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Dumbarton Tourist Information


Dumbarton in Central Scotland sits on the north bank of the River Clyde almost opposite Port Glasgow.

The name Dumbarton means "Fort of the Britons" and Dumbarton Castle still rules from its perch on top of Dumbarton Rock. The King of Clyde Rock was mentioned several times in historic records dating back to 658 AD.

Dumbarton's strategic position and rocky vantage point made it the obvious choice as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde and a Royal burgh from 1222 until 1975.

The town was affected badly by the Black Death plague in 1350 and by a town-wide fire in 1424.

By the 17th century things were looking better as Dumbarton developed as an important port. By 1800 it was also the largest producer of glass in Scotland and was famous for whisky distilling.

It became a major shipbuilding centre with many shipyards along the coastline as part of the shipbuilding boom on the Clyde.

Famous ships built in Dumbarton include the Cutty Sark, one of the fastest Tea Clippers ever built. In 1818 Rob Roy was launched and became the first steam powered ferry to serve the English Channel crossing.

All these industries have largely declined leaving Dumbarton as a dormitory town for Glasgow, 13 miles to the south east. The last major shipyard, still carrying the Denny name, closed in 1963.

Along with the shipyards of Glasgow, Dumbarton was heavily bombed during World War II and whole areas had to be rebuilt after the war.


Present Day Dumbarton

Dumbarton had a population of almost 20,000 in 2006, which had declined from 20,500 in 2001. Outside the town, high-rise apartments look out over the River Leven.

The town centre has local shops, supermarkets, banks and other essential services for a town of this size. The broad High Street is lined with a variety of interesting buildings housing local shops and cafés. There is a public library and red brick municipal buildings in grand architectural style, complete with turrets and a central tower.

The land on which Levengrove Park stands was bought and then donated to the city by the Denny family, owners of the local shipbuilding industry. It was not entirely a charitable gesture as it prevented the Singer Sewing Machine Company from building a factory on the land which would have led to the Denny's losing their monopoly on the Dumbarton workforce.

Dumbarton is well served by trains on both the West Highland Line and the North Clyde Line from the category A station listed building.

BBC Scotland's drama studios are in Dumbarton and are where various dramas and soaps such as River City are produced.


Things to Do Around Dumbarton

Dumbarton Castle is the main attraction. It has an interesting history, switching from Scottish to English ownership and back again. It was used to imprison William Wallace and more recently it was visited by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

The Rock itself is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and although it can be admired, activities such as climbing the rock are forbidden.

One of the three divisions of the Scottish Maritime Museum is at Dumbarton, Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank. The Governor's House Museum is also worth a visit.

 

Directions
Show map of Dumbarton...


Attractions near Dumbarton
Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank (1 Mile)*
A visit to the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank is a unique chance to step back into the world of the Victorian ship designer. Built in 1882 the Denny Tank was the first commercial ship model testing tank built in the world.
Finlaystone Country Estate (2 Miles)*
Welcome to Finlaystone with its spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde. We hope you will find something for everyone here, whatever the season.
Geilston Garden (4 Miles)*
Set around Geilston House (not open to the public), which is thought to date from the late 17th century, this enchanting garden was first opened to visitors in 1998.
more attractions in Dumbarton and things to do in Dumbarton ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Dumbarton

Attractions:
  Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank  1 Mile
  Finlaystone Country Estate  3 Miles
  Geilston Garden  4 Miles
more attractions in Dumbarton...
 
Towns:
  Vale of Leven  1 Mile
  Renton  2 Miles
  Bonhill  2 Miles
more towns near Dumbarton...
 
Estate Agents:
  David Muir & Co  1 Mile
  Allen and Harris  1 Mile
  McHugh and Co  6 Miles
Hotels:
  Gleddoch House Hotel & Golf Club  2 Miles
  Best Western Gleddoch House Hotel (RO)  3 Miles
  Best Western Gleddoch House Hotel and 8 days parking  3 Miles
more hotels in Dumbarton area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Lomond Villa B&B  4 Miles
more bed and breakfasts near Dumbarton...
 
Self Catering:
  The Old Smiddy Cottage  4 Miles
  Endrick Cottage  8 Miles
  Oakshaw Lodge  8 Miles
more self catering near Dumbarton...
 
Campsites:
  Cashel Caravan & Camping Site  12 Miles
  Wemyss Bay Holiday Park  13 Miles
  Trossachs Holiday Park  15 Miles
TIC: Dumbarton Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01389 742306  2 Miles



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Towns near Dumbarton
Vale of Leven Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Renton Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
Bonhill Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
more towns near Dumbarton...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Dumbarton
Gleddoch House Hotel & Golf Club (2 Miles)*
With a beautiful, tranquil location in 360 acres and breathtaking panoramic views over the River Clyde, this 4-star hotel has an indoor pool, gymnasium, spa and on-site 18-hole golf course.
Best Western Gleddoch House Hotel (2 Miles)*
Standing within 360 acres of picturesque grounds the Best Western Gleddoch House Hotel is an idyllic retreat. Just 4 miles from Port Glasgow the hotel offers excellent links to the A8 and M8 with easy access to Glasgow and the surrounding area.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond (4 Miles)*
Set on the banks of the renowned Loch Lomond, the Cameron House on Loch Lomond is a deluxe hotel brimming with modern luxuries. Once an impressive mansion this 5 star hotel is elegantly designed to suit your every comfort.
more Dumbarton hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Dumbarton
The Old Smiddy Cottage (4 Miles)*
The Old Smiddy was built in 1862 and was used as a blacksmith's shop until the middle of the 1900s. There is a lot of history surrounding the place itself, which now enjoys modern features, as well as reminders of years gone by.
Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges (9 Miles)*
In the National Park but only 35 mins from Glasgow, we offer stunning highland scenery as well as the potential of a City Break. Play golf or do some bird-watching, sailing or fishing from our exclusive beach.
Your property could be here
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more self catering near Dumbarton ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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