Balloch Castle Country Park

Balloch Castle Country Park

Balloch Castle Country Park, sprawling across 200 acres on the southern shores of Loch Lomond, offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and relaxation just 30 minutes from Glasgow. This tranquil estate in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is home to the striking ruins of the 13th-century Balloch Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the loch’s shimmering waters. With its rolling lawns, wooded trails, and vibrant gardens, the park is a haven for families, walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore Britain’s natural beauty with a touch of medieval charm.

The park’s centerpiece, the castle ruins, hints at its past as a stronghold of the Lennox family, while the 19th-century “new” Balloch Castle—a Gothic-style mansion—adds a dash of Victorian elegance, though it’s now council offices and not open to the public. Visitors can wander lochside paths, picnic beneath ancient oaks, or marvel at the Walled Garden’s seasonal blooms, all while spotting red squirrels and roe deer. The nearby village of Balloch buzzes with boat trips and eateries, making the park a perfect base for a day out in Scotland’s stunning countryside.

Balloch Castle Country Park shines year-round—spring and summer burst with greenery and lochside vibrancy, while autumn paints the trees in fiery hues, and winter offers crisp, quiet strolls. Its proximity to Loch Lomond’s water sports and the Trossachs’ wild hills makes it a gateway to broader adventures, yet its own serene trails and historic echoes provide plenty to savor. For those seeking Britain’s blend of heritage and open spaces, this park delivers a gentle escape with a story in every stone and vista.