The images on this page represent just a few of the many attractions, features and activities available in and around our area. Click on the image to go to a website with more information about that item..

In and around Helensburgh (Click here for photogallery)

• Helensburgh's Hogmanay Ceilidh, December 31st every year
• "The Hill House", Charles Rennie Mackintosh's 100 year old masterpiece of domestic architecture. Only a 15 minute walk from Balmillig.
• As one of the UK's prime realisations of a "Garden City", Helensburgh is justly renowned for its fine villas, and superb gardens and streets set out with an outstanding array of ornamental flowering trees and shrubs which create a stunning display in spring. Late April and early May is the time to see this at its best, although the Autumn colours can also be a very beautiful .
• Many quality specialist shops - shoes, jewellery, scottish gifts, art galleries.
• Pleasure cruises including PS Waverley - the world's last sea going paddle steamer.
• Glenarn - Springtime rhododendron gardens in elevated woodland setting overlooking the water.
• Golf - many superb courses within the area. Discount play available locally.
• Lots of pleasant walking on extensive footpath network in and around town.
• Cycling - a great way to get around the area and we can lend you bikes if you don't have your own.
• The West Highland Railway Line from Helensburgh Upper Station offers one of Europe's most Scenic railway journeys. Not to be missed!

Within 15 mins drive

• Beautiful Loch Lomond &Trossachs National Park. For information on the Park's wildlife, click here.
• Loch Lomond Golf Course and the Carrick Golf Course and Spa.
• Balloch - Country Park. Loch Lomond Shores - Aquarium, Shopping, National Park Gateway Centre, Maid of the Loch.
• Luss - pretty estate village famous for its lovely floral displays.
• Coarse and game fishing on Loch lomond & Rivers Fruin, Leven & Endrick.
• Suburban, woodland, farmland, wetland, coastal, moorland and upland habitats mean birdwatching opportunities abound. Nearest RSPB reserve at Lochwinnoch.

Within 25 mins drive

• Arrochar - hiking and climbing on the 'Arrochar Alps' including 'The Cobbler'.
• Tarbet - loch cruises.
• Alexandria - Shopping at Antartex & Loch Lomond Factory Outlets. Motor museum.
• Dumbarton - Mediaeval castle, Denny Ship Tank - Scottish Maritime Museum, Wave machine swimming pool.
• Rosneath Peninsula - Lovely views over sealochs, good walks and cycling, Linn Botanic Gardens.

Within 1 hour's drive

• East Loch Lomond - Glengoyne Distillery, pottery, galleries, long distance footpath, Ben Lomond.
• Inveraray - 18thC planned town, old jail, sailing ship, stately home of Duke of Argyll.
• Glasgow - Interesting architecture, shopping malls , theatres & concert halls, world renowned galleries & museums, lively cafes and restaurants. Easily reached by train in 40 mins.
• Trossachs - Forests, woollen centres, SS 'Sir Walter Scott' cruises, Rob Roy Centre, Mountain biking, Go Ape aerial adventure.
• Stirling - mediaeval fortified town, superb ancient buildings, castle, shopping centre, water slides, Wallace Monument.
• http://www.sharmanka.com/Home/Welcome.html - Quirky, humerous and strangely compelling mobile sculpture - not to be missed! .

Hiking and Hillwalking

• Located as it is on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, Helensburgh enjoys good access to many of the more southern "Munros" including the iconic Ben Lomond, shown here overlooking its namesake, the incomparably scenic Loch Lomond. Nearby too are the craggy Arrochar Alps which include the impressive and well known "Corbett", The Cobbler, a "must climb" for all keen hillwalkers (The banner at the top of this page features The Cobbler clothed in winter snows). Bigger peaks like Bens More, Lui, Cruachan and even the Glencoe tops are only an hour or so away. Your hosts are qualified mountain leaders, and operate the guiding service, Lomondguides. We are also well placed for The Three Lochs Way long distance walking route which passes through Helensburgh. Click on Lomond Guides to find out how we make it easy and safe for you to discover the very best of Scotland's wild and beautiful places. The WalkHighlands site is also worth a look.

Relaxing

• Or why not just read your way through our collection of books and magazines as you relax in the comfort of the conservatory.