Historic Cameron House on the banks of Loch Lomond has played host to heads of state and celebrities alike – and it’s also perfect destination for a Scotland staycation, as we discovered
Cameron House, a grand mansion-style hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, offers the ultimate Scottish staycation experience. Just 40 minutes north of Glasgow, the hotel staff don tartan uniforms and guests are greeted with bagpipes at the grand entrance on weekends, while the bar boasts an impressive wall of whiskies for sampling.
The building, which dates back to the early 18th century, has a fascinating history, having once served as a bear park before becoming a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Notable guests have included Sir Winston Churchill, Barack Obama and Sir Alex Ferguson.
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With around 200 rooms and suites, self-catering lodges, a cinema, a family-friendly indoor pool, a golf course and a luxury spa, Cameron House caters for everyone. We opted for a tranquil morning at the spa, indulging in steam rooms, bubbly pools and a detoxifying rasul mud treatment, followed by a delicious lunch in the spa’s café.
The food at Cameron House
Cameron House offers an extensive range of dining and drinking options, with three restaurants and three bars. Cameron Grill is the hotel’s traditional restaurant, serving up the likes of perfectly cooked Scottish beef, truffle and parmesan chips, and seasonal desserts.
For those seeking something a bit different, La Vista by the estate’s marina dishes out mouth-watering Italian cuisine, including some of the largest slices of focaccia we’ve ever seen.
For drinks, The Tavern provides a laid-back sports bar atmosphere, while the Great Scots’ Bar offers unique cocktails inspired by some of Scotland’s most famous figures, whose photos also adorn the walls.
Dating back to the 18th century, Cameron House sits grandly on the shores of Loch Lomond and is the perfect destination for a Scottish getaway.
What to do at Cameron House
Booking onto the hotel’s champagne cruise comes highly recommended, not just for the stunning views around the UK’s largest lake (by surface area) and the delicious local fizz. You’ll also be regaled with endless fascinating facts about the loch, with some of the more unusual points of interest including a nudist colony, a Game Of Thrones actor’s house and an island inhabited by wallabies.
Just outside the estate, it’s a short stroll to the charming resort town of Balloch. If you’re planning on venturing further north, Loch Lomond serves as the perfect gateway to the absolutely breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
How much does it cost to stay at Cameron House?
Room rates at Cameron House on Loch Lomond start from £302 on a bed and breakfast basis.
