Hill House

Top choice


Built in 1902 for Glasgow publisher Walter Blackie, this is perhaps architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh's finest creation – its timeless elegance still feels chic today. The interiors are stunning, with rose motifs and fabulous furniture. Water soaking through the rendered cement exterior means that you'll find the house enclosed in a giant covering structure. You can stay on the top floor here – check the Holidays section of the NTS website. It's near Upper Helensburgh station, though not all trains stop there.

The house also has a beautiful garden. Mackintosh was very protective of his creation: he once chided Mrs Blackie for putting the wrong-coloured flowers in a vase in the hall.

If you're arriving at Helensburgh Central station, it's about a 1-mile uphill walk to Hill House. Buses 302 and 306 can get you close.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. McLean Museum & Art Gallery

4.8 MILES

In the historic centre of Greenock, this was closed for refurbishment at the time of research and due to reopen in 2019. There's quite an extensive…

2. Maid of the Loch

5.33 MILES

The vintage paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, built in 1953, is moored at Loch Lomond Shores while awaiting full restoration – you can nip aboard for a…

3. Loch Lomond Shores

5.34 MILES

Loch Lomond Shores, a major tourism development situated a half-mile north of Balloch, sports various visitor attractions, outdoor activities and boat…

4. Loch Lomond Sea Life

5.37 MILES

The centrepiece of Loch Lomond Shores is this aquarium, which has displays on the wildlife of Loch Lomond, an otter enclosure (housing short-clawed Asian…

5. Newark Castle

6.03 MILES

The fine 16th-century castle is still largely intact and has a spectacular position on the shores of the Clyde. Once a far grimmer fortified tower, it was…

6. Benmore Botanic Garden

9.94 MILES

This garden, 7 miles north of Dunoon, contains Scotland's finest collection of flowering trees and shrubs, including impressive displays of rhododendrons…

7. Glengoyne Distillery

14.13 MILES

Glengoyne Distillery, about 2 miles south of Killearn, is a traditional place run by genuine people in lovely surrounds. There are various tours: the…