Helensburgh

Helensburgh and Lomond is the gateway to Argyll, situated on the Clyde Sea Lochs, and including the west bank of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. With several train stations throughout the area on the West Highland Line, it has fantastic transport connections to both the west coast and the central belt.

Named for Helen, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who founded the town in the late 18th Century, the town of Helensburgh developed into a grand Victorian seaside resort for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow. Of the many architectural gems in the area, the fi nest is surely Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally renowned Hill House (NTS), currently protected by an award-winning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ which offers visitors a unique perspective from its walkways.

The ‘Garden City of the Clyde’, Helensburgh is also famous for its tree lined streets, particularly the spectacular Spring cherry blossom, and beautiful gardens nearby include Geilston (NTS) and Glenarn. Families are well catered for with the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre and play facilities at Hermitage Park, and there are two farm parks nearby. Regular boat trips on the River Clyde allow visitors to get up close to the famous Sugar Boat shipwreck.

Helensburgh is a great shopping destination, with a fantastic range of unique independent shops and galleries, and a market twice a month. There are also many wonderful eateries to enjoy, with everything from patisserie and cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants or fi sh and chips on the seafront promenade.

The beautiful conservation village of Luss on Loch Lomond is the ancestral home of Clan Colquhoun. As well as picture postcard views, the settlement has a fascinating history, including an 11th century Viking hogback grave in the churchyard. There are several fabulous gift shops and eateries, and plenty of activities for all the family.

Ardlui offers watersports on Loch Lomond, and Arrochar is a great base for Munro-bagging and mountain-biking. The whole area includes a number of trails such as the John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, Loch Lomond and Cowal Way and Argyll Sea Kayak Trail. The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail is a 65 mile road route from Dumbarton to Arrochar, including the Rosneath Peninsula with its own fascinating heritage trails. Kilcreggan Pier is a regular stop for the Waverley Paddle Steamer on its Clyde cruises, and the Peninsula offers stunning views down the Firth of Clyde to Bute and Arran.

Lots of events take place throughout the year - fi nd all the latest news about what’s on in our online calendar https://destinationhelensburgh. org/whats-on/

We look forward to welcoming you to Helensburgh and Lomond in 2023!

The Hill House (National Trust for Scotland)

Acclaimed architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and artist Margaret Macdonald worked together on almost everything you see at the stunning Hill House, from the building to the décor inside. The walkways of its protective steel ‘Box‘ add to this unique visitor experience.

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/ the-hill-house/

Boat Trip on the Clyde

Join the friendly team on board Jola Too for a fantastic boat trip on the River Clyde. Get up close to the wreck of the Sugar Boat, or take a trip up the Gare Loch, and maybe even see some dolphins!

https://boattripshb.com/

Discover Helensburgh App

Download the new Discover Helensburgh App to find out all about the town and its fascinating history, with over 50 places of interest, 8 self-guided trails and family fun activities.

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ discover-helensburgh

Scottish Submarine Centre

Scotland’s only submarine museum and education centre uses immersive video and audio to provide learning experiences about the exploits of the submarine service and the people involved.

https://www.submarinecentre.org/

Get Active Outdoors

Follow the Three Lochs Way, John Muir Way, Argyll Sea Kayak Trail or Glen Fruin Cycle Loop. Take in the amazing views from Ben Bouie across the Firth of Clyde and Loch Lomond, and enjoy a huge range of activities from Munro-bagging to watersports, golf, and much more!

https://destinationhelensburgh. org/see-and-do/activities/