St Gildas' RC Church

The small RC church sitting quietly on the hillside above Helensburgh is a proper piece of Scottish Catholic history. St Gildas' isn't flashy - just a modest stone building with a straightforward interior - but that's rather the point. You're looking at a place where the faith was quietly maintained through centuries when being Catholic in Scotland came with real complications.

It's worth a visit if you're into ecclesiastical architecture or local history, though don't expect to spend hours here. Twenty minutes is realistic unless you're the type to sit in the pews for a proper think. The location gives decent views across the water, and the walk up from Helensburgh town centre is pleasant enough, if a touch steep on the return.

If you're camping at either Hunters Quay Holiday Village or Glenfinart Caravan Park - both within five miles - this makes an easy afternoon outing combined with exploring Helensburgh itself. The town's got a decent seafront and some fine Victorian architecture that's worth your time. Neither site is a long drive away, so it's manageable even with younger children, though they may find the church itself a bit dull unless you're specifically teaching them about religious history.

Check locally for opening times before you head up - it's not a major tourist draw, so hours can be irregular. Admission is free, which is how it should be.