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GOWANLEA GUEST HOUSE, Balloch

•
9.4|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$72 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
22Oct
Check-out
23Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Drymen Road, Balloch, G83 8HS
-
Next to Balloch Park
Perfect
9.4
/10
4.7
4.9
/5

4-star Visit Scotland guest house by Loch Lomond and Balloch Castle

Accommodations & Awards

Gowanlea Guest House holds a 4-star award from Visit Scotland for quality standards. The bedrooms offer soundproofing for a restful stay and include a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Spotlessly clean en-suite rooms are furnished with comfortable beds and tea/coffee making facilities.

Dining

The hotel serves a cooked breakfast made with local produce, available from 8:00 to 9:00 with early breakfasts for early risers. Guests choose from a comprehensive menu including continental and vegetarian options, plus special diet menus on request. Hearty Scottish breakfasts feature starters, Scottish-themed mats, and small jars of condiments for a unique touch.

Points of Interest

The guest house is a 5-minute walk from Balloch Castle and a short distance from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Nearby attractions include Go Ape theme park, Balloch Castle Country Park, and fishing opportunities. A 30-minute drive connects guests to Glasgow and its airport for further exploration.

Pet-Friendly & Family

Small pets are welcome with a minimal charge, and the hotel offers pet-friendly policies for traveling with furry friends. Family rooms are available, and board games and puzzles are provided in the shared lounge. The guest house also prepares packed lunches and offers laundry services for families on extended stays.

Amenities

Off-road parking is available on-site with limited availability, and secure bicycle storage is provided for cycling enthusiasts. The shared lounge and TV area offers a space to relax, and flexible check-in options accommodate guests' schedules. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the guest house, and a laundry service is available.

Highlights

4-star guest house by Visit Scotland

Scottish breakfast with local produce

5-minute walk to Balloch Castle

Pet-friendly with small charge

Secure bike storage for cyclists

Early breakfasts for early risers

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll around Loch Lomond Shores for stunning lake views.
  • Taste haggis at The Lomond Park Hotel for a true Scottish dish.
  • Visit the Balloch Castle Country Park for beautiful gardens.
  • Take a boat tour on Loch Lomond for unbeatable scenery.
  • Explore the hidden gem of the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary nearby.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    2 Single beds
    Heating
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    1 Double bed
    Heating
  • Twin Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    2 Single beds
    Heating

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed

Guest Parking

  • Public parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Gowanlea Guest House Location

Drymen Road, Balloch, G83 8HS
Map view
Nearby
Balloch Alexandria
Loch Lomond Park Centre
390 m
A82
Falls of Falloch
390 m
32-54 Dumbain Rd
Balloch Park
250 m
Store
Loch Lomond Gift House
360 m
Restaurants
Waterhouse Inn
350 m
The Square 34 Balloch Road Balloch Road
The Stables Restaurant & Bar
640 m
Roundabout Inn Carrochan Road
The Balloch House
430 m
56 Balloch Road
Beijing Chinese Takeaway
720 m
4 Carrochan Road
The Tullie Inn
660 m
Balloch Road
Cucina Ristorante
750 m
3
Explore Balloch
Activities Near Gowanlea Guest House
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Loch Lomond Shores
19-minute walk
Shopping, dining, and scenic views at Loch Lomond Shores, featuring walking paths and a range of unique shops.
Balloch Country Park
16-minute walk
Expansive parkland with woodland trails, riverside walks, and picnic areas, ideal for families and nature lovers.
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium
25-minute walk
Aquarium showcasing marine life, including interactive exhibitions and experiences for families and aquatic enthusiasts.
Maid of the Loch
19-minute walk
Historic paddle steamer offering scenic cruises on Loch Lomond, perfect for picturesque views and relaxing days on the water.
Hiking at Balloch Castle
16-minute walk
Hiking trails through Balloch Castle grounds, blending nature with historical sites for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
TreeZone Loch Lomond
20-minute walk
Adventure park featuring treetop ropes courses for thrill-seekers, offering a unique way to experience the forest.
Relaxation at Lomond Community Gardens
13-minute walk
Tranquil community gardens, a perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Waterhouse Inn
5-minute walk
Comfortable pub atmosphere with a menu of classic pub fare and local ales, suited for casual dining experiences.
The Stables Restaurant & Bar
8-minute walk
Relaxed dining with a varied menu including local specialties. Known for its cozy vibe and friendly service.
The Balloch House
6-minute walk
Traditional pub with hearty meals. Signature dishes include steak pies and a variety of local beers.
Beijing Chinese Takeaway
9-minute walk
Casual Asian cuisine offering quick takeout options, including favorites like sweet and sour chicken and noodle dishes.
The Tullie Inn
8-minute walk
Lively pub with live music events and a spacious beer garden, making it a great spot for evening entertainment.
Balloch Castle Country Park Events
16-minute walk
Family-friendly events throughout the year in Balloch Castle, including seasonal festivals and outdoor movie nights.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Balloch 8 min  ·  600 m
  • Airports
    Glasgow (GLA) 42 min  ·  27.7 km
    Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) 118 min  ·  78.3 km
  • Train
    Balloch Railway Station 8 min  ·  600 m
  • Bus
    Bus stop 19 min  ·  12.3 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-18:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
6

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Gowanlea Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Gowanlea Guest House is often praised for its generous breakfast with many choices, including perfectly cooked sausage, and its convenient location near Loch Lomond, Cruise and Castle Park, pubs, and restaurants. The spacious rooms are considered spotless and comfortable. Some guests have mentioned that the shower door can be a little tricky to manage or the bathroom feels a bit small, but overall, guests find it to be good value for money.
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Review score
Based on 3 verified reviews
7.7 /10
Very good
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.6/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Pros
Welcoming atmosphere
Comfortable bed
Delicious breakfast
Convenient location
Cons
Small TV
Tight shower
Hard mattress
Guest reviews
based on 3 reviews
7.7/10
based on 876 reviews
9.4/10
Jane from United Kingdom
Family with children
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 23, 2026
7/10
delicious breakfast scottish-themed mats thin duvet tricky shower
the cooked breakfast was delicious it was very well executed i appreciated having time to decide on my breakfast choice and pick a certain time slot the scottish-themed mats were unique.
the duvet was not very good the shower door was tricky it was a compact space getting into the shower the room was traditionally decorated and could use a refresh.
0 Helpful
Reese from United States
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9.0/10

a cute stay

warm welcome spacious room perfect sausage
I received a very warm welcome. The hostess offered tea and biscuits upon arrival. my room was spacious, clean, and quiet, a perfect place to rest. the breakfast was generous with many choices. The sausage was cooked perfectly. it was great value with breakfast included!
the shower door was a little tricky to manage, it was like a compact space.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast included a wide selection of items. The tables were set beautifully. there were options like fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and cooked breakfast items such as sausage, bacon, and eggs. special diets can be catered for.
Rooms
9/10
The room included fresh towels and toiletries. It was equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. the bed linen was clean and fresh. A television with freeview was also available. the decor was nice and the room was warm.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Christian from Germany
Single
double room
3 nights in June 2026
|
Reviewed: June 28, 2025
7/10

a satisfactory stay

helpful host delicious breakfast well-decorated room tricky shower door compact shower space dated decoration
the host was friendly and helpful. she offered recommendations for local walks and meals. the breakfast was really good, and i especially liked the porridge. the room was clean and well-decorated.
the shower door was tricky to operate. the shower was a compact space to get into. the room's decor felt traditionally styled and could use a bit of updating. the duvet wasn't very comfortable.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Gowanlea Guest House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Gowanlea Guest House?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is Gowanlea Guest House from Glasgow Airport?
The hotel is located 30 km from Glasgow Airport.
What are some nearby attractions to Gowanlea Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Balloch Castle Country Park (0.5 km) and Go Ape theme park (1 km).
What amenities are included in the rooms at Gowanlea Guest House?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and complimentary toiletries.
Does Gowanlea Guest House offer breakfast options?
A hearty Scottish breakfast is served daily from 8:00 to 9:00 with dietary options available upon request.
What dining options are available near Gowanlea Guest House?
Nearby restaurants include The Stables Restaurant & Bar, Waterhouse Inn, Wizgonies, Palombos of Balloch, and Corries, all within 0.5 km.
Does Gowanlea Guest House cater to special dietary needs?
The hotel can accommodate most special dietary requirements, including vegetarian options.

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