Make the most of your next trip to Loch Lomond with this list of the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay in Luss
This post was written in collaboration with Luss Distillery
Luss is a picturesque conservation village on the western shores of Loch Lomond renowned for its 18th-century stone cottages, floral displays and dramatic Highland views. Luss has historically been known as a pretty passing place between the lowlands and the Highlands; somewhere folks drive through with an ‘ooh’ and an ‘aah’ without stopping. But, today, the spot is undergoing an era of renewal.
Residents and local business owners in Luss are banding together to make their village a must-visit destination. They want folks to stay a while, enjoy the scenery and indulge in some great food and drinks with the locals.
Where to eat
Scoff & Patter
Scoff & Patter at Luss Distillery has become the village’s go-to spot for a relaxed bite, whether you’re refuelling after a walk or breaking up a day on the loch. Expect a menu built around good coffee and hearty, unfussy food. This is the kind of place where you can linger over lunch without watching the clock.
Visit the Scoff & Patter website
Where to shop
Luss General Store
Luss General Store is part grocer, part gift shop — and part local institution. With a carefully chosen collection of stylish, Scottish-inspired gifts, and handcrafted products made by local craftspeople, you will find everything from greeting cards, to hand-poured candles and sustainably sourced heather honey and shortbread.
Visit the Luss General Store website
Where to drink
Luss Distillery
Luss Distillery is a new multi-million-pound project by Loch Lomond Group, which transformed the old smokehouse in Luss into a vibrant destination for whisky and gin connoisseurs, and curious spirits newcomers alike. With an immersive whisky and gin discovery area, the Ben Lomond Gin distillery and a café – a cohesive visitor experience has been created that merges production, adventurous discovery and hospitality in one integrated setting.
For those looking at something more adventurous, Luss Distillery is the one to visit.
Visit the Luss Distillery website
Loch Lomond Arms
For a traditional pint or a glass of wine in front of the fire, the Loch Lomond Arms does exactly what a village pub should. It’s traditional, unpretentious, and exactly where you’d want to be after a day outdoors. Loch Lomond Arms re-opens this summer, following a major transformation with the design led by prestigious interior designer Russell Sage Studio.
Visit the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel website
Where to stay
Lodge on Loch Lomond
Lodge on Loch Lomond sits right on the water, close enough that Ben Lomond fills the window from the bed. It is an entirely unique destination located on the beachfront at Luss and enjoys magnificent panoramic views over Scotland’s favourite loch.
Visit the Lodge on Loch Lomond website
What to see and do
Luss Distillery boat tour with Cruise Loch Lomond (why not go to Balmaha for lunch at the Oak Tree Inn?)
No visit to Luss is complete without Luss Distillery. Beyond the tastings, there’s the chance to see the production process up close and understand the craftmanship which goes into making every bottle of the incredible Ben Lomond gin as well as Loch Lomond whisky, which is distilled nearby. While Luss Distillery might be your reason for visiting, there’s plenty of other things to do in the area. Cruise Loch Lomond runs daily boat trips out onto the water, where you can take in the incredible scenery of the surrounding hills and islands.
One of the best short excursions is the hop across to Balmaha for lunch at the Oak Tree Inn.
Visit the Cruise Loch Lomond website
Hot Tottie sauna experience
For something completely different, Hot Tottie has set up wood-fired saunas right on the loch at Luss. Sessions run for 55 minutes, on your own or in a group of up to ten, and the format is simple: heat up in the sauna, then cool down with a dip in the loch, repeat as many times as you fancy. Family tickets are available for children 12+ and it’s worth booking ahead as slots fill up quickly.
Visit the Hot Tottie website
Luss Distillery
Church Road
Luss
Alexandria
G83 8NZ
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Luss Distillery uses design to explore craft and place in the Trossachs
