Alexandria

Mill towns don't usually come with such spectacular backdrops. Alexandria sits at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, where the River Leven begins its short journey to the Clyde, and the contrast between industrial heritage and natural beauty is quite something. This former textile hub has reinvented itself as a gateway to Scotland's most famous loch, though it keeps a proper working town feel that tourist hotspots often lose.

The town itself is fairly quiet - Main Street has the usual mix of local shops and cafes, nothing fancy but genuine enough. What draws people here is the proximity to Balloch and the loch's attractions. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium and Loch Lomond Shores are both a short walk away, while the restored paddle steamer Maid of The Loch offers proper Victorian-era cruising when she's running. The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre makes for a good family outing too.

Beyond the immediate area, you're perfectly placed for exploring the Trossachs. The West Highland Way passes right through, bringing a steady stream of hikers heading north. Dumbarton Rock is fifteen minutes south if you fancy some proper Scottish history.

Getting here is straightforward - trains from Glasgow Central take about 45 minutes, and there's decent bus connections too. The A82 runs right past if you're driving, though parking can get tight on busy weekends when day-trippers descend.

Using one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You avoid the Glasgow commuter belt prices while staying close enough to nip into the city, and you're right on the doorstep of some of Scotland's finest countryside. The loch's barely ten minutes away, and you can be hiking in the hills within half an hour.