Places to visit near Helensburgh, a coastal town, a Victorian Royal Burgh lies 30 miles west of Glasgow with outdoor recreation at its centre. In the first place, this holiday resort named after the wife of Sir James Colquhoun, who founded the town in the 18th century. Equally important, the town is easy to get to from Glasgow by road and train, less than an hour away. Coupled with, there are plenty of points of interest in Helensburgh if you like shopping, promenades, parks, sports, historic houses, walks and tea and coffee shops aplenty.
If you only have half a day or a full day to visit Helensburgh these are my highlights of attractions that will keep you busy until you need a sip of that coffee or tea. Not only have I checked that all places to visit are open and ready to welcome you with friendly and helpful hospitality but I have visited most of them.
Looking for Castles? More into Museums? Places to Visit.
In the first place, The Hill House www.nts.org.uk built in 1902-1904 by Charles and Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh. Situated at 8 Upper Colquhoun Street, G84 9AJ. Uniquely, it is a beautiful and modern building. It is full of curiosities and rarities with a mix of Art Nouveau, Scottish Baronial and Japanese architecture, and design. Furthermore, a National Trust property, open to the public with advance bookings essential. Together with, a café for you to enjoy your surroundings and take your time to wonder at Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece.
500 Years of Clan MacAulay
At the present time, Ardencaple Castle, a square tower is all that remains. Above all, the traditional home of clan MacAulay from the 13th-18th century. It has been noted, in 1705 the lands of Milligs, Kirkmichael, Buchanan and Drumfad were sold to Sir John Shaw of Greenock. Sir James Colquhoun of Luss bought the lands in 1752. Furthermore, the last MacAulay laird died penniless at Laggarie in Rhu 1787. Ending 500 years of family association with the Gareloch. Ardencaple Castle Tower situated on Fraser Avenue. Perched on the edge of a plateau, looking down on the landscape. The Tower overlooks the shore of the Firth of Clyde. Equally important, it is a true landmark for the town and maritime ships that see the green lights on the top of the tower.
Best Walks Parks and Points of Interest around Helensburgh
On this side, Helensburgh West Bay Esplanade redeveloped to create wider access for strolling and linking to shops on West Clyde Street. Alongside, walking the Esplanade you will see statues of John Logie Baird and Henry Bell, both of whom have connections with Helensburgh. Between, Rhu and Helensburgh there are great views of the Clyde and Greenock. Here and there, visit all the monuments to the “local heroes” of Helensburgh.
Hermitage Park, Helensburgh’s redeveloped park. Announced a new pavilion to be opened later this summer. As soon as, The Park Pavilion www.parkpavilion.com run by local chef Jaimie Nicolson. Shortly, Jaime will launch a kiosk for takeaway and delivery service in mid-May. Now, Hermitage Park is a great place to take the kids with swings, slides, and also a nice place for bikes. There is also a nice walk along a beautiful river and lovely trees.
Places to eat near Helensburgh
The Mackintosh Club https://www.mackintosh.club/ is a wee hidden gem! Listening to music in one of the most historical venues in Helensburgh. Now occupied by architects Nicola and Bruce Jamieson, who own the club at 40 Sinclair Street. Helensburgh. It is the “go-to” destination for lovers of celebrated architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh with his earliest masterpiece dated 1894, and Hill House renowned as his finest home. Check out their website to see what is on at The Mackintosh Club.
The Sugar Boat Restaurant, https://www.sugarboat.co.uk on Colquhoun Square, named after a famous local landmark, the shipwrecked hulk of MV Captayannis. Known as the “sugar boat”, it was a Greek-owned ship that sank in 1974 off the Helensburgh coastline. The food is appealing, pared-down dishes feature just a handful of ingredients. They serve afternoon tea as well.
Places to Visit near Helensburgh
Ardardan Farm Shop and garden nursery www.ardardan.co.uk are set on the banks of the River Clyde near Helensburgh. The Montgomerie family invite you to enjoy Ardardan Farm. There is a tea or coffee takeaway service now. The tearoom is open, with homemade soups and baking. Booking is essential for the tearoom on 01389 849188.
Helensburgh’s Landmark and Colquhoun Square and Sights
To point out, Helensburgh Parish Church was originally a small building in 1825. In addition, the present building was erected in 1853. After a fire in 1924, it was rebuilt with an “Arts and Crafts” style. Truly, it is a beautiful church providing a place of worship and a performance venue in harmony. With attention to, the ceiling is a half-timbered ceiling designed by James Hay. Later rebuilt in 1925 by Robert Wemyss exact to the original. By all means, the stained glass windows are a variety of themes and styles. Notably, the best-stained glass is the window to the south transept to John Logie Baird. It was installed in 1988 to mark the centenary of his birth. The Helensburgh Parish Church has a Sunday Service at 11 am and to book your tickets through their website http://www.helensburghcos.org/
Outdoor places to visit near Helensburgh
Helensburgh Golf Club www.helensburghgolfclub.co.uk established in 1893 has an 18-hole course and is a family-friendly club on Abercromby Street. Visitors are perfectly welcome and can play any day of the week subject to availability. If you are a local and wish to get into golf, Helensburgh Golf Club have introductory offers to help you GET INTO GOLF.
Clyde Charters operates Saturday Sugar Boat Tours until the end of June 2021. For July & August, they will be operating during weekdays too. Clyde Charters http://www.clydecharters.co.uk/ to book a tour and a Facebook page @clydecharters to watch for updates.
At Argyll Walks researched all the above places to visit near Helensburgh to check what is open from 17th May 2021. To the best of my knowledge, the information is correct. All our walking tours in Helensburgh are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am-4 pm. We would like to take this opportunity to persuade visitors to swap Hugh Town (Isles of Scilly) with Helensburgh forever! We offer a change of scenery and a chance to breathe fresh air or just watch the sun go down. The tours are designed to educate or have an emotional outcome, to connect, reflect and relax.
See details for booking Helensburgh and Luss Tours at https://argyllwalks.co.uk
