Cameron House on Loch Lomond

Even before Cameron House became one of Scotland's paragons among luxury hotels, the estate it stands on has long been tied to nobility and glory. During the 14th century, the estate and its castle were the domain of the Earl of Lennox. Subsequent political upheavals saw the castle change hands over the centuries, eventually coming into the hands of the Smollett Family in 1763. Although they weren't counted among Scotland's renowned Clans, they were still quite powerful and influential, having made their fortune as landowners and maritime merchants.

Numerous battles since the 14th century reduced the original castle significantly, encouraging its owners during the 17th century to remodel the whole building. This new castle provided the foundation of what would become the Cameron House that we know today. The next transformation of the castle took place in the 1800s, when the Smolletts commissioned the architect William Spence. He remodelled Cameron House in 1830, using the Scottish Baronial style that was widely popular during the period. An unfortunate fire destroyed the castle in 1865, leaving only the library wing. Spence soon returned to the estate to rebuild Cameron House, incorporating what was left into the newly remade edifice.

The estate's grandeur and magnificent location made it a popular retreat for many of the era's important figures, and the Smolletts' guest list included names such as Empress Eugénie of France, Winston Churchill, and Lord Mountbatten. For a brief time, beginning in 1972, the estate even had its own zoo in the form of a 'Bear Park', which boasted Himalayan and European bears, yaks, and even Highland cattle.

While Cameron House was already a beloved destination for the UK's high society figures, it didn't become part of the hospitality industry until it was sold in 1986. Its new owners immediately set about restoring and expanding the estate, opening Cameron House on Loch Lomond in 1990 to much fanfare. However, a part of the castle was destroyed in a fatal fire in 2017.

Rising from the tragedy, the hotel underwent extensive restoration and rebuilding, expanding its facilities and adopting new safety features. Cameron House reopened in 2021, its historic wing fully restored, as well as boasting new wings and improved aesthetics and architecture.

Design and Architecture

Cameron House on Loch Lomond is listed as a Category B heritage building by Historic Environment Scotland, the country's official body responsible for heritage preservation. This means the hotel is considered historically significant for its various aspects, including its architecture.

Even though Cameron House has expanded since it opened its doors as a hotel, its owners have ensured there is a sense of continuity when it comes to the aesthetics and architecture. Expansions, such as new wings, use designs that complement the original 18th-century Scottish Baronial style. Restoration projects also try to use the same original material if possible.

Cameron House on Loch Lomond happily embraces the concepts of contrasts and juxtaposition when designing its interior spaces. The castle's historic details are set with contemporary fixtures and furniture, creating a sense of enduring magnificence. Decor draws heavily on Scottish influences, featuring tartan fabrics and subtle nods to the Highlands' environment. These elements are then paired up with sleek, polished finishes and well-placed lighting, creating an atmosphere of opulence.

Cameron Grill

The signature restaurant of Cameron House, the Cameron Grill provides an elegant dining venue featuring contemporary continental cuisine. Aside from standard selections, they also provide vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring all guests can savor their fine dishes.
Breakfast: Monday to Friday: 7 am - 10:30 am; Saturday & Sunday: 7 am - 11 am
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday: 6 pm – Closing; Friday & Saturday: 5 pm – Closing

La Vista

La Vista means "the view" in Italian, and is fittingly named for the vistas overlooking the marina and loch, seen through its floor-to-ceiling windows. For the menu, La Vista specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a special selection adjusted to children's palates.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 5 pm – Closing; Friday: 12pm – Closing; Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - Closing

LOMA by Graeme Cheevers

The hotel's exquisite fine-dining restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Graeme Cheevers. LOMA showcases menus that emphasize sustainability practices. Dishes utilize Scotland’s seasonal produce, some sourced from the estate's gardens, as well as acquired from local suppliers.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday: 6 pm onwards; Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm - 3 pm (Lunch), 6 pm onwards (Dinner)
Dress code: Smart Casual

Café Spa

Situated conveniently next to Cameron House's spa facilities, the Café Spa offers lighter and healthier fare, meant to complement the treatments and spa sessions.
Opening hours: 12 pm - 4 pm

The Tavern

For a more light-hearted and casual dining affair, head over to The Tavern. Here, you can enjoy local beers alongside your pizzas and burgers while sharing stories with friends or catching live sports games on the TV.
Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

The Clubhouse

A classy venue set close to the golf course and spa, The Clubhouse presents diners with plenty of traditional Scottish fare. Come warm yourself by a crackling stone fireplace and savor bites of steak and sausage casseroles or Sunday roasts.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm; Friday to Saturday: 9 am - 9 pm

Great Scots’ Bar

The Great Scots’ Bar is perfect for that classic lounge bar ambiance that's meant to be enjoyed warmly with friends. Discover a diverse variety of whisky flavors, selected from their selection of over 250 labels.
Opening hours: 12 pm - Closing

Lobby Bar

Set in the hotel's lobby, this versatile setting is ideal not just for tipples but also for afternoon teas, all paired with gorgeous views of Loch Lomond. Choose your preferred bites and sips from their menu of classic and exotic teas, finger sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries.
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm

Castles are very much entwined with the concept of fairytale weddings, and Cameron House on Loch Lomond is a venue that fully lives up to these expectations. Paired together with Loch Lomond, the castle and the lake create the perfect, breathtaking Scottish backdrop for your special day. Aside from just the ceremony and reception, Cameron House provides amazingly versatile packages handled by dedicated teams who want to make your vision come true.

Loch Lomond Suite

Cameron House's grandest venue, featuring an enormous banquet hall with views of Loch Lomond, with an exquisite entranceway that can be prepared for impressive ceremonies and arrivals.
Capacity: 320 guests

Loch Fyne Suite

An ornate and opulent banquet hall with amazing views of the estate, which can be decorated and configured for large events.
Capacity: 180 guests

Loch Katrine Suite

The smallest of the Cameron House's main venues, yet still capable of accommodating a large celebration.
Capacity: 80 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Cameron House on Loch Lomond isn't just a castle hotel with a scenic ambiance; it's also a retreat and resort offering countless opportunities for exciting activities and adventures in and around Balloch, Scotland.

The castle is very well equipped with a wide array of amenities and facilities. If you're craving for some cool flicks to watch, head over to the Cameron Cinema and see what movies are playing. If you're planning to keep active, try one of the many sports available on-site; they have golf, clay pigeon shooting, and archery. You can also try the more traditional hobbies the nobility had, such as horseback riding and falconry.

For days you'd prefer to relax, treat yourself with rejuvenating treatments at the Cameron Club Spa. They have an extensive menu of massages and therapies, as well as wonderful amenities like hydro and thermal pools, and a rooftop infinity pool with incredible views.

Guests who love being out on the water can rent equipment and vehicles at Cameron's marina. Anglers can request assistance in procuring a fishing license and challenge Loch Lomond's native denizens, which include salmon, perch, and trout. There are also jet skis and speed boats that you can reserve if you'd like to cruise around the scenic waters.

Aside from incredible weddings, Cameron House on Loch Lomond also gladly hosts a slew of other private celebrations at the castle. Their wedding team can also assist in arranging that perfectly special moment for your proposal, even granting you access to various venue options where you can pop the question. If you'd like to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, they also have three enchanting banquet halls that can be decorated for the occasion.

Aside from private functions, the hotel also holds special seasonal festivities such as for Valentine's Day and Christmas. These include wonderful stay packages that will make the holiday all the more special.