Helensburgh, situated on the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just 10 minutes from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The town is a bustling place, with its many cafes, restaurants and shops. Key visitor attractions include The Hill House – a classic example of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest work and Hermitage Park. Glenarn Gardens at Rhu is just 1 mile west of the town and well worth a visit. Those with Naval interests will watch in awe at the many sailing boasts, cruise liners and of course, the Royal Navy vessels operating around the Clyde. Take in fantastic views across to the Rosneath peninsula and beyond to Gourock from the attractive promenade. Let us not forget of course a tribute to two very famous people that hail from Helensburgh; Henry Bell, operator of the Comet – the world’s first sea-faring steamboat and John Logie Baird, pioneer of the television. Whatever your reason for visiting Helensburgh, it is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
The Craigard is a multi award winning traditional Scottish restaurant run for almost 20 years by renowned baker and all round ‘Good Foodie’ Melanie Andrews. The extensive menu features Scottish and Continental breakfasts to delicious, hearty lunchtime dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Sample famous homebaking including real butter tablet, shortbread and beautiful handmade chocolates. Open Monday-Saturday. Discover real home cooking and a warm welcome. 51 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, G84 8TG. Tel: 01436 677787. www.craigard-tearoom.co.uk . Check out the Scottish Homebaking Awards at www.scottishhomebakingawards.co.uk for bakeries, cafes, restaurants and hotels that fly the flag for good food and traditional, nutritious home cooking. Number 3 on the map
Stewarts of Helensburgh specialising in Ladies and Men’s quality clothes is a well established, family run business offering a personal service that meets today’s ever increasing requirements. Ian and Alison Stewart along with their friendly staff invite you to browse and select from a comprehensive variety of classic and casual wear from leading British and European manufacturers. 30 West Princes Street, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 671543. www.stewartsclothing.co.uk. Number 1 on the map
The Pink Gallery: Pure feminine indulgence! Chic boutique featuring the latest summers elegance and high street trends. Everything from jewellery, handbags, accessories, fashion, partywear, beachwear and now a fantastic bridalwear and accessories department. Browse the ‘Tarsiani’ range plus Pink Lady, Noli and Jay Z’s Rocawear Handbag collection. 28 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 678848. Affordable prices for women of all ages, styles and budgets. www.pinkgalleryfashion.com and www.thepinkgallery.co.uk for our art gallery/shop. Number 2 on the map
MacGillivray’s Scottish Gifts and Coffee Shop. The perfect opportunity to stop for coffee and browse a superb selection of gifts and souvenirs from designers, craftmakers and confectioners including Sheila Fleet jewellery, Scottish Fine Soaps, Shetland Silver, Dunoon Ceramics, Edinburgh Rock and Walkers Shortbread. Enjoy quality home-baking, soups, snacks and salads and a welcome cup of tea or coffee! 89 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8BB. Tel: 01436 675161. Shop online at www.macgillivrays.co.uk. Number 5 on the map
Clyde Whiskies is an independent whisky shop offering a friendly service. Meet Duncan and Fred and browse over 100 malts, plus a range of premium spirits, real ales and cigars. Services also include corporate tastings, private tutored tastings, personalised labels and gift vouchers. Whatever your dram of choice from Highland, Lowland, Speyside or the Island regions, you will find it here! 86 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh. If you can’t make it to the shop, please email us with any requirements. Tel: 01436 673816. Email: clydewhiskies@btconnect.com.
The Hill House is a stunning example of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s domestic architecture and stunning design and said to be his finest domestic creation. This traditional Scottish home is complimented by a beautiful garden , sympathetically restored to the early Mackintosh design suggestions. Tearoom and vibrant design-led gift shop. A second shop specialises in Mackintosh inspired goods and books of architectural and historical interest. Parking and disabled access. Open 1 Apr to 31 Oct daily 1.30 – 5.30pm. Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh. Tel: 0844 4932208. www.nts.org.uk Number 7 on the map
Pause Clothing Boutique for trendy guys and girls. A fabulous range of branded clothing including jeans, shirts, skirts, dresses, hoodies, trainers, t-shirts, bags and accessories, plus much more. Brands include Replay, Miss Sixty, Energie, Carhartt, Chilli Pepper, Fly 53, Motel – just to name a few. Really cool,. stylish clothing and accessories at great prices. Well worth a visiti to Helensburgh in itself! 7 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 671678. Find us on Facebook.Number 3 on the map
The Toy Shop: Take a trip back in time an rediscover some timeless classics! The shelves are brimming with toys and games that promote creativity, imagination and learning through play. There are beautiful doll’s houses, boys-toys, baby books, soft toys, kites, craft kits, travelling and outdoor games and great pocket money ideas from 20p! A warm welcome and advice is at hand to help you pick a great gift for the little special someone. Open Mon-Sat, 10am – 5.30pm. 90 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 677500.
www.the-toyshop.co.uk. Number 4 on the map