WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY

WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY

Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dumbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scottish Canals

WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY 2026

Now in its fifth year, Water Safety Scotland is hosting the Water Safety Open Day on Saturday 25 July in support of World Drowning Prevention Day, an international day that aims to raise awareness of the public health issue of drowning and highlight means of drowning prevention.

Returning to Loch Lomond Shores, the event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dumbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scottish Canals and Loch Lomond Shores.

With Loch Lomond attracting thousands of visitors every year, understanding how to stay safe in and around the water has never been more important. This informative and family-friendly event will feature expert advice, safety demonstrations, and practical tips to help keep you, your family, and your friends safe while enjoying our beautiful loch, rivers, canals, beaches, and waterways.

Whether you’re a swimmer, paddleboarder, kayaker, angler, sailor, or simply enjoy spending time by the water, there’s something valuable for everyone to learn.

Come along, meet the experts, ask questions of our many stallholders, and learn potentially life-saving skills while enjoying a great day out on the banks of Loch Lomond.

It will be an action-packed day with the whole family, featuring a variety of water and land activities (limited spaces which can be booked on the day), including:

🐕 Newfoundland Rescue Dogs will be performing demonstrations in the water
🚤 Emergency rescue boat displays from the SFRS
🏄‍♂️ Opportunities to learn and try canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding
🦺 Lifejacket and throwline challenges to practice important rescue skills
🫟 Facepainting
There are limited spaces for the water activities, which can be booked on the day. Don’t forget your swimming gear!

Come along to this dog-friendly, free event designed to help everyone safely enjoy lochs and waterways.

Details:
DATE: Saturday 25th July
TIME: 11am–3pm
LOCATION: Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, G83 8QL

Learn more on the Water Safety Scotland Website

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

Summerfest 26

Summerfest 26

Loch Lomond Summerfest '26

Summerfest family fun!

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 4th and 5th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 4th and 5th of July with lots of things to see and do! With live music and entertainment, a whole host of street food and stalls, children’s rides and much more, it’s a great family day out for everyone.
Lomond Radio will be taking control of the stage this year, hosting and organising the brilliant musical line-up over the weekend, featuring talented local musicians.
With a big line-up of local stage acts, festival-goers will be entertained from 10am to 5pm with lots going on. And with children’s entertainers on hand throughout the weekend, including Wicked’s Elphaba & Glinda on Saturday and a stilt walker and bubble artist on Sunday, as well as children’s rides and giant games to play – there’s plenty going on off the stage too!

To keep visitors hydrated and fed, there will be a wide range of street food to complement our onsite options – including Jurassic Grill, Café Zest and Caffe at the Shores.

And for shopping, you can browse a wide range of stalls with artisan gifts and local produce, as well as pop into our stores, such as Frasers, Mountain Warehouse, Hawkshead, and more, offering everything from health foods to hiking boots.

For those looking to enjoy time on Loch Lomond, Sweeney’s Cruises and Loch Lomond Leisure will be operating regular cruises from Loch Lomond Shores or you can hire a pedal boat, canoe, kayak or SUP. The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Go Wild Loch Lomond tree-top adventures, our adventure golf, play park and SEA LIFE complete the perfect day out with lots to see and do.

Audrey Calder from Loch Lomond Shores commented:
“We’re hoping the weather is kind for Summerfest so that festival goers can have the best time and take advantage of all the great things going on! We’re all about families here at Loch Lomond Shores and what better way to show that than by hosting a FREE summer festival that everyone can come and enjoy – even four-legged family members!

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

World Market Brings Global Flavours to Loch Lomond

World Market Brings Global Flavours to Loch Lomond

World Market set to bring global flavours and crafts to Loch Lomond Shores this May

World Market set to bring global flavours and crafts to Loch Lomond Shores this May

Visitors to Loch Lomond Shores are in for a vibrant, flavour-filled weekend as the much-anticipated All Around the World Market arrives on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May

Running from 10am to 4pm each day, the market promises a colourful celebration of international food, drink and artisan crafts — transforming the stunning Lochside setting into a lively hub of global culture.

Food lovers can take their tastebuds on a journey around the world, with a tempting street food line-up featuring everything from Chinese noodles and Japanese ramen to Punjabi street food, Greek souvlaki and gyros. There will also be crowd favourites including burritos, Polish sausages and more, ensuring there’s something to suit every craving.

Alongside the street food, visitors can browse an impressive selection of fresh and speciality produce. Expect to find artisan chutneys inspired by global flavours, sweet treats such as Turkish delight and baklava, as well as olives, dates, empanadas, Guatemalan coffee and premium extra virgin olive oils — perfect for taking a taste of the world home with you.

The market isn’t just about food. A wide range of artisan crafts will also be on display, offering unique, handcrafted items from across the globe. From sparkling Polish crystals and Native American dreamcatchers to wooden carvings, toys and more, it’s an ideal opportunity to pick up something truly distinctive.

Audrey Calder commented:

“The market captures a fantastic mix of global flavours and crafts, giving visitors a great opportunity to experience and enjoy some of the best food and artisan products from around the world, all in one place!”

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, the All Around the World Market offers a perfect day out for families, foodies and visitors of all ages.
With free entry and plenty to see, taste and explore, it’s an event not to be missed this May!

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

Top Dogs is back this May

Top Dogs is back this May

Top Dogs is back this May

Dog lovers, alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond!

Four-legged family members welcome!

Our hugely popular ‘Top Dogs’ is back this May Bank Holiday weekend, on Saturday 2nd May, with its fun competitions, expert advice, and dog-friendly products, including accessories, pup cakes, and much more.

Enter your dog in one of the many competitions organised by Deborah Flemming at Townhead Farm, a notable Crufts judge! Choose a category that best suits your pooch from the 11 available, including best puppy, veteran, rescue, condition, most handsome dog and more and be in with a chance to win a prize as well as get a rosette for entering. By entering, you’ll also be helping local animals, as all small entry fees go to a local animal charity to help support their good work.

Audrey Calder from Loch Lomond Shores is delighted about Top Dogs continued increase in popularity:

“This event is great fun and it’s a real treat to welcome such a range of gorgeous dogs to Loch Lomond Shores! Many of our stores welcome well-behaved dogs in-store so visitors can enjoy time indoors as well as outdoors with their pets.
“And with woodland walks and beach fun to be had, visitors will be taking home tired but very happy dogs after a great day out!”

Running from 10am to 4pm, full details on what’s happening on the day are available by visiting our Events page or following us on social media.

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

Easter School Holiday Fun

Easter School Holiday Fun

Easter School Holiday Fun at Loch Lomond Shores!

Easter School Holiday Fun at Loch Lomond Shores!

We hope you’ve had a fantastic Easter, despite Storm Dave!

Now, with the rest of the school holidays ahead, we’re here to help you keep your children busy during the break.

EVENTS

To Emergencies and Beyond returns to Loch Lomond Shores

To Emergencies & Beyond

Sat 11th April – 11am-3pm

First off, we’ve got our 999 Emergency Services event on Saturday 11th April from 11am to 3pm.

Hosted by Police Scotland, the event will feature representatives from most 999 services, with lots of exciting things to see and do throughout the day.
Lomond Radio will also be joining us for the day, broadcasting live!

Springfest26 - NEW DATES!

Springfest 26 – NEW DATES!

Sat 18th & Sun 19th April – 10am-5pm

First off, we’ve got our 999 Emergency Services event on Saturday 11th April from 11am to 3pm.

On the 18th and 19th April from 10am to 5.30pm we’ve got our rescheduled Springfest26 Food & Drink Festival with a whole host of amazing food & drink producers, FREE chef demos, live entertainment and amazing street food.

PLAY

 With all our outdoor activities now open for the season, you can enjoy everything from loch Cruises, water sports, treetop adventures, adventure golf*, children’s rides* and the Loch Lomond Shores Express land train*, as well as amazing views, beach picnics and woodland strolls. And don’t forget the indoor stuff, ideal for wet days, such as SEA LIFE and Teddy Mountain (managed by Jurassic Grill).
*daily, weather permitting, from 11am till 4pm.

EAT

If it’s food on the go you’re looking for, pop along to our Churros Cabin on your arrival and enjoy some freshly made churros or donuts, as well as other snacks and hot drinks, or treat yourself to a delicious ice cream at Loch Lomond News.
For eat-in options, where you can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, we’ve got Café Zest, Jurassic Grill* and Caffé at the Shores with lots of tempting options for children and adults.
*Open daily from 12pm to 9pm (last orders at 7.30pm)

SHOP

Whether it’s picking up some essentials at Sports Direct, Mountain Warehouse or Hawkshead; a designer splurge in Frasers; souvenirs from Lachlans or Tweeds of Scotland; health food ingredients at Grape Tree; specialist spirits at Stevie’s Drams; or even collectables from Loch Lomond News, there’s lots to browse and buy in our stores.

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

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