Review of Cameron House at Loch Lomond, Scotland

O ye’ll take the high road, and I’ll take the low road,
And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye,

Where me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

You’ve heard these lyrics; might have sung them a few times, right? I know I have. But what I didn’t know was why I knew the words at all or what the song was called.

Turns out the song is called “The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond,” or simply “Loch Lomond,” and is a well-known Scottish anthem first published back in 1841. It somehow made it into our collective pop culture play list, and even AC/DC riffed the tune a few times over the years.

I hadn’t thought of the song in a while until I recently found myself there, standing on those bonnie  (pretty) banks of Loch (lake) Lomond at Cameron House, a gorgeous 132-room Baronial Mansion and sprawling estate on the famous shore, uniquely located within both the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

So hum a few bars and get it stuck in your head, then get thee and the wee ones to Loch Lomond and Cameron House. I promise you, like the words to the song, the hotel is also as unforgettable.

Family-Friendly Review of Cameron House on Loch Lomond

Just For Kids

As a mom, I’m always looking for things to inspire and please everyone in the family and sometimes that means a little separation to spend time with people our own age.

Teens: The Zone is a place to hang out and meet new friends from around the world. There’s air hockey, a pool table, a TV and DVD player for movie time, and Xboxes! The Zone is an unsupervised space so children must be 13+.

Kids Club: For children aged 5 years to 12 the Kids Club is a supervised space for fun with games and toys, and during school and summer breaks, activities galore including pool parties, pajama nights, sports and games, and baking.

Wee ones: For ages six-weeks (can you imagine?) to primary school age, the crèche is available 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and half-day Saturday.

Pool

Cameron House will become a beloved family favorite thanks to the fantastic indoor jacuzzi and heated pool with…wait for it…its own water slide (insert gleeful screams). For Mom and Dad, the lounge chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the loch aren’t a bad place to watch, read, and whittle away an afternoon while the kids swim, slide and tire themselves out.

Accommodations

Cameron House offers selection of rooms and suites that can accommodate families, including 20 adjoining rooms, designated family rooms with bunk beds in a separate sleeping area (with TV), and suites with sofa beds that are large enough for a portable bed, too. There are also self-catering apartments and homes on the property but require a three-night minimum. Some of them are a little far from the main building and restaurants, but transfer to all facilities can be arranged.

The décor is more country lodge than swanky city hotel, and rooms are decked out in plaid and leather, wool throws, and puffy down comforters. Many have lovely views over the loch. All are tastefully appointed and include amenities like bathrobes, coffee and tea, free wifi, TVs, and other luxurious touches that make Cameron House feel like a visit to a favorite uncle’s manse with all the perks and service of a five-star hotel.

Food

Scotland gets a bad rap when it comes to food because of one dish: haggis. Give it a try. You’ll be surprised at how good it really is. But I’ll let you in on a secret: Scotland is a food lover’s dream!

The Cameron Grill will please palates with its fresh food, locally source ingredients, inspired recipes, and some of the best steaks and fish you’ll find in Scotland. Don’t pass up on the Scottish Salmon Bar for a taste of one of the country’s renowned dishes: smoked salmon.

I love the children’s menu here because it rightfully assumes that kids enjoy tasty food like the rest of us, and offers fresh and healthy options such as rich tomato penne pasta with garlic ciabatta and sirloin minute steak with fries. Desserts are included (fist pump)!

A quick and scenic walk from the main house takes you to the hotel’s Boat House Restaurant, a causal dining spot on a quaint marina. Homemade pizzas are prepared before your eyes in the open kitchen, and the burgers and fresh pasta are fantastic. They have fresh salads and other local specialties, too.

Cameron House also has a fine dining restaurant, Martin Wishart, with a seasonally revolving menu of six and eight courses as well as an a la carte dining option and wine pairing. This is a more formal affair best for butts that can sit in a chair long enough to enjoy it.

Activities & Excursions

From floatplane flights to boat tours of the loch to a falconry demonstration and pony rides, the options are truly endless. Just ask the concierge and he’ll work his magic to make this storybook setting fulfill all wee wishes.

If you have a car, or want to arrange an outing further afield, there are several worthy day trips in the area including:

Inveraray Castle 

Stirling Castle    

Glengoyne Whisky Distillery (adults only)

Loch Lomond Aquarium  

Families Should Know

Though there are plenty of safe places to run and roam, Cameron House is on the shores of Loch Lomond and thus water is everywhere. Be diligent.

Glasgow is just 25-minutes away and is a city rich with culture, some of the UK’s best shopping, and an off-the-charts music scene.  Museums are world-class and entrance is free!

There is a train station just five minutes from Cameron House that connects to Glasgow.

Want Help Planning a Family Vacation in Scotland?

We can help! CB! Vacation consulting does everything from crafting age-appropriate itineraries to booking kid-friendly guides. Learn more and request assistance on the CB! Vacation Consultants page.

Relevant Links:

Best family-friendly hotels and things to do in Scotland with kids

A great itinerary in Scotland with kids

Editor’s Note: Kimberley experienced Cameron House as part of a media trip. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed an Ciao Bambino are our own. photos by Kimberley Lovato except where noted.