Welcome to Helensburgh!

Only 45 minutes by train from Glasgow, and within easy reach of both the west coast and central belt of Scotland, Helensburgh is a wonderful seaside town with lots to see and do!

Named for Helen, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who founded the town in the late 18th Century, the town of Helensburgh developed into a beautiful Victorian seaside resort for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow.

Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally renowned Hill House (NTS), currently protected by an award-winning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ which offers visitors a unique perspective from its walkways, Geilston or Glenarn Gardens or the Scottish Submarine Centre and The Outdoor Museum. Enjoy our famous spring Cherry Blossom on our tree-lined streets.

Families are well catered for with the waterfront skatepark and play facilities at Hermitage Park, with Monty’s Farm Park also nearby.

The town has lots of events on all year round, including craft fairs, markets, concerts, theatre and other activities. 2026 sees the town celebrating 100 years since the first demonstration of television by Helensburgh-born inventor John Logie Baird. You can also download the Discover Helensburgh App to follow one of the town trails.

Helensburgh is also a great shopping destination, with a fantastic range of unique independent shops and galleries. There are also many wonderful eateries to enjoy, with everything from patisserie and cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants.

Walking, hiking, munro-bagging, gorge-walking, cycling, mountain-biking, e-biking, wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, wakeboarding, golf, horse-riding, off-road driving, a self-guided road-trip – all these activities and more are on our doorstep! And don’t forget our other local routes: John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, Argyll Sea Kayak Trail and Clyde Sea Lochs Trail or enjoy one of these great short adventures developed by the John Muir Way team – Cycle the Glen Fruin Loop, follow the JMW bike route from Helensburgh to Balloch, or take a walk on the Highlandman’s Hike or the Ben Bowie Loop. Route maps are available to download for all routes.

Download the Discover Helensburgh App to find out all about our town and its fascinating history!

Featuring over 50 places of interest, 8 self-guided trails and family fun activities this is your active travel guide to Helensburgh and its surroundings.

Follow a trail to discover the history behind some key buildings, places and the people who helped to shape Helensburgh into the vibrant place it is today. View the rich selection of historical photographs and images to see how some familiar places once looked.

The type of trails featured range from relatively flat routes along the waterfront through to more challenging routes that cross moorland and high ground. The trails have not been graded, however each trail page includes information on the trail and its terrain to allow you to decide whether or not the trail is suitable for you.

Find out more at the App webpage at the Argyll and Bute Council website, or download the App from Google Play or the Apple App Store.