Premier Inn Dumbarton

Yes, Dumbarton is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're interested in Scottish history, scenic landscapes and easy access to Loch Lomond. The town is home to Dumbarton Castle, perched on a volcanic rock and has a rich heritage dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde. You’ll also find peaceful green spaces like Levengrove Park and nearby attractions such as Overtoun House, Geilston Garden and the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Denny Tank. It’s a great base for exploring the west of Scotland.

Dumbarton is famous for its castle, which has stood for centuries on Dumbarton Rock and played a key role in Scotland’s history. The town was once the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde and later became a hub for shipbuilding, glassmaking and whisky production. It’s also known for its connection to Mary Queen of Scots, who sailed from Dumbarton to France as a child. Today, Dumbarton is recognised for its dramatic landscape, historical significance and proximity to Loch Lomond.

No, Dumbarton is not in the Highlands. It’s located in West Dunbartonshire, part of Scotland’s Central Belt, just west of Glasgow. However, it sits on the A82, which is the main road leading into the western Highlands, making it a convenient gateway for day trips to places like Balloch, Luss and Glencoe.

Dumbarton is a town, not a city. Historically, it was a royal burgh, and it served as the county town of the former county of Dunbartonshire. Despite its size, it has a strong identity and plenty to explore.

Dumbarton itself doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach, but there are several beaches nearby that are perfect for a day out. Boden Boo, Rhu Point and Loch Shore Wood are all less than an hour’s drive and have scenic spots for walking, paddling and relaxing. You’ll also find tranquil lochside areas around Loch Lomond, ideal for picnics and gentle strolls.

Yes, you can visit Dumbarton Castle, and it’s open to the public most of the year. You’ll need to climb over 500 steps to reach the top, but the views over the River Clyde and surrounding hills are well worth it. Inside, you can explore historic fortifications, learn about the castle’s role in Scottish history and enjoy exhibitions managed by Historic Environment Scotland. 

attractions, including:

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Just a short trip away, great for hiking, loch cruises and spotting wildlife.

• Dumbarton Castle – Set on a volcanic rock, this historic fortress has panoramic views and centuries of history.

• Scottish Maritime Museum – Denny Tank – Discover Dumbarton’s shipbuilding heritage through interactive exhibits. 

• Geilston Garden – A National Trust garden.

• Overtoun House – A grand estate with walking trails and a cosy tearoom.

• Monty’s Farm Park – A fun day out for families with alpacas, goats and Highland cows.

• Dumbarton District Museum – Learn about the town’s past, from ancient kingdoms to industrial growth. 

• Titan Crane – Climb this iconic structure for sweeping views over the River Clyde.

• Dumbarton Shore Walk – A relaxing waterfront path with views of Dumbarton Rock and the Clyde.

There’s plenty to see near Dumbarton:

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Just a short drive away, perfect for hiking, boating and wildlife spotting.

• Balloch – A popular gateway to Loch Lomond with shops, restaurants and the Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre.

• Helensburgh – A coastal town with lovely architecture and access to Hill House, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 

• Glasgow – Only 13 miles away, ideal for museums, shopping and cultural experiences.

• Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery – Both within easy reach for day trips from Dumbarton.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.