Some parts of the country boast a rare type of beauty that cannot be blemished – even when the rain comes tumbling down. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a perfect example. When the silvery skies crawl above this part of Scotland and showers begin to descend on the mountain tops, the region gets wrapped up in a magical shimmering glow.
As long as you have shelter above your head, you’ll be able to appreciate Loch Lomond in the wet weather without it putting a dampener on your visit. We’ve cobbled together a list of the very best places to visit for rainy day activities.
The lodge at Aberfoyle is perfect for hiding away when the rain starts to pour. The comfortable café has fantastic views and great food to help you make the most of a rainy afternoon.
The lodge itself was gifted to the forestry commission in 1960 and houses the visitor centre. Take some time to find out about some of the activities you can get involved in once the rain breaks. Aberfoyle forest has plenty to offer all ages and interests, from a gentle stroll to the waterfall, all the way to a session of swinging through the trees with Go Ape.
When the rain is in a relentless mood, there are few better places to escape to than the cosy warmth of a whisky distillery. As luck would have it, one of the finest distilleries in the country – Glengoyne – lies right around the corner from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
As well as tours and sampling sessions that give you the chance to sip on some of the finest local malts brewed right before your very eyes, Glengoyne also offer private dining for visitors. What could be better on a cold, rainy day than settling inside a glass-front reception and tucking into a meal with a bottle of belly warming whisky by your side?
A few miles south of the Loch Lomond and National Park sits one of Scotland’s most famous regions – the city of Glasgow. Taking a day trip to this area is highly recommended, and if the rain is bucketing down there’s no better place to visit than the renowned Glasgow Science Centre.
Boasting four fabulous indoor attractions, which are all accessible with one standard ticket, this mesmerising location also contains its very own Science Mall, complete with a vast array of interactive exhibits. The colossal tower offers you a 360 degree view of the city too, with an indoor IMAX theatre hosting science movies throughout the day.
Positioned on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde is Dumbarton Castle – a few miles south of Loch Lomond and easily accessible by car.
This historical site offers plenty to explore, from slipping inside the Governor’s House and perusing ancient artefacts, to climbing your way to the top of the White Tower Crag for some jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area.
Whilst the wet weather forces many creatures to seek shelter, you can still catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most exotic animals all year round at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
With sea lion shows, bird displays, rhino houses and elephant habitats all under shelter, you’ll have the chance to see some marvellous beasts without being forced to shield your eyes from the open heavens above. There’s also an amusement arcade and dodgem ride on site, as well as a café for grabbing a cup of tea and slice of cake to keep you fuelled up for the day’s entertainment.
There are all kinds of things to see and do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, even when the sun decides to take the day off. Check out our campsites here and find the perfect place to pitch up in this wonderful part of Scotland.
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