Brilliant place to stop. Cracking food, at a fantastic price. Staff were friendly and helpful. Facilities were accessible extremely clean and had gender neutral options as well.
Outdoor seating has a bit of wind but beautiful view, cafe has dog bowls and the venue takes cash and card
Great museum and lovely setting by river. Crepes in cafe are lush. VR was fun but temperamental. Recommended.
I paid £4 for entrance to this museum and it is well worth a visit. I particularly enjoyed the film charting the history and traditions of Helmsdale and the surrounding area. I also liked the various displays and interesting local history. There is a small shop selling various books and some souvenirs. There is also a cafe which I didn't visit as it was nearly closing time.
This museum and archive is definitely worth a visit when you’re in Helmsdale. There is a very informative permanent exhibition, with lots of interactive elements. The archive upstairs has a great collection of local studies materials and catalogues to browse. The staff were all very friendly.
Timespan is a really neat learning centre. Although not a large site it has very good instructive displays and films to try and explain the lives of the people of the village and area. Today, in comfort, we can see and admire the beautiful coast of East Scotland. But life was much, much harder in the 1700s, 1800s and early 1900s and through Timespan I had an insight into how people made a living. For example: the Herring Girls worked long hours gutting and salting fish and travelled miles throughout the seasons on foot (as far south as East Anglia).
Penny on reception is very happy to help explain what is available and to direct visitors.
The café is plain but none the worse for it. The range of food, including fabulous crepes, is good value. The café staff are engaging.
Timespan Riverside Restaurant.
Caribbean restaurant inside Timespan.
Paulo and his team make you welcome. I have rarely seen people this genuinely happy at work. The food and service are outstanding. This is our favourite place for lunch when we’re in the village. My choice was: rice bowl, ram bam lamb, mango mayo, onions. An exceptional lunch at a good price.
Thanks Paulo, I will be back.
Amazing local museum that's just been shortlisted for museum of the year! Now in the top 5, final will be announced later in September. The upstairs of the museum still not open but really good displays downstairs explaining the history of the area. Lovely shop and amazing cafe on the banks of the river, currently serving Caribbean food with a great atmosphere. Helmsdale is a great place to stop if you're on the Nc500 and this museum is definitely worth visiting and supporting the local community.
Every time I've passed before it's closed so was great to finally visit. Just got back from a prehistoric day up the strath. Very good museum exhibition. Interesting CGI film about the history of Helmsdale. Small fee for entry but worth it. Sat by the river with a coffee afterwards and at one point the table tried to take off in the wind Enjoyed the geological garden.
Loved this place so relaxing and dog friendly. There is a local food and craft honesty stall. A museum and gift shop. Lady on reception lovely and helpful. Cafe staff lovely and food amazing 😊
This is a great place to come and learn about the effect of the clearances, what happened to those that remained, the crofts and the survival of the communities.
Staff are very helpful, museum is informative and cafe is lovely.
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