Loch Lomond Shores

Farmers Market at Loch Lomond Shores

Where is Loch Lomond Shores?

Loch Lomond Shores is close to the A82 at Balloch, Loch Lomond, it is also accessible by train from Glasgow, bike on NCN7 Lochs & Glens Way + Route 40 and bus. Its location just within the National Park makes it a gateway for Loch Lomond. See the centre on the map below and scroll out to see its location within Scotland.

 

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What is Loch Lomond Shores?

Loch Lomond Shores brings together leisure experiences and shopping. The shopping element consisted of a Jenners Department Store for many years, which has recently relaunched to become a Frasers clothing shop with Sports Direct. In addition, there is a cafe in the building, called Zest which is now dog friendly.

Beyond Fraser's, there is an arcade of smaller shops and cafes. Also contained in the arcade are some visitor information panels that we helped to produce for Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Above, you can see the photo of a jetty, and this is where Sweeney's Cruises depart for several daily 50-minute return cruises.

The centre also has a playground, boat and bike hire, a Sea Life Centre, Bird of Prey Centre, Tree Zone Aerial Adventure Course and Adventure Golf. Loch Lomond Shores also holds many events, and it comes alive at weekends with farmers' markets, stalls, food vans and more. Over the years, Loch Lomond Shores has successfully staged Drive-in Movies, Christmas Light Switch-on, Go Swim, Food Festivals and Wedding Fairs. Check their website to find out about any of their events, shops or attractions.

Maid of the Loch, Balloch

From Loch Lomond Shores, you can see the Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond's last paddle steamer. Please read our guide to the historic steamer to find out more. In the entrance of Loch Lomond Shores, by the toilets, there is an incredible ship model made in 2012 to represent how she would have looked in her heyday of 1968. Donate some coins and make the paddles turn at a donation station next to the model.

Drumkinnon Tower

There's an excellent view of Loch Lomond, Maid of the Loch (although currently out of the water) and Ben Lomond from Drumkinnon Tower. The tower also has the Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre. Take in the view from the outside section at the cafe in this building.

Drumkinnon Tower

Go Swim Loch Lomond

A massive open water swimming event takes place annually at Loch Lomond Shores. Usually in September, with a range of swimming challenges. Exciting to be part of it is also great fun to watch.

Sweeney’s Cruises

As mentioned, you can join one of Sweeney's Cruises for a round trip onto Loch Lomond, take in some of the islands and cross over the Highland Boundary Line, where the lowlands meet the highlands of Scotland. The commentary is from TV historian Neil Oliver.

Loch Lomond Leisure

The walk around the shores includes a beach, where you can hire canoes and bikes from Loch Lomond Leisure.

Sweeney’s Cruises

Loch Lomond Leisure

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Sea Life Loch Lomond

Sea Life Loch Lomond

One of the most popular destinations at Loch Lomond Shores is the Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium, a great wet weather option and delightful family attraction. At the moment you will need to pre-book your visit via their website.

Sea Life Aquarium Loch Lomond Shores

Loch Lomond Tree Top Adventure

There is a Tree Top Aerial Adventure Course for children aged 8+dve. However, this does get booked up early, so make sure you sign up in advance or as soon as you arrive if you want to take part.

Adventure Golf

The 12 hole Adventure Golf course is great fun; it is outside, so weather dependent. 

Adventure Golf Loch Lomond Shores

Food Festivals

The Food Festivals and Farmers Markets bring an exciting atmosphere to Loch Lomond Shores. The food vans have a wide range of different offerings. Often there are small rides for children too; this is an excellent destination for families. Even when these events aren't running, there is a free outdoor playpark for children.

Food & Drink Loch Lomond Shores

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is highly recommended (read our review). Once you've paid admission, you get a wristband so you can come and go during the day of purchase, perfect for returning for the excellent twice daily flying shows featuring some of the centre's birds of prey and owls.

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Christmas at Loch Lomond Shores

Enjoy the Christmas lights of Loch Lomond Shores when you visit for some shopping.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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