Helmsdale is an ancient village in the Northern Highlands of Scotland situated at the sheltered mouth of the River Helmsdale (or Ullie) below the Creag Bunillidh peak. Helmsdale was originally a Viking village, although archaeological evidence dates the area back to the Neolithic period. Helmsdale grew in 1814 as a planned village to re-settle residents evicted from their land to make way for sheep during the Highland Clearances. The village was designed to prosper from farming and fishing. The harbour was built c1818 and extended over the following years. Helmsdale is surrounded with scenic countryside it is a popular tourist resort and an ideal base for visiting the Shetland Isles and the north of Scotland. The village has hotels, B&B’s, self-catering cottages and a hostel, a selection of restaurants and a pub. Historical features in Helmsdale include the picturesque working harbour and the two-arch stone bridge built over the River Helmsdale in 1811 by Thomas Telford. Attractions include the Timespan Heritage Centre with art gallery, café, shop and views overlooking the riverside community garden. The centre has audio/visual presentations on Helmsdale’s colourful history and the Great Sutherland Gold Rush in 1869; gold panning can be tried at Baille an Or near Kildonan railway station. Helmsdale Highland Games are held annually each August.
Attraction
Cottage
Doctor
Brora & Helmsdale Medical Practice
Golf Club
Inn
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
School
Shops
Thistle & Rose
Wild Tiles
Kildonan Collectables
A & D Family Wear
Wayfarer Sea Foods
Adam S McPherson
Strath Ullie Crafts and Visitor Information
Places to Stay near Helmsdale
Bridge Hotel (0.13 miles)
Situated in the heart of a picturesque Highland village on the east coast of Scotland, this contemporary country hotel rejects modern day distractions in favour of a haven of peace. In an ... More
Royal Marine Hotel (10.26 miles)
The Royal Marine Hotel overlooks the mouth of the River Brora and offers calm, gracious surroundings, great food, leisure facilities, log fires and a Highland welcome.
In addition to the leisure club, ... More
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Bhraggie House (14.94 miles)
Portland Arms Hotel (18.58 miles)
We would be delighted to welcome you to the Portland Arms - a very special place with a very special atmosphere!
Our General Manager Craig Williamson and his team aim to provide really ... More
Dornoch Hotel (21.36 miles)
Mill Farm B and B (21.51 miles)
Mill Farm is a working farm and family home, located just two miles away from the historic county town of Dornoch. Set in its own 50 acres of ground, Mill ... More
Dornoch Castle Hotel (21.57 miles)
Set in private and beautifully manicured gardens, this Scottish Castle occupies a tranquil position in the heart of the beautiful village of Dornoch, yet still enjoys easy access to the A9. Steeped ... More
Eagle Hotel (21.66 miles)
The Eagle Hotel is a beautiful, traditionally run hotel in the Idyllic highlands of Scotland. Situated in Royal Dornoch, it makes ideal base to explore the local area, or play ... More
Morangie House Hotel (25.92 miles)
The Morangie, a fine old Victorian mansion, is set on the northern outskirts of the Ancient and Royal Burgh of Tain, Ross & Cromarty, one of Scotland's oldest burghs. Its grand design and spacious and ... More | visit website
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