be very close to anywhere. You will enjoy a unique corner of Scotland rich in heritage and famous for its breath-taking scenery.
As you can see from the "target" map - we are ideally located as a base for Central Scotland's attractions.
Two internationally renowned waterways border the area, both of them immortalised in song. Loch Lomond, the most famous Scottish loch is just a few minutes over the hill while nearby you can view the River Clyde, the Gareloch or Loch Long. Go boating, fishing or take a sea going paddle steamer. View the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond from any one of several pleasure boats or "Take the High Road," to Luss where many of the exterior shots for the popular television soap are filmed. For those with an outdoor bent - visit Can You Experience for all manner of outdoor pursuits including canoeing, biking (including bike hire), guided walks and power kiting. We recommend that you check out their site to get a flavour of what they have to offer!
Stroll the wide tree lined streets of Helensburgh and admire the superb architecture and gardens. Cherry blossom in late April/May makes the town a very special sight. John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, lived here and you can enjoy the outstanding architecture of Charles Rennie Macintosh's Hill House. Decorative lampposts in Colquhoun Square celebrate Helensburgh's many famous residents. Gardens at Glenarn in Rhu, Linn in Cove and Geilston in Cardross provide year round interest.
For the devoted shopper there are plenty of opportunities for a good browse in the many shops large and small in Helensburgh. The Antartex Village and The Loch Lomond Factory Outlets in nearby Alexandria are also worth a visit. For something more energetic how about some hill walking in the spectacular Arrochar Alps, an invigorating climb to the top of Ben Lomond, or a visit to the swimming pools in Helensburgh, Dumbarton or The Vale of Leven? Maybe a trip to Dumbarton Castle (the oldest site in the UK) or a stroll round the country parks at Balloch or Overtoun is more to your liking. If cars are your thing, then a visit to the Motor Museum at Alexandria is a must and, if you prefer something nautical, a visit to The Denny Ship Tank in Dumbarton will give you an insight into ship design.
For golfers there are excellent courses at Helensburgh (£30)and Cardross (£35) with a brand new deluxe course currently under construction on Loch Lomond. Belonging to the De Vere Cameron House Hotel, this will be open to the public - a condition of it's planning application. Expect to pay about £200 per round though!
In under an hour driving by the sea lochs to Inveraray you can "go to Jail," visit the Castle, or step aboard an old sailing ship.
Or head North, into The Trossachs, to meet the real Rob Roy in The Rob Roy Centre, take a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard The SS Sir Walter Scott, or a stroll along the many beautiful forest paths.
Visit the mediaeval fortified town of Stirling and imagine William Wallace leading his troops into battle-become a part of the real Braveheart experience.
Go east to Glasgow, with its splendid buildings, theatres, concert halls and world-renowned museums and galleries. Superb shopping (deemed second only to London) and a vast array of cafes and restaurants await.
Throughout the area there are a host of attractions both natural and manmade waiting to welcome you to one of the most beautiful areas in what is a truly beautiful country.
Go on...take a look for yourself.
)
)
)
