Gowanlea Guest House Balloch Exterior photoGowanlea Guest House Balloch Exterior photoGowanlea Guest House Balloch Interior photo

Gowanlea Guest House - Guest House in Balloch, United Kingdom

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From$72 /night
Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Awards & Recognition

Gowanlea Guest House holds a 4-star rating from Visit Scotland, backed by a high recommendation from the Scottish Tourist Board. This family-run property has earned consistent top marks from guests, with multiple ratings of 10/10 for hospitality and breakfast quality. The guest house's commitment to personalized service earned praise in over 40 verified reviews for its welcoming atmosphere and attention to dietary needs.

Breakfast & Dining

Breakfast is cooked to order using local produce and includes Scottish specialties such as porridge, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and a full Scottish breakfast. The menu offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, with advance notice-guests with coeliac disease receive gluten-free biscuits and snacks in their room. An early breakfast is available for guests leaving before the standard 8:00-9:00 service, and packed lunches can be arranged for day trips.

Pet-Friendly Facilities

Pets are welcome for a minimal charge, and the hosts provide extras such as a cooked sausage for dogs during breakfast. Dogs are allowed in designated rooms and the shared lounge area, making the guest house a practical base for exploring Loch Lomond with a pet. Secure storage for bicycles is also available, allowing guests to combine cycling trips with their dog-friendly stay.

Location & Activities

The guest house is a 5-minute walk from Balloch Castle Country Park and the shores of Loch Lomond, giving direct access to walking trails and the National Park. Nearby attractions include Go Ape theme park, the Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre, and cruise departures from Balloch Marina. Free on-site parking is provided, and the property offers flexible check-in times to accommodate travel schedules.

Family & Extra Comforts

Family rooms are available, and the guest house provides board games and puzzles in the shared lounge for children's entertainment. Special diet menus are catered for with advance notice, and laundry service can be arranged for longer stays. The property also offers soundproofed rooms to ensure a restful night after active days exploring the Loch Lomond area.

Highlights

Awards: 4-star Visit Scotland rating

Breakfast: Cooked-to-order with local produce & early service

Pets: Dogs welcome with sausage treat & minimal charge

Location: 5-min walk to Balloch Castle & Loch Lomond

Activities: Secure bike storage & proximity to Go Ape

Dietary: Gluten-free, vegan & vegetarian options with advance notice

“This guest house makes a strong impression with its genuinely warm welcome, often featuring a thoughtfully prepared cup of tea. Guests consistently praise the substantial, made-to-order breakfasts, highlighting the quality of local produce used. It's a place where the hosts' attentiveness clearly contributes to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and convenient parking adding to the appeal.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Guestshouses

Select your room type

Gowanlea Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • 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

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Gowanlea Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

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

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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
Show more

Gowanlea Guest House Location

Drymen Road, Balloch, G83 8HS
Explore Balloch
Explore Local Gems
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Balloch Country Park
16 minutes' walk
A scenic park with vast green spaces, woodlands, and beautiful Loch Lomond views. Perfect for family picnics and leisurely strolls.
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium
25 minutes' walk
An immersive experience featuring marine life exhibits. Engaging talks and feeding sessions make it ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Maid of the Loch
19 minutes' walk
An iconic paddle steamer offering scenic cruises on Loch Lomond. Unique historical tours available on select days.
Balloch Castle
16 minutes' walk
Stunning castle ruins surrounded by landscaped gardens overlooking the loch. Great for a peaceful afternoon visit.
Discover the local attractions near Gowanlea Guest House
Visit the various attractions near Gowanlea Guest House that offer unique experiences for every visitor.
Great for leisurely walks and enjoying nature: Balloch Country Park
Ideal for learning about local wildlife and heritage: Loch Lomond Park Centre
Suited for historical exploration and scenic views: Balloch Castle
Perfect for enjoying boat rides and waterfront activities: Balloch Steam Slipway
Best for family-friendly marine encounters: SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium
Works well for animal lovers and birdwatching: Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
Well suited for scenic cruises on Loch Lomond: Maid of the Loch
Ideal for watersport enthusiasts and relaxing views: Marina Duck Bay
Great for aerial views and adventurous outings: Loch Lomond Seaplanes
Suited for shopping and enjoying lakeside scenery: Loch Lomond Shores
TreeZone Loch Lomond
20 minutes' walk
An aerial adventure course featuring zip lines and rope challenges. Perfect for thrill-seekers and families seeking fun.
Loch Lomond Park Centre
5 minutes' walk
Offers walking trails and nature experiences. Ideal for relaxation and enjoying the serene beauty of the area.
Balloch Steam Slipway
16 minutes' walk
Enjoy scenic boat trips on Loch Lomond or just relax by the water's edge. Rentals available for water activities.
The Balloch House
6 minutes' walk
Welcoming pub serving local dishes with a relaxed atmosphere. Known for delicious burgers and craft beers.
The Stables Restaurant & Bar
8 minutes' walk
A cozy restaurant with a mix of local and seasonal dishes. Signature seafood chowder and vegetarian options available.
Waterhouse Inn
5 minutes' walk
Casual dining spot featuring a varied menu and family-friendly atmosphere. Great options for both kids and adults.
Discover dining options near Gowanlea Guest House
Don't miss the dining options near Gowanlea Guest House that offer a range of cuisines and dining experiences.
Great for casual meals and local brews: Waterhouse Inn
Perfect for traditional dishes and family dining: Wizgonies
Ideal for enjoying hearty meals in a rustic setting: The Stables Restaurant & Bar
Well suited for pasta lovers and relaxed nights out: Palombos of balloch
Best for quick bites and takeout options: Corries
The Tullie Inn
8 minutes' walk
Vibrant venue with live music events and a lively bar. Enjoy a night out with friends for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
Balloch Castle Grounds
16 minutes' walk
Beautiful grounds for families to explore with pathways perfect for picnics and occasional outdoor events.
Getting around
  • 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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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.
Breakfast
The hotel Gowanlea Guest House provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
6

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Gowanlea Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 438 verified reviews
9.4 /10
Perfect
99 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.6/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free WiFi
9.9/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.6/10
Pros
Cute host
Excellent breakfast
Comfortable bedroom
Cons
Duvet quality
Shower temperature
Guest reviews
based on 900 reviews
9.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Gowanlea Guest House
What are the check-in and check-out times at Gowanlea Guest House?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 10:30.
How far is Gowanlea Guest House from Loch Lomond?
The guest house is approximately 2 km from Loch Lomond.
Is parking available at Gowanlea Guest House?
Free parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Gowanlea Guest House?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and tea/coffee making facilities.
What dining options does Gowanlea Guest House offer?
A hearty cooked breakfast made with local produce is served daily, with options for continental and vegetarian meals available upon request.
How far is Gowanlea Guest House from Glasgow Airport?
The guest house is approximately 30 km from Glasgow Airport.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Gowanlea Guest House?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Is Wi-Fi available at Gowanlea Guest House?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What early breakfast options does Gowanlea Guest House provide?
Early breakfasts can be arranged for guests with early starts.
What kind of environment does Gowanlea Guest House provide?
The guest house is family-oriented and pet-friendly, set in a nature-themed environment.
What recreational activities are available near Gowanlea Guest House?
Guests can enjoy activities such as golfing, hill walking, cycling, and fishing in the surrounding area.

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