With gallons of ice cream, bales of candy floss, fish and chips, and the bright neon fun-fare of amusements, visitors to Helensburgh will be glad to learn that the sea air will eventually have a sedative effect on the kids. A proper seaside town – windswept, interesting, and overlooking the Gareloch – Helensburgh was created with leisure in mind. It owes its creation to Sir Ian Colquhoun of Luss; in 1776 he built spa baths on the site of Ardencaple Castle, and as the town took shape, modelled on the Georgian sensibilities of Edinburgh’s New Town, he named it after his wife, Helen. Colquhoun commissioned ferry links and created a commuter town that soon attracted holidaymakers from Glasgow and beyond. Sailing down the Clyde to Helensburgh became a habit practised every summer. With the arrival of the railway in 1858, Helensburgh was becoming more accessible – it was becoming so popular that a second station was opened in 1894. The town’s most famous building was designed by that iconic modernist and Glasgow architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and built in 1903 for the wealthy publisher Walter Blackie. Now owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, its aggressively avant-garde design is now enjoyed by visitors the world over. Helensburgh is still a prosperous town, with both its share of visitors and house prices that reflect its idyllic setting, and perfect position for discovering the sea lochs and wild life of the Clyde Estuary.
Caravan Park
Classes
Dance - Claire Burns School of Dance
Estate Agent
John Murray & Co
Slater Hogg & Howison
Golf Club
Performing Arts
Helensburgh Dorian Choir
Helensburgh Oratorio Choir
School
Shops
The Toy Shop
Pet Shop
Scandavian Shop
Barber Shop
Brae Shop
Flower Shop
Orchid Shoes
D’Ecosse Marion
Healthcraft
Happit Ltd
MacGillivray’s
Twinkletoes
New Traditions
Hopscotch
Farmfoods Ltd
Morrison Sports
All At Black
Rowlands Pharmacy
Places to Stay near Helensburgh
The County Lodge Hotel (0.93 miles)
The County Hotel (0.93 miles)
Ardencaple Hotel (1.29 miles)
Located in the picturesque setting of Rhu near Helensburgh, and overlooking the east side of Gareloch, this hotel assures a traditional warm and friendly Scottish welcome. Rooms are fully en suite and ... More
Rosslea Hall Country House Hotel (2.04 miles)
Built in 1849 by merchant businessman Daniel Walkinshaw, Rosslea Hall retains much of its traditional charm whilst also offering the modern day facilities that you would naturally expect to find.
The much loved garden offers a ... More
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Tontine Hotel (3.98 miles)
The Tontine Hotel, Greenock's Premier Hotel, is a place to stay for a holiday or as a venue for a Wedding/Conference. There is no doubt this is a fabulous hotel,with ... More
The Carrick at Cameron House Luxury Lodges (4.16 miles)
Experience relaxation at De Vere at any time of year through our uniquely flexible seasonal ownership scheme. When you're at a De Vere resort you'll feel relaxed, pampered and revitalised. ... More
Premier Inn Greenock (4.45 miles)
Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond (4.76 miles)
Tullie Inn (5.83 miles)
The Tullie Inn is a 12 bedroom inn in the heartland of Scotland facing one of Scotland's most famous lochs - Loch Lomond. The Tullie Inn offers excellent hospitality, together ... More
Innkeeper's Lodge Loch Lomond (5.94 miles)
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