The 10 Best Things to do in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Balloch Information Centre is located in the beautiful red sandstone Old Station Building in the centre of Balloch, directly opposite Balloch Central train station. Balloch is a charming town located at the southern edge of Loch Lomond and is a great base for exploring the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. For those that enjoy the great outdoors, Balloch is a great place to get active both on land and on water with a wide range of activities on offer throughout the year. A warm welcome awaits you at Balloch VisitScotland Information Centre where the knowledgeable staff will assist you in how to spend the perfect day in Balloch, providing you with a local map and many suggestions as to what you can do. You can also purchase discounted tickets for local attractions to include the Loch Lomond Sealife Centre and the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. There is also a wide selection of Scottish gifts that can be purchased from the Information Centre, such as Harris Tweed bags and purses, shortbread and a wide selection of guide books and maps. Getting to Balloch couldn't be easier! Trains leave frequently from Glasgow city centre directly to Balloch and Scottish Citylink coaches pass Balloch as they travel north. Balloch is well connected by road by the A82 and A811.

Mobile adventure activity company offering amazing outdoor experiences across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and beyond. Activities for schools and youth groups, families, stags and hens, corporate groups, work colleagues, charities and groups of mates. Activities include canoeing, river sledging, gorge walking, aerial adventure at Treezone, river tubing, archery, canyoning, segways and more!

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in a natural woodland which retains much of the original woodland and streams to provide the ideal natural setting for nearly 40 Birds of Prey & Owls. The centre is home to over 20 Owls, representing every native species as well as unique or unusual species from other parts of the world. See "Orla", and "Scout" our two magnificent female Golden Eagles. See a selection of hawks and owls fly during our daily flying shows in the flying area. Hear how these magnificent creatures have evolved to become the success predators they are, and how they live on the edge of survival every day. During current Covid restrictions we limit the number of visitors on site at any one time (currently 60). There are hand sanitisers located within the centre. We request everyone to abide by the social distancing guidelines.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Dumbarton Castle is located in the ancient capital of Scotland and is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking River Clyde. Conquer more than 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds. The iconic Rock of the Clyde has heritage as breathtaking as its views over the Clyde, Loch Lomond and Argyll. This dramatic volcanic plug, which is Dumbarton Rock, in-filled the crater of a volcano that was active 350 million years ago. Admire great examples of 18th century Georgian military architecture and stunning views from the Tower Crag. Throughout Dumbarton Castle’s long history it has been a royal residence and a fortress, and has fascinating connections from the Vikings to the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Loch Lomond Shores is a stunning 5* rated visitor destination set on the southern tip of Loch Lomond which offers something for everyone. You can shop, eat and play all day in this beautiful setting. Shop - our stores are a range of high street names and small boutique local stores that offer everything from fashion to homeware. Big brands and unique local crafts are all available. Play - with a bird of prey centre, treezone aerial adventures, Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium, adventure golf and adventure play park as well as woodland walks, water sports and bike hire, we've got it covered! Eat - a range of restaurants and cafes mean that whether you want an ice cream, coffee & cake or a gourmet lunch with cocktails, you can enjoy it at Loch Lomond Shores. Loch Lomond Shores also hosts a multitude of events and entertainment throughout the year including twice monthly markets, two of Scotland's biggest food & drink festivals and additional entertainment throughout school holidays.

Built in 1953 and one of the last paddle steamers in Britain, you can walk around the ship and enjoy the views over Loch Lomond. Our engines are now 'in steam' for the first time in 39 years, come onboard and watch the engines & paddles move (not enough for us to sail just yet)!. We are now taking wedding & event bookings as we have just spent £1.1million on renovations so if you are looking for something a little different to show your family & friends enquire now about prices. We are now open Wednesday's to Sunday's from 11am - 5pm until the end of October. Admission is £3 per person with kids under 12 getting on for free. Plenty of kids activities to keep them busy! Our first 'In Steam' event of 2020 will be on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August. Admission is £5 per person (kids under 12 free). All funds go back into keeping the ship running.

SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium is just 30 minutes from Glasgow, situated on the stunning Loch Lomond Shores. Explore an amazing underwater world and take a fascinating journey from the Loch Lomond shores to the ocean depths through 7 themed zones, including our Tropical Ocean Tunnel. Get up close to over 1500 creatures, including the largest collection of Sharks in Scotland, our playful family of Otters and super-friendly Cow Nose Rays. Find out how it feels to touch a starfish and other creatures living in our interactive rockpool then head to our Observation Deck for unrivalled views of Loch Lomond, or relax in our welcoming coffee shop. With fun talks, animal feeds, special events and our quiz trail, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond. We are open 7 days a week 10am-5pm (last admission at 4pm).