The Pirate and Bluebelle Gallery

Down on the Clyde coast near Helensburgh, this gallery sits in a converted waterfront building with a wonderfully daft premise - it celebrates both pirate history and the Bluebelle Railway, two things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But that's precisely what makes it rather charming.

The pirate collection includes period artefacts, maps, and reproductions that sketch out the golden age of privateering along Scottish waters. It's not exhaustively academic, but it gives you enough flavour to understand why the Firth of Clyde was such a hotbed of activity. The Bluebelle Railway section is a nice touch if you're already familiar with that heritage line down south - there's model work and memorabilia that railway enthusiasts will appreciate without needing to trek all the way to East Sussex.

Family groups with younger kids will get decent value here - it's not enormous so attention spans won't be tested, and the pirate theme keeps things fun rather than heavy-handed. Older teenagers might find it a bit thin if they're not already interested in maritime history or railways.

Whether admission is free or charged, allow an hour maximum. It works best as a rainy-day filler rather than a reason to make the journey alone. If you're staying at Rosneath Castle Caravan Park or Hunters Quay Holiday Village nearby, though, it's worth a casual afternoon visit. The waterfront setting itself is pleasant enough for a walk whatever the weather.