%title

Helensburgh is a lovely Victorian resort located in the gateway to Argyll on the north shores of the Firth of Clyde.

I loved Helensburgh when I visited, I am sure you will fall in love with the nice open spaces, gardens spaces and the town’s grand buildings.

Helensburgh is located at the mouth of Gareloch and is historically part of Dunbartonshire.

The small town is set in an idyllic location, with the mountains of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in the background, a great selection of restaurants and an area which has lots of history.

I have passed through Helensburgh many times when travelling from Glasgow to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This is a lovely scenic coastal town on the west of Scotland with many secrets that are worth discovering.

Is Helensburgh worth a visit?

Helensburgh is worth a visit even if it is for a morning or afternoon. Historically, the town was a seaside resort and attracted many workers from Glasgow.

Nowadays, visitors can admire the handsome buildings wide-elegant tree-lined streets and long promenade. Also, there are attractive gardens and parks, overall the atmosphere is pleasant.

Helensburgh is worth a visit in the spring and summer months. There are many cherry-blossom lined streets and the town is a member of the National Tree Collections of Scotland.

One of the good things about Helensburgh it is is generally less busy than hot spots around Loch Lomond.

What is Helenburgh Best Known For?

Helensburgh is well known for being a popular Victorian seaside resort. Back in the 18th century, the town was founded by Sir James Colquhoun.

During the Victorian times, several wealthy Glasgow merchants were attracted to Helensburgh and lots of Victorian villas were established. Nowadays, Helensburgh is the gateway to many outdoor activities.

Is Helenburgh a part of Glasgow?

Helensburgh is not part of Glasgow. It is located in Argyll and Bute, 30 miles west of Glasgow.

Helensburgh is a 45 minute train jounrey from Glasgow. Alternatively, you cna drive from Glasgow which takes half an hour.

From the waterfront of Helensburgh you can see Greenock on the other side of the River Clyde. Also, you can see Gare Loch and the Arrochar Alps are in the background.

History

Sir James Colquhoun was the chief of the Clan Colquhoun of Luss. He bought the land which lated became Helensburgh.

Prior to this, the area was known as Malig, Millig or Milligs. In 1785, Sir James Colquhoun decided to name the town after his wife – Lady Helen Sutherland.

Helensburgh first became a holiday resort after the first commercial steamship was established in 1812. As a result, the population grew from 500 to 2,229 by the 1841 Census.

Development of the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway in 1858 allowed the population to grow once again, reaching 5,964 in the 1871 Census.

The railway also attracted wealthy business people who sick of living in the dirty industrial city of Glasgow. Many Victorian villas were built including the Hill House.

During World War II a military port was built 5 miles outside Helensburgh. After the war, navy personnel were attracted to the area and the population increased to 15,852 in the 1991 Census.

Facts

The town’s coat of arms is based on a mixture of the Sutherlands and Colquhoun coats of arms.
Henry Bell (1767-1830): originator the Comet, the first commercial steamship in Europe, arrived to the town in 1806
John Logie Baird the inventor of television was born in Helensburgh in 1888
Helensburgh has some of the highest house prices in Scotland
The famous ‘Sugar Boat’ ship wreck is located near Helensburgh in the River Clyde

Public Transport

There are two train stations in Helensburgh – Helensburgh Central and Helensburgh Upper. Helensburgh Central Train Station is located near Colquhoun Square in the town centre.

Helensburgh Upper Station is located further north on the famous West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William/ Oban.

There are direct trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The train from Edinburgh takes 2 hours while the train from Glasgow takes 45 minutes.

Things To Do

The town itself has many independent shops and award-wining restaurants. I loved talking along the promenade and enjoy an ice cream or fish and chips.

You will find lots of local produce and artisan fare. There are plenty of food options and markets which sell home baking, seasonal vegetable, fresh meat, fish and local cheese.

I noticed the John Muir Way starting point along the promenade, also there is the Henry Bell Monument and the best views across the town and towards the Arrochar Alps in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Moreover, Helensburgh is the gateway to many outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the Argyll Kayak Trail, Argyll Cycling Trail, John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way or the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail.

In addition, one of my favourite things to do is to take a boat trip on the Clyde, get up close to the wreck of the Sugar Boat or explore lovely Loch Goil.

Hill House

Hill House is a gigantic architectural masterpiece by the renowned Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The building was established by wealthy Victorian Glasgow merchants between 1902-1904.

The house mixes Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Scottish Baronial and Japonisme architecture and design. The ‘Glasgow Rose’ can be found all through the house, one of the classic emblems associated with Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

You can see Charles Rennine Mackintosh’s most famous work of arts and many people travel from all over the world to see this fine piece of work. Now in care of National Trust for Scotland, there is external rendering to the building as it is no longer watertight.

The interior of the house is still viewable and is open to visitors all year around. We were able to walk up to the Hill House in 20 minutes from the central train station.

Hermitage Park

Hermitage Park is a lovely par close to the centre of town. The park features a striking war memorial and a walled garden.

One of the newest attractions in Helensburgh is the Park Pavilion Cafe and Kiosk which is the first community Passivhaus building in Scotland.

Ardencaple Castle

Ardencaple Castle is the oldest building in the town, dating back to the 12th century. Additionally, the castle was historically home to Clan MacAulay.

Only one of the towers of the castle remain, as the other was demolised in the 1950s.

Geilston Gardens

Geilston Gardens is local on the stunning estate of Geilston House. Elizabeth Hendry was the previous ownder and donated it to the National Trust for Scotland.

The 200 year old garden features a walled garden, a huge Wellingtonia on the lawn and woodlands which leads to Geilston Burn. During the growing season fruit and vegetables are usually for sale in the demonstration kitchen garden.

Glenarn

Glenarn features glorious gardens in a 12 acre west coast garden in the middle of Rhu. The site overlooks Gareloch and has a lot of interesting shrubs and trees.

Sugar Boat

The Sugar Boat is a famous shipwreck on the River Clyde. Originally known as the MV Captayannis, the vessel was hit by a wind storm in 1974 when waiting to deliver a cargo of raw sugar.

Now the wreck is lying sideways and is a santuary for birds. The restaurant in the Colquhoun Square is called the Sugar Boat to honor this.

Accommodation

Helensburgh is also a great option for those who want to spend a weekend away in a seaside resort in the west of Scotland. There is a great selection of hotels, apartments, guest houses and B&Bs in Helensburgh.

An Steisean: central apartment with a home office, 2 bedrooms, flat-screen TV with streaming service and a fully equipped kitchen.

Maybank Guest House: a guest house in a Victorian villa with cosy equipped rooms.

Balmillig B&B: a B&B which offers a conservatory, a garden, and a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities in each room.

Riva Boutique Hotel: a 4-star hotel with concierge service, room service, free WiFi, a restaurant and a bar.

Final Note

This post lists 6 great things to do in Helensburgh, Scotland. Helensburgh was once one of the busiest holiday resorts on the west of Scotland.

The small town has plenty of things to offer if you are looking for a place to escape.

Helensburgh is a good place to base yourself to visit local towns including Alexandria and Balloch. Also, it is an ideal pace to stay if you want to venture off into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.