Dunbartonshire is the ‘bit’ just north of Glasgow, between Clydebank and Loch Lomond and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park — which becomes Stirlingshire on the opposite bank. And Glasgow marks another of the region’s boundaries. The best places to stay in Dunbartonshire can offer access to both the city and the rural interior, but most of our Gurus recommendations offer an escape from the built up environment. We've uncovered a luxury resort style hotel and a stand out B&B.

The main centres of Dunbarton, Alexandria and Balloch, are useful bases for exploring the whole region, especially if you’re doing some of your travel by train, but the towns and hamlets around Loch Lomond are also popularly used as bases.

In addition to the incredible scenery, the best places to stay in Dunbartonshire offer visitors easy access to the region’s fascinating history. There are relics from pre-history here, in the form of tumuli, and Roman relics too — including several sections of the Antonine Wall, which the Romans erected between the Firth of Forth and the River Clyde.

The Best Places to Stay in Dunbartonshire

For a Country Escape

• Cameron House is a baronial country house just outside Alexandria, right on the shores of Loch Lomond. The setting is stunning, but so is the house, suitably grand and regal on the outside, but with an elegantly contemporary revamp to the interiors. Plus there's an impressive spa, a rooftop infinity pool, access to a golf course and a sailing club on Loch Lomond, croquet and tennis lawns, an archery range and mountain biking paths. Among the 132 rooms and suites are some excellent family options, and cottages with self-catering facilities.

Best B&Bs

• Kilmaronock Manse is a lovely two room B&B close to the shores of Loch Lomond. Georgian built, with the charming trademark symmetry, the manse is set apart from everything else, in a spot with outstanding views. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the owners friendly — they do an excellent breakfast too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Glasgow Airport is the closest airport for much of Dunbartonshire, being just north of the city. Glasgow may also be the most useful major rail station, and only four and half hours by train from London. The West Highland Line, which runs through Dunbartonshire, connecting Oban and Fort William, is both useful for travel and popular for visitors — it’s a spectacular route!
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Scotland’s weather is known for being unpredictable, and whatever time of year you choose to visit Dunbartonshire, it pays to be prepared, with wet weather gear on hand. This far north, closer to mid-Summer the days are a lot longer, so we recommend May through September. Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Dunbartonshire, there’s a lot on in the peak months. If you like it brisk and a bit wild, then plan your visit for autumn.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in nearby Glasgow
• Consider Dumbartonshire’s other neighbours: Argyll on the other side of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Stirlingshire for the mountains or Perthshire for the majestic lochs
• You may also want to consider our Gurus recommendations for Scotland’s Highlands and the Islands
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.