The west coast of Scotland proved to be a particularly fertile area for many of
the specimen plants imported from the east in the mid eigteenth century. The wealthy owners of the large houses in this area planted enthusiastically, giving us today some of Britain's finest gardens still in private ownership.
The cherry trees blooming in early May throughout the town are quite simply stunning.
Glenarn, Rhu - Open daily 21st March - 21st September from sunrise to sunset
1 mile west of Helensburgh off the A814 in the conservation village of Rhu.
A special woodland garden with a Himalayan atmosphere where you can walk
under superb giant species rhododendrons or look out across the Gareloch
Geilston Garden, Cardross - Off the A814 2 miles east of Helensburgh.
Set around the 15th century Geilston House (not open to visitors), this charming garden was opened to visitors for the first time in 1998. It has a walled garden with glasshouses, a heather garden, herbaceous and mixed
shrub borders and a spectacular Sequoiadendron giganteum. Paths through a wooded glen criss-cross the Geilston Burn, leading to a fruit and vegetable garden.
Open 1 April to 31 Oct, daily 9.30-5. For further information tel (01389) 841867
Hermitage Park on Sinclair Street has pleasant walkways around the Glennan Burn and facilities for tennis and bowling during the summer months. New this year is a popular skateboard facility with free access.
Henry Bell Monument West Clyde Street, Helensburgh
Erected in memory of Henry Bell, first Provost of the town in 1807 and builder of the Comet paddle-steamer in 1812 to link Glasgow, Greenock and Helensburgh.
other famous Helensburgh Residents
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