day trips outside glasgow

Day Trips & Day Tours from Glasgow

Fancy a brilliant day trip or  day tour from Glasgow ? With this dynamic city being so centrally located in Scotland, there are plenty of historic attractions, castles, lochs, outdoor activities and remarkable landscapes either right on Glasgow's doorstep or a moderate distance away.

Best of all, you've got options when it comes to how to go - you could book an organised tour, hop aboard public transport or take the car to enjoy a road trip! Here are some ideas on how to have a great day out from Glasgow.

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Loch Lomond Shores

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

By Tour Bus

An organised one-day tour is often a great way to experience many of Scotland's icons, from breathtaking landscapes to the amber-coloured delights of Scotch whisky.

It's time to re-think what you think you know about coach trips - tour buses are often luxurious and compact, accommodating small numbers for a more personal experience. Many also boast green initiatives which allows them to off-set their carbon emissions.

Find a  day tour from Glasgow .

Tour operators who offer one-day trips from Glasgow include  Timberbush Tours ,  Rabbies Tours ,  Discover Scotland Tours ,   Haggis Adventures  and  Highland Experience . For many, it can take the stress out of travel as you don't have to worry about navigation - instead, soak up the views from the window and listen to your knowledgeable guide tell you stories about the area.

But where do they go, we hear you asking? There are a number of destinations to pick from, depending on what is on offer from the tour operator. You'll find that there are trips which take in  Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ,  Oban  and  Glencoe , and  Perthshire  - some even go as far as  Loch Ness ! Tours follow the most scenic routes and take breaks at viewpoints with stunning views. On some trips, the bus will make a stop at a distillery, where you can take a tour and discover whisky-making secrets.

Stirling Castle

With the car, you can enjoy the freedom of the road and can head off in almost any direction.

It's amazing where you can travel to from Glasgow in an hour or two! Help reduce carbon emissions and rent an electric car/vehicle (EV) which you can collect in Glasgow from a company like  365 Luxury Car Hire  which offers a fleet of Teslas.

Find a reliable map of all the EV charge points in Scotland at  ChargePlace Scotland , Scotland’s national EVcharging network; and  Net Zero Nation .

If you're keen to see some of our coastline, head to  Ayrshire  and follow the coastal roads to the impressive  Culzean Castle and Country Park . On the way, plan stops at Ayrshire's seaside towns, such as  Troon . You could return to Glasgow via  Dumfries House , a stunning 18th century house with exquisite gardens.

From Glasgow,  Stirling  and  Falkirk  are less than 40 minutes' drive. In and around these places there is a huge range of fantastic attractions to visit, including  Stirling Castle , the  National Wallace Monument , the  Battle of Bannockburn Centre , the  Falkirk Wheel , and  The Helix , home to The Kelpies by Andy Scott. Make it a round trip by returning via the Trossachs taking in the  Lake of Menteith ,  Aberfoyle  and  Balloch  at the south of Loch Lomond. This route also takes in  Blair Drummond Safari Park  whilst  Doune Castle  is just a short detour.

For a day trip which allows you to see more of those famous bonnie, bonnie banks, head north west of the city and travel along the shores of  Loch Lomond  before heading over the  Rest and Be Thankful pass  to the charming historic town of  Inveraray  on Loch Fyne. It's a splendid drive which takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Instead of returning the same way, you could travel back via  Tyndrum  and  Crianlarich , and visit attractions along the way such as  Cruachan Power Station  and the crumbling  Kilchurn Castle . Why not find  lochs Near Edinburgh and Glasgow  for a fun-filled day out?

That's just the tip of the iceberg - there are plenty more ideas for brilliant  road trips  in Scotland!

Cyclists passing Lion Rock

© Kenny Lam

By Public Transport

Scotland's national and local rail and bus networks connect Glasgow with some wonderful places all across the country. 

From Glasgow, it's easy to visit one of Scotland's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  New Lanark , a restored 18th century cotton mill village, is easily reached by taking a train to  Lanark  and then jumping on a local bus to this fantastic family friendly attraction.

Did you know you can escape to the coast by train in under an hour, and then 'hop' to an island in the Firth of Clyde? It's just a 45 minute train journey to  Ardrossan , and then a 55 minute  ferry crossing  to the pretty  Isle of Arran , often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature'. Once on Arran, you can explore the port of  Brodick , or catch a local bus round the island.

Largs  has been a popular seaside destination for generations of Scots, and today this coastal town still makes for a jolly day out by the sea. The train from Glasgow takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, stroll along the promenade with an ice cream or jump aboard the ferry and take the short crossing to the  Isle of Cumbrae . Here you might want to hire a bike at  Millport  and discover the island on two wheels, or discover Millport's attractions as you wander round the tiny island town.

Or, take the train from Glasgow Central to  Wemyss Bay  where you can catch the ferry to the  Isle of Bute . The ferry arrives in Rothesay where you can get a local bus to the magnificent  Mount Stuart , Britain's most spectacular Gothic house.

Should you be more excited by the thought of seeing Scotland's capital than its coastline, then jump aboard one of the regular train or bus services to  Edinburgh . Lying just 45 miles east of Glasgow, you'll find that it doesn't take long before you are walking over the ancient cobbles of the  Royal Mile , admiring the stunning city skyline from  Arthur's Seat , or exploring world-class attractions such as  Edinburgh Castle  and the  National Museum of Scotland .

Remember, you can use  Traveline Scotland  to help you plan days out by public transport.

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12 Brilliant Day Trips From Glasgow For A Dreamy Escape

Walk the fells, chase waterfalls and learn about the history of Scotland — all on a day trip from Glasgow!

Glasgow is a beautiful city but sometimes it’s nice to escape the crowds of people and see the beautiful spots on Glasgow’s doorstep. You don’t have to drive for long to have a nice day out near the city and these day trips prove it.

1. Campsie Fells

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Less than a 40 minutes drive from central Glasgow, you can escape to the beautiful hills of Campsie Fells . Walk for miles amidst this picturesque landscape and see something different at every turn, including the spooky Lennox Castle Hospital , an abandoned mental hospital. Many visitors also choose to stop in at the Glengoyne Distillery and sample some delicious whisky on one of their distillery tours.

The village of Campsie Glen sits nestled between the fells and there you can visit the Shrine of Schoenstatt , which is fabled to be “a connecting point between Heaven and earth” . The village is full of old buildings and there are woodlands surrounding it that are perfect for a peaceful walk.

2. Finnech Glen

You should definitely visit Finnech Glen , also known as Devil’s Pulpit , but exercise caution when descending the slippery stairs, named Jacob’s Ladder or the Devil’s Steps . Once you reach the bottom, you can walk through a stream with an amazing ruby red base. Its colour comes from the red sandstone that has been worn away by the water to form the glen. You’ll find this breathtaking spot just 30 minutes north of Glasgow by car.

3. Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is an absolute gem . People go on their holidays here so, if you’re going for the day, there are loads of options for things to do. First things first — there’s a whisky distillery and a cheese producer here, both of which you can visit. Then you can relax on the beautiful Brodick Bay , visit the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum , or spend some time exploring Brodick Castle .

4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

The impressive Loch Lomond runs through the beautiful Trossochs National Park , which is speckled with beautiful hills and waterfalls to explore. It would be near impossible to explore the whole area in a day but you can take a cruise boat along the loch to get a sense of the place.

There are loads of tiny islands on the loch. Visit Inchcailloch where you can sit in seclusion with the wildlife and the loch surrounding you. Inchacailloch means ‘island of the old or cowled woman’ and it’s supposedly where St. Kentigerna , an Irish missionary, lived and died.

If you’re after more of a walk , you can venture out around Loch Lomond’s shores to find Rob Roy’s Cave , and if you’re in for a bit more of a challenge, you can climb Ben Lomond and back. Ben Lomond takes between four and five hours depending on your fitness level, so it’s the perfect day trip.

5. Loup of Fintry

Loup of Fintry is a stunning waterfall , only a 45 minute drive from Glasgow. You can bring a picnic and sit on the grass, whilst listening to the roar of the water rushing over the rocks. It’s the ideal serene mini getaway we’ve all ben hoping for.

6. Stirling

Stirling Castle might just be one of the most beautiful day trips in Scotland. Perched atop a volcanic hill, just 40 minutes outside of Glasgow, there are plenty of things to see and do within the castle walls. The castle offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Scottish royalty and the military history of Scotland. The onsite Unicorn Cafe also serves refreshments. You don’t have to book in advance but if you’ve travelled from Glasgow then it’s advisable to do so. You can buy tickets in advance online and adult tickets are £16.50 .

If you’re in Falkirk then you simply have to see The Kelpies . These huge steel sculptures of two horse’s heads tower 30 metres above the ground, and they represent the murderous shape-shifting mythical creatures that would appear to humans in the shape of a horse. Once the human rode it, the victims would be then drowned by these beings. As you’re exploring this iconic monument, there’s also a gift shop and some cafes, so you can sit and relax on your day out.

What is more, make your wee day out into a fun cycling adventure to the Falkirk Wheel, which is simply fascinating. It lifts boats that sit on tons of water into the air and transports them, providing a terrific transport route to Glasgow. You can also find our guide to local cycling routes for day trips here .

8. Arrochar, Argyll and Bute

On top of making the UK’s Best Hidden Gems list last year, the quaint village of Arrochar is a place for stunning vistas, challenging walks and memorable day trips. With Ben Lomond gracing the village on the one side, and the rocky summit of The Cobbler within the Arrochar Alps on the other, Arrochar sits at the banks of the lakes making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of adventuring.

If you want to actually brave The Cobbler , the path is around 11km and should take four to six hours . Make a start on the opposite side of the road of the Succoth car park and follow the (barely marked) red way markers. The path could prove more difficult at times to less experienced hikers, and once you reached the summit (unless you’re a rock climber), come back down the same way you came up.

9. The Secret Scottish Pyramid

That’s right, Scotland has a pyramid, and it has nothing to do with Ancient Egypt. Instead, it has a regal history that dates back to Queen Victoria. The Secret Scottish Pyramid , also known as Prince Albert’s Cairn, sits in the cosy woodland of Cairngorms National Park in the North East of Scotland, not too far from the Royal Balmoral Estate . Located around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow, the woodland walk on the Balmoral Estate offers one of the more unique day trips , with views of the Balmoral Castle and a stunning view over the national park once you reach Prince Albert’s Cairn. As usual for Scottish terrain, bring your hiking boots as there might be muddy patches along the way.

10. Dunkeld

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Located around an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow, Dunkeld was also named the best place to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times in 2023, so it’s not just one of the best day trips . Dunkeld is located in Perthshire , around one hour and 15 minutes drive from Glasgow. The village is a favourite for pretty village enthusiasts and boasts refreshing nature walks , calming scenery and a charismatic, friendly aura within the village. There are plenty of local businesses to check out, such as The Great British Bake-Off star Flora Shedden’s Aran Bakery , The Taybank and The Birnam Arts Institute .

11. The Japanese Garden at Cowden

What if we told you you could travel to the Far East by just driving an hour from the city? Well, when it comes to day trips near Glasgow , feeling like you left the country without going far offers a special allure. The Japanese Garden at Cowden is also named “Sha Raku En”, meaning “a place of pleasure and delight”, and is located just 50 minutes from Glasgow. Founded by Ella Christie , the spot aims to merge the two cultures, bringing a welcome union of Japanese and Scottish flairs. While guests have to pay £8.50 to get into the garden, there is also a tearoom to unwind and enjoy the day.

12. North Berwick

North Berwick is a quaint little seaside town on the East Coast two hours from Glasgow, centring around two beaches . Its picturesque location offers plenty of walking opportunities, as well as independent businesses and cute wee pubs worthy of checking out. What is more, North Berwick was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2024, recognising its appeal and quality of life.

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15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow You Need to Do

While the list of  things to do in Glasgow  is extensive, Scotland’s largest city is also an ideal base for taking some great day trips to explore the breathtaking countryside, bustling towns and peaceful villages of Scotland.

From the serene beauty of Loch Lomond to the crowded streets of  Edinburgh  – there are plenty of exciting places to visit near Glasgow.

With frequent trains leaving from two main train stations and a well-connected network of buses – planning the day trip couldn’t be any easier.

So, when you get knackered after visiting the fascinating museums , exploring all the colourful street arts on  Glasgow Mural Trail  and discovering the  hidden gems , venture out of the city to see a different side of Scotland.

This article brings together some of the best day trips you can take alongside the information on how to get here. So, add a few of them to your  Glasgow itinerary  on your next visit.

Day trips less than one hour from Glasgow

1. loch lomond.

You can’t visit Glasgow and not take a day trip to the stunningly gorgeous Loch Lomond . From scenic boat tours to numerous hiking trails – this area is a nature lovers’ paradise. With easy public transport options, you can easily escape the hubbub of Glasgow and spend a day in nature.

One of the must-visit places in Loch Lomond is Luss . Often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland , Luss is located on the western bank of Loch Lomond.

Meander along the pretty village streets and the pier. The streets are adorned with quaint cottages with small gardens, which look very photogenic. Also, this village is a popular site for water sports and adventure activities.

Next, take a relaxing boat cruise around the lake to appreciate the beauty of Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscapes. Also, peel your eyes for wildlife. 

Boat trips pass small islands, castles and villages along the shoreline. Balloch, Balmaha and Luss are popular places to catch a boat tour.

For an awe-inspiring view over Loch Lomond, climb the Conic Hill from Balmaha. Expert hikers might be interested in trekking the mighty Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro.

How to Reach: Getting here using public transport is super easy and budget-friendly. Hop on ScotRail train service from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, which takes around 48 minutes. Otherwise, take a Scottish Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station.

2. Edinburgh

No visit to Scotland is complete without seeing its capital city of Edinburgh . The Old and New Town of Edinburgh were added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995. This city is unarguably one of the unmissable day trip choices from Glasgow.

Start your adventure with the iconic Edinburgh Castle . This 900-year-old castle sits atop an extinct volcanic rock and houses the oldest Crown Jewel in Britain.

Next, meander along the cobbled streets of Royal Mile to explore the historic buildings. Marvel at Scott Monument – a memorial dedicated to renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Climb Arthur’s Seat for the best views of the Edinburgh skyline.

For all Harry Potter fans, a visit to the colourful Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must. A slight detour to Dean Village and Stockbridge will show you a unique side of the city. End your day with a beautiful sunset over Edinburgh from Calton Hill , before heading back to Glasgow. 

How to Reach: Scottish Citylink and Megabus runs regular bus services from Buchanan Bus Station. At peak hours, the bus leaves every 15 minutes.

Also, you can catch trains from Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations, which take around 45 minutes.

3. Stirling

Steeped in centuries of riveting history, this medieval city is an excellent day trip option for all history lovers visiting Glasgow. There are so many amazing things to do in Stirling .

One of the main attractions in Stirling is the mighty Stirling Castle. Perched over a volcanic rocky hill, Stirling Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland . It once served as the home for Scottish kings and queens.

Today, you can explore the Great Hall, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Palace. Also, you will get an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes from here. 

Battle of Stirling Bridge and Battle of Bannockburn – two famous battles of Scottish history were fought near the close vicinity of this castle.

Meander around the Old Town Cemetery and The Church of the Holy Rude adjacent to the castle. Also, you can follow The Back Walk, a dedicated scenic pathway along the old town walls of Stirling.  

Another must-see landmark in Stirling is the National Wallace Monument. The 220-foot tall tower is dedicated to William Wallace, a national hero of Scotland. 

How to Reach: Trains from Glasgow Queens Street Station take about 30 minutes to get to Stirling. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Buchanan Bus Station.

4. Falkirk & Linlithgow

Falkirk makes a great day out from Glasgow by train. The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies are two main tourist attractions in Falkirk.

The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You can enjoy boat rides and various water-based sports activities. If you want to stretch your legs, walk to the nearby Antonine Wall. Built by the Romans around AD142, the Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk is clearly signposted.

The Kelpies are two gigantic horse-head metal sculptures. Created by reputed Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, this iconic structure is located in Helix Park. It’s a reminder of the horse-driven industrial heritage of this area.

Linlithgow is just a 9-minute train ride from Falkirk. The historic ruins of Linlithgow Palace attract tourists to this pretty town. It is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, one of the most prominent figures in Scottish history. Also, it served as a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries.

How to Reach: Trains run regularly between Glasgow Queens Street and Falkirk High Station. It takes only 20 minutes. There are bus and train connections between Falkirk and Linlithgow.

5. Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a popular destination for day-trippers from Glasgow. It is famous for its stunning coastline, numerous golf courses and its connection with Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. 

You can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the village of Alloway. Inside the museum, you will find several artefacts, manuscripts and artworks. You can also see the small cottage where he was born and raised. Meander around the Alloway Auld Kirk and Brig O’ Doon, immortalised in the poet’s work.

Ayrshire is also home to the famous Culzean Castle, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. Designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, this castle sits inside a large country park.

Before heading back to Glasgow, ramble around Ayr town centre. This seaside town has a long sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles.

How to Reach: Trains from Glasgow usually take about 50 minutes to get to Ayr. Also, there is a bus service operated by Stagecoach.

6. New Lanark

This day trip from Glasgow is perfect for all history and heritage enthusiasts. In 1786, David Dale built cotton mills and housing in New Lanark by the River Clyde. Later, under the pioneering Robert Owen, the mills flourished. He implemented many revolutionary ideas that were way ahead of his time. The mills operated until 1968. 

Visitors can explore and learn about the history of these 200-year-old restored mills and houses. In 2001, UNESCO added this historic place to their list of World Heritage Sites. New Lanark is now one of the six UNESCO sites in Scotland.

While here, take a short woodland walk to see the magical Falls of Clyde, stunning cascading waterfalls. Also, watch out for the wildlife.

If you are a keen walker or mountain biker, follow the Clyde Walkway, which goes through this village.

How to Reach: From Glasgow Central Station, catch a train to Lanark, which takes about an hour. Once there, you can hop on a local bus or walk around 1.3 miles to get to the New Lanark Visitor Centre.

Day trips between one to two hours from Glasgow

7. inveraray.

Nestled on the bank of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is one of the most charming small towns in Scotland. Also, it is one of our favourite day trip destinations from Glasgow.

One of the main tourist attractions in Inveraray is the magnificent Inveraray Castle. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Campbell. The castle is usually open from April to October. Take a tour of this green castle to learn about its colourful past. 

After visiting the castle, climb to the nearby Dun Na Cuaiche Viewpoint. This walking circuit is properly waymarked and takes about two hours to complete. From the top, admire the breathtaking panoramic view over Loch Fyne, the surrounding mountains, and the town.

Next, meander along the shore of Loch Fyne, the longest sea loch in Scotland. Look out for the beautiful Inveraray War Memorial. Sit on one of the benches near the loch and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. 

Also, pop into the quaint white-washed independent shops, cafes and restaurants in the town centre.

How to Reach: Catch CityLink bus service 926 or 976 from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. It typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Inveraray. By car, it takes about an hour and a half from Glasgow.

With frequent train services from Glasgow Queen Street Station, a day trip to Dundee is super easy. Home to the V&A, Dundee is famous for its ‘jute, jam and journalism’ and industrial past. Opened in 2018, the visually striking building of V&A Dundee displays art and designs from Scotland. Also, it is the first V&A museum to exist outside of London. 

Right next to the museum, stands the RSS Discovery – the historical ship that took Captain Scott to Antarctica. Inside, you will find extensive galleries, video and film shows, and artefacts used by the crew in their voyages. Also, take a leisurely stroll along the gorgeous waterfront of Dundee.

Next, walk towards the city centre. Watch out for the Desperate Dan Statue on the High Street. Visit the McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum to see a superb collection of fine arts. The stunning Gothic-Revival architecture of the exterior is very photogenic as well.

Climb the Dundee Law for a stunning view over the city skyline and the River Tay.

If you are not too short on time, we recommend a visit to the nearby Broughty Ferry and Glamis Castle.

How to Reach: It takes around one and a half hours from Glasgow by train.

9. Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is an incredibly beautiful island in the Firth of Clyde. Known as “Scotland in Miniature”, this island is an epic day trip choice from Glasgow. It showcases all the best things of Scotland in a nutshell – dramatic mountain peaks, castles, scenic coastlines, waterfalls, distilleries and quaint little villages. 

It might be a small island, but there is so much to keep you busy. Brodick is the main town of Arran. You will find many shops and restaurants there. History lovers will like a tour of Brodick Castle. It was once home to the powerful Dukes of Hamilton. 

There are many hiking trails around the island suitable for all levels. Experienced hikers can climb Goat Fell, the highest mountain on the Isle of Arran. For beginners, we recommend a walk to Machrie Moor stone circles, Glen Sannox and King’s Cave circuit.

One of our favourite places on this island is Lochranza. Located in the northern part of Arran, Lochranza has a ruined castle, a distillery, red deer and stunning views over to the Firth of Clyde.

How to reach: Board a train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour, which takes about 45 minutes. From Ardrossan, hop on a CalMac ferry to Brodick in Arran. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

10. St Abbs, Scottish Border

You can add this picturesque fishing village to your road trip itinerary down the North Sea coast of Scotland. While getting to St Abbs using public transport is quite time-consuming, it is a perfect place for a wee day trip from Glasgow by car.

It might be a tiny fishing village on the Berwickshire coast, but there are plenty of amazing things to do in St Abbs . Also, it happens to be one of the prettiest villages in Scotland .

St Abbs was featured in Avengers: Endgame movie and a Harry Styles music video. It is famous for its rugged coastline, abundance of wildlife, eye-catching views and various nature trails.

From the village, follow the waymarked path to see the seabird colony and a scenic lighthouse on St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. The circular circuit takes around two hours to complete.

You can also take a wildlife boat tour departing from the village harbour.

Before leaving St Abbs, don’t forget to sample some delicious freshly caught seafood at Ebbcarrs Cafe, near the harbour.

How to Reach: From Glasgow, it typically takes about an hour and forty minutes to get to St Abbs by car.

11. Isle of Bute

Regarded as one of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is a great choice for spending a day out from Glasgow.

Rothesay is the largest town on the island and a charming Victorian seaside resort. The main ferry terminal on the island is also located here. Take a ramble around the marina and admire the waterfront. 

One of the main tourist attractions of the town is the Rothesay Castle. It dates back to the early 13th century. Built by the influential Stewart family, this ruined castle was once a royal residence. 

Next, take a local bus to visit the magnificent Mount Stuart, a neo-gothic mansion. This 19th-century country house was designed by Scottish architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Also, it is the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute. Take a tour of the house to explore the grand interior of Mount Stuart. Later, take a walk around the extensive gardens.

Before catching a return ferry, climb the Canada Hill viewpoint at Rothesay for a spectacular view of the town and the bay.

How to Reach: From Glasgow, catch a train to Wemyss Bay. Next, hop on a ferry to Rothesay, which takes only 35 minutes.

12. Largs and Great Cumbrae

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Glasgow to enjoy a relaxing day trip in nature. Largs is a beautiful seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. Start your adventure with a walk along the lovely promenade. Lined with several restaurants, ice-cream shops and amusement centres, it is a vibrant place.

To learn the Viking heritage of Largs, visit Viking!, an interactive experience. Also, you can participate in the Largs Viking Festival held every year in early September.

Located on the outskirts of Largs, Kelburn Castle is one of the most unusual castles in Scotland. The exterior of this 13th-century castle is painted in bright and bold designs by Brazilian graffiti artists.

The Isle of Cumbrae is just a short ferry ride from Largs. Millport is the main town of the island and boasts stunning coastal views. Watch out for the Crocodile Rock, a beloved Cumbrae landmark. This island has a range of walking, cycling and kayaking opportunities.

How to Reach: Trains from Glasgow Central Station take about an hour to reach Largs. From Largs, the ferry crossing to Cumbrae takes only ten minutes.

13. Falkland & Culross

For all Outlander fans visiting Glasgow, this day trip is a must. You will get to explore two famous Outlander filming locations in Scotland. 

Culross is one of the prettiest historic villages in Scotland . Take a wander along the winding cobbled streets of this beautifully preserved village. Take a tour of the Culross Palace to learn its fascinating history. You will get a breathtaking view of the village and the Forth of Firth from the top of the Culross Palace garden.

Nestled at the foothill of the Lomond Hills in Fife, the pretty village of Falkland has appeared many times in the Outlander TV series. Falkland was shown as the city of Inverness, where Claire and Frank went for their second honeymoon.

One of the main tourist attractions of this village is the historic Falkland Palace & Garden. It served as the royal residence of several Scottish Kings and queens. Also, this royal dwelling was a firm favourite with the Mary, Queen of Scots. Also, you will find the world’s oldest surviving real tennis court inside the palace.

How to Reach: Although there is public transport available for both places, they are quite time-consuming. So, a car is preferable for this particular day trip. From Glasgow, it takes only an hour to drive to Falkland.

Day trips over Two hours from Glasgow

14. glen coe and fort william.

A road trip to Fort William via Glen Coe takes around two and a half hours from Glasgow. So, it’s a tempting day trip option to explore one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.

Glen Coe is world-famous for its dramatic scenery, wild and rugged landscape, diverse wildlife and tragic past. There are many hiking trails around. You can stop at various viewpoints to take in the breathtaking vistas. Also, this area appeared in several blockbuster movies, like Harry Potter, Braveheart and Skyfall. 

Known as the outdoor capital of Scotland, Fort William is the home of the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. There are a variety of things to do in Fort William .

Also, Fort William sits on the famous West Highland Line. It is renowned for being one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train line starts from Glasgow Queen Street station and continues to Mallaig through the Harry Potter famed Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Instead of a day trip, we recommend spending the night in Fort William and extending your trip to the magical Isle of Skye via a ferry from Mallaig, about 40 miles from Fort William.

15. Loch Ness

Home of the notorious Loch Ness monster, Loch Ness is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Scotland.

If you are short on time, a day trip to Loch Ness from Glasgow may not be the craziest idea. Although, we would recommend using a car instead of public transport to maximise your time here.

Located on the bank of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland . Take a tour of the castle to discover the fascinating past of this historic fortress. Also, admire a stunning view over Loch Ness from here.

Take a boat tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. Who knows, you might even spot Nessie. That would surely make a very memorable day trip.

Before driving back to Glasgow, stroll around the tiny village of Fort Augustus.

If you have more time, spend the night in Inverness, known as the capital of the Highlands.

Map of the Day Trips from Glasgow

Here is a map of all the amazing places mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google Map on your phone, which you can use later. It also works when you are offline.

2 thoughts on “15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow You Need to Do”

This is super helpful, I’m already excited for my trip in a couple months!

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The 8 best day trips from Glasgow for lochs, islands, and highlands

Feb 6, 2022 • 5 min read

From nearby beauty spots to scenic coastal escapes, here are the best day trips from Glasgow © Digital Vision / Getty Images

With  Glasgow’s renowned nightlife and music scene, its ever-growing culinary reputation, expansive parks and revered museums, you can have a ball without ever venturing outside the city limits. But thanks to its geographical position, Glasgow is the perfect base from which to enjoy Scotland’s raw nature and dramatic scenery.

To the north, south, east or west, here are eight of the best day-trip destinations from Glasgow.

See renowned L och Lomond and the charming village of Luss

One of the country’s most treasured spots, Loch Lomond and its surrounds offer beauty by the beach, on the water, and way up high. Whether you choose to go for a stroll on the shore at charming Luss village, paddle a kayak to one of the loch’s many islands from lush Balmaha , or conquer your first Munro in 974m (3195ft)   Ben Lomond , this national park offers postcard-perfect sights from almost every angle.

How to get to there from Glasgow  

It's best to take the car; it’s a 35-minute drive from Glasgow. Public transport is available, with a train station at Balloch on the loch’s southern edge.

Get a dose of Scottish history at Stirling Castle

Often overlooked for its more widely-known neighbor in Scotland’s capital, Stirling Castle is just as grand, if not more so, than its Edinburgh counterpart. Perched atop a volcanic rock, the castle is as dramatic as it is historic. Overlooking the famous battlegrounds of Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, Stirling Castle has played vital roles in the stories of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.

How to get to there from Glasgow

Stirling is just a 31-minute train ride from Queen Street station, or a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city center.

Enjoy the best of Scotland's raw nature in the Perthshire Highlands

There are few better places to witness Scotland’s spectacular countryside than in Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire Highlands . Queen’s View offers the perfect platform from which to make the most of the area’s raw nature, with the Schiehallion mountain a beautiful backdrop to the awesome sight of Loch Tummel below. The similarly stunning Faskally Wood breeds an atmosphere of adventure, while Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries  — the latter of which is the smallest in Scotland — is where visitors warm up with a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.

Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside is best explored by car, with the town a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Glasgow.

Taste spectacular seafood in Oban

The gateway to the idyllic Hebridean Islands , this quaint harbor town offers picturesque views across the bay to Kerrera and Mull from the excellent vantage point at McCaig’s Tower , the intriguing and unmissable structure modeled on Rome’s Colosseum. For fans of lobster, mussels, and scallops, the call of award-winning seafood would be worth the trip alone. On your drive from Glasgow, consider stops by Castle Stalker (as featured in the 1975 film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail ) and the similarly impressive Kilchurn Castle on the often unheralded Loch Awe.

While there are trains from Glasgow to Oban, taking a car is quicker (2.5 hours) and allows you to visit many of fantastic sights on the way.

Spend a day on the scenic Isle of Arran

Lovingly described as "Scotland in miniature", for years Arran has proved a west coast sanctuary for Glaswegians keen to escape the city. For the adventurous, a climb up Goat Fell (the origin of the name still remains unclear) is a must, while a more relaxing outing may have you wind down at the excellent whisky distillery . A trip to King’s Cave  (of Robert the Bruce fame) and Brodick Castle will give a great insight into the island’s vast history.

Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (approx 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run at least five times daily.

Tour the sights of Edinburgh, Glasgow's fierce rival

Although Glaswegians steadfastly refute suggestions Edinburgh is the better city, they won’t begrudge visitors taking a trip to the capital to admire its awe-inspiring sights. The contrasts between these two neighbors are stark in terms of looks, feel and the locals. A day in Edinburgh would be best enjoyed exploring the castle , trekking up to Arthur’s Seat , and ambling down the Royal Mile in the Old Town . You’ll love it: just don’t harp on about it too much when you return to Glasgow.

Trains runs as often as every 15 minutes from Queen Street Station to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.

Learn about Scotland's great poet, Robert Burns, on the Ayrshire coast

The birthplace of Auld Lang Syne, the Scots song sung around the world every New Year’s Eve, Ayrshire is the home of its creator and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Immerse yourself in the words and stories of the bard at the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage . Drive a little further down the coast and stop by regal Culzean Castle and take in nearby views of iconic island Ailsa Craig.

The Burns Museum can be reached by car in 45 minutes from Glasgow. Public transport options are available, involving taking the train and a local bus.

Cycle around the island of Great Cumbrae

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Largs, the population of this small west coast island balloons when summer arrives, as families descend upon Great Cumbrae to experience its old-world holiday feel. A leisurely 10-mile trip on two wheels around the "island of 1000 bicycles" is almost mandatory, as is a stroll along the promenade with a classic Scottish fish supper. Great Cumbrae is also the home of Britain’s smallest cathedral .

Largs, where the ferry departs from the mainland, is easily accessible by train (1 hour) from Glasgow Central station. Ferries run approximately every half-hour, more frequently in summertime. 

You might also like: The 15 best things to do in Glasgow for fun (no kilt required)    27 things you should know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more    The best things to do in Scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks   

This article was first published November 2019 and updated February 2022

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The 10 Best Day Trips from Glasgow, Scotland

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

Glasgow is a wonderful city that is worth visiting, and it also makes for a great base to explore a number of Scottish highlights, from Loch Lomond to whisky distilleries to Burns Country. In today’s post, we’re going to go through our favourite day trips from Glasgow, to give you some ideas of what is possible when you base yourself in Scotland’s largest city.

For each of the day trips we list we’re going to give you all the information you need on how best to do the trip, including transport options, directions, and the amount of time it will require.

We’ll also provide information on visiting Glasgow, including links to a number of other posts we’ve written about visiting this friendly city.

The Best Day Trips from Glasgow

Below you’ll find some of our favourite day trips from Glasgow, which are not listed in any particular order – we think these are all excellent day trips.

We’d also highly suggest you spend some time exploring Glasgow itself if you’re staying here, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow to start with, and see the end of the post for more reading inspiration.

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Certainly one of the most popular day trips to take from Glasgow is to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Loch Lomond is only around a 40 minute drive from Glasgow city center, making it an ideal destination to visit for the day. As well as Loch Lomond itself, which is surrounded by beautiful villages like Luss, there are other lochs like Loch Katrine, where you can take a steam boat across the lake for lovely sightseeing opportunities.

There are also myriad other adventures to be add, from water activities to adventure parks to cute towns and villages. There’s even an ancient stone circle you can visit.

As you can see, there a lot to see and do in this area, and you could easily spend a whole day at Loch Lomond. We’ve put a full guide together of things to do in Loch Lomond , which should serve as inspiration. If you have the inclination, we can also recommend a visit to the Devil’s Pulpit , which is just south of the park, and is a wonderful photography location.

How to get to Loch Lomond from Glasgow

Loch Lomond is only 25 miles from Glasgow, so one option is to drive yourself. This will certainly give you the most flexibility, and will be cost effective – especially if you are a group. Check car rental prices on Discover Cars here . They compare all the major providers to help you get the best deal for your trip.

It’s also possible to take public transport to Loch Lomond from Glasgow, although this will be a bit limiting. From Glasgow, you can catch a train to Balloch, from where you can take a cruise on the Loch, as well as to Tarbet and Ardlui, from where you can take waterbus services to Loch Lomond. Check train times and book tickets here .

Within the park, there are a number of bus services, you can check and plan routes on the Traveline website .

An easier option if you don’t want to drive or figure out public transport is to take a tour of Loch Lomond. For tours in Scotland we recommend and have used Rabbie’s Trail Burners for numerous tours. We love their small group nature (their comfortable buses seat no more than 16), and their driver-guides are really excellent.

They offer two tours to Loch Lomond from Glasgow:

• a half-day tour that includes the Loch and a Whisky Distillery Visit
• a full day tour which includes Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Whisky

We think one of those would be a great option for visiting Loch Lomond, plus they both include some extra stops to complete the experience.

2. Burns Country, Ayrshire, and Culzean Castle

One of our favourite places to explore near Glasgow is Burns Country and the Ayrshire coast, which runs to the south west of the city.

This is definitely an undervisited part of Scotland, despite once being the birthplace of Scotland’s most famous poet – Robert Burns.

Burns, for those of you not familiar with him, was responsible for penning a wide range of well known poems, most famous of which today is “Auld Lang Syne”, which is traditionally sung at Hogmanay , Scotland’s New Year celebration. Burns even has his own day of celebration in Scotland, Burns Night, which is held annually on the 25th January, the poets birthday.

Burns Night celebrates all things related to the poet (and Scotland), and includes traditional dancing, poetry and song recitals, and traditional foods including, of course, haggis.

Whilst Burns lived in a number of locations around Scotland, the region of Ayrshire is the part of Scotland most associated with him. It was here that he was born, in Alloway, and today you can visit both the cottage of his birth and the Burns Birthplace Museum , which is a fantastic place to learn all about the poet.

Alloway is also home to the “Brig o’ Doon”, an old stone bridge that featured in a poem, and the crumbling Alloway Auld Kirk.

There are a number of other locations in Ayrshire that are also linked to Burns, including the Bachelor’s Club Museum in Tarbolton, Souter Jonnie’s Cottage in Kirkswald, and the Burns House Museum in Mauchline.

True fans will also want to head to Dumfries (home of the annual Burns Big Supper Festival ), where you can visit another Burns House, as well as the Globe Inn and Ellisland Farm .

Of course, Ayrshire is more than just a series of sights relating to Robert Burns. There’s lovely coastline here which is dotted with attractions. One particularly popular one is Culzean Castle .

This beautiful castle, designed by Robert Adams, sits perched atop a cliff and has rooms you can tour, gorgeous gardens to wander, an on-site cafe, and even a beach. This is a must-visit location when touring this part of Scotland, and is easily reached from Glasgow as part of a day trip.

Note that many of these attractions, as well as others in this guide, are National Trust for Scotland properties. If you plan to visit a number of them, you will likely benefit from an NTS membership , which will give you free access to these sites. We have a membership and use it regularly across the UK, and it has paid for itself many times over! You can buy yours here .

How to visit the Ayrshire Coast from Glasgow

The two easiest ways to explore the Ayrshire coast are to either drive yourself or to take a tour. For the former, you can pick up a hire car in Glasgow and then plan your route yourself – with a whole day to play with you’ll be able to see most of the Burns sights and Culzean Castle. The total round trip distance will be around 100 miles.

Another option is to take a specific tour. For this day trip, the tour we recommend and have done ourselves is the  Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast  tour with Rabbie’s. This is a full day tour which includes many of our suggested stops, which starts and finishes in Glasgow.

From Glasgow you can also take public transport to visit some of the sights in this area. For example, you can take the train to Ayr, from where you can pick up a bus that will take you to Alloway and Glenside. From the latter it’s about a 20 minute walk down to Culzean Castle. You can check and plan routes on the Traveline website .

3. Outlander Filming Locations near Glasgow

Fans of the Outlander TV show have flocked to Scotland to visit the filming locations from the series, many of which are found either in Glasgow itself, or within easy driving distance of Glasgow.

The main Outlander locations in Glasgow itself are as follows:

• Glasgow Cathedral – used in Season 2 of Outlander as the filming location for the Parisian hospital, L’Hôpital des Anges
• University of Glasgow – multiple locations around the Gilmorehill campus of the university were used to depict scenes of Harvard University in Boston
• Kelvingrove Park – this was used for a number of scenes of Bostin in Season 3 of Outlander
• Pollok Country Park – Glasgow’s largest park was used for a number of outdoor scenes in season 2 and season 4 of the show, spanning locations in Scotland, France and North Carolina

The main locations that you’ll want to visit within driving distance of Glasgow are as follows:

• Doune Castle . This beautiful 14th castle stood in for Castle Leoch in the show. It also appeared in Game of Thrones, the Outlander King and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, amongst others.
• Falkland – a town in the Kingdom of Fife region of Scotland, which was the location of the 1940’s Inverness scenes in the show
• Culross – a stunning village also found in the Kingdom of Fife. Much of the village is being preserved by the National Trust for Scotland. The village has played host to multiple Outlander scenes, and is the location of Cranesmuir in the show.
• Hopetoun House – Hopetoun House, around 20 minute from Linlithgow, is a gorgeous home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander
• Midhope Castle – a pretty but fairly derelict castle which was used as Jamie’s family home. It’s popular to visit, but you can only see the outside, as the inside is unsafe and thus sealed off. It is on private land and is sometimes closed off to visitors. This is found on the Hopetoun House estate, and you can see visiting information here .
• Blackness Castle – A stunning sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a battleship. Stood in for Fort William in the show
• Linlithgow Palace – this was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and is a stunning ruined castle which is well worth visiting. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander, and has appeared in a number of other shows as well.

There are of course more Outlander filming locations you can visit, but these are the main ones we think fans of the show will enjoy visiting as part of an Outlander day trip.

For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .

How to see the Outlander Filming Locations from Glasgow

For the locations in Glasgow, these are easy to enough to visit, either on foot or by public transport.

The Outlander filming locations outside of Glasgow are a little bit spread out, so our suggestion is to either visit them yourself with a hire car , or to take a tour.

In terms of a tour, we have taken and can recommend the Outlander Filming locations tour with Rabbie’s. This is a full day tour, and despite Jess and I never having seen the show, we really enjoyed this tour, with the village of Culross, Blackness Castle, and Linlithgow Palace being real highlights.

If you do plan on visiting a number of Outlander locations, we can also recommend you look into a Historic Scotland pass . This will get you into over 70 properties in Scotland which are managed by Historic Scotland, which includes Doune Castle, Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace, as well as other major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

4. Take a Tour of Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow

You can’t come to Scotland and not visit a whisky distillery. Even if you’re not a fan of the drink itself, we think this is something that is quintessentially Scottish in nature, and we always enjoy visiting the distilleries as they are usually historically interesting and in pretty buildings and/or locations.

Of course, the opportunity to drink whisky is one Laurence would never pass up, even if Jess isn’t convinced yet.

There are a number of Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow that you can visit, including one that opened in 2018 in the city itself. Here’s a quick overview of some recommended options:

• The Clydeside Distillery – Opened in 2018, this distillery is found on the banks of the River Clyde in the former Pumphouse building at Queen’s Dock. You can take a tour of the distillery and learn about the history of whisky in Scotland, plus sample whiskies from different regions of the country
• Auchentoshan Distillery – just outside of Glasgow, this distillery has been making Lowland style single malts since 1800. It is triple distilled, and has a slightly more delicate and sweeter flavour than other whiskies – possibly a good option for those of you who are new to Scotch whisky. It’s open for tours and tastings.
• Glengoyne Distillery  – we’ve visited a number of distilleries in Scotland, and Glengoyne is definitely a favourite and the most well-known in this area. They pride themselves on taking their time and using original techniques, honed over 200 years of whisky distilling. You can take a tour of their facility and try their excellent whisky. Plus you can read about our experience doing just that right here .
• Deanston Distillery – this distillery is found in the town of Deanston, less than a mile from Doune Castle, making it a good option for a visit of both. The 18th century building was originally a cotton mill, but it opened as a distillery in 1967. Tours and tastings of their excellent single malts are available.

As you can see, there are a number of whisky distilleries both in and near Glasgow – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Now, let’s have a look at the best way to visit them.

How to get to the Whisky Distilleries near Glasgow

We would advise against driving to the whisky distilleries unless you have a committed designated driver, as whilst most of the distilleries will let you take your sample “to-go”, it isn’t quite the same experience. It’s also definitely not worth drinking and driving in Scotland as the drink-drive limits are very low, and fines are quite high!

So, if you don’t want to drive, you have a few options – take a tour, or use public transport.

The distilleries closest to Glasgow are easily reachable by public transport, and these are a good option if you also don’t want to spend a full day doing whisky distilleries.

In this case your best option is likely going to be to visit one of the distilleries which is closer to Glasgow, like the Clydeside. This is near the the SSE Hydro and the Riverside Museum of Transport, and can be easily reached by bus from central Glasgow. You could even walk. Another option is to take Glasgow’s hop on hop off bus , which has a stop just near here.

The next closest distillery we recommend is Auchentoshan Distillery, and the easiest way to get here by public transport is to take the train from central Glasgow out to Dalmuir, from where it’s a 20 minute walk or four minute bus ride across to the distillery.

It’s also possible to visit Glengoyne Distillery by public transport, with the B10 bus taking around an hour to get here. For Deanston, you can take the train out to Stirling, and then take the 59 bus to the distillery, which will also take an hour.

For more information on all these public transport options and for up to date timetables and route information, take a look at the Traveline website .

If you’d prefer to take a tour, which would be our suggested option, you have a few options. First, you can take a tour which includes a number of sights as well as a whisky distillery. We think this is going to be the best option as you’ll get more out of your day. Alternatively, there are a couple of private tours from Glasgow which will just take you to the distilleries.

Here are the options we suggest:

• A half-day tour that includes a Glengoyne Distillery Visit and Loch Lomond
• A full day tour which includes a Glengoyne Distillery, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
• A private tour that lasts around 2 hours from Glasgow to Tuillibardine Distillery
• A full day private tour which includes Auchentoshan Distillery, Deanston Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery, as well as other sightseeing opportunities en route including Loch Lomond and Loch Lubnaig

5. Stirling

The city of Stirling, much like Edinburgh, is home to a beautiful medieval castle, a medieval old town, and many attractions that make is worth visiting.

Also like Edinburgh, the history of human habitation in Stirling goes back thousands of years, with structures believed to have been built where Stirling Castle today stands over 2,000 years ago.

Stirling, with it’s easily defensible hill, was a key strategic position for centuries, and was seen as the gateway to the highlands. With clear views across the plains in all directions, any army coming from or going to the Highlands was inevitably going to pass within view of Stirling itself. For a time, Stirling was also the capital of Scotland, although it has only been officially designated as a city since 2002.

Near to Stirling, and also worth a visit, is the National Wallace Monument . Built in 1869, this 220ft  monument celebrates the story of Sir William Wallace, a 13th century Scottish freedom fighter who fought the English. The monument overlooks the location of the Battle of Stirling Bridge , where Wallace defeated the English forces under the command of King Edward I.

As you would imagine, there is plenty to do in Stirling to fill a day, from visiting the castle to wandering the medieval streets to visiting the Wallace Monument.

How to Get to Stirling From Glasgow

The easiest way to get to Stirling from Glasgow is to take the train – this is a direct service that takes just under an hour. You can find train times and book tickets online here .

Naturally, it’s also possible to drive from Glasgow to Stirling, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour. This is a good option if you plan on doing additional sightseeing in the area, but if your only goal is to visit Stirling, we don’t suggest hiring a car just for this purpose as you’ll likely have to pay for parking, and the train will be just as easy.

The other option you have is to take a day tour. These will usually include time in Stirling as well as some other attractions, such as this tour by Rabbie’s Tours which includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a whisky distillery .

Falkirk is very close to Stirling, and if you’re visiting from Glasgow with your own transport, we can highly recommend visiting both these locations on the same day.

Falkirk has a number of attractions that make a visit worthwhile. First of these are the Kelpies . These massive statues of two horse heads are the largest equine statues in the world, and at 100ft high, it’s hard to imagine they’ll lose that title for a while!

A Kelpie is a water spirit of Scottish mythology which shape shifts when it is on land, most commonly into a horse. They tend to be fairly evil in nature, with the stories surrounding them usually involving them enticing people into the water in order to be devoured. A story still told by some parents to keep children from going into water by themselves.

Thankfully, the Kelpie statues are somewhat less terrifying, and are instead just nice to visit and admire. Visiting the Kelpies is free. You can also take a tour and actually go inside the statues too, although there’s a fee for this.

The second thing to do in Falkirk is to visit the Falkirk Wheel . This is a remarkable feat of engineering, which serves as a lift for boats, taking them up an impressive 24 metres in height. It’s the only rotating boat-lift of its kind in the world, and it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, meaning you can take a canal boat between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

If you don’t have a boat though, don’t worry. From the Falkirk Wheel you can ride the on the boat lift as part of a boat tour, following which you take a trip on the Union Canal.

Finally, when visiting Falkirk, we can recommend visiting the beautiful Callendar House . This a a beautiful 14th century French style chateau, which is quite the sight. Also on the grounds are remnants the UNESCO world heritage listed Antonine Wall, which was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire for a wall.

The Callendar House grounds are open year round, and admission is free. You can also visit the house, and you can see opening times here .

How to Get to Falkirk From Glasgow

You have lots of options for getting to Falkirk from Glasgow. The easiest will be to drive, which will take you around 30 – 45 minutes. Driving will make your time in Falkirk a bit easier, as the three main attractions are somewhat spread out across the town, plus you’ll be able to add in some other attractions such as nearby Linlithgow palace and Stirling Castle.

The next option is to take public transport. There are two train stations in Falkirk, and the train only takes around 20 minutes. Once in Falkirk, you can use public buses or local taxis to get around. Purchase train tickets here , and check out local public transport options here .

The final option is to take a tour. Rabbie’s have a half day tour from Glasgow to Falkirk , which includes visiting both the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

7. Edinburgh

Of course, one awesome day trip to take from Glasgow is to Edinburgh! Whilst there are more than enough things to do in Edinburgh to fill a few days of exploring , a day trip will still let you see a great deal that the city has to offer.

We’d suggest spending time visiting Edinburgh Castle, wandering the Royal Mile, visiting some of the many museums, perhaps checking out Edinburgh’s Harry Potter locations  and taking in some of the many free museums on offer.

You’ll also find plentiful shopping, dining and entertainment options to keep you busy, whatever time of year you visit. And in the busy festival times over August and New Years, many people choose to stay in Glasgow and day trip to Edinburgh for cost saving reasons.

How to Get To Edinburgh from Glasgow

Scotland’s two largest cities are well connected by road and rail, and there are many trains and buses a day running between the two cities. We’d suggest that taking the train would be the fastest and easiest option, depositing you right in the center of Edinburgh, within easy walking distance of the major attractions. Find train times and book tickets online here .

There are also buses between the two all the time, which will take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on traffic. Check bus times and buy tickets here .

You can also drive between the two cities, a trip we have taken many times. Our only advice is not to do this during the busy morning and evening rush hours, as the motorway between the two cities gets very busy!

We’ve not found any tours that run from Glasgow to Edinburgh, so you are going to have to do this under your own steam!

8. Museum of Rural Life & Pollock House

You don’t have to go far from the city centre of Glasgow to find a number of interesting attractions which are worth visiting.

For example, just outside of the city center is the National Museum of Rural Life , a jointly run venture between the National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland. Here you can learn all about the history of rural living in Scotland, plus visit a working farm and well-preserved traditional farm house. Definitely a good one if you’re travelling with kids!

Another great option in a similar direction, just to the south of the city, is Pollok House , found in Pollok Country Park. This is an 18th century property that was the home of the Stirling Maxwell family, who lived on and owned this land for almost 700 years.

It’s a beautiful property, and lovers of stately homes will definitely want to visit. Whilst you are in the area, we can also recommend exploring Pollok Country Park, which is a lovely green space for walking. It’s also home to The Burrell Collection , which is a unique collection of art pieces that range from 5,000 year old Chinese artifacts to medieval treasures to French paintings.

Note the Burrell Collection is closed for renovations until 2020.

Getting to the Museum of Rural Life from Glasgow

Getting to the National Museum of Rural Life and Pollok Museum is easy if you have a car, as these are both just a short distance from the city center.

There’s also a bus service that runs out to the Museum of Rural Life, which takes around half an hour from the city center.

Getting to Pollock House from Glasgow

To get to Pollock House from Glasgow, you can either drive or take public transport.

If you drive, there’s parking on site, which is free for National Trust members You can also take the train from the city center out to Pollokshaws West, from where it’s a 25 minute walk across Pollok Country Park to Pollok House.

9. Oban and Glen Coe

Looking north from Glasgow now, and a trip to the Scottish Highlands. These are a must-visit for anyone coming to Scotland, with the mountainous terrain and sweeping dramatic landscapes offering a marked contrast from the lowland region.

From Glasgow, you could do a day trip that takes you up through the pretty historical town of Inveraray, past the ruins of stunning Kilchurn Castle, through the town of Oban (also known as the seafood capital of Scotland), and then up to the majestic valley of Glen Coe .

Glen Coe is home to one of Scotland’s ski resorts , as well as being a Harry Potter filming location  and is very much worth visiting at any time of year.

On your way back to Glasgow, you could take a different route and head back down through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, making for a complete and full day out.

How to get to Oban and Glen Coe from Glasgow

The two easiest options for getting to Oban and then on to Glen Coe are going to be either with a car, or to take a tour.

You can get also to Oban by train from Glasgow (a lovely journey that goes through the Trossach National Park), but you’ll be a bit limited in terms of getting to Glen Coe, plus at three hours, it’s a fairly long ride. This would work if you only wanted to visit Oban, but to be honest, we think taking a tour is going to be a better option.

The tour we recommend is the  Oban, Glen Coe, Highland Lochs & Castles tour with Rabbie’s, which stops at all the highlights we mention, and will give you a great taste of what Scotland has to offer.

10. Loch Ness

If you’re excited about the idea of the Highlands and want to get even further into this region, then you might want to look into a trip up to beautiful Loch Ness.

Loch Ness is the home of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, one of the most enduring and well known tales of the 20th century. It’s also famous as being the largest loch by volume in the UK – if you added up all the water of the lakes in England and Wales, it would be less than the volume of water in Loch Ness!

Of course, there’s lots more to do in Loch Ness than hunt for Nessie. You can take a cruise on the lake, visit the crumbling Urquhart castle , and visit some of the cute villages around the Loch.

If you’re planning on going all the way up to Loch Ness from Glasgow, it makes sense to do this as a loop. The drive is around 3.5 – 4 hours each way, so plan for this to be a long day with an early start and a late finish.

Highlights along the route that we’d suggest stopping at (or at least passing through!) include Loch Lomond, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, and the drive past the Cairngorms National Park .

In our opinion, visiting Loch Ness as a day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh makes for a long day with a lot of driving, and it might be best split up into two days, with an overnight stop in Inverness.

Alternatively, our preferred option would be to base yourselves in Inverness and explore from here – Inverness is a beautiful city, and we have a guide to the best day trips from Inverness to give you lots of ideas for what to do from here. However, it is possible to do it, so let’s look at the transport options.

How to Get to Loch Ness from Glasgow

The best two options for visiting Loch Ness from Glasgow are to drive yourself or to take a tour.

Public transport is an option, but only if you are ok with only seeing Loch Ness. In this case, you could take the train from Glasgow to Inverness, which will take around 3.5 hours. From Inverness you can then take a local bus to Loch Ness. However, we don’t think this is a very practical option given how much time you will spend on public transport.

A better option would be to take a full day tour from Glasgow up to Loch Ness. The tour we recommend is the full day “ Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands ” with Rabbie’s, which includes a number of highlights and includes time for you to take a cruise on Loch Ness itself.

If you choose to drive yourself, we suggest planning out a route that heads up through Glencoe on the way there, passes along the side of the Loch, and heads back down the A9, and stops at a number of the attractions we mention on the way.

Full List of Suggested Day Trip Tours from Glasgow

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of all the tours we recommend that depart from Glasgow.

• Loch Lomond and Whisky Distillery Visit
• Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Whisky Distillery Visit
• Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast
• Outlander Filming locations tour
• A private tour  from Glasgow to Tuillibardine Distillery
• Half day tour  from Glasgow to Falkirk
• Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles tour
• Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands

You can also see all the day trips from Rabbie’s Trail Burners which depart from Glasgow here .

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Glasgow has a wide variety of accommodation options at a good range of prices, and we’ve always enjoyed staying in the city.

We usually recommend for accommodation that you check out Booking.com which lists a large variety of  hotels ,  apartments ,  guesthouses , and  hostels . You can see all their  Glasgow accommodation options here .

We’ve personally stayed at the  Jury’s Inn which was centrally located and great value for money, as well as Native Glasgow , which offers comfortable serviced apartments right in the centre.

You can also take a look at our list of Airbnb alternatives  for more options for your visit!

Further Reading

We’ve lived and travelled in Scotland for a number of years, and have put together a wide range of content to help you plan your trip to this beautiful country. Here are some articles we think you’ll find particularly useful.

• Our guide to things to do in Glasgow , to give you inspiration in the city itself. We also have a guide to the street art of Glasgow .
• Our guide to visiting Loch Lomond from Glasgow
• We also have guides to other cities in Scotland, including Things to do in Edinburgh and Things to do in Aberdeen . Harry Potter fans will also want to read about Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh and Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland !
• If you want to head deeper into the highlands and islands, check out our guide to visiting the Isle of Skye , our Glen Coe photo essay , our comprehensive North Coast 500 Road trip planning guide , and our 5 Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Itinerary
• We have a detailed guide to visiting Glen Coe which has everything you need to plan your trip
• We also have guide to day trips from other Scottish cities, including the best day trips from Inverness , the best day trips from Edinburgh , and the best day trips from Aberdeen

And that sums up our guide to the best day trips from Glasgow! As always, do let us know your feedback and questions in the comments section below.

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Sandra says

29th March 2021 at 8:11 pm

Thank you so much. Planning a trip to Scotland in the future and your site was most helpful x

Laurence Norah says

30th March 2021 at 11:09 am

My pleasure Sandra – have a wonderful trip and do let us know if you have any questions!

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16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Glasgow

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Nov 26, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Glasgow sits in an enviable position. Not only is it within easy reach of many of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions , there are also no end of fun things to do within an easy day trip of the city. And best of all, many of them are easily accessible via public transport, as Glasgow and its surrounds boasts a superb transportation network.

From here, great places to visit include the Scottish Highlands, Robbie Burns country along the Ayrshire coast, Aran Island, as well as Oban. And, of course, famous Loch Ness is within reach, although you may want to make an overnight stay of it (it's doable, but is a three-hour drive away).

Beautiful Loch Lomond is even closer and is popular for outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking and biking adventures. Stirling Castle, along with a number of equally attractive castles and manor houses, is also within easy reach of Glasgow.

Whatever season you visit, if you do ever tire of Glasgow's lively cultural and music scene - or simply want to experience a different side of Scotland - there are plenty of options for spending time outside the city.

Plan your adventures with this list of the best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland.

1. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

2. loch lomond and the west highlands, 3. stirling and stirling castle, 4. isle of arran: scotland in miniature, 5. outlander day tour from glasgow, 6. benmore botanic garden, 7. newark castle, 8. the ayrshire coast: robbie burns country, 9. dumbarton castle, 10. oban and the west highlands, 11. the hill house, helensburgh, 12. the forth and clyde canal and the falkirk wheel, 13. summerlee museum of scottish industrial life, 14. paisley abbey and the thomas coats memorial church, 15. gourock: granny kempock's stone, 16. greenock, map of day trips from glasgow.

What trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting Loch Ness , home of the fabled sea serpent, Nessie? While it's a lengthy three-hour drive from Glasgow , it should certainly rank near the top of your Glasgow day trips list.

This spectacularly beautiful 23-mile-long and extremely deep body of water fills the geological fissure known as the Great Glen , whose steep green walls make it one of Scotland's loveliest sights. Hour-long boat trips from Fort Augustus or Inverness , or scenic drives along the loch's shore reveal stunning vistas of the rocky peaks of the Scottish Highlands.

Tours to Great Glen, such as the 12-hour Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow , stop in the remote and atmospheric Glencoe , scene of the historic massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. The entire region is filled with breathtaking scenery of high mountains, rocky ridges, fast-running rivers, and tumbling waterfalls.

"Yon bonnie banks and yon bonnie braes" of Scotland's largest freshwater loch are only half an hour from Glasgow, at the southern end of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park . In fact, so pretty are the lochs and mountains here that they've earned the park the nickname "The Highlands in Miniature."

In addition to the haunting beauty and romantic vistas that this traditional Scottish song speaks of, Loch Lomond is a center for outdoor adventures. Boaters and other water sports enthusiasts are drawn here, as are golfers, who head for the Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House . Here, you'll find one of Scotland's finest championship-standard golf courses, boasting incredible views of Ben Lomond across the waters of the loch.

Hiking and bicycle trails abound throughout the park, and Loch Lomond cruises depart from Balloch at the southern end of the lake. Balloch is also where you'll find the Loch Lomond Shores shopping area, as well as the SEA LIFE Aquarium, one of the region's top family attractions.

Although you can easily reach the loch by train, Loch Lomond is often part of tours of the West Highlands from Glasgow. The full-day guided West Highland Lochs, Glencoe and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow includes attractions such as Kilchurn Castle, the town of Inveraray, and Castle Stalker on Loch Laich.

Official site: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do around Loch Lomond

Just 30 minutes from Glasgow by car or direct train, the town of Stirling is famous as the location of the Battle of Bannockburn . It was here in 1314 that Robert the Bruce defeated the English invaders. It was also where legendary William Wallace beat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a victory for Scottish independence. Both these important battles are commemorated at the excellent Bannockburn Heritage Centre .

Between Stirling and the quaint village of Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument, a spectacular 246-step tower with sweeping views of the area, as well as artifacts that belonged to Wallace.

The spectacular 12th-century Stirling Castle, built atop a 76-meter-high volcanic crag, has played an important role throughout Scotland's rich history and is open to visitors. You can visit Stirling and the castle and also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs on the Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle Tour from Glasgow .

Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling, Scotland

Official site: www.stirlingcastle.scot

The lovely Isle of Arran is only 267 square kilometers in size but contains examples of just about everything that makes Scotland one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It's for this reason that the island has earned the nickname, "Scotland in Miniature."

Just a one-hour ferry ride from Ardrossan, which itself is an easy train trip from Glasgow, Arran is marked by magnificent mountains, moorland, sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife, castles, and fishing harbors. It's also a popular golf destination, and offers three great courses.

Arran is also a walker's paradise, and buses run regularly around the island from the ferry terminal at Brodick to its various tourist attractions. Although the best places to visit on Arran – including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell mountain (873 meters) – can be seen in a day (including the ferry ride), you'll want to spend at least a few days exploring this wonderful part of Scotland.

Fans of the hit TV series, Outlander , will definitely be interested in adding a great tour of the series' film locations to their Glasgow travel itinerary. The popular Outlander day tour from Glasgow is an immersive eight-hour adventure departing from central Glasgow that features stops in a number of spots fans will instantly recognize.

For many, a highlight of the tour is the chance to visit the picturesque village of Culross, which stood in for the fictional Crainesmuir. It's the last stop of the tour, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the old village square, which dates from the 1600s, as well as a historic home dating from the same period.

The attractive Doune Castle is another notable location you'll visit. This remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress starred as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and you'll have plenty of time to explore it armed with a great audio-guide (provided).

The village of Falkland is also on the itinerary, where you'll have a chance to grab a bite of lunch and explore at your leisure. Also included are stops at Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle. Inclusions with this tour are transportation and the services of a professional guide.

Benmore Botanic Garden, set amidst spectacularly rugged mountain scenery north of Glasgow at the southern end of Loch Eck, is part of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden . The avenue of giant Californian redwoods planted in 1863 line the long driveway to the property, where you'll be rewarded with a chance to wander around more than 300 different species of rhododendron and azaleas.

Other highlights include Puck's Hut, a wooden memorial to Isaac Bayley Balfour who had the idea to create the gardens, and a bronze statue dating from 1875, A Boy with Two Dolphins , donated by the owner of adjacent Benmore House, now an outdoor learning center.

Nearby Argyll Forest Park is also well worth checking out. Established in 1935, it was the first of its kind in Britain and boasts an impressive 186 mile network of footpaths.

Location: 4 Uig, Benmore, Dunoon, Scotland

Official site: www.rbge.org.uk/visit/benmore-botanic-garden/

In the industrial town of Port Glasgow, just 25 miles west of Glasgow's city center, stands the 15th-century Newark Castle. This attractive mansion, with its gatehouse and tower, was once the seat of the (sometimes murderous) Maxwell family.

Although the Tower House rooms are not open to visitors, you can see the building's lovely Jacobean exterior and the fascinating "below stairs" rooms. Here, interesting exhibits relate to the working conditions and lives of the family's staff.

Address: Castle Rd, Port Glasgow, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/newark-castle/

Fans of the poetry and songs of Robbie Burns, Scotland's beloved national poet, will want to explore the places he lived and the countryside he immortalized. At the same time, you'll see one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Scotland.

Follow the Burns Heritage Trail from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr, where you'll see the beautifully preserved thatched house where the poet was born and lived as a child.

After visiting the 16th-century Auld Kirk where his father is buried, this circular tour heads south to Dumfries and the Robert Burns House, where the poet lived for the four years before he died here in 1796, at age 36. The house is now a museum and gives a good portrait of his life. His grave is in the nearby St. Michael's Churchyard.

Another highlight of the Ayrshire coast is Culzean Castle and Country Park , with woodland trails and landscaped gardens that include a Victorian Walled Garden. You can visit the Burns sites and Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire Coast Day Trip from Glasgow: Robert Burns Country and Culzean Country Park tour, with a guide who will tell more about Burns and Culzean castle, including its connections with President Eisenhower at the end of World War II.

Dumbarton Castle perches dramatically on a basalt rock on the north bank of the Clyde facing Port Glasgow. This strategically important stronghold was started in the 6th century and was central to the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde's rule over the surrounding area until 1018. Only the dungeon and 12th-century gateway remain of this medieval edifice where Mary Stuart embarked for France at age five.

Other highlights of this star of the Game of Thrones series include the wonderful views, the Georgian artillery fortifications, and the Governor's House with its interesting artifacts from the castle.

Address: Castle Road, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle/

The pretty Victorian town of Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland , sits on the coast and is the main port for the ferries that connect southern Scotland to Mull, Skye, and the Hebrides islands.

For a view that encompasses the town and harbor and reaches all the way to the Isle of Mull on clear days, climb to the top of McCaig's Tower . This impressive Victorian monument was built to resemble the Colosseum in Rome .

The route to Oban from Glasgow passes through some of Scotland's most scenic countryside, a land of mountains, moors, lochs, and castles. On the Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow , you'll ride through this scenic land, along the shores of Loch Fyne, Loch Awe, and Loch Lomond , where you'll stop in the village of Luss.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Oban

Lovers of Art Nouveau styling won't be disappointed by a visit to Hill House in Helensburgh. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh after plans were drawn up for his Art Lover's House , Hill House was built in 1904 overlooking the Firth of Clyde.

Surrounded by a delightful garden, the house is somewhat reminiscent of Scottish fortified manor houses, while the figural elements, rounded edges, oriel windows, and small chimney stacks bear all the hallmarks of the gifted designer.

The home is currently the subject of an ambitious renovation project that has resulted in it being encased in a large steel frame. Called the " Hill House Box ," this impressive structure - anticipated to be in place for up to 15 years - is something of an architectural wonder in itself. Built to keep the weather out and allowing the house's exterior walls to dry, guests can actually climb the frame to enjoy never before seen views of the structure.

Meanwhile, the interior remains open to visitors. In the wide hall, the dark wooden panels contrast with the light wallpaper, supplemented with abstract patterns and delicate pastel shades. Art Nouveau patterns in pink and light green soften the effect of the walls, windows, and lamps.

The bedroom on the first floor above the lounge is regarded as the most successful of Mackintosh's "White Rooms." Mackintosh also designed the furniture, and his wife, Margaret Macdonald, designed and made many of the textiles and a stunning fireplace panel.

Address: Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Scotland

Official site: www.nts.org.uk/property/the-hill-house/

The Forth and Clyde Canal, built in 1790, winds its way through the Strathkelvin District to the north of Glasgow. The fully restored 35-mile waterway was an important link for seagoing vessels between the Firths of Clyde and Forth, joining the River Clyde at Bowling and the River Forth at Grangemouth. Today, you can take a very pleasant outing from Kirkintilloch aboard one of the vessels operated by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society.

Be sure to allow time to explore the spectacular Falkirk Wheel at the eastern end of the canal. Capable of carrying up to eight boats, this unique piece of modern engineering – part sculpture, part boatlift – connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal near the important industrial town of Falkirk.

Visitors can experience the hour-long journey aboard special boats and learn more about its operation at the visitor center. Behind-the-scenes tours of this engineering marvel are also available.

Address: Lime Road, Falkirk, Scotland

Official site: www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/

The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is based around the 20-acre site of 19th-century Summerlee Iron Works. Opened in 1836 and once one of the region's biggest employers, today this sightseeing trip is fun for kids as well as adults. Highlights include Scotland's only still-operating vintage tramway, a recreated mine, workers' cottages, and various Victorian steam engines. Guided tours of the abandoned mines are also available, and admission is free.

Address: Heritage Way, Coatbridge, Scotland

Some surviving parts of Paisley Abbey date from its original construction in 1163. Highlights of a visit include the choir stalls and a walk up 197 steps to the Tower.

Another Paisley landmark is the ornate Thomas Coats Memorial Church. Funded by one of Scotland's leading textile manufacturers and completed in 1894, its intricate stonework was the product of numerous apprentice stonemasons.

While in the area, pay a visit to Paisley Museum and Art Gallery , with its interesting displays relating to the development of the textile industry and the story of the distinctive "drop motif" on the world-famous Paisley pattern. Exhibits include the old looms on which the best-selling designs were produced, as well as original woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir, the inspiration for the Scottish production.

Address: Abbey Close, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Official site: www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

By the coast at Gourock, some 28 miles west of Glasgow, stands an interesting six-foot-tall slate monolith reputed to have been a meeting place for Druids. It's known as Granny Kempock's Stone. Fishermen would make small offerings in return for fine weather and good catches, and it's still customary for local newlyweds to circle the stone to bring good luck to their marriage.

The views across the Clyde Estuary toward the southwest Highlands make the journey to this seaside town worth the effort. The Gourock Highland Games are held here in May.

Greenock is another former industrial center near Glasgow that's worth a visit (in fact, you'll pass through it on your way to Gouruck, above). It's an easy hour-long train ride from Glasgow Central Station.

Greenock is famous as the birthplace of engineer James Watt, who made the Clyde navigable. the great engineer's life is celebrated here in the Watt Institution, a former library and now official archives dedicated to his life and work. Greenock is also famous for being the final resting place of "Highland Mary," immortalized by Robbie Burns.

Other highlights of a visit include McLean Museum & Art Gallery, and the interesting Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre with its collection of rare vehicles. If you've time and energy, make the 20-minute climb up Lyle Hill for its spectacular views over the Clyde and Greenock's wonderful skyline.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Scotland Vacation Ideas : Home to Edinburgh Castle , Scotland's most visited tourist attraction, the romantic city of Edinburgh is a must-visit for any traveler to this beautiful country. The Highland city of Inverness is also worth including on your Scotland travel itinerary for its attractive riverside setting, and also serves as a great jumping-off point for another top Scottish destination: Loch Ness .

More on Scotland

Roaming Required

21 memorable locations for fantastic day trips from glasgow – by car.

Last updated: 29 July 2023

The gritty industrial powerhouse of Glasgow has a lively cultural scene and is well and truly worth some of your time. However, the true beauty of Scotland, like the bare hills, moors, woods, and the craggy coastline of southwest Scotland is just an hour or two away which makes the idea of day trips from Glasgow a fun one!

The best day trips from Glasgow will involve a car, which allows for more freedom and spontaneity, the ability to change course and head off in almost any direction that takes your fancy.

Discover one, or all, of these incredible locations, less than 2 ½ hours from Glasgow.  Take scenic routes and splendid drives, awe at Loch’s of Lomond and Fyne, visit pristine coastline of Ayrshire along coastal roads to the home of Rabbie Burns – Scotland’s National Bard, discover seaside towns, such as Troon, or head to the historic centre of Stirling for iconic attractions and spectacular views over the rolling countryside.

We just wanted to let you know that some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that we receive a small commission for any bookings or purchases you make, at absolutely no extra cost to you. This helps us keeps the lights on and posts flowing at Roaming Required HQ. We sincerely thank you for your support.

Here’s 21 ideas for day trips from Glasgow, from country towns, cities and some fabulous scenic drives; all accessible by car. 

Map – Day Trips from Glasgow

• Day Trips from Glasgow – Red pins
• UNESCO Sites Near Glasgow – Green pins

How To Use This Guide

Driving in Scotland isn’t the same as driving in built up areas. Some ‘main’ roads can be single lane rock-walled country roads, while others are multi-lane motorways. Distance alone cannot indicate how long a journey will take so we’ve also included a conservative estimate of duration (each way) from Glasgow.

Day Trips from Glasgow

1. stirling.

This little university town is a surprisingly big player in the history stakes. Stirling has numerous historic attractions and spectacular scenery, and makes it a fantastic choice from the list of great day trips from Glasgow.

No trip to Stirling is complete without a visit to the Stirling Castle and its hill-top esplanade, the leisure hike to the soaring tower that is the National Wallace Monument on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, with views of the rolling Ochil Hills.

Don’t Miss:

• Stirling Castle   – commanding spectacular views over the surrounding plains with its walls steeped in plotting and intrigue. The Chapel Royal and it’s handsome frieze dating back to 1628 is worth some of your time. 
• Stirling Jail – tales about the history of crime and punishment at the Old Town Jail.
• The Stirling Arcade  – The imposing facade of this Victorian shopping with beautifully restored period features, and a stunning glass roof which allows light to flood into the Arcade’s central walkway.
• Stirling Bridge  – The location of the victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297).
• Relive the  Battle of Bannockburn  at the experience centre. 3D technology helps relive the momentous day when king fought king and Robert the Bruce changed the course of Scottish history.
• The Church of the Holy Rude , the second oldest building in Stirling, and the site of the coronation of James VI in 1567, in a ceremony performed by revolutionary theologian John Knox.
• If you happen to be there on the second Saturday of the month you will find  Stirling’s Farmers’ Market . Up to 27 stalls offering an outstanding range of superb local produce as well as beautiful, hand-crafted, Scottish gifts.
• Distance from Glasgow: 26mi (41km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 30-40 minutes 

Where to Park? 

• Park and Ride: Two bus services run to the City Centre every 12 minutes. 
• Forthside Car Park near the River Forth has affordable all day rates. 

As the seafood capital of Scotland, it is definitely worth trying some locally-caught delicacies from the sea. Take a guided highlights tour of Oban, or simply stroll around the Esplanade to find somewhere for a good meal that suits your budget. Most restaurants have lunch menus available which are often great value.

• McCaig’s Tower – It’s free to enter the most prominent landmark. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views around the town.
• Dunollie Castle – A lovely one mile walk along the seafront from Oban to the woodlands and castle ruins, to discover what was once a vantage point for the Kings of Dalriada, the Lords of Lorn & of the Clan MacDougall. For insight on the castle & area, take a tour with a local.
• Oban Distillery – one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky.
• Bonawe iron furnace – The most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain located near Taynuilt.
• Not a natural beauty, but still unique to the area is Cruachan , a power station buried one kilometre below the ground. There’s a new visitor centre covering the history and function of the power station including interactive touch screens.
• Distance from Glasgow: 93mi (150km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 2 ½ hours

3. Ayrshire Coast

Why not spend a day discovering Scotland’s wind-swept Ayrshire Coast. 

Fans of Scotland’s Bard, Robert (‘Rabbie’) Burns, can revel in a scenic tour through his homeland, soaking up images of the Scottish castles like Culzean Castle, quaint fishing villages, and enchanting wooded areas that inspired the artist’s work. 

• Alloway , Burns’ hometown
• Dunure Castle – with its precarious promontory position 
• Distance from Glasgow: 48mi (77km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 1 hour

4. St Andrews

The name St Andrews is synonymous around the world as the Home of Golf. As well as golf, St Andrews is a thriving university city, with classic medieval streets and gorgeous traditional architecture which is well and truly enough to keep you occupied for a day.

• Take this walking tour and discover the hidden gems of St Andrews.
• St Andrews Cathedral – once the largest church in Scotland which was turned to rubble in 1559 following the Reformation. For fabulous views over the city, be sure to climb the 100ft (33m) high 12th century St Rule’s Tower, which predates the start of the building of the cathedral itself by about 40 years.
• St Andrews Castle – ruins of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century. 
• Scotland’s Secret Bunker – A 24,000sq feet Cold War command centre disguised as a farmhouse! 
• The Fife Pilgrim Way – one of the main pilgrimages in Medieval Europe, which winds through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. – The final leg departs the pretty village of Ceres and arrives into the centre of St Andrews via a relatively easy woodland walk (allow 5-6 hrs)
• Distance from Glasgow: 73mi (117km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ¾ hours

5. Rest and Be Thankful – Scenic Drive

If you’re seeking one of those jaw-dropping scenic routes, then this is what you’re looking for. 

At the highest point on the A83, this rest stop provides the perfect place on your day trips from Glasgow to pull over and take in the view, the divide of Glen Kinglas and Glen Croe.

• The stone marker at the entrance to the rest area that was erected to commemorate the completion of this old military road in 1750.
• Distance from Glasgow: 44mi (70km)

6. Inveraray

Considered a gateway to the Highlands & Islands, a trip through the historic town of Inveraray should be on your list for its remarkable Scottish Georgian architecture. Inveraray’s name means mouth of the Aray, the river of the same name which feeds into Loch Fyne, which the town sits on the western shore of.

• The neoclassical church in the town centre, it was built in two parts!
• Inveraray jail and Georgian courthouse which ceased operation in the 1930’s, is now an award-winning museum.
• Climb the bell tower of All Saints Church for panoramic views over the town and loch. It’s also home to the second-heaviest set of ten bells in the world.
• Inveraray Castle – standing on the shores of Loch Fyne this 18th-century Gothic-style home was inspired by sketches from English architect Vanbrugh, of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard fame. Inside expect dramatic armoury hall, lavish interiors and a tapestry collection. Outside, explore the extensive grounds which contain a number of marked walks, the most strenuous of which rises to the tower atop Dun Na Cuaiche from where there are spectacular views over the castle, town and loch.
• Distance from Glasgow: 59mi (94km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ½ hour

7. Doune Castle

Explore this 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, home to one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland.

What remains to this day was acquired by ‘Scotland’s uncrowned king’, Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland in 1361.

It might look familiar, as it’s been used as a filming location for many productions.  The BBC production of Ivanhoe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune was used as Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones, and more recently it takes a leading role as fictional Castle Leoch in the hit TV series Outlander .

If you’re a fan of Outlander then this option is one that your need to have on your day trips from Glasgow itinerary because there’s nothing better than going to explore the filming locations! This one-day tour is a good choice. And if you’re visiting from Edinburgh this popular full-day Outlander explorer tour will be a good choice.

Only eight miles from Stirling you could easily combine Doune Castle with some of Stirling’s spectacular attractions. 

• The striking 100ft high gatehouse.
• The Castle’s audio guide is narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
• Head to the battlements for stunning views of the River Teith and Ben Lomond.
• Distance from Glasgow: 34mi (55km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 40 minutes 

8. Edinburgh

I’ll be honest with you, the Scottish capital deserves more than a day, however if you can’t give it more than that here are a few must-do things to fill your day. 

Start by exploring the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh on foot.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also includes the historic Castle dates from the 12th century.

• Palace of Holyrood House – The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.  Filled with elaborate tapestries and intricate rooms, as a working royal palace, it’s closed to the public throughout the year when the Queen is in residence.  
• Arthur’s Seat – A relatively gentle hike to the top of the extinct volcano that dominates over Edinburgh. 
• Edinburgh Castle – This mighty fortress is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. It’s home to the Crown jewels and a must for any visitor to Edinburgh.  Skip the queue tickets will save you time.
• The Royal Mile – Take a stroll along this arterial route of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Castle, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse with an interlocking series of cobblestone closes with narrow stairways and towering tenements.
• Discover Scottish food in the capital with a 3-hour secret food tour run by a local guide.
• Distance from Glasgow: 46mi (74km)
• Park and Ride : Seven bus services run to the City Centre, some are as frequent as every 5 minutes in peak hour. Five Park and Ride routes offer free parking. 
• Pay & Display/Street parking can cost you as much as £4.60 per hour, consider parking further outside the city and walking in for better rates during the week. Parking at St Margaret’s Loch is free on weekends and on many streets in the city centre. 

Bustling, compact, and beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay in the east of Scotland, this former Scottish capital is a cosmopolitan gem.

From lively weekend markets, to Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets, and medieval spires sit alongside recreation activities such as golf, watersports , and horse riding, all possible within the city’s boundaries.  

• Scone Palace – Lovers of history will spend an entire day at Scone. Here on the stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, was the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, Robert the Bruce, Charles II, and even Macbeth. Historically significant household names like King Charles II, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, France’s tragic young Queen, Marie Antionette, Queen Victoria all walked these halls at one point or another.  
• River Tay Public Art Trail – Grab a local map and stroll along the walking trail beside the longest river in Scotland which connects a number of outstanding thought-provoking sculptures which draw their inspiration from the river and its wildlife, the city, and its history. (Allow 1 hr)
• Hike Kinnoull Hill – the highest of the five hills and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Routes to the top vary from a gentle to a rigorous ramble and reward with sensational views across the River Tay.
• Meikleour Beech Hedge the longest hedge in Britain!
• Drive time from Glasgow: 1 ¼ hours

10. Glencoe

Otherworldly easily describes Glencoe.  Located on the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous scenic glen, this picturesque locale has featured in films such as Braveheart, Rob Roy, Skyfall, and several of the Harry Potter movies. 

If you’re seeking day trips from Glasgow ideas then this all-day tour is a good option where you can not only visit Glencoe but many other places in the surrounding area.

Marketing itself as an outdoor adventure playground, like New Zealand for the northern hemisphere, Glencoe’s proximity to Lochaber means it’s the perfect base for exploring the area known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

• Walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts should pack gear for a day in the wilderness. From the Ballachulish Slate Quarries and Loch Leven stroll, to the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor – the guardian at the entrance to the glen, to the turreted and notorious crests and ridges of the Aonach Eagach. There’s a track for all levels. 
• Take to the water on a SUP, in a sea kayak and open canoe on one of the huge number of rivers, lochs, sea trips on the Great Glen Canoe Trail.
• Distance from Glasgow: 88mi (142km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 2 ¼ hours

11. Loch Lomond

World famous, the mesmerising loch is the largest expanse of water in the UK. 

Situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, surrounded by charming villages, rolling hills, and evergreen countryside provide the perfect backdrop to Loch-side activities along the 153km shoreline.

• Take in the scenery with a jaunt around the loch and admire the mighty bulk of Ben Lomond as well as the Arrochar Alps.
• Take to the water in a watercraft of your choice. 2 hour cruise tour , stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayak , canoe, jetski, even wind surfing is possible on the loch. 
• Distance from Glasgow: 29mi (46km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 50 minutes

12. Falkirk 

Falkirk is a town in Scotland’s central belt, located between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Forth Valley. Be it the heritage trail, family fun days out, or hiring a pedalo on the lagoon, exploring Falkirk has a lot more going for it than you probably realise. We don’t think any list containing day trips from Glasgow ideas is complete without a visit to The Kelpies!

• The Helix – reclaimed parkland providing activities such as walking, water sports and 500km of connected cycle paths. Home to the Kelpies.
• The Kelpies – the world’s largest equine sculptures, standing at 100ft (30m) tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each
• The Falkirk Wheel – the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. Lifting boats through the air and transferring them between the two canals on the power equivalent to 8 domestic kettles. Visitors can ride on the wheel, and learn more at the free visitor centre.
• The Pineapple – a bizarre fruit-inspired folly built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summer house.
• Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway – heritage railway with vintage steam or diesel-hauled trains and also home to Scotland’s largest railway museum
• The UNESCO listed Antonine Wall is also nearby. 
• Distance from Glasgow: 24mi (38km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 30 minutes

13. Troon Beach

Wanting a day at the beach? If so, then this bustling seaside town in Ayrshire might be just what you’re looking for! Offering long sweeping stretches of sand around the curved bay with a popular esplanade, easy beach access, and spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran. 

• Grabbing an ice cream and watching the waves crash onto the shore.
• Distance from Glasgow: 35mi (56km)

14. Arria Statue  

Not exactly a ‘day out’ but certainly worth a stop as you drive by is Arria, another piece by Andy Scott, the same artist behind The Kelpies. Arria is a 33ft galvanized steel work of art of the female form situated along the A80 at Cumbernauld.

Named after Arria Fadilla, her placement on the main motorway makes Arria an extremely visible landmark designed to help raise the profile of Cumbernauld.

• Stopping in to get a closer look. Skip Google Maps, you’ll get lost. Follow our post about Arria to ensure you make it to where you need to be. She’s illuminated at night and makes a stunning image. 
• Distance from Glasgow: 14mi (22km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 20 minutes

15. Kilchurn Castle

There are few more scenic castles in Scotland than Kilchurn, built on a small isthmus joined to the shore at the tip of Loch Awe in Argyll, making it one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

The Campbell clan, who dominated much of western Scotland in the late medieval period, erected a series of castles, Kilchurn being their power base for 150 years. It was abandoned in the 1700s.

If you’re looking to include Kilchurn Castle on day trips from Glasgow list then perhaps this guided tour might be of interest.

• Grab your camera and capture Kilchurn at the head of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible.
• The view from the top – climb the tower house’s battlements and gaze out over Loch Awe.
• Distance from Glasgow: 71mi (114km)

16. Rosslyn Chapel

Believe it or not, Rosslyn Chapel was initially made famous by Walter Scott’s ballad, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, published in 1805. 

Some two centuries later, Rosslyn Chapel would be again the subject of public discussion, this time as a prominent location mentioned in Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code.

Prior to The Da Vinci Code, annual visitors to Rosslyn numbered some 40,000, made up of curious roadtrippers, fans of Scott, or perhaps admirers of Turner – who painted the nearby Roslin Castle in 1818 which can be seen at The Tate . 

However it was Brown’s book and blockbuster movie that saved the chapel from ruin. By 2006, the same year the film was released, visitor numbers skyrocketed by 450% to over 175,000. 

Founded in 1446, as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew, Rosslyn Chapel today attracts visitors from far and wide, drawn by the many myths and legends surrounding it and what does and doesn’t lie beneath it. Questions such as is the Rose Line real? Does the Chapel have ties to Freemasonry and the Knights Templar? Have all been asked before, and the answers aren’t necessarily a straight yes, or no. 

A common feature among medieval churches and Rosslyn is no different are carvings of the Green Man ; a carved face with foliage sprouting from his mouth, representing nature’s growth and fertility.

You can combine a visit to Rosslyn Chapel with Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey on this 9 hour day-trip tour

• The Apprentice Pillar – Along with the tale of jealousy surrounding its maker’s fate, look at the vine twirling around the pillar, does it not bear an uncanny resemblance to the double helix, the structure of a DNA molecule? 
• Curious carvings of corn
• Count the carvings of the Green Man – there’s over a hundred! 
• Distance from Glasgow: 50mi (80km)

5 UNESCO Sites Near Glasgow  

• The Antonine Wall
• The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
• The Forth Bridge
• Kinneil Estate

17. The Antonine Wall

Awe inspiring. A symbol of strength and authority. The Antonine Wall was constructed around 142 AD by the Romans to mark the north-west frontier of their empire. 

The Antonine Wall stretched across central Scotland from Clyde to Forth but wasn’t a stone wall but rather a turf rampart fronted by a deep wide ditch, with forts and fortlets along the wall where troops were stationed. 

See the best surviving stretch of ditch at Watling Lodge in Falkirk, rampart and ditch in Seabegs Wood Bonnybridge and earthworks of the fort at Rough Castle , Bonnybridge. 

18. New Lanark

New Lanark is a restored 18th-century cotton mill village situated in the narrow gorge of the River Clyde. Founded in 1785 by social pioneer Robert Owen who was renowned for his enlightened management of the mill, through the education and welfare of his workers, it became the biggest cotton mill in Scotland and one of the largest factory sites in the world.

• Distance from Glasgow: 30mi (48km)

19. The Forth Bridge

It is considered as a symbol of Scotland, the engineering feat to overcome a natural barrier of a scale and depth of the Forth, the iconic bridge is treasured by the Scots.

It was voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016, beating Edinburgh Castle, the Glenfinnan viaduct and sculptures such as Arria and the Kelpies to mark mark Scotland’s year of innovation, architecture and design in 2016. 

One of the best ways to see the bridge is from the water so a sightseeing cruise is great option and a welcome addition to your growing list of day trips from Glasgow.

• Distance from Glasgow: 47mi (75km)

20. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

As discussed above, Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is UNESCO listed for its Old and New Towns which form one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world.

The city’s Old Town has distinctive medieval narrow passageways as a complimenting contrast to the New Town, the best-preserved example of 18th-century Georgian town planning in the UK.

21. Kinneil House

Kinneil House dates back to the 15th century and was once home to the the powerful and wealthy Dukes of Hamilton. Extensive renovations saw it transform into a stately home in the 1660s.

Said to be the best in Scotland, look out for the rare renaissance wall paintings during one of their free tours of the house.

Keep an eye out for the resident ghost, said to be Lady Alice Lilbourne, who fell to her death from one of the building’s top-floor windows.

• Distance from Glasgow: 33mi (53km)
• Drive time from Glasgow: 40 minutes

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Scotland for the first time or if you’re a regular visitor because there’s just so much to experience that a repeat visit is definitely required. We hope that you have enjoyed this list of 21 places to visit for days trips from Glasgow and we’d LOVE to hear your thoughts if there’s anywhere else that should be included! And when you do visit any of the places on this list then let us know because we want to know all about your trip!

Looking for things to do in Glasgow? These might be of interest

Roma was raised on the white sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast, and she has called London home since 2012. With an adventurous spirit, a love of regional travel and anything food related, Roma looks to encourage working professionals to follow their dreams to travel the world one adventure and short break at a time. Don't let a full-time career stop you from seeing the world. Come roam with us!

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Comments (2)

Nice post and beautiful pictures. but I’m biased, it’s on my doorstep 😆

Thanks Katy, I agree with you, Scotland is a stunning beauty

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15 Best Day Trips From Glasgow

February 21, 2024

I’ve spent loads of my life in Scotland, and I absolutely love the place.

I love its towns, cities, road trips, island adventures and outdoor fun. Because it has so much variety, it’s a great place for day trips, no matter where you’re based.

So in this bumper guide, I’ve brought you all the best day trips from Glasgow. I’ve covered outdoor adventures, charming towns, other cities, and lots of family-friendly stuff. For some of these day trips from Glasgow, you’ll need access to a car—but for others, public transport is enough.

Slip into your kilt, pull your bagpipes out the attic, and grab that ginger hair dye. Today, you’re joining Travelness as we explore the 15 best day trips from Glasgow . On we go!

1. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

3. great cumbrae, 4. isle of bute, 5. dumbarton castle, 6. outlander tour, 7. the ayrshire coast, 8. st. andrews, 9. pitlochry, 11. stirling, 12. edinburgh, 13. m and d’s scotland’s theme park, 14. kelburn castle, 15. go ape, aberfoyle, final words, best outdoor adventure day trips from glasgow.

Best for: Kayaking, hiking, getting great views, and enjoying Glasgow’s closest national park

There are loads of things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, so it’s impossible to list them all in a little entry here.

But I reckon the best way to see the area is on a hike. For quick one-day options, I’d go for Ben A’an, Conic Hill or Callander Crags. But if you have the time and the energy for something much bigger, my top picks are Ben Lomond and Ben More.

You can also enjoy other outdoor adventures in the national park, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, cycling and boat trips. Or if you’re with kids, check out Go Ape in Aberfoyle (which I’ve covered in much more detail later).

If you’re not into outdoor adventures, and you just want to explore the towns and villages of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, three popular picks are Callander, Tyndrum and Balloch.

• Distance from Glasgow: Balloch (the southernmost tip of the park) is 25 miles/40km from Glasgow
• How to get there: By car, follow the A82 north. You have countless train options, depending on where you want to go
• Time taken to get there: Minimum 30 minutes
• How much time to spend there: All day!

Best for: Riding a ferry, exploring my favorite Scottish island, and seeing ‘Scotland in miniature’

Arran is a variety-packed island off the west coast of Scotland, accessed only by riding a ferry from mainland Ardrossan.

It’s massively overshadowed by Skye, which might be more beautiful—but I reckon Arran is much more charming. It has way fewer tourists, it’s harder to access, and it has a hard-to-argue-with reputation for being ‘Scotland in miniature.’

On Arran, you get small settlements, beautiful coastlines, brilliant walks, and the towering mountain of Goatfell.

To get to Arran, you’ll need to drive to Ardrossan from Glasgow before taking your car on a ferry (you’ll also need to tackle the same return journey for coming back). Make sure you book your ferry trips in advance here .

Although it’s a bit of a hassle, it’s absolutely worth the trip. If you have time, and you’re not tired of driving, I recommend riding around the entirety of the island on Arran’s big ring road. It’s a great way to enjoy and experience the island’s diversity, and you can stop off whenever and wherever you like.

• Distance from Glasgow: 48 miles/77km
• How to get there: By car, drive west along the A737 before getting on the ferry from Ardorssan to Brodick. By public transport, don’t bother.
• Time taken to get there: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• How much time to spend there: All day

Best for: Visiting a tiny island, exploring an entire perimeter, and seeing Britain’s smallest cathedral

Lesser-known and lesser-explored than nearby Arran, few people bother taking the trip to Great Cumbrea, one of Scotland’s littlest (and most underrated) islands.

Once you’ve arrived on the island, it only takes around 30 minutes to drive around the entire thing. So if you’re a completionist, you’ll probably love the place. It’s also popular with hikers and cyclists (it’ll take you around 3.5 hours to walk around the entire island and 1.5 hours to cycle it).

Go to Millport, check out Britain’s smallest cathedral (Cathedral of the Isles), and fall in love with how cute and cozy the whole island is.

Again, just like Arran, make sure you book your ferry in advance . The ferry ride is really short and simple—Great Cumbrae is considered to be Scotland’s most accessible island (or, at least, the most accessible island that doesn’t have a bridge to the mainland).

• Distance from Glasgow: 37 miles/60km
• How to get there: By car, head on the A737 west before following the signs to Largs (where you’ll take the ferry to the island). By public transport, it’s not worth the trouble
• Time taken to get there: 90 minutes

Best for: Art deco oddities, lots of wildlife, and yet another island escape

Another island! Just west of Great Cumbrae, you have the Isle of Bute.

Again, it’s only accessible by ferry, but the over-water ride clocks in at a measly 35 minutes, so it’s absolutely possible as a day trip.

Bute is a tiny place, but it’s massively varied—little places aren’t normally this diverse. You get the art deco anomaly of Rothesay, lots of much-smaller settlements, and plenty of cliffs, crags, sands, shores and volcanic lumps. You also get seals, deer, wild goats, great fishing, loads of hikes, and even a weird little seaweed shop.

Lots of Glasgow’s residents come to Bute for weekends away. It’s most famous as a hiking retreat, and there are loads of lovely walks both long and short dotted all over the island. If you want a big meaty challenge, check out the Northern Bute Circuit , a 13-mile (21km) loop.

• Distance from Glasgow: 40 miles/64km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A78 west to Skelmorlie, then take your car on the ferry to Bute. If you’re only using public transport, don’t bother
• Time taken to get there: Around 1 hour and 45 minutes

Best for: History buffs, great castletop views, and excellent insights into Scotland’s past

Scotland is absolutely packed with brilliant castles . And this is one of the best of them (especially if you don’t want to venture too far north).

History fans absolutely love this place—it has the oldest recorded history of all the castles in Scotland. Records of Dumbarton Castle go back more than 1,500 years.

Perched right over the shores of the River Clyde, and on the top of ancient volcanic rock, the views from the top are incredible. On a good day, you can see as far as Ben Lomond, almost 30 miles (50km) away.

Once a royal refuge during conflict, now a popular tourist site, Dumbarton Castle is one of the best historical day trips from Glasgow.

• Distance from Glasgow: 20 miles/32km
• How to get there: If you’re driving, follow the M8, the M898 and the A82 to Dumbarton. By train, there’s a regular direct service between Glasgow and Dumbarton East
• Time taken to get there: 30-45 minutes
• How much time to spend there: A couple of hours

Best for: Outlander fans, a unique way to see Scotland, and people who just can’t stop watching TV

Apparently, Outlander is some TV show. I’ve never seen it, I’ve never heard of it, and I’ve got no idea what it’s about.

But according to Google, Outlander tours from Glasgow are really popular— here’s the type of itinerary you can expect .

Though Rabbies offer very popular tours (all over the world), you’ll find loads of different companies offering similar Outlander experiences. I’ve never done an Outlander tour, so I can’t recommend one, so my only advice is this: make sure you shop around.

Best for: Castles, coastal towns, hidden hikes, and exploring one of the most underrated coastlines in the UK

The Ayrshire coast is brilliant. Yeah, it’s not as nice as Scotland’s northwest coast (or north coast), but it’s massively underrated and underexplored.

I’d drive to Irvine from Glasgow, then ride all the way south from Irvine along the coast, until you get to Portpatrick. Portpatrick itself is beautiful, Stranraer is surprisingly charming, Girvan is nice, Culzean Castle is beautiful, and inland Galloway Forest Park is a massively underrated hiking hub.

But just drive down the coast, and stop wherever you feel like it. You’ll find loads of beaches, bays and picnic spots, and you’ll wonder why you’d not heard of the Ayrshire coast sooner.

If you’re not traveling by car, you can still get a train to Irvine. Then from there, you can hitchhike south along the coast (hitchhiking is really fun, and it’s really easy in Scotland).

• Distance from Glasgow: 31 miles/50km (to Irvine, the most northern place I’ve recommended)
• How to get there: By car, follow the M77 south before turning west onto the A71 to Irvine. If you want to use the train, there’s a regular direct service from Glasgow to Irvine
• Time taken to get there: 40 minutes

Best Town and City Day Trips from Glasgow

Best for: Exploring a historic town, kid-friendly activities, and playing a few rounds of golf

St. Andrews is most famous for being Scotland’s so-called ‘home of golf.’ And although they have award-winning championship golf courses, there’s way more to the place than just that.

North of Edinburgh, on Scotland’s east coast, St. Andrews also has a massive cathedral, a ruined castle, some nice beaches, a charming working harbour and a family-friendly aquarium , great if you’re traveling with kids.

And on top of all that, you get some of Scotland’s best fish and chips (make sure you throw on plenty of salt and vinegar).

It even has a golf museum, perfect if you just can’t get enough of putting and pitching.

• Distance from Glasgow: 73 miles/117km
• How to get there: By car, follow the M80 and A91 east. If you want to travel by train, there’s no direct route. Instead, you can take a train from Glasgow to Dundee before taking a bus from Dundee to St Andrews
• Time taken to get there: 90 mins to 2 hours

Best for: A cute town, eats and treats, and exploring the bottom edge of the Cairngorms

I love Pithlochry. A cute little town right on the southern tip of the Cairngorms, there’s not a huge amount to do here. But it’s cozy and charming, and it’s a great place to eat pub food and cafe cakes. If you like eating, drinking and lazing about rather than doing active stuff, you’ll probably think this is the best town-based day trip from Glasgow.

If you prefer active stuff, you might want to explore the Cairngorms in more depth. Doing it as a day trip isn’t ideal, because it’s the biggest national park in the UK. But if you’re short on time, and one day is your only option, I recommend clambering up Cairn Gorm, the mountain that gives the national park its name.

• Distance from Glasgow: 83 miles/134km
• How to get there: If you’re driving, follow the M80 and the A9. If you’re relying on public transport, there’s a regular direct service from Glasgow to Pitlochry
• Time taken to get there: Around 1 hour and 40 minutes
• How much time to spend there: 3-4 hours

Best for: Incredible seafood, a charming harbour town, and one of Scotland’s most photogenic spots

If I could only go on one day trip from Glasgow, it would be here. Oban is like someone took all the Scottish port town cliches, rolled them into a big loveable bundle, and dropped the result onto Scotland’s west coast.

Set right on a beautiful little shoreline, Oban is a popular place for photographers, who come to capture the town from endless angles. The best view of the place is from its shores—look back, and you’ll see the charmingly-stacked three-tier town is topped by the looming presence of a not-quite-coliseum.

Oban is massively famous for its seafood. Oban Seafood Hut and Ee-Usk serve up some of the most well-known meals and morsels, but you’ll find all sorts of seafood treats no matter where you eat.

The place is slightly further away from Glasgow than most places I’ve recommended so far, but it’s absolutely worth the trip.

• Distance from Glasgow: 100 miles/160km
• How to get there: If you’re driving, follow the A82 and the A85. There’s a direct train from Glasgow to Oban, but it takes three hours
• Time taken to get there: Between 2 and 3 hours

Best for: Enjoying a mega-small city, clambering around a beautiful castle, and a day trip close to Glasgow

Stirling is a pretty little city. Overshadowed by Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness, few people come here, but way more people should.

Although it’s a city, Stirling only has a population of around 40,000 people, so it feels more like a cozy town than a big ol’ metropolis. Because of that, it’s alluring and endearing, with lots of lovely places to eat and drink . Its most famous sight is Stirling Castle, built on the top of a towering volcanic outcrop. You get great views from its lofty heights.

Because Stirling is really close to Glasgow, it’s a good option if you’re looking for a no-fuss day trip.

• Distance from Glasgow: 26 miles/40km
• How to get there: By car, follow the M80. If you’re using public transport, take the regular direct train from Glasgow to Stirling

Best for: Venturing between two big cities, seeing world-famous sites, museums & free museums , and exploring the iconic capital of Scotland

Alright, you’ve all heard of Edinburgh. And it’s best explored over at least a weekend—but if you’re short on time in Scotland, one day is (just!) enough.

Edinburgh is probably the most tourist-heavy city in the UK after London, with loads of stuff to do. You get cobbled lanes, varied architecture, Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park, the city’s iconic castle, the 1 o’clock gun, and plenty more. Try to visit in August if you can—every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (the largest theater festival on the planet) absolutely dominates the city.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are closer to one another than most people realize, making Scotland’s capital an easy day trip from Glasgow.

Pro-tip: you can even cycle between the two cities on the excellent National Cycle Network route 75 . It’s almost completely traffic-free, and it’s nice and flat—so if you’ve never before tackled a long-distance ride, it’s a good introduction. In both directions, you can take your bike on the train, so you only need to cycle one way.

• Distance from Glasgow: 47 miles/76km
• How to get there: If you’re driving, follow the M8 east. Or take a direct train between the two
• Time taken to get there: 45-60 minutes

Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Glasgow

Best for: Thrillseekers, slightly-older kids, and exploring the best theme park in Scotland

Alright, this isn’t Disneyland, but it’s the best theme park in Scotland, perfect if you’re traveling with kids. They have 3 roller coasters, 2 great water rides, and lots more adrenaline-pumping adventures and attractions.

If you’re traveling with small kids, there are plenty of tamer thrills, including dodgems, bowling, trampolines, mini golf, an amusement arcade, a pirate ship, drive-in movies, and loads of fun festive events. They even have an excellent indoor rainforest, packed with loads of exotic animals.

Best of all, it’s pretty cheap, compared to lots of bigger theme parks you might have visited before. Check out more information here .

• Distance from Glasgow: 12 miles/19km
• How to get there: By car, follow the M8 and the M74. There’s no direct train or bus (but there are endless options with transfers)
• Time taken to get there: 20 minutes to 1 hour
• How much time to spend there: Full day

Best for: Some of the world’s best street art, a strange little castle, and a weird combo of new and old

I know what you’re thinking: ‘Paul, children don’t like castles you moron!’

But hold up kid: they might like Kelburn Castle.

Though it’s been around since the 12th century, it doesn’t look that way. Instead, it’s daubed in graffiti, looking like something from an urban experiment rather than a historic site. But inside, it’s a little more serious, with portraits, old-school furniture, lots of elegant fixtures and fittings, and interesting insights into Scottish history and heritage.

Back outside, you get play areas, a ‘secret forest,’ waterfalls , alpacas, walking trails, picnic spots, yurts, and plenty more family-friendly fun. I know it’s a cliché, but this place has something for everyone, and it’s fantastic for kids.

• Distance from Glasgow: 33 miles/53km
• How to get there: If you want to drive, follow the A737 before turning off near Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. By public transport, it’s not worth the fuss
• Time taken to get there: 50 minutes by car
• How much time to spend there: Half a day

Best for: Massive ziplines, treetop physical challenges, and kid-friendly adrenaline rushes

If you’re traveling with kids aged 8-14, they’ll absolutely love Aberfoyle’s Go Ape (assuming they’re not little wimps haha).

Here, you get ziplining, treetop challenges, mountain biking trails, high ropes, physical fun, team building activities, and lots more exciting adventures. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, and it’s a great day out for kids who like scary experiences.

They have the longest dual zip wires in Scotland (clocking in at 400 meters/1300 feet).

• Distance from Glasgow: 27 miles/43km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A81 north. There’s no train connection, but it’s possible to take the X10A bus.
• Time taken to get there: Between 1 and 2 hours

There they are— the best day trips from Glasgow . Thanks for reading!

If you want to know anything else about the city, read our guides on the best road trips from Glasgow , all the free things you can do in the city , and whether or not it’s safe (spoiler: it is).

And on top of that, we have way more information on lots of Scotland’s adventures here . We’ve covered hiking, beaches, road trips, cities, skiing, souvenirs, and anything else you can imagine. Whatever you want to know about Scotland, we have it right here on our site. See you next time!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow

15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s second largest city after Edinburgh, long had a reputation as just an industrial sprawl, but recent years have seen it open up to tourism and reinvent itself completely.

Nowadays, the city has a lot to offer visitors, but there’s plenty to see outside of Glasgow too, making it the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas as you head out on day trips.

The nearby highlands are just begging to be discovered, with beautiful, wild scenery that can only be found in Scotland.

There are lochs, glens and high mountain landscapes just a short drive away.

Off the coast lie the Scottish Isles, many just a short boat ride away, while further afield it’s still easy to visit the historic cities of Edinburgh, Stirling and even Dundee to learn more about Scottish history and traditions.

Glasgow is the perfect base to stay for incredible day trips exploring the rest of Scotland and to have some unforgettable adventures in the highlands.

1 . Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a long, freshwater lake stretching for over 30 kilometers, but only ever spanning a few kilometers in width.

Loch is the local word for lake, and Loch Lomond is not just one of the most spectacular lakes in Scotland, but in the whole of the UK.

It’s not the lake itself that makes this loch so spectacular, it’s the islands, with around thirty or dotted along its length, a rarity in the British Isles.

Loch Lomond is a center for watersports in the region, offering kayaking, motor boating, and more along its waterways and channels.

Loch Lomond is a Scottish phenomenon and is a mere day trip away from Glasgow.

2. Loch Ness

Loch Ness is probably one of the most infamous places in Scotland.

It’s a good three hours north of Glasgow, high up near Inverness, but an early start and long travel time is worth it to see this legendary place.

There are plenty of companies offering day trips if you don’t fancy making the drive yourself.

It’s the second largest loch in the UK after Loch Lomond, and just as beautiful, but the real reason to visit is the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Unconfirmed sightings of this mystical beast have abounded for years, but the only way to find out if it’s real or not is to see Loch Ness for yourself, and muse upon the possibility of this giant beast lurking below the murky waters of Loch Ness.

3. Pitlochry

The Scottish Burgh of Pitlochry is one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Just one and a half hours drive northeast of Glasgow, it is the beginning of the Highlands and the real outdoors of Scotland.

Pitlochry has been a tourist attraction ever since Queen Victoria visited in the mid 19th Century.

She fell in love with it, and since then the village has grown to be a sought after destination, right on the doorstep of Scotland’s wilderness but with all the comforts of home.

Glencoe is a national nature reserve two hours north of Glasgow; this is real Highland Country where clans once ruled and kilts were worn.

A mountainous area popular with hikers and climbers, it is also a marvelously scenic space that can be viewed from afar; in particular, from the main highway which stretches alongside it, making access to this wilderness relatively easy.

Suggested tour : Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

The small town of Oban is situated directly on the Scottish coast, looking out over the isles far out to sea.

It is a holiday resort first and foremost for good reason: because it is has such incredible surroundings.

The bay that Oban is built on is one of the most spectacular in Scotland and the coastal scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Nearby there are old castles, glens and highland scenery to explore too.

Recommended tour : Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles Day Tour

6. Inveraray

Inveraray is famous for its castle; built by the Duke of Argyll in the mid 18th century.

It’s not really a castle as such, but more a huge, landed estate.

For tourists, this is one of the best places to experience Scottish nobility and get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle they once lived.

Inveraray Castle is more of a large house with a few turrets; a style fashionable at the time of its construction, but hardly a castle in the medieval sense.

It’s in a gorgeous setting and still used by the current Duke of Argyle, who can trace his lineage back to the founders.

7. Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock has two claims to fame: this Scottish town is where Robert Burns, the famous poet, first published his work, and it’s the hometown of Jonnie Walker, the founder of the world famous Jonnie Walker Whiskey line, which was been bottled in Kilmarnock for almost three hundred years.

On top of that, it’s the town where Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, was educated, and where the British rock band Biffy Clyro formed.

If that’s not reason enough to visit, then the fact that it’s a quintessential Scottish town with a unique history and heritage should have you on the first train out of Glasgow.

8. Ayrshire Coast

The Ayrshire Coast encompasses Kilmarnock and much more.

This is the countryside where Robert Burns gained the inspiration for his poetry, amongst the rugged cliffs and wild landscape of the southwest Scottish coastline.

There are islands here to explore, villages to meander around, and mile upon mile of coastal hiking paths to walk.

Easy to reach from Glasgow, this is the Scottish coast at its best and most accessible.

Available tour : Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast

9. Culzean Castle

One of the most significant landmarks found on the Ayrshire Coast, and within easy striking distance of Glasgow, is Culzean Castle.

Built over the Firth of Clyde, this castle is perched precariously on a high cliff top.

It is open to the public and offers an insight into Scottish history dating back to the early days of its construction in the late 18th century.

It’s such an iconic castle that it appeared on the reverse of the Scottish five pound note, and is an essential point of interest to visit when coming to Glasgow.

10. Trossachs

The Trossachs are a wild area of forested glens north of Glasgow, where the scenery is rugged and the atmosphere is as Scottish as it gets.

The area is full of lochs and woodland.

It is great for hiking, experiencing the outdoors, and seeing Scottish nature at its gloomiest and most spectacular.

The Trossachs were made famous by the poet Walter Scott when he wrote ‘The Lady on the Lake,’ a haunting piece describing the lochs and scenery that make this place so surreal.

Nothing has changed in the hundred years or so since the poem was first published; the area is still as raw and wild as it ever was.

11. St Andrews

St Andrews is home to the oldest University in Scotland, and is reportedly the city where the game of golf was invented.

Located northeast of Glasgow on the coast above Edinburgh, this is one of the most important places in Scottish history, and a location that plays an integral role in contemporary Scotland too, with its huge and popular University still in action to this day.

In St Andrews there are museums, universities and Scottish history to explore and discover.

Dundee is two hours northeast of Glasgow, and it’s worth the ride just to see the strange statue of Desperate Dan from the British comic books, which takes center stage in the city.

Desperate Dan is Dundee’s hero and the city prides itself on being the home of this comic book character.

More than this though, Dundee has an intriguing nautical history within the British Isles.

There is a museum dedicated to Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition; just one of many thousands of ships built here during the heyday of boat construction on this Scottish coast.

Located on the River Tay in central Scotland, Perth has been around since ancient times.

It’s known for being the capital of many a Scottish Kingdom; a place where the Scottish Scone granted leadership to kings, and where royalty held court at many points in history.

Today, its importance has lessened in comparison to Edinburgh and Glasgow, but Perth still has a huge amount of history to tempt tourists, as well as a modern cultural scene that’s a bit off the beaten track in comparison to its rival cities.

14. Stirling

Stirling, like Perth, is centrally located in the middle of Scotland, and is where the highlands meet the lowlands.

Just as historically important, Stirling is the birthplace of many Scottish Kings throughout the ages, including King David I.

This is Braveheart territory too.

The Battle of Stirling Bridge took place nearby, and fierce battles were fought in the area during the wars of Scottish Independence led by Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.

If there’s anywhere to visit to gain an understanding of Scottish history, it’s Stirling.

Recommended tour : Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour

15. Edinburgh

No trip to Scotland can be complete without a visit to Edinburgh, the nation’s capital and seat of government.

Just an hour away by bus, train or car, Edinburgh is a beautiful, historic city with a huge amount of local culture that is ever growing.

Edinburgh Castle is perched high above the city on volcanic rock, and the market streets below are full of pubs, great food and Scottish daily life.

It’s a great city to visit from Glasgow.

15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow:

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• Ayrshire Coast
• Culzean Castle

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9 great day trips from glasgow you need to go on [2024].

Glasgow offers more than enough to keep you entertained without ever leaving the city limits.

Read my 2 days in Glasgow itinerary if you don’t believe me!

But there’s no doubt that its central location doubles as the perfect base for day trips around Scotland’s west coast and beyond.

You can take almost any road out of Glasgow and fall upon glistening lochs, magnificent mountains, iconic castles and picturesque seaside villages, all waiting to be explored.

So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, here are 9 great day trips from Glasgow that you need to go on.

1. Loch Lomond

How far from Glasgow is Loch Lomond? 26mi (41km)

How to get there: Get to Balloch in 35 minutes by car or 50 minutes by train

We all know the song, but nothing quite beats seeing the ‘bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond’ with your own eyes.

The loch (the Scottish word for ‘lake’) sits in the heart of the Trossachs National Park.

And it’s a total beauty no matter how you choose to experience it.

You can see Loch Lomond from the sandy beaches, on the water itself or from way up in the clouds.

Or how about all three?

With 153 kilometres of shoreline, you’re truly spoiled for choice when deciding which of the many vibrant loch-side villages to put on the agenda.

But here are a few of my favourites…

Places to visit in Loch Lomond: Balloch

The most southernly – and arguably the most popular – is Balloch.

Known as the gateway to Loch Lomond, this bustling village is where you’ll find some of the top-rated experiences on the loch.

Think open-top steamboat cruises, seaplane tours and pedalo rides.

It’s also where the loch’s only country park sits. Balloch Castle Country Park spans over 200 acres of forests, walled gardens and nature trails.

There’s so many that it’s hard to do the same route twice!

5-star visitor attraction Loch Lomond Shores also offers an escape for a rainy day, where you can keep dry indoors by browsing Scottish brands and independent shops or visiting the Sea Life Aquarium .

Places to visit in Loch Lomond: Luss

Further up the western shore of Loch Lomond, you’ll find Luss, a medieval village made up of quaint little cottages and a sandy, pebbly beach.

The pier becomes a popular place for a dip in the summer.

But it’s the place to be all-year-round if you’re looking for water sports such as water-skiing, stand up paddle-boarding or canoeing.

Places to visit in Loch Lomond: Balmaha

Over on the eastern bank is Balmaha, a great place to pull your walking boots on and set off on one of many walking trails or hikes.

The Balmaha Nature Trail Walk is an easy route for all ages.

It takes you wandering from the picturesque little village through the flora and fauna of the surrounding forests.

Or, for a bit more of a challenge, Conic Hill is a 4-kilometre hike that takes between two and three hours.

The climb is fairly steady overall with a few steeper areas.

But the breathtaking views over Loch Lomond and its many islands is a worthwhile reward.

2. The Trossachs National Park

How far from Glasgow is it? 41mi (66km)

How to get there: Get to Callander in 52 minutes by car or in ~2 hours by train then bus

Although it goes hand-in-hand with Loch Lomond itself, the rest of the Trossachs National Park deserves a mention of its own.

Often called the ‘Highlands in miniature’, this wide area of natural beauty is home to a total of 21 Munros, 19 Corbetts, 22 large lochs and a scattering of lively little towns.

Places to visit in The Trossachs:  Callander

One of the most active tourist towns in the Trossachs is Callander , positioned where the lowlands meet the highlands and set dramatically amongst woodland crags.

The town is brimming with independent shops, Scottish delis and bakeries.

So there’s plenty of spots to stop for lunch or a quick coffee.

Callander has some excellent cycling paths nearby and a specialist bike hire shop to get you kitted out for the ride.

Or if you prefer to explore on foot, there are some great walking routes too.

Check out circular walk Bracklinn Falls or go for a wander through Coilhallan Woods.

Places to visit in The Trossachs: Ben A’an and Loch Katrine

On a day trip, you might not always have the time or energy to hike a Munro or Corbett like the nearby Ben Lomond, Ben Vorlich or Ben Ledi.

But if you’re an avid hiker, don’t let that put you off!

This is definitely one of the best day trips from Glasgow for those who love hiking.

For a shorter climb that’s a little more suited to a day trip, head slightly west of Callander to Ben A’an, the mountain in miniature.

Its recently upgraded four-kilometre path leads you through forest and moorlands up to the summit with spectacular views over Loch Katrine.

The route takes between two and four hours and, for such a small mountain, it’s certainly a huge experience.

3.  Glencoe

How far from Glasgow is it? 92mi (148.6km)

How to get there: 2 hours by car or ~3 hours by bus

The spectacular valley of Glencoe is one of my favourite day trips from Glasgow.

The dramatic landscape, carved out by glaciers and ancient volcanoes, is other-worldly at times.

In fact, some of the famous peaks of Glencoe have even been featured on the big screen in James Bond’s Skyfall and several of the Harry Potter films.

Places to visit in Glencoe: Buachaille Etive Mor and Glen Etive Road

A guardian at the entrance to the glen, the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor is a picture-perfect mountain.

It’s known for its impeccable pyramidal shape and a ridge that stretches for almost five miles.

There are various spots on the A82 where you can pause to admire this beauty or even park up and explore a stretch of it for yourself.

Or, if you’re looking for a more residential pitstop to find a spot for food, head to Glencoe village or Ballachulish nearby.

Take a turn down the almost-hidden (blink and you’ll miss the sign) Glen Etive Road.

One of the most beautiful scenic drives in Scotland , it’s sometimes colloquially referred to as the Skyfall Road.

The single-track road twists and hairpins between mountain ridges Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag (the ‘Herdsmen of Etive’) for 12 miles, before reaching Loch Etive itself.

Be ready to pull over into a passing place if you meet another vehicle.

And, if you want to stop to recreate the iconic shot of Bond and M next to the Aston Martin, make sure you pull off the road and avoid blocking passing places.

It’s a tricky wee road to manoeuvre, but it’s more than worth it.

Places to visit in Glencoe: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William

You might recognise some of the peaks in the valley of Glencoe from the Harry Potter films.

But you can experience even more of the magic by heading up through Fort William (with a quick break at a cosy Scottish pub, if you need one) and on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

This 1000ft long and 100ft high arching viaduct is one of the best day trips from Glasgow for Harry Potter fans.

Famous for its Jacobite steam train crossing, it’s better known to some as the Hogwarts Express.

And if you time your visit just right, you might catch a glimpse of it chugging along the tracks.

The railway line sits just off the mouth of beautiful Loch Shiel. So be sure to allow time for a quick visit there before you go.

How far from Glasgow is it? 97mi (157km)

How to get there: 2 hours and 15 minutes by car or 3 hours by train or bus

Located a little further to the west of Glasgow you’ll find Oban , the seafood capital of Scotland and the gateway to the Hebridian Islands.

Meaning ‘little bay’ in Gaelic, this beautiful harbour town is packed with award-winning seafood eateries and quaint Victorian streets.

It’s safe to say they feel a world away from the city of Glasgow.

Places to visit in Oban: McCaig’s Tower and Dunollie Castle

Perhaps the most prominent landmark in Oban is McCaig’s Tower.

Based on the Colosseum in Rome, it’s a striking monument that offers perfect views across the water to islands Mull and Kerrera.

From there, take a walk along the coast to the ruins of Dunollie Castle .

Surrounded by woodlands and steeped with Scottish history, this spot is like something straight out of a fairytale.

The views from Oban’s seafront are certainly impressive, but if you fancy a more unique look at the Hebridian Islands, you can catch a thirty-minute scenic flight from Oban Airport to explore the wider area from overhead.

Places to visit in Oban: Oban Distillery and Town Centre

Oban Distillery is a must-do for any whisky lovers visiting the area, as it’s one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky.

In fact, the distillery pre-dates the town itself and much of the original building has been preserved.

Daily tours show visitors around the traditional venue.

Oban is a fantastic place for foodies to conduct their own food and drink tour around the town centre.

Take a walk around and find hidden gems with delicious, locally sourced seafood, whisky, chocolate, ice cream, fish and chips.

And even a Michelin star meal at Etive Restaurant !

Whatever ‘scran’ you’re in the mood for, Oban won’t disappoint.

5. Stirling

How far from Glasgow is it? 26mi (42km)

How to get there: 35 minutes by car or train, 50 minutes by bus

Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is a city alive with history and heritage.

Not only is it the location of the famous Battle of Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated English invaders, but it’s also the location of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace was victorious in one of the early Wars for Scottish Independence.

These battles are commemorated at Bannockburn Heritage Centre .

But the city centre is scattered with other monuments and historical sites too.

Places to visit in Stirling: Stirling Castle

Easily seen on your approach into the city, Stirling Castle is a magnificent 12th-century castle situated atop a 76-meter-high volcanic rock.

Though it’s often overlooked due to the neighbouring Edinburgh Castle, the high positioning and incredible architecture of Stirling Castle makes it one of the grandest buildings in the whole of Scotland.

It’s a fun spot to visit if you happen to be travelling with family, as the visitor attractions are a real interactive experience.

Costumed characters from the past greet you at the Royal Palace and lead you through the historical and cultural experience of life in the castle.

Places to visit in Stirling: National Wallace Monument

An equally imposing sight on the hilltop of Abbey Craig is the National Wallace Monument , a gothic tower commemorating William Wallace.

The 246 step climb is broken up by displays on every floor, including Wallace’s sword in the Hall of Arms.

When you reach The Crown at the top, you’ll have a unique 360 degree, panoramic view of Stirling and its surroundings.

You can even see as far west as the Trossachs and Ben Lomond!

You might feel compelled to roar ‘FREEDOM!!!’ at the top of your longs a la Mel Gibson in Braveheart when you see the wide-open Scottish surroundings.

But, just a warning, you won’t be very popular with the locals afterwards…

How far from Glasgow is it? 24mi (39km)

How to get there: 35 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train

Nestled between Glasgow and Edinburgh you’ll find the town of Falkirk, home to two of the country’s most famous architectural builds, the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies.

Set in the Forth Valley, the area boasts outdoor attractions and sculptures that contrast beautifully with the rural countryside around it.

Places to visit in Falkirk: The Falkirk Wheel

Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Falkirk is the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift.

It sounds a little bizarre, I know.

But it’s a truly spectacular piece of engineering which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Standing at 115 feet tall, the wheel essentially lifts boats through the air to transfer them between canals, using the power equivalent to just eight domestic kettles.

This iconic Scottish landmark attracts over 500,000 visitors per year.

You can take a boat trip on the canal and onto the wheel itself. Or simply observe and learn more at the free visitor centre on-site.

Either way, it’s a pretty unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Places to visit in Falkirk: The Kelpies

A more recent addition to Falkirk is The Kelpies.

These two 100 foot tall horse head sculptures are located in the Helix Community Park, a reclaimed parkland with over 500 kilometres of connected cycle paths and walking routes.

Weighing more than 300 tonnes each, they are the largest equine sculptures in the world.

Created by Andy Scott and inspired by the mythological creatures of the same name, the sculptures are an incredible feat of design and engineering.

They look spectacular from afar, and even better up close and inside on a guided tour.

After dark, the Kelpies illuminate in everchanging colours, truly encompassing the ethereality of the mythical shape-shifting water spirits of the same name.

It’s a magical way to end one of the best day trips from Glasgow!

7. The Ayrshire Coast

How far from Glasgow is it? 38mi (60km)

How to get there: 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by train or bus

Birthplace of Scotland’s beloved National Poet, Robert Burns, the Ayrshire coast is a scenic little place with a whole lot of Scottish cultural history.

It’s the birthplace of Auld Lang Syne, the Scots-language poem now sung across the world on New Year’s Eve.

(Or Hogmanay, to us Scots!)

The countryside has been immortalised by Burns’ beautiful prose.

Places to visit on the Ayrshire Coast: Robert Burns Country

Whether you’re familiar with Burns’ poetry or not, the Burns Heritage Trail is not only a fascinating look at his life and work, but it also gives you a great tour of the area.

Start at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage, the wonderfully preserved thatched house where he was born and raised.

From there, follow the trail and immerse yourself in the world of his words.

Relive tales such as Tam O’Shanter by visiting the Alloway Auld Kirk, the cobbled Brig o’ Doon and other medieval spots home to countless stories of witchcraft and folklore that were so beloved in Burns’ work.

You’ll feel his heritage all around.

Places to visit on the Ayrshire Coast: Culzean Castle & Country Park

The coast of Ayrshire is lined with wind-swept beaches.

Perched on top of the seaside cliffs you’ll find Culzean Castle & Country Park .

You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering around the woods, swan pond, deer park and walled garden of this beautiful 18th-century estate.

The castle’s prime spot on the coastline offers excellent views of the nearby iconic island Ailsa Craig.

There are even daily boat trips available to take you over to the uninhabited, volcanic island to spot birds and other wildlife.

8.  Isle of Arran

How far from Glasgow is it? 51mi (82km)

How to get there: 2 hours and 25 minutes by car followed by a ferry, or 2 hours and 50 minutes by train followed by a ferry

If you fancy a quick trip off the Scottish mainland and onto one of the many little isles that line the west coast, look no further than the Isle of Arran .

It might seem small in size at only 432 square kilometres. But it’s actually the largest in the Firth of Clyde.

Fondly nicknamed ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is a microcosm of everything that makes Scotland so beautiful.

This makes it one of the best day trips from Glasgow for variety!

You’ll find dramatic mountain peaks, fishing harbours, green forests, castles, sandy beaches and plenty of tasty local produce.

There’s also an abundance of local wildlife to spot on land and out at sea throughout the year.

Places to visit on the Isle of Arran: Brodick

Brodick is the main village on the island.

The ferry from Glasgow pulls into this bustling port on the east side, with impressive views of Goatfell, the highest of the mountains on Arran.

As the main commercial centre, you can find a range of cafes, restaurants and shops on the main road of the village, as well as hubs for outdoor activities including horse riding, cycling, golfing, walking and climbing.

You can also visit Brodick Castle & Country Gardens , a Victorian island castle with over ten miles of trails and wildlife to explore on its grounds.

Places to visit on the Isle of Arran: Lochranza

Pass through dramatic hills and mountains scattered with livestock and local wildlife to reach the northernmost village on Arran, Lochranza.

A somewhat sleepy town, this village feels much less tourist-centred than some of the others, despite it being home to the Arran Distillery , one of the island’s biggest industries.

Join in with tours and tastings at the Distillery. Or if pints are more your kind of thing, stop by the Arran Brewery on your way back to the port at Brodick.

How far from Glasgow is it? 11mi (18km)

How to get there: 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes by train

The town of Paisley is one of the closest day trips from Glasgow. So if you’re looking for something shorter, Paisley’s your best bet!

The town is home to some big names: Paolo Nutini, Gerard Butler and David Tennant, to name a few.

(Although I have to admit, your chances of running into any of them on your day trip is pretty slim!)

But more than that, Paisley is home to a rich heritage – particularly in textiles – and a lively cultural scene.

Places to visit in Paisley: Paisley Museum & Art Gallery

If you’ve heard of Paisley before, it’s more than likely in terms of the Paisley Pattern.

This world-famous teardrop-shaped bohemian pattern has featured everywhere from high street fashion to haute couture.

It’s even been worn by both Queen Victoria and the Beatles.

Paisley Museum & Art Gallery showcases a collection of Paisley shawls, looms and patterns that lead you through Paisley’s textile history, and how its cotton and silk thread mills transformed the town into an economic powerhouse.

Don’t leave the museum without taking a tour of the Coats Observatory.

Coats is Scotland’s oldest observatory with a high-tech digital planetarium and year-round stargazing opportunities.

Places to visit in Paisley: Paisley Abbey

Paisley town centre boasts the highest number of listed buildings in Scotland outside of Edinburgh.

This makes it one of the best day trips from Glasgow for fans of architecture and design.

The 12 th century medieval Paisley Abbey stands in the heart of the town, with Gothic towers and mysterious gargoyles (including one ‘Alien’ gargoyle with a striking resemblance to the 1979 film) overlooking the people below.

The Abbey has links with Scottish history, too, as it’s thought to be where William Wallace was educated.

For something a little more contemporary, head along Abbey Close to the Anchor Mill and the Hammils waterfall.

This famous sight is synonymous with the town’s history of textiles.

Whether you’re looking for dramatic highland landscapes, quaint seaside villages, modern architecture or ancient Scottish history, there are amazing day trips from Glasgow to suit every taste.

Which of these day trips from Glasgow will you be adding to your list?

15 Day Trips From Glasgow

Scotland’s most populous city sits in an enviable position – there’s no doubt about that. Besides the fact that Glasgow is renowned for its popular tourist attractions, vivacious energy, and legendary nightlife, this city is also an ideal base to explore Scotland from. From here, extraordinary places to visit include the world-known Loch Ness , the resort town of Oban, the Arran Island, the Ayrshire Coast, the Robbie Burns country, and, of course, the famous Scottish Highlands.

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Gorgeous Loch Lomond, which lies on the border between Central Scotland and the Highlands, is even closer and is a great place for all those in love with biking and hiking. Another phenomenal place that one can easily reach from Glasgow is the famous Stirling Castle, together with a number of equally interesting manor houses.

No matter the time of year they visit, if tourists ever grow tired of Glasgow’s bustling city life and lively cultural scene – or if they simply want to see what else Scotland has to offer – there are numerous places outside the city that can be reached within a day. Here are the 15 best of them:

1. Loch Lomond & West Highlands

The world-renowned “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond are less than an hour away from Scotland’s most populous city. The country’s largest freshwater lake is located at the southern tip of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park itself is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most charming regions – its breathtaking lochs and spectacular mountains are hard to forget. The West Highland Way goes along the full eastern side of the loch.

In addition to the romantic vistas and the haunting beauty of Loch Lomond, the lake is also a great place to engage in various outdoor adventures. Water sports enthusiasts from all over Britain come here to participate in their favorite activities.

On the other hand, the Cameron House (set to reopen in August) is a great place for golfers – if you’re one of them, make sure to pay a visit to the Carrick Golf Course there. This is one of the country’s best golf courses and one that features truly astonishing views of Scotland’s landscape.

If you’re more into lake cruises, you’ll be pleased to know that the Loch Lomond cruises depart from its southern end, from the village of Balloch. This village is also the home to the Sea Life Aquarium, which is an absolutely phenomenal family attraction, as well as to many interesting shops, pubs, and inns.

While it’s incredibly easy to reach this beautiful Scottish lake by train, folks can also go there by participating in one of numerous West Highland full-day guided tours. These often include attractions such as the Stalker Castle, the Kilchurn Castle, the town of Inveraray, and others. Loch Lomand is also one of our favorite places for day walks near Glasgow .

2. Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands

Let’s be honest – no serious trip to the UK’s northernmost country is complete without paying a visit to the world-famous Loch Ness. This breathtakingly beautiful lake is well-known for alleged sightings of the fabled sea serpent known as the Loch Ness Monster (“Nessie”).

The lake itself fills the Great Glen geological fissure and is exceptionally deep and long. The best way to enjoy its clean waters, steep green walls, and the amazing views of the rocky peaks surrounding it is via hour-long boat trips that can be taken from Inverness and Fort Augustus.

A lot of longer Great Glen tours stop in the village of Glencoe. This atmospheric, remote village is the site of the historic Massacre of Glencoe, where 30 members of the MacDonald clan were killed by the forces of the Scottish government in 1692. The whole area is filled with breathtaking scenery of tumbling waterfalls, fast-running rivers, rocky ridges, and high mountains. You will also get a chance to walk part of the Great Glen Way which goes along the length of the loch. If you are adventurous and are looking to stay overnight, there are great wild camping spots all over the Highland.

3. Isle of Arran

While it’s only 267 square kilometers in size, the charming Isle of Arran is also one of Scotland’s prettiest islands. In fact, a lot of people call the Isle of Arran “Scotland in miniature”, as it contains examples of almost everything that turns this country into such a great tourist destination.

Getting to the Isle of Arran is quite easy – you take an hour-long trip by train from Glasgow to Ardrossan, and then take an hour-long ferry ride from Ardrossan to the island. The Isle of Arran is marked by splendid beaches and mountains, as well as by an abundance of fishing harbors, castles, and wildlife.

Another amazing thing about this island is that it’s a great place for hikers. However, buses still run regularly around it, so it’s very easy to reach all the tourist attractions right from the Brodick ferry terminal.

While it’s true that Arran’s best places can be seen in a single day (such as the well-known Goat Fell Mountain or the magnificent Brodick Castle), you’ll want to properly explore this island’s wonderful sites by spending a couple of days on it. Read our Arran Coastal Way guide as well.

4. Stirling & Stirling Castle

Only half an hour away from Scotland’s most populous city by train or car is the market town of Stirling. Have you seen the movie Braveheart ? If you did, you’ll definitely want to pay this place a visit – this is where the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297) took place, with the legendary William Wallace as the leader of the Scottish forces.

It is also the location of the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), which is featured at the end of Braveheart and which is one of the most celebrated Scottish victories over the English. Both this battle and the Battle of the Stirling Bridge are commemorated at Stirling’s marvelous Bannockburn Heritage Center.

One extremely important landmark of this region is the Wallace monument, which can be found between Stirling and the Bridge of Allan. Open to the public for an admission fee, this breathtaking tower provides spectacular views of the region and has three exhibition rooms where tourists can see various artifacts that belonged to William Wallace.

The striking Stirling Castle, on the other hand, is a spectacular 12th-century building that was constructed on the top of a volcanic craig. It is one of the largest (and most important) buildings of this type in the country and a major tourist attraction (it’s open to the public for an admission fee).

5. Benmore Botanic Garden

Located in the middle of a mountainous area north of Glasgow, the Benmore Botanic Garden is definitely a place worth paying a visit to. It’s a part of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden and a place where you’ll be able to see hundreds of different species of plants. In fact, coming to this site is a botanical wonder by itself – the long driveway to the property is surrounded by giant Californian redwoods that were planted all the way back in the 19th century.

Other attractions include A Boy With Two Dolphins, which is a bronze statue erected in 1875 (and donated by the master of the Benmore House), and the Pack’s Hut, a simple monument dedicated to the botanist Bayley Balfour. The Benmore House mentioned above is right next to the Benmore Botanic Garden and is now an outdoor learning center.

Another thing worth checking out while in the area is the Argyll Forest Park. A big part of it lies in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, so you can expect a lot of wonderful natural sights there, one of which is the charming Puck’s Glen.

6. Outlander Day Tour from Glasgow

Are you a fan of the hit TV show Outlander ? If that’s the case, one of the best day trips you can take from Glasgow is the Outlander Day Tour, which is offered by many tour agencies based in the city. In most cases, this is a genuinely immersive adventure that stops in various places that most fans of this TV series will recognize instantly.

For most fans, the tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the lovely village of Culross, which plays the role of the fictional village called Cranesmuir. With Culross being the tour’s very last stop, you’ll have a lot of time to explore the place – make sure to take a couple of selfies at the old village square, which dates all the way back to the 17th century.

Another remarkable location you’ll get to see on this tour is Doune Castle. Known as the Castle Leoch in the TV show, this well-preserved medieval stronghold was built in the 13th century. Besides the Outlander , the Doune Castle was also prominently featured in the 1975 comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Another great place on the itinerary is the village of Falkland, which you’ll be able to explore at your leisure (and grab a bite of lunch!). Other stops include the Midhope Castle, the Blackness Castle, and the Linlithgow Palace.

7. Robbie Burns Country / The Ayrshire Coast

If you’re more interested in poetry than TV shows, you’ll definitely want to explore the countryside immortalized in the works of Robbie Burns, the national poet of Scotland. Doing this also means visiting one of the prettiest coastal regions in the country – the Ayrshire Coast.

The very first stop on this day trip should be the village of Alloway, where the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is located. Here, you’ll be able to see a well-preserved thatched house in which Robbie Burns has spent his childhood before moving to Mount Oliphant Farm.

The next stop of this tour is the burial place of Robert’s father – Auld Kirk. After that, this circular tour takes tourists to the Robert Burns House in Dumfries, where the poet spent his last days before an early death at the age of 36, in 1796. His grave, on the other hand, can be found in the churchyard of the nearby St Michaels & South Parish Church.

While visiting the Ayrshire Coast, make sure to see the Culzean Castle and the Country Park, too. The castle itself is said to be home to a couple of ghosts, including a servant girl and a piper. The park, on the other hand, is planted with beech and conifers and features things like fruit-filled glasshouses and flamboyant formal gardens.

8. Newark Castle

Less than 30 miles away from Glasgow’s city center is the industrial town of Port Glasgow, where you can find a well-preserved building that was built all the way back in 1478 – the Newark Castle. The stately home, with its tower and the gatehouse, was the seat of the powerful Maxwell family, whose last member died in 1694.

While the rooms in the Tower House cannot be accessed by visitors, one can still pay a visit to many of the castle’s other rooms, most of which have exhibits concerning the lives and working conditions of the family’s staff. You will also be able to admire the castle’s charming Jacobean exterior.

Another industrial center worth paying a visit to is Greenock, which lies on the southern bank of the River Clyde and is only 25 miles away from Glasgow. The most renowned Greenlockian is undoubtedly James Watt, but the town is also well-known as the final resting place of Mary Campbell, who was immortalized by Scotland’s national poet Robbie Burns as “Highland Mary”.

9. Oban & West Highlands

Known to many as the country’s seafood capital, the coastal Victorian town of Oban is the primary port for ferries that connect the Hebrides, the Isle of Mull, and the Isle of Skye with southern Scotland.

To get a stunning view of the entire town and its harbor, make sure to pay a visit to the McCaig’s Tower, which was erected between 1897 and 1902 and looks just like the Colosseum in Rome. On clear days, one can see all the way to the aforementioned Isle of Mull from the top of the structure.

The route from Glasgow to Oban goes through a region filled with castles, lochs, moors, and mountains – it’s a scenic countryside you surely won’t forget anytime soon. During this trip, one can also visit a couple of scenic lakes, including Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, and Loch Fyne.

10. Dumbarton Castle

The Dumbarton Castle is located on the northern bank of Clyde, some 20 miles away from Glasgow. It sits right between the river and the dramatic basalt rock behind it and thus has a strategically important position.

Out of all strongholds in Scotland, this one has the longest recorded history. For some time in the Early Middle Ages, Dumbarton was the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde (also known as Alt Clut). Unfortunately, not much survives from this time period, with most of the existing structures being built a thousand years later, in the 18th century.

If you decide to visit Dumbarton Castle, you’ll be able to see the Governor’s House and its fascinating artifacts, as well as the mighty Georgian artillery fortifications. Of course, wonderful views of the surrounding area are guaranteed.

11. Falkirk Wheel / Forth & Clyde Canal

Built at the very end of the 18th century, the Forth and Clyde canal flows through the Strathkelvin District, in the north of Glasgow. This 35-mile long canal was always crucially important for all the seagoing vessels in the area, as it connects the Firth of Forth in East Scotland with the Firth of Clyde in the west of Scotland. Nowadays, folks can enjoy pleasant canal cruises on vessels that depart from Kirkintilloch.

Make sure to find some free time to pay a visit to the Falkirk Wheel, though. Situated on the canal’s eastern end, the Falkirk Wheel is a genuinely unique achievement of modern engineering and a structure that can carry up to eight boats. This interesting mixture of a boat lift and a sculpture connects the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal with the aforementioned Forth and Clyde Canal.

Tourists can expect an hour-long journey aboard special vessels. Those who want to learn more about the canal’s operation can do so at the visitor center. If you really want to know more about the Forth & Clyde Canal, make sure to participate in one of the behind-the-scenes tours.

12. The Hill House, Helensburgh

Are you a fan of the Art Nouveau style? If so, your best bet is to go to Helensburgh (25 miles away from Glasgow) and pay a visit to the Hill House. Built all the way back in 1904, this charming house was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an influential Scottish architect.

The Hill House is surrounded by a beautiful garden and looks much like many of the fortified manor houses in Scotland. However, it bears a plethora of Mackintosh’s hallmarks, such as small chimney stacks, oriel windows, rounded edges, and various figural elements.

One particularly interesting thing about the Hill House is that it’s currently the target of the “Hill House Box” project, which is, as the name suggests, the construction of a massive steel frame that will encase the building. This steel frame is a genuine architectural wonder whose job is to protect the Hill House from the weather and allow its walls to dry. Visitors are allowed to climb this structure from the inside and look at the house from above.

Visitors can go inside the Hill House itself as well. There, they can see elegant Art Nouveau patterns combined with delicate pastel shades and dark wooden panels. However, none of these elements make the interior look kitschy – it is, rather, both minimalistic and cozy, as strange as that may sound.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was well-known for his “white rooms”, and the one that you’ll get to see in the Hill House (the bedroom) is undoubtedly his most successful. On the other hand, the architect’s wife, Margaret MacDonald, designed a stunning fireplace and many of the textiles inside the house.

13. Granny Kempock’s Stone, Gourock

Almost 30 miles west of Glasgow, in the town of Gourock, there is a six-foot-tall megalithic monolith standing on a cliff. Bearing the name of Granny Kempock’s Stone, this monolith is said to have been a rendezvous point for Scotland’s religious leaders – the druids.

Also, back in the day, Gourock’s sailors and fishermen were walking seven times around the Granny Kempock’s Stone in order to ensure good fortune on their voyages. Even today, a lot of people from these parts tend to walk a few circles around the stone for good luck, especially the local newlyweds.

Another place of interest worth visiting is the “Girl on a Suitcase” statue, as well as the town’s main shopping street – Kempock Street. If nothing else, the views across the Clyde Estuary can turn the trip to this quaint town into a worthwhile outing. The best time to visit Gourock is in May – that’s when the Gourock Highland Games are held.

14. Paisley Abbey / Thomas Coats Memorial Church

Some of the surviving parts of Paisley Abbey, located in the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire, date all the way back to the 12th century. Paying a visit to this magnificent medieval church means walking almost 200 steps to its tower and seeing its enchanting choir stalls.

Another church worth visiting while in Paisley is the Thomas Coats Memorial Church, which is on the other side of River Cart. Completed at the end of the 19th century, this church was funded by one of the country’s leading textile manufacturers and features some of the most intricate stonework one can see in Scotland.

Before you leave Paisley to go back to Glasgow (which is only 10 miles away, by the way), make sure to visit the Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, too. Here, you’ll be able to see lots of compelling displays concerning the local textile industry and learn more about the well-known Paisley Pattern. Visitors can observe embroidered and woven shawls from India, old looms that were once used in manual textile production, and many other interesting exhibits.

15. Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life

Formerly known as Summerlee Heritage Park, this stunning museum is located on the site of now-defunct Summerlee Iron Works. One of the earliest adopters of the so-called “Hot Blast Process”, this company was one of the area’s biggest employers for a century – from the 1830s to the 1930s.

Nowadays, this museum offers an enjoyable time for both adults and kids, with exhibits such as the Victorian steam engines, workers’ cottages, a recreated mine, and a vintage tramway. Covering 22 acres of land, the museum also has a sweet shop, a gift shop, and a cafe.

I love hiking, backpacking, and camping. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. Hiking refreshes me, my mind, and keeps my body reasonably fit. So far I have walked three Camino routes and many other long distance hikes in the UK, Canada, and around the rest of Europe. One of the best was my hike up Ben Nevis.

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Day Trips , Glasgow

20 day trips from glasgow [by car & public transport].

Glasgow is not only a fun city to visit. It is also a great location to use as a home base and explore Scotland on day trips. Mountains in the Scottish Highlands, pristine west coast beaches, bustling small towns and numerous fairytale castles are all just a short drive away. Discover the best of Scotland with these fun day trips from Glasgow. 

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

Glasgow is often overlooked on people’s itineraries – and that even though it is located so conveniently to some of Scotland’s most beautiful places to visit ! Whether you are into big cities or not, Glasgow is a great place to base yourself and explore the country on day trips, especially if you have limited time. 

From Glasgow, you can reach many beautiful places within a few hours by car or on public transport. From the dazzling peaks of the Southern Highlands near Loch Lomond to nearby beauty spots, heritage sites, castles and bustling towns. Even some islands are within easy reach for day trips from Glasgow!

This post contains 20 ideas for day trips from Glasgow, including:

• Self-drive day trips from Glasgow,
• Day trips on public transport , 
• Days out on nearby Scottish islands , 
• And even an easy west coast trip by plane !

The day trips on this itinerary are:

• Easy to reach: Most are within one hour by car from Glasgow (apart from the islands) and many are entirely accessible by public transport allowing you to leave the car at home if you wish.
• Family-friendly: The vast majority of the day trips suggested below are family-friendly and activities can be adjusted depending on the age of your kids.
• Budget-friendly: While some of the activities and attractions on the list incur a fee, the majority can be done on a shoestring budget.

If you are looking for organised bus trips, check out this post about guided day tours from Glasgow .

Table of Contents

Are these also doable from Edinburgh?

Since Glasgow and Edinburgh are so close, most of the day trips on this list are just as easy to do from Edinburgh – just consider added travel times, especially on public transport. 

In this post, I’m suggesting mostly trips in the west, while the Edinburgh day trip post focuses on places to visit in the east.

Download my free Scotland Trip Planning Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important !

Should I drive by car or take public transport?

The majority of these suggestions are doable day trips by public transport, however, keep in mind that you have to carefully plan according to bus and train schedules. On rural bus lines, I recommend not relying on the last bus of the day to return to Glasgow, but am for 1 or 2 prior. That way, if you miss those, you can wait at the stop for the final bus. Also bear in mind that while buses attempt to be on time, they might sometimes be late (or early) depending on traffic. Aim to be at the stop well in time before! 

Some suggested places on this list are not accessible by public transport, so it’s necessary to drive by car.

You might also like: My Top 20 Driving Tips for Scotland

Day Trips from Glasgow

Helensburgh.

Helensburgh is a beautiful town on the coast where the River Clyde flows into the sea. Founded in the late 18th century, Helensburgh is boasts impressive architecture, generous tree-lined streets and stunning sea views.

The town is probably best known for the Hill House , which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is an incredible example of domestic architecture in the Glasgow Style. In recent years, the house has been surrounded by a protective metal mesh box which keeps the weather out and allows visitors to engage with the building in a new and unique way.

Other highlights in Helensburgh include the bustling waterfront with lots of shops, restaurants and bars, and easy access to cycling paths and hiking trails including the John Muir Way, the Three Lochs Way and the Glen Fruin loop.

One of my favourite things to do in Helensburgh on a day trip from Glasgow is to jump on a boat trip along the coast with You & Sea from Rhu Marina.

Plan your day trip to Helensburgh with my Helensburgh & Lomond travel guide .

How to get to Helensburgh

Of course you can drive – which does allow you to pack a lot in your day trip – but it’s also easy to get to Helensburgh by train. The journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Helensburgh Central or Helensburgh Upper takes approximately 30 minutes.

The station Helensburgh Central is near the waterfront. Trains depart from Glasgow every half hour or so. The station Helensburgh Upper is further up the hill and closer to Hill House, but trains on this like (the West Highland Line) only depart a handful of times throughout the day.

Loch Lomond: Balloch + Luss

Located just 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is a popular day-trip destination year-round and there is a lot to do! Two villages on the banks of bonnie Loch Lomond are particularly great to visit for a day trip: Balloch and Luss . Both offer plenty to do, outdoor activities to try and some hidden gems.

Things to do in Balloch

Join a cruise on Loch Lomond, visit one of its beautiful islands or hire paddleboards/canoes to explore the loch on the water. TreeZone Loch Lomond offers family-friendly fun up in the treetops and while I don’t advocate to visit zoos of any kind, the cafe at the top floor of Sea Life Aquarium offers fantastic views of the loch (you don’t have to visit the aquarium, just ask for access to the cafe). There is even a castle in Balloch, and while the inside is not accessible to the public, Balloch Castle Country Park makes for a lovely green space to explore. You can even take a seaplane tour over Loch Lomond!

Things to do in Luss

Luss is a much smaller village about 9 miles up the loch shore. It is one of the most picturesque places to visit on Loch Lomond and popular stopover for road trippers and tour coaches on the way to the Highlands. It’s worth spending a full day here though. Like in Balloch, you can join a cruise on Loch Lomond, rent canoes for a paddle and join all sorts of water activities . One of my favourite things to do in Luss, is to sit down for lunch at the Lodge on Loch Lomond , a hotel/restaurant with fantastic views of the city. There is a beach , perfect for a picnic or even swimming and many shops and cafes to explore in the village. 

How to get to Balloch and Luss

You could drive (40 minutes to Balloch, 50 minutes to Luss), but both towns are also accessible by public transport.

Catch the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch or the Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Luss (no. 915).

Hiking in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park stretches from the Cowal Peninsula in the west to the Trossachs in the east and includes popular day trips areas like Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine and the Arrochar Alps.

There are many great hikes in the park from challenging mountain days to family-friendly loch circuits and woodland walks. Their website is a great resource for trail descriptions, but here are some of my favourites.

Easy hill walks: 

• Conic Hill: a small hill near Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The trail is part of the West Highland Way and takes 2-3 hours in total.
• Ben A’an: a short, but steep ascent leads up this “mountain in miniature”. What it doesn’t have in elevation, it makes up in sweeping views over Loch Katrine from the top. Plan 3-4 hours.

Like the sound of a hike? Read my full report from the hike up Ben A’an .

Intermediate challenges: 

• Ben Ledi: a rewarding Corbett (mountain over 2,000 ft) near Callander with breathtaking views of the Trossachs and Stirlingshire. Plan 3-5 hours.
• Beinn Dubh + Glen Striddle horseshoe: a short hill walk from Luss climbing a grassy ridge with beautiful views of Loch Lomond. Plan 3-5 hours.

Munro bagging:

• Arrochar Alps from Arrochar: a mountain range north of Arrochar. Prominent peaks include The Cobbler (Ben Arthur – not a Munro), Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain and Ben Vorlich, but there are also many easier walks in the area.
• Arrochar Alps from Inveruglas: A few peaks in the Arrochar Alps are accessible from Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, including Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich.
• Ben Lomond: the southernmost Munro in Scotland and also one of the most popular ones (that’s any mountain over 3,000 ft). It’s a challenging day out – expect to spend 5-6 hours on the mountain.
• An Caisteal and Beinn a’Chroin: two Munros easily bagged in one day – a challenging day out for more experienced hikers. Plan 6-8 hours. Read my hiking guide here .

You might also like: 13 great Munros for Beginners

How to get to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs hikes 

Many trails, especially on the Trossachs side of the National Park, can only be reached by car. 

Trails on the west shore of Loch Lomond though, are fairly easy to reach by public transort. You can take the bus (Citylink no 915) to Luss or Inveruglas, or the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet for access the western leaks in the Arrochar Alps. But consider that it’s a 40-minute walk from the station to Succoth car park, where most of the mountain routes start.

Go Ape Aberfoyle

Ever wanted to swing from tree to tree or dangle several meters above the forest floor? I’ve got something for you!

Go Ape Aberfoyle is a fun tree-top course in the Trossachs that really makes the most of the woodland glens in the area. There are many Go Ape locations all over the UK (others in Scotland can be found in Glentress Forest near Peebles and at Crathes Castle near Aberdeen), but the one in Aberfoyle is arguably one of the best.

The course begins with a 323-metre zip line across a glen and with dramatic views of a stunning waterfall. Your small group will then climb high up to the tree-tops and tackle a couple of obstacle challenges, including a Tarzan swing. Before you know it, you’ll zip back across the glen.

Make a day of it and combine your tree-top adventure with a hike up Ben Aan, a cruise on Loch Katrine or a leisurely stroll through Aberfoyle.

Enticed? Read my full report from a day at Go Ape Aberfoyle .

How to get to Go Ape Aberfoyle

It is possible to reach Go Ape Aberfoyle and the nearby village of Aberfoyle by public transport (train from Glasgow to Stirling and on by bus no. X10A), but it takes twice as long as driving by car. 

A Bushcraft Skills Day at Carron Valley

Learning how to survive and thrive in nature, without harming the environment, is a fun activity – you don’t only spend time outdoors, you also get to learn new skills that will be useful for the rest of your life.

I joined a bushcraft skills course with Primal Bushcraft & Survival at Duncarron Medieval Village and learnt everything from making fire with a bow drill, building an emergency shelter and safely using a knife like an axe. So much fun!

 Read all about my experience on is bushcraft course in Scotland here.

How to get to Carron Valley

Carron Valley lies about an hour’s drive from Glasgow. There is no public transport to the area.

Loch Lomond: Inveruglas + Inversnaid

Inveruglas on Loch Lomond is a very special place and one of my favourite stopovers on the way to Glencoe . At first glance, there is just a car park with a cafe and facilities – but there is more than meets the eye.

At the very least, take a walk down the woodland trails to Inveruglas Pyramid (An Ceann Mòr) which offers stunning views of Loch Lomond. My friend Ksenia from For All Things Creative (watch my interview with Ksenia  here ) however, recommends spending a full day here for the following activities:

• Walk up to Loch Sloy to see the impressive dam which is part of the hydro-electric power station. The hike is very easy – you just have to follow a small tarmac road up from the A82. Read Ksenia’s blog post describing this hike here .
• Take the waterbus from Inveruglas across to Inversnaid on the other side of Loch Lomond. From there, the short but steep Arklet Trail climbs up through the woodlands and offers spectacular views of the Arrochar Alps across the water.

How to get to Inveruglas

There is a generous car park at Inveruglas Visitor Centre and there is ample parking. 

The Citylink bus from Glasgow (no 915) also stops at Inveruglas and Sloy Power Station. 

Road trip down the Cowal Peninsula

The Cowal peninsula is one of Scotland’s remotest-feeling areas and yet only 1.5 hours from Glasgow (by car). Highlights in the area include the sprawling Benmore Botanic Garden and the busy seaside town of Dunoon. 

For an easy walk, explore the trails at Puck’s Glen, Glenbranter or near Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel – expect to see endless waterfalls!

Make sure to also discover the ruins of Old Castle Lachlan on Argyll’s Secret Coast.

How to get to the Cowal Peninsula

The easiest way to explore the Cowal peninsula is by car – it gives your the greatest flexibility in this remote part of Scotland. 

However, there are also public transport connections, such as taking the bus from Glasgow to Cairndow and from there on to Dunoon (goes past Glenbranter and Benmore Gardens). There is also a ferry connection from Gourock to Dunoon from where you can continue on local buses.

Glengoyne Distillery and Dumgoyne

Dumgoyne is a small but steep hill behind the famous Glengoyne Distillery . The ascent across moorland and sheep tracks is challenging, but hikers can reward themselves with a dram or a distillery tour upon their return. I highly recommend doing the hike before the whisky tour, rather than the other way around.

Want to find out more? Read my details blog post about his day trip from Glasgow here .

How to get to Glengoyne Distillery

There is a direct bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Glengoyne Distillery (no. X10, X10A), so it is not only possible but also advisable to plan your distillery visit by public transport.

If you have a designated driver or plan only to hike to Dumgoyne without a whisky tour, there is some parking in lay bys near the distillery – the distillery car park is for visitors only.

Kilpatrick Hills

One of my favourite hiking experiences near Glasgow is the area around Kilpatrick Hills . The trail first climbs up to Loch Humphreys , on to the dome-shaped summits of Duncolm and finally with an option to descend via the Slacks viewpoint. 

As soon as the trail starts climbing up from the village, you can enjoy stunning views of the River Clyde and Dumbarton Rock, a dome-shaped volcanic hill by the river which marks the location of Dumbarton Castle. 

Within a short amount of time, you will be immersed in vast moorlands and reach the shore of Loch Humphreys. Once you reach the summits of Duncolm which offer views towards Loch Lomond. And from the Slacks the hills give way to views of Glasgow and the Erskine Bridge.

Read my full report from my day trip to the Kilpatrick Hills .

How to get to the Kilpatrick Hills

You can drive, but I recommend taking the direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Old Kilpatrick, the trail starts just behind the train station.

Bothwell Castle

Glasgow might not have castles within its city limits, but you don’t have to go far to find one after all. Located just a few miles east in the small town to Uddingston , the ruins of Bothwell Castle overlook the banks of the River Clyde (FREE for Historic Environment Scotland members &  Explorer Pass  holders).

The castle was built in the 1200s and fought over fiercely by the English and Scottish during the Wars of Independence The circular keep tower (also called donjon) is one of the most impressive of its kind all over Scotland.

On the meadows surrounding the castle, there is plenty of space for a picnic. Make a day out of the castle visit and explore the woodland trails along the River Clyde. 

How to get to Bothwell Castle

You could drive and park near the ruins, but Bothwell Castle is also very easy to reach on public transport. Take the train from Glasgow Central Station to Uddingston. From there it takes around 30 minutes to walk to the castle.

You can also cycle from Glasgow to Uddingston along the National Cycle Route 75.

City Trip to Stirling

The historic town of Stirling is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bustling centre of Glasgow and there is plenty to do to fill a day.

Explore the historic heart of Stirling, tour the castle , visit the famous Wallace Monument or learn everything about the Battle of Bannockburn (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ). 

If you are looking for more budget-friendly things to do, visit the Church of the Holy Rude , wander along the riverside to Cambuskenneth Abbey or the Old Stirling Bridge and learn about the conservation of historic sites at The Engine Shed (all free).

Find more tips for a day trip to Stirling .

How to get to Stirling

Leave your car at home and get the train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Stirling. Most sites in Stirling are within walking distance, but places like the Wallace Monument or the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre are serviced by local buses (no. 52 for the monument, no. 51, X36 to Bannockburn).

Wonders of engineering in Falkirk

Falkirk is a town located about halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh which makes it a very popular place to live and it’s pretty densely populated. It is famous for two sites that showcase the finesse of Scottish engineering and art: the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

The Kelpies at the Helix

The Kelpies are 30-metre-high sculptures of horse heads at the Helix Park. They represent the mythological creatures called Kelpies – shapeshifting water spirits that would take on the shape of beautiful horses to lure humans into dangerous waters. However, they are also a nod to the powerful Clydesdale horses which were used as tow horses along Scotland’s canals.

Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that connects two canals that were significant in the industrial development of Scotland: the Forth and Clyde Canal (coming from Glasgow) and the Union Canal (coming from Edinburgh). The wheel raises boats up 24 metres into the air – a spectacular experience whether you board one of the tour boats or just watch it from the sideline. 

Of course there is a lot more to discover in Falkirk and beyond. Use my Falkirk travel guide to plan a day trip or weekend getaway!

How to get to Falkirk

There is a direct train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Falkirk, but the main attractions of Falkirk (incl. The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel) are slightly out of town and you’d have to continue your journey by bus. 

A great way to get around Falkirk is to hire an e-bike from Forth Bike !

Cultural heritage at New Lanark

New Lanark is a former cotton spinning mill surrounded by a purpose-built village and a lush national nature reserve. The mill was founded in 1786 by David Dale, a merchant and industrialist who – like practically anyone who made their money in the cotton industry – benefitted from the slave trade and used cotton from plantations built by slave labour. In 1791, Dale became the chair of The Glasgow Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and took a public stand against slavery.

Once the epi-centre of cotton spinning in Scotland, today, it offers an interesting visitor experience, guided tours and interactive ways of engaging with the fascinating history of Scotland’s industrial heritage. It is also one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland. 

The site of New Lanark is also a great starting point for a family-friendly walk to the Falls of Clyde or a longer circular walk .

How to get to New Lanark

There is a train from Glasgow Central Station to Lanark (approx. 1 hour) and from there it is a short bus ride (no. 135) or a half-hour walk to the New Lanark mill.

That means you can easily leave your car at home and visit New Lanark by public transport.

Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve

If you want to find one of Scotland’s spectacular and tallest waterfalls, you just have to drive south into the Southern Upland Hills and make your way to Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve . 

The waterfall is tucked away in a magical glen surrounded by sheep farms and rolling hills. The waterfall can be seen from two different viewpoints near the car park, but the best views require a little more effort. Hike up the trail beside the waterfall (to the right) and continue your walk all the way to Loch Skeen , the mountain loch that feeds the cascading waterfall. The trail is steep and narrow, to begin with, but flattens out once you reach the top of the waterfall.

If this sounds too challenging for your kids, there are lovely woodland trails nearby, for example at Carrifran Wildwood or Craigieburn Forest (both near Moffat).

Read my full report from the hike at Grey Mare’s Tail !

How to get to Grey Mare’s Tail

It is not possible to reach the Grey Mare’s Tail National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Borders by public transport. The drive from Glasgow takes around 1.5 hours.

Explore the Ayrshire Coast

Dotted with beautiful beaches and lively seaside towns, the Ayrshire coast has been a popular getaway for people from Glasgow for many centuries. 

Pick and choose from the following locations for a fun day trip to the Ayrshire coast:

• Get a cone of iconic ice cream at Nardini’s and walk along the waterfront in Largs .
• Visit the Vikingar! Leisure Centre in largs to learn about the Viking history of the area.
• Take the train to Fairlie and walk to the hidden waterfalls in the Fairlie Glens .
• Go for a walk at the colourfully painted Kelburn Castle & Estate near Largs.
• Visit the ruins of Ardrossan Castle and sunbathe at Ardrossan South Beach . 
• Go for a wander along Stevenston Beach in Saltcoats and out to Stevenston Point.
• Learn about Ayrshire’s maritime history at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.
• Spend a day on the beaches of Irvine (Irvine Beach, South Beach).
• Explore the small town of Troon , play at its famous golf course and indulge in local seafood.
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing at the beaches of Troon.

How to get to towns on the Ayrshire Coast

Largs, Ardrossan, Irvine and Troon are all accessible from Glasgow via train, but if you want to visit several of them in one day, you have more flexibility if you drive by car.

Visit Alloway and Culzean Castle

The area around Alloway and Ayr is also known as Burns Country , where Scottish national poet Robert Burns was born and spent the early years of his life. 

Visit the Cottage where Robert Burns was born in 1759 and learn more about his life, literature and legacy at the nearby Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ). Don’t miss a walk around the Burns Memorial Garden behind the museum to visit the Burns Monument and Brig o’ Doon.

You might also like: How to celebrate Burns Night

Did you know that Robert Burns once accepted a job to help manage a slave plantation in the West Indies? Read more about Burns’ relationship with slavery and abolition here .

While you are in the area, I highly recommend visiting Culzean Castle & Country Park (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ). The glorious palace sits on a cliff top with views of the sea and the Isle of Arran. The enormous country park and beautiful flower garden make for a fun day out.

How to get to Alloway and Culzean Castle

The nearest train station to Alloway and Culzean Castle is Ayr. Glasgow and Ayr are connected by train (1 hour) and there is a bus from Ayr to Alloway (no. 358 and 360, 10 minutes) and to Culzean Castle (no. 360, 1 hour).

However, I recommend visiting the castle by car in order to take in other nearby sites like Dunure Castle or Greenan Castle.

Isle of Bute

I bet you didn’t expect to see an island on this list, but there are actually several islands within easy reach from Glasgow. The Isle of Bute is one of them.

The island is most famous for the majestic Mount Stuart House , but there is a lot more to see. Start your day on Bute in Rothesay with a visit to the ruins of Rothesay Castle , Bute Museum and a walk along the seaside gardens.

Bute’s west coast is dotted with beautiful beaches that are worth a visit. Ettrick Bay is connected by bus, but if you have a car, I recommend stopping by Scalpsie Bay to see the local seals sunbathing at low tide.

There are several historic sites near Garrochty (St Blane’s Church, Dunagoil Fort, Blackpark Stone Circle) as well as a WWII bunker with stunning views at the northern end of the island. 

My favourite hike on Bute is the loop trail from Kilchattan Bay to Glencallum Bay , which is also part of the West Island Way .

How to get to the Isle of Bute

Bring your car or get a Rail & Sail ticket at Glasgow Central Station. It is a one-hour train ride to Wemyss Bay where you can catch the ferry across to Rothesay on Bute. 

On Bute, either use local buses or follow the West Island Way for a scenic hike around the island. I recommend the southern loop to Kilchattan Bay for a day trip.

Great Cumbrae

Great Cumbrae is another one of the Firth of Clyde islands near Glasgow. Since it’s largely flat, it is particularly popular for cycling trips. The road around the island is only 10.5 miles long and so, extremely family- and beginner-friendly.

Millport is the main village on the island. It is home to the smallest cathedral in Britain and a colourful row of houses along the waterfront, which has become synonymous for Scottish seaside villages.

The circular cycle loop follows the stunning coastline of the island, offers views of Bute, Arran and the Ayrshire coast, and even Ailsa Craig in the distance. There are also an activity centre on Great Cumbrae that arranges a wide range of water activities from yachting to stand-up paddleboarding. 

How to get to Great Cumbrae

You could bring your car, but there is really no reason for that. Take the train from Glasgow to Largs, set over to Great Cumbrae on a short ferry ride and continue to Millport by bus. There, pick up your rental bikes and explore the island by bike!

Of course, you can also bring your own bicycles across and start cycling from the ferry pier.

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. A day trip really doesn’t do it justice (it’s best to stay at least 2-3 nights), but it is so easy to get to from Glasgow, it would be a shame not to mention it here.

My favourite way to spend a day on Arran is to hike Goatfell , the tallest mountain on the island which offers magnificent views of the Ayrshire coast, the Kintyre peninsula and even the Paps of Jura in the distance. Even though Goatfell is only 874m in elevation, the rough terrain of the range gives the illusion of ore Alpine mountaineering. Top tip for families: Goatfell is generally family-friendly, but it is pretty steep and exposed towards the top. With young kids, you could also choose an easier hike down Glen Rosa at the foot of Goatfell.

Back in Brodick, enjoy a local ale from Isle of Arran Brewery , shop for locally made cheese , ice cream or soaps and stop for a bite to eat at Little Rock Cafe before returning to the mainland on the last ferry.

Read my full report of a day trip to Arran to hike Goatfell .

How to get to the Isle of Arran

You could drive by car which would make it easier to whisk around the sites of Arran in a day, but Arran can also be reached by public transport. With a Rail & Sail ticket, take the train to Ardrossan and the Calmac ferry over to Brodick. 

From the pier, it is easy to get to the trailhead for Goatfell and sites around Brodick. There are also local buses to reach other locations around Arran.

Isle of Tiree

This final idea for day trips from Glasgow is a bit of a wild card. One look at a map will show that the Isle of Tiree is nowhere near Glasgow. In fact, it takes almost four hours by boat to reach Tiree from Oban on the west coast. How are you supposed to get there and back in a day? The answer awaits at Glasgow airport.

Loganair offers 2 daily flights from Glasgow to Tiree (approx. one hour) so that you can conveniently fly to Tiree in the morning and return in the evening, after a day on the island.

Like Great Cumbrae, Tiree is extremely flat and thus a prime location for cycle trips . However it is also known as one of the sunniest places in Scotland, its coast is dotted with paradise beaches and the consistent wind makes it a perfect destination to try ( wind-)surfing .

Local tour operators can meet you at the airport to take you for a surf lesson or equip you with bikes to explore the island independently. 

Find out more about exploring Tiree by bike in this post .

How to get to the Isle of Tiree

Book a return flight for the same day with Loganair. 

PS: Flying is obviously not the most environmentally friendly mode of transport (quite the opposite), but these small planes are a lifeline for remote islands like Tiree. They enable islanders to access essential services (like hospitals) much quicker than by ferry and bring a significant boost to the local tourism economy.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Glasgow and there is something for every type of traveller and any budget.

Check out my favourite places to stay in Glasgow .

I hope by now you are convinced that Glasgow is more than just a bustling destination for a city trip – it opens up a whole range of experiences and places to visit in Scotland.

Take this list of suggested day trips from Glasgow and start exploring!

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2 thoughts on “ 20 Day Trips from Glasgow [By Car & Public Transport] ”

This is amazing! Can’t belive I found this blog, Thank you very much for all these informations! I was looking for places for short vacation and waw! ❤️❤️ ?

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Glasgow

Day trips from glasgow.

• Glasgow to Stirling
• Glasgow to Oban
• Glasgow to Inveraray
• Glasgow to Edinburgh
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

2. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

3. Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow

4. Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise

5. Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow

6. Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

7. Outlander Adventure Day Tour from Glasgow Including Admissions

8. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow

9. Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles from Glasgow

10. Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure from Glasgow

11. Private Tour in Oban, Glencoe, Western Highlands, Lochs & Castles

12. Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure - Winter Edition from Glasgow

13. Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel Private Tour for 1 - 4 people from Greater Glasgow

14. Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Guided Tour with Waterfalls Walk starting Glasgow

15. A Day on the Isle of Arran Including Admission from Glasgow

16. Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Glasgow Including Admissions

17. One Day West Highland Way Hiking Tour from Glasgow

18. Stirling Castle & Loch Day Tour

19. St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife from Glasgow

20. Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle from Glasgow

21. Private Tour Loch Lomond Stirling and the Kelpies from Glasgow

22. Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour

23. Glasgow Private City Day Tour in Luxury MPV from Edinburgh

24. Glasgow Luxury Private Day Tour with Scottish Local

25. Culzean Castle & Burns Country Tour from Glasgow Incl Admission

26. Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

27. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Luxury Private Day Tour

28. Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour with Scenic Walk starting Glasgow

29. Outlander Tour

30. West of Scotland Cultural Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Silvia C 1 contribution 1 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic tour with Paul The tour is amazing! Our guide Paul was so sweet and caring. We saw some beautiful places and we arrived at Glenfinnan just in time to see the train. Paul stopped a few times to make us view some beautiful places and took some photos. I highly reccomend this tour while you’re here in Scotland! Read more Review of: Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure - Winter Edition from Glasgow Written 29 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow
• Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow
• Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise
• Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow
• Somos Escocia - Free Tours
• Gallus Pedals
• Stravaigin Scotland
• Experience Scotland's Wild
• Lindsays Highland Tours
• Wee AdvenTours
• Alba Experiences
• The Keltic Ginger (Scotland Tours)
• Glasgow Paddleboarders Co
• Discover Scotland Tours

Best Day Trips from Glasgow by train (+ logistics & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Discover the best day trips from Glasgow by train plus practical tips, logistical information and what to see along the route in our complete guide.

If you are based in Glasgow for a few days or more you may be considering adding a day trip or two to your itinerary. In this article, we cover the best day trips from Glasgow by train .

We have included details of various train routes from Glasgow with possible stops along the way (you may wish to spend the day in one of these destinations) plus details of the duration, ticket costs and what to see along the route plus tips to make the most of the trip once you arrive at your chosen destination.

Travel Scotland by train with our 14 day best of Scotland by rail itinerary. Includes logistics, what to see and do plus practical tips to make the most of your Scottish rail adventure.

Balloch (For Loch Lomond)

Crianlarich, inveraray castle, day trip to mull, iona and staffa, carrour (west highland line), what to look out for on the train journey from fort william to mallaig, skye and the western isles, guide to uk train travel ebook, what to see along the route, stirling (central scotland), alternative day trip options from glasgow central, britrail spirit of scotland, eurail global pass terms, conditions & exclusions, which day trip by train will you take from glasgow, glasgow to oban, fort william & mallaig (west highland line, scotland).

🛤 Perhaps the most picturesque or well-known of the scenic railway lines in Scotland, if not the UK

✅ Possible day excursion from Glasgow Queen Street station – however only up to 4 trains run daily in each direction 

❗️If you do this trip as a day excursion note that the day is spent mainly spent on a train in each direction. If you enjoy train travel and wish to observe the beautiful Scottish scenery in a comfortable setting this may be the day trip for you!

🛏 Consider an overnight stay in Fort William if time allows

⏱ Journey durations (all direct services) from Glasgow Queen’s Street

• Corrour – 3 hours
• Oban – 3 hours 10 mins
• Fort William – 3 hours 50 mins
• Mallaig – 5 hours 20 mins
• Balloch (Change at Dumbarton Central) – single journey £9.80, return journey £12.40.
• Corrour – single journey £35, return journey £57. 
• Oban – single journey £16, return journey £32.
• Fort William – single journey £35, return journey £57.
• Mallaig – single journey £43, return journey £51.

❗️ CHECK train times – Do not get caught out, remember there are only a few trains daily back to Glasgow, be sure of your train times for a return journey

❗️ If returning to Edinburgh and not Glasgow allow a minimum of 6 hours for the journey changing at Glasgow Queen Street. CHECK train times

Route Guide (+ What to see along the way)

From Glasgow Queen Street Station try to sit on the left side of the train as the train heads north for the best Loch views en route. 

• If you have booked seats and the train has spare seats move to a better seat.  Alternatively request a seat on the left-hand side if you reserve seats
• Seat reservations are generally not essential for these services

Direct from Glasgow Queen Street station, 50 mins, or change at Dumbarton Central or Ardlui.

• Balloch station is a short walk to the south end of Loch Lomond in the national park
• See the visitor centre and take a boat cruise across the Loch
• See also the views of Balloch Castle

• 1h 30 mins from Glasgow
• The train line splits with the line to Oban and the ongoing line to Fort William on the West Highland line
• The line heads north onto Rannoch Moor where the train line floats over peat bogs

After leaving Crianlarich the train passes breathtaking sights including Loch Lomond, Glen Lochy, and Loch Awe to the Pass of Brander before reaching Taynuilt on the shore of Loch Etive. Oban is the last station on the line.

• Oban train station is perfectly placed next to the ferry terminal for boat trips to the inner and outer Hebridian islands (Staffa, Mull and Iona)
• Popular landmarks and sights in Oban include McCaig’s tower and battery on the hill overlooking the town, also the Oban distillery and a short distance away Castle Stalker, Dunstaffnage castle, Loch Etive and Dunollie castle.

Popular day trips from Oban include Inveraray Castle and the Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa etc

Inveraray is one of Scotland’s most popular castles and is located on the shore of Loch Fyne in Argyll and is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll.

• Open from April to October. 
• Located around 40 miles from Oban.
• The nearest train station is Dalmally 15 miles away.

If you plan to stay in Oban for a couple of nights a day trip to the Hebrides is very doable. There are day trip excursions by boat available to Mull, Iona and Staffa (for Fingal’s Cave) plus additional islands to see puffins and other bird life.

Note! This may not be for you If you suffer from sea sickness (I took a tour in summer and the sea was pretty rough sailing in a small boat from Mull to Staffa and then to Iona)

Carrour is the highest mainline UK railway station (at 1,339 feet) and perhaps the most remote. 

• It is not exactly a day excursion but more of a walker’s stop-off or set-off point, providing stunning landscape views of Rannoch Moor and Loch Ossian. 
• Nearby are the Rannoch Moor visitor centres and also the Glencoe Mountain resort.

Fort William & Mallaig (for the Jacobite Express or Harry Potter train )

On the approach to Fort William look out for Scotland’s highest Peak, Ben Nevis, 4,411 feet. 

There are lots of things to see and do in Fort William including taking a ride on the famous Harry Potter train (the Jacobite)

• The Jacobite train departs twice daily from Fort William train station. Morning runs from April to October and afternoon runs in addition from May to September.
• Operated by West Coast Railways. Check timetables for specific dates/times. 
• ❗️Book early as the tickets sell out very quickly.
• If you are planning a trip on the Jacobite we recommend arriving in Fort William the day before and staying the night so you can be at the train station in time for the departure the following morning. 
• It is possible if you catch the 1 st Jacobite service to return to Glasgow that day on the national rail service.
• Even without a ticket for the Jacobite, it is good to arrive a the station for a few photos/videos of the steam train and soak up the happy atmosphere.

Read – How to travel the Harry Potter train in Scotland

• The train travels over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct on the left-hand curve.
• Sit or look out on the right-hand side of the train to get the best views of the viaduct.
• Announcements are made on the train’s public address system to advise of the train’s approach to the viaduct. Sit/look out on the right-hand side on the return journey.
• Explore the restored station, signal box and railway museum as the train pauses at the Glenfinnan station.
• On the left side of the train Loch Eilt from Fort William train station.
• On the right look for Neptune’s Staircase which is the 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal, look carefully because it is easily missed (look for it on the way back as well, on the left side of the train).
• Look on the left for Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument and then on past Loch Eilt.
• On the approach to Mallaig look for the fantastic view of the Sound of Sleat as the line hugs the coast and offers views of the islands of Eigg and Rum and the White Sands of Morar.

Tip – For the best photos/videos of the train passing over the viaduct head out from Fort William to the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre where you can walk to the lookout viewing points. 

Good to know: Missed out on tickets for the Jacobite or travelling out of season? Don’t worry there is NO need to take the Jacobite to travel this route. The normal train service uses the same train line between Fort William and Mallaig!

Mallaig is a port on Lochaber and the terminus station of the West Highland railway line.

• Visit the heritage centre, try some of the local seafood at the numerous restaurants and cafes and wander around the harbour area and enjoy the spectacular views.
• Don’t miss a visit to the Harry Potter shop in Mallaig!
• There is a Mallaig circular walk that is around 3 km and takes about 90 mins. 

The ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye departs from Mallaig harbour.

• Foot passengers are permitted
• The ferry is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
• Also, from Mallaig are ferries to the Western Isles including Harris, Iona, Eriskay, Arran, Barra, Bute etc

❗️ Reminder – CHECK train times – Do not get caught out, remember there are only a few trains daily back to Glasgow, be sure of your train times for a return journey.

Glasgow to Edinburgh

🕘 Takes between 50 mins and 1 hour 30 mins in each direction depending on the selected service and route, some trains stop at more stations than others.

✅ Multiple daily trains.

✅ Direct service, no changes.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) is £17 in each direction or a return booked on the day is £28. Advance or Anytime tickets are available.

Helix Park and the Kelpies are on the left in direction of travel along the belt of Scotland. Read more about visiting the Kelpies.

Things to do in Edinburgh include visiting the world-famous castle and Royal Mile, climbing Arthurs Seat (an imposing volcanic Peak for spectacular views of Edinburgh and surrounding areas including the port of Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia), and exploring the Royal residence of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Botanic Gardens, the Scotch Whisky Experience and much much more!

Read – Best day trips from Edinburgh by train

Glasgow to Inverness (North East Coast Scotland)

✅ Easy day trip from Glasgow Queen Street station.

✅ Multiple services each day in both directions.

🕘 Takes approx. 3 hours 25 mins for the direct service.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £12.90 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is another single ticket.  

🕘 Approx. 30 mins direct from Glasgow Queen Street

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £15.40 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £19.70

✅ Train station is in the city centre.

📍 See medieval Stirling castle, the National Wallace Monument (that commemorates the 13-century hero William Wallace) where from the top you can see the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Deanston Distillery, The Old Town Jail and 1hour from Loch Lomond and close to the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre.

❗️ Stirling is quite hilly to walk around so be prepared!

🕘 Approx. 1h from Glasgow Queen Street

📍 The city is located on the River Tay.  

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £8.50 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £17

Visit the Black Watch Castle and Museum, Kinnoull Hill and nearby the Scone Palace.

🕘 Approx. 1h 40 from Glasgow Queen Street) and Blair Atholl (next station, check train stops)

📍 Historic town on the River Tummel.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) is £11.90 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £21.10

Visit the dam and fish ladder, nearby Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery, falls of Bruar and Blair Castle and Gardens and the Queen’s view and visitor centre.

🕘 Approx. 2h 45 from Glasgow Queen Street

📍 Located in the Cairngorms National Park.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £18.30 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £31.20

Famous for beautiful lochs and walks and also for skiing and winter sports. Also, for the Cairngorm brewery and the Strathspey Railway (steam trains from Perth to Broomhill, 92 miles and takes around 1h 45) if you want a leisurely excursion, try an afternoon tea too.

📍Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands and is located where the River Ness joins the Moray Firth.

Things to see in Inverness

• The 19 th Century cathedral
• Indoor Victorian market
• Inverness Castle
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
• Botanic gardens
• Leakeys bookshop
• Enjoy a 2-hour walk circuit walk along the River Ness and Ness islands.

Why not extend your trip and stay a few nights in Inverness ? It’s a fantastic base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands with some great day trip options including…

• Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart
• Culloden battlefield
• Clava Carins – Bronze Age Cairn
• Fort George- Artillery fortification

Glasgow Central Station to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute

Glasgow to Wemyss Bay train station then to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute by ferry.

🕘 Train journey to Wemyss Bay is around 50 mins with direct service.

🎟 Train ticket – Approx. cheapest single ticket (at date) £8.80 with a return cheapest buying two singles at £16.80.

⛴ The ferry is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and has separate summer and winter timetables.

🎟 Ferry ticket – Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £7 for a foot passenger for a return ticket.

🕘 Ferry takes about 35 mins and an hourly service (check timetables)

Read – Complete Guide to Scottish Islands

• Located on the Clyde coast.
• The train station is built on a pier opened in 1903, grade A architectural listed curved glass canopy with and mock-Tudor exterior and clock tower.
• The Ferry to Rothesay leaves from the same pier across the Firth of Clyde.
• An island in the Firth of Clyde is divided into the lowlands and highland areas.
• Tours cost approx. (at date) £12 per adult.
• A lovely Victorian seaside resort
• See the Bute Military Museum and the 13 th Century Rothesay Castle (currently access is restricted for masonry inspections).
• There are Alternative Trains and Ferry Options from Glasgow Central.
• 🕘 46 mins
• ⛴ Ferry to Dunoon
• Ardrossan Harbour train station is a branch line on the Largs train line
• 🕘 1 hour
• Ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) Note that there are separate summer and winter timetables.

Glasgow to Stranraer (South West Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway)

The Stranraer Line is a scenic rail line that runs from Glasgow Central to Stranraer via Ayr where visitors need to change trains.

🕘 Takes around 2h 25 mins in total

✅ Up to 4 trains daily. 

❗️ No direct service to Stranraer

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) £9.10 in each direction or 2 x purchased single tickets £18.20.

• South West out of Glasgow Central station keep a lookout for the 3 lochs of Castle Semple, Barr and Kilbirnie. Also, the famous golf course at Troon.
• The historic country town of Ayrshire. Change trains at Ayr or stop off to see Robert Burns’s birthplace museum or Greenan Castle
• The train line approaches the coastline with the best views on the right side of the train in the direction of travel. 
• Look out to sea for the views of the island of Alisa Craig. The island is famous for supplying the world with the stones used in the sport of curling.
• On the banks of Loch Ryan in Scotland’s South West. See the medieval castle of St John, the Stranraer museum and the Killantringan lighthouse.
• The fastest ferry takes around 2 hours 16 mins.
• ⛴ Ferry to Belfast ( Northern Ireland ) – As well as the day excursion on the beautiful train line visitors can also catch the Stenna Ferry from the ferry port at Cairnryan which is 12 -20 mins away by taxi or bus.

Glasgow to Dumfries (South West Scotland – Dumfriesshire)

📍Dumfries is located near the River Nith that flows into the Solway Firth.

📍Approx. 25 miles from the border with England.

🕘 Journey time is 1h 45 from Glasgow Central Station.

✅ Direct service

✅ No changes in each direction.

🎟 Dumfries direct services – Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) £21 in each direction or 2 x purchased single tickets £38.20.

🔄 Return journey on a different route via the West Coast Mainline back to Glasgow Central takes 1h 20.

• A walled city with a rich historic past.
• Additional costs if extending the trip to Carlisle.

• Pass over the 23-arch viaduct outside Kilmarnock before the line heads to the scenic Ayrshire hills and on down the Nith Valley to Drumlanrig tunnel. 
• Historic Dumfries is a busy growing market town with a rich history, tracing its heritage all the way back to the Roman era.
• See Dumfries Museum, the Camera Obscura, Robert Burns house arts centre and the Aviation Museum.

Best day trips from Glasgow by train FAQs – Train Passes

If you are planning to travel around Scotland by train it may be cost-effective to buy a BritRail Pass or Global Eurail pass to cover the costs of your rail adventure.

(*Note the  Eurail Global Pass  is available to non-Europe residents only. For those of you who reside in Europe the  Global Interrail Pass  is the equivalent pass.)

• The Spirit of Scotland pass is for those who want to discover the area north of the border with England.
• Ferry and coach services are included as well as trains.
• Passengers cannot use some trains before 9.15 am on weekdays.
• The pass covers the entire country of Scotland, from Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Northumbrian border right up to the highlands and islands.
• Only child discounts may be available on the Scottish pass.
• Depending on the type of pass travel for 2, 3, 4, 8, 15, 22 or 30 consecutive days or 2, 3, 4 or 8 non-consecutive days spread over a month; or for 15 days during a two-month period. 
• For use in 33 countries across Europe (unless otherwise stated)
• Non-European residents are eligible to buy the Global Eurail Pass   (European residents have the equivalent  Global Interail Pass )
• The first travel date can be up to 11 months after the date of purchase
• Discounts may be available for children, youths or seniors 
• Paper or M (mobile) pass
• Seat reservations are advised
• Passes entitle holders to special discounts on hotels , ferries, entrance fees, tickets, city cards and much more
• Great Britain is included on the Eurail Global Pass
• Depending on the type of pass travel for 15 or 22 consecutive days, or buy a pass valid for 1, 2 or 3 months or for 4, 5 or 7 non-consecutive days spread over a month; or for 10 or 15 days during a two-month period. 

Read more about the BritRail Pass and Eurail Global Pass

Whichever of these train trips you take I am sure you will have a wonderful time. Scotland is a beautiful country to explore!

We have more resources to help you plan your trip!

• Scotland Travel Guide
• Guide to 10 regions of Scotland
• 19 Beautiful places to visit in Scotland
• Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper
• Best day trips from Edinburgh

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12 of the best Glasgow day trips

Discover the most memorable day trips from glasgow, from whisky distilleries and world-apart islands to canals, castles and cryptid tours.

D espite what you might be told, Glasgow’s secret weapon isn’t its gregarious locals, art, architecture, football teams nor rock’n’roll bands. It’s not its party-hard attitude or spirit-lifting mood no matter the state of the world, either. Whisper it, but it’s Glasgow’s enviable location, from which you can experience seemingly distant shores, discover distilleries and folkloric lochs, and tour history-rich castles, that really stirs the soul. Locals too show their appreciation for the area, especially on holidays and weekends, when those half or full-day tours are as busy with Glaswegians as they are with visitors from anywhere else. Factor in hotels, restaurants and bars that are every bit as good as in Edinburgh and a stay in Glasgow might suit you better. The connoisseur’s alternative to the capital? Perhaps.

Main photo: on the summit of Ben A’an, overlooking Loch Katrine in the Trossachs (Alamy)

1. Blend your own whisky

No surprise: Scots are rather partial to the smoky amber spirit and yet Glasgow’s contribution to the country’s whisky map is often overlooked. One exception is Glengoyne Distillery, which produces the country’s slowest distilled whisky and is 30 minutes north of Glasgow, easily accessible by public transport. The dram’s distinctive taste comes from the water from the Glengoyne Burn, but it’s also local lore that you can taste the winds that blow down the glen. Make of that what you will.

2. Ghost hunt at Culzean Castle

The Ayrshire coast is known as the home of national bard Robert Burns and championship golf courses, but another feather in its cap is this 16th-century stately manor. It’s haunted by seven ghosts — so tour guides say — and it’s not hard to believe when touring the estate’s shadowy woods, secret follies and hidden walled garden. More than anything, this is a place that encourages notions of fantasy and it’s ideal for family trips, with beaches and coves to explore, a deer park, adventure playground, buggy walks and swan pond. Note, it’s two hours each way, making for a long day tour from Glasgow.

3. Time travel to the days of Wallace and Bruce

Guardian of Scotland William Wallace was born outside Glasgow in Elderslie, but his story really comes to life in Stirling, the site of his greatest military success against Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots. Beneath Stirling Castle is the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, while atop Abbey Craig is the National Wallace Monument, a museum-cum-memorial that tells the blood-and-guts story of the patriot and martyr. There’s a hint of Mel Gibson bum-wiggling to keep the coach tours happy, but the real star is the view from the top of the open-air gothic spire. Ahead, framed by the Ochil Hills, a swathe of farmland unfolds south towards Bannockburn, the stomping ground of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce.

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4. See a field gun salute at Edinburgh Castle

Of all the trips from Glasgow to the east of Scotland, by far the most popular is the one to Edinburgh Castle in the capital. There is a love-hate relationship between the two cities, but even Glaswegians can’t deny the impulsive need for visitors to step back in time in Edinburgh at Scotland’s greatest castle. The path into its depths heads uphill beyond the Lawnmarket, across a dried-up moat and under a spiked portcullis where you can find all manner of sights; St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city, or the Honours of Scotland, the country’s equivalent of the Crown Jewels. Come at one o’clock to see a field gun fired from the battery across the city, a tradition that began in 1861.

Best hotels in Edinburgh

Best things to do in Edinburgh

5. Hunt for the Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness is many things to many people. A glorious destination for hiking, biking, wild camping and canoeing; a setting for laidback cruises across its silvery sheen; a starting point for the ridiculously popular North Coast 500 drive around northern Scotland. Most people, though, are drawn by tales of Nessie, Scotland’s long-necked green freak, and tongue-in-cheek monster hunts are ten-a-penny from launch sites in and around Drumnadrochit and the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition. It requires effort — a full day from Glasgow to get here is a must. Allow for 3.5 hours each way, without stops.

6. See ‘Scotland in miniature’ in a day

Since pretty much the mid-20th-century, travellers to the Isle of Arran, perhaps a little pie-eyed on booze consumed on the one-hour Firth of Clyde crossing from Ardrossan, have likened the arrival in Brodick to reaching a kind of island paradise. The island is wilder than many expect, and yet crammed with history and things to do — from the Machrie Moor standing stones to best-in-class distilleries and Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park. Factor in any more than this — the thrilling Goatfell hiking circuit, perhaps — and you’ll need to stay overnight.

7. Cruise the Falkirk Whee l

Most travellers bypass Falkirk in the rush from Glasgow to Edinburgh. It’s a pity: the Lowlands town has architecture and art to spare and the focal point is around where the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals couple up. Here you’ll discover the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, and the Kelpies, two world-beating equine sculptures made from steel. Rent a kayak or canoe, bring a bike, explore the wetland boardwalk, or join a tour for a spin around the wheel for a quick sail through the sky.

8. Salute the forever Queen of Scots

In a country where stories of kings and warrior poets are so common, the one about Mary, Queen of Scots stands head (ahem) and shoulders above the rest. Hers is one of romance, betrayal, drama and — ultimately — tragedy; the essence of her story can be felt in any number of places on a day trip from Glasgow. Visit South Lanarkshire’s Craignethan Castle, where Mary spent her last days in May 1568; strike farther afield to Linlithgow Palace (where she was born) and Lochleven Castle (where she was imprisoned); or discover Falkland Palace, the former country playground of the royal Stuarts and adored by Mary.

9. Spot red kites

Scotland is the land of the raptor and at many points on the compass it’s possible to see golden eagles, ospreys, kestrels, marsh harriers, common buzzards and more. Besides this, the Braes of Doune, north of Stirling, is the best place in the UK to see a fragile population of rewilded red kites. You’re here for the bird of prey hides, kite feeding stations and ranger-led tourism, but also for pond dipping sessions, ATV buggy tours and dragonfly walks. To extend the day trip, stop at nearby Doune Castle, then finish with a dram at Deanston Distillery.

10. Take a road trip to the Scottish Highlands

With its bald hills, deep lochs and wild moorlands, the Highlands is arguably Scotland’s most coveted destination. The modern age has added to its appeal, with baronial manor hotels and all manner of outdoor excursions, but it’s still possible to savour many of its highlights on a long day trip from the Central Belt. Start on the scenic A82 on the banks of Loch Lomond; continue through Crianlarich to Glencoe for Hollywood-worthy hills; then loop back via Appin, Oban and Loch Awe. It might feel counterintuitive to see it in such a whirl, but even in a blur it’ll blow your expectations away.

Best hotels in the Highlands

11. Drive the ‘Rest and Be Thankful ’

Nowadays, there are so many road trip possibilities in Scotland that it’s hard to keep up. There’s the North Coast 500, South West Coastal 300, Snow Roads Scenic Route and Kintyre K66, but despite their arrival the one that’s easiest to tackle from Glasgow remains this time-honoured route through Glen Kinglas and Glen Croe. The aptly named section of the A83 is stacked with ridiculously beautiful mountain and loch views and it rewards on the other side with the sight of Loch Fyne and its terrific oyster bistro and brewery — both places that feel as distant from Glasgow as one can get in 90 minutes.

12. Tour Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Loch Lomond is very much on the tourist map, but there are places to escape the crowds if you choose your moment wisely. The famous sights can be found at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch and around Balmaha, and the drive through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to Loch Katrine is wild and beautiful — all are invigorating in any season. Far quieter are the walks around the Lake of Menteith, wild swimming spots on Lochs Venachar and Lubnaig and bike routes from Balquhidder. For a day trip treat at a slower pace, stop in at five-star Cameron House for afternoon tea and a potter around the resort’s marina.

Best hotels in Glasgow

Best things to do in Glasgow

Take me there

Inspired to visit Glasgow but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Easyjet Holidays and Expedia where you can save up to £100 off packages with when you spend £1500 using code 100PKGQ122 or save up to £50 when you spend £650 using code 50PKGQ122 . Book before April 3 for travel dates any time before October 2 2022.

Here’s a selection of some of the best Glasgow tour itineraries from our Times Travel partners.

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » The 15 Perfect Day Trips from Glasgow [2024 Edition]

The 15 Perfect Day Trips from Glasgow [2024 Edition]

Glasgow is the cultural hub of Scotland and is all about great music, vibrant street art and lively local humour. It is well known for its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture. People visit Glasgow not only for history and culture but the infamous nightlife of the city as well. Many others also come here to enjoy the great outdoors as it’s the perfect gateway to Scotland’s countryside.

The best thing about Glasgow is that it’s well connected to Scotland’s most popular attractions. If you’re in the city and craving some adventure, why not hop on a train or bus and go to some of the great places nearby? There’s so many fun things to do and see that are just a day trip away from Glasgow.

Explore the other side of Scotland beyond the city– the beautifulglens, charming villages, stunning lakes, and magnificent ancient castles of the Scottish Highlands. Where ever you choose to go, you’ll be thrilled at the captivating scenery Scotland has to offer. Let’s see what the perfect day trips from Glasgow have to offer.

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Getting Around Glasgow and Beyond

Half-day trips from glasgow, full-day trips from glasgow, final thoughts.

Before starting out any of the day trips, let’s see how we can get out and about around Glasgow in itself. While Glasgow is fairly walkable, it’s still a good idea to know about the public transport options of the city.

Public transport in and around Glasgow is convenient and affordable.

• Bus: Download the First Glasgow bus app and buy day or week bus cards online. Day pass costs 4.60 GBP. Week pass costs 17 GBP.
• Subway: Glasgow is the only city in Scotland with a metro system. Day tickets cost 3 GBP. Week pass costs 14 GBP.
• Taxi: Taxis are not cheap, so we’d advise sticking to public transport which is reliable and safe.
• Bike rental: Use Nextbike Glasgow app to rent a bike. Rentals start from 1 GBP for 30 min.
• Ridesharing: Use the BlaBlaCar app to travel between cities. It’s faster than buses.

Most of the Glasgow day trips involve using the local and intercity trains or buses. The main stations are Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central, from where you’ll find a train or bus to your destination. Make sure your accommodation in Glasgow is near to the bus or train stations.

Short on time, only have a weekend in Glasgow ? No problem! Choose from one of these quick half-day trips to make the most of your short stay in Glasgow.

Campsie Fells

For a quick escape from the city, head out to one of the most picturesque spots in Scotland and visit the beautiful rolling hills of the Campsie Fells. The scenic landscape, serene pastures and stunning views are the perfect settings for a day out of Glasgow.

Campsie Fells were formed by volcanic intrusion hundreds of millions of years ago. The area is popular among tourists and locals alike with many opportunities for hiking and walking, with its highest point being the “Earl’s Seat” at 578m.  The village of Campsie Glen sits between the hills, surrounded by woodlands and valleys, and is a good starting point for some short and scenic walks.

Interesting places to visit here are the Shrine of Schoenstatt and the curious Lennox Castle Hospital, an eerie abandoned mental hospital. You can also visit the Glengoyne Distillery and sample some delicious whisky, just make sure to get a designated driver back to Glasgow!!

How to get there: 40 min ride by car or taxi.

Loup of Fintry

Get ready to be thrilled as you make this short and sweet half-day trip from Glasgow to this stunning waterfall. The Loup of Fintry lies on the River Endrick, between the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills.

The water from the 94-feet Loup of Fintry cascades down several levels of rocks and into the valley below. The sight and the sounds are a treat for the senses. It is an ideal place for a picnic – sit on the grass and have lunch with the sound of rushing water in the background. It’s an ideal way to experience some of the landscape Scotland is famous for even if you only have a very limited time here.

“Loup” means “leap” in Scottish. If you visit after a period of snow or heavy rain, you can see the full power of water leaping over the rock’s ledge, which is where the name comes from. The route to the falls is a muddy footpath, so make sure to wear sturdy boots on your adventure.

How to get there: 45 min ride by car or taxi.

The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel

On this unique half-day trip from Glasgow, you have the opportunity to behold an incredible wonder of art, engineering and design. You’ll be left awestruck by The Kelpies , the largest horse sculptures in the world. Kelpies are mythical horse-like creatures said to inhabit the Scottish lochs. Standing 30m tall and weighing over 300 tonnes, the steel sculptures of the Kelpies are an imposing sight. You can join a tour and even go inside these sculptures.

If that wasn’t enough, another wonder of engineering in the Falkirk Wheel is close by too. The has a one-of-a-kind rotating boatlift that connects two canals on different levels. Both are marvels of the modern world and something a little different for your trip. The Falkirk Wheel is a modern engineering masterpiece and the only one of its kind in the world. You can book a boat tour here and experience the boatlift first hand.

How to get there: 20 min ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Falkirk High.

Suggested Trip: Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies Half-Day Tour

Scotland is a treasure trove of beautiful natural scenery to explore and Glasgow provides the ideal base to plan your excursions from. Just check the weather and gear up with the essentials and off you go on your Scottish adventure. Once you’ve seen all there is to do in Glasgow , spread your wings further and explore the rest of bonnie Scotland!

Loch Lomond and the Highlands

With lush green countryside and the famous Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Scotland, this is an unforgettable day trip from Glasgow. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is the ideal setting for adventure and nature lovers alike. The scenery here is so beautiful that the park is often called “The Highlands in Miniature.”

There are a host of activities and things to do at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The park has a seemingly endless amount of walking, hiking and biking trails around the lake and through the forests. Hike up Ben Lomond for some breathtaking views of the glens and lochs below, it’s one of the most accessible ‘munros’ (mountain in Scottish) in the country.

Loch Lomond is at the heart of the park. Have a picnic by the lake’s edge or try out some water sports. There are opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, boating and fishing. As we said, ideal for all you outdoorsy types! Doing a day trip here is a great way to see the highlands on a budget as accommodation can be more expensive out here compared to Glasgow.

How to get there: 50 min ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Balloch.

Suggested Day Trips:   Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness. This large and deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. It is also home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster nicknamed “Nessie”.

Legend has it that Loch Ness has a prehistoric sea serpent lurking beneath its waters. This mythical creature has been reportedly sighted many times since the last century… though some are more dubious than others! Spend the day hunting for Nessie and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lake. Visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre if you want to learn more about the mysterious Loch Ness Monster .

Wander around the Highlands to see other attractions in the area such as the Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus.

Stay overnight in Inverness and extend your trip beyond a day to explore more of the area. This perfect Airbnb is close to the river and has cosy pubs and cafes nearby, so you’ll not miss anything!

How to get there: 3 ½ hrs ride. Take a train or bus to Inverness , then a local bus to Loch Ness.

Suggested Trip: Loch Ness Glencoe and Highlands Tour

Stirling and Stirling Castle

For nature, culture and history, take a day trip from Glasgow to Stirling.  Located right in the middle of Scotland, where the highlands meet the lowlands, Stirling is a small town with a rich history being the birthplace of several Scottish Kings and the site of many battles.

Visit the National Wallace Monument – a tower honouring the legendary freedom fighter Sir William Wallace. The movie Braveheart depicted his life. So be sure to shout ‘freeeeedom’ to get the full experience!

Next, visit Stirling Castle, the magnificent medieval castle that had a significant role throughout Scotland’s history. Follow the winding roads up to Stirling Castle’s ramparts, where you’ll have beautiful views of the area. Finish the day with stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town below.

How to get there: 30 min. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Stirling.

Suggested Trip : Stirling Castle Tour

Oban and the West Highlands

The colourful town of Oban on the Scottish coast has been a popular holiday resort since Victorian times, and rightly so. The incredible scenery here is unique and completely breathtaking, it’s totally worth taking the time to viist. Oban is the main port that connects Scotland’s West Highlands and Hebrides regions, it’s a gateway to the incredible islands of the country.

Take a boat excursion from Oban to the islands of Staffa and Iona. The views of the beautiful coast of Mull along the way are superb! Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland. Try fresh oysters, prawns or crab for lunch. Explore the Victorian town and its sights. The McCraig’s Tower (oddly looking like the Colosseum of Rome) is a good vantage point for spectacular views of Oban. It’s a climb of 144 steps, but worth it. Remember to hit the beach too, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the caribean with the white sand beaches… well, apart from the temperature!

How to get there: 3-hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train to Oban.

Suggested Trip: Oban and West Highlands Day Trip or Full Day Oban and Glencoe

Edinburgh is just an hour away by train, bus or car and is easily one of our favourite day trips from Glasgow. Scotland’s capital is a beautiful hilly city, with gorgeous landscapes and historic architecture.

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline. The New Town below is a neat grid of streets and terraces, while the Old Town has a line of fascinating medieval buildings. Walk on the cobblestone streets as the sound of bagpipes fill the air. After a day exploring, grab a few pints down at the local pubs and rub shoulders with the locals.

Visit the National Galleries of Scotland, home to famous art that includes the works of Da Vinci and Raphael. For those who love Harry Potter, you’ll be delighted exploring every corner of this incredibly city.

There’s so much to do in Edinburgh that we suggest staying back for a day to enjoy the city. This unique hotel in Old Town is perfect for its location and facilities, or try this place , which has an award-winning restaurant and classic dining.

How to get there: 1-hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train or bus to Edinburgh.

Outlander Day Tour

Outlander fans gather around! Here is one day trip from Glasgow that will have you visit the famous sites and castles from your favourite TV show.

Visit the 14 th century Doune Castle, the setting for Castle Leoch. It was also used for Winterfell in Game of Thrones and as a filming location in Month Python. Explore this well-preserved fortress for an insight into how Scottish royalty lived in the times gone by.

The picturesque village of Culross starred as Crainesmuir and you’ll love exploring the quaint village and the lovely town square. Next up you’ve got to make a stop at both Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle to marvel at their incredible architecture and history.

Grab a quick lunch at the picturesque village of Falkland. Lastly, visit Linlithgow Palace and take a stroll along the loch, and don’t forget to check out the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace.

How to go there: 40 min ride.

Suggested Trip: Outlander Day tour

Culzean Castle and Country Park

Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland is a region that offers incredible countryside, outdoor activities, beautiful views of the shores and a taste of island life. Here Scotland’s celebrated poet Robert Burns lived and got the inspiration for his works from these wonderful surroundings.

The Culzean Castle and Country Park are the top highlights of the Ayrshire coast. The park has woodland trails and a lush forest around the sandy coastline. An unbeatable combination for sure! Culzean Castle is perched atop a high cliff and is so iconic it even features on the Scottish five-pound note.

If you venture inside the castle itself you can admire many fine paintings and priceless furniture. Visit the Eisenhower Apartment within the castle – an apartment dedicated to the former US president for his role during WW2. Stop at the castle tea room and indulge in tea and delicious cakes – a classic British pastime!

How to get there: 1-hour ride.

Suggested Trip: Culzean Castle and Ayrshire Coast

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe

For a truly relaxing and visually pleasing getaway from the city, take a tour of Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe. Add in the sights and sounds of the Jacobite steam train (Hogwarts Express, anyone?) making its way through the scenery, and your day is complete. If you’re a photographer then this is definitely the place for you.

Start at Glencoe, a nature reserve with stunning scenery – a good opportunity for some nature photography – keep en eye out for the deer! Particularly popular with hikers, the mountainous area of Glencoe is a visual treat. From here, go further north to Fort William, the home of Scotlands highest mountain. You can also catch the Jacobite steam train operates from here to Mallaig if you want to ride the train itself.

Mallaig is a beautiful little town by the sea with great views over the harbour. Take in the Scottish charm of this port and grab lunch at one of its cosy restaurants. Carry on towards Glenfinnan, where you can catch the Hogwarts Express making its way through the stunning surrounding scenery.

How to get there: 2-hour ride.

Suggested Trip: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Tour

Pitlochry is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and scenic places to visit. It is the ideal escape for a trip in its own right, but it can also be done as a day trip from Glasgow. Pitlochry is one of those places that has something fun happening all year round and is well worth the trip to experience it.

The Victorian town has been popular among tourists ever since Queen Victoria visited and fell in love with it in the 19th century. If it’s good enough for a queen then it’s good enough for us!

There are a lot of things to do and see in Pitlochry to keep you busy. Visit and explore the Blair Athol Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Sample their delicious single malt whisky. Walk (or stumble if you’ve had a few too many whiskies) around Queen’s View which overlooks the tranquil Loch Tommel below or go fishing at Loch Tommel itself.

If you’re visiting in Autumn, enjoy the Enchanted Forest, a sound and light show, or check out the Pitlochry Highland Games. The town will keep you entertained for hours, with its good pubs and restaurants, a great shopping scene and outdoor activities.

How to get there: 1 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Pitlochry.

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature”, and rightly so. It has all the bits and pieces of what makes Scotland so amazing but in one neat package! There are impressive mountain peaks, sandy beaches, lush green forests, castles, a scenic coastline and tasty local food and drinks…Whisky of course!

Visit the Arran Distillery and have a taste of their world famous malt whisky. Check out the restaurants and try their cheeses, traditional oatcakes and delicious desserts… or maybe do this before you hit the drink!

Arran also has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy as well. Grab your binoculars and spot the unique wildlife around the island’s coast. You’ll see eagles, otters, seals and even sharks. Arran is great for hiking and mountain biking, the best places to visit are Brodick Castle and Goat Fell Mountain if that’s your jam.

There’s a dose of history too, it is Scotland after all! On the west side of Arran are the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. Giving off Stonehenge vibes, it is an archaeological site with six huge stones dating to 3500 BC and it’s actually much more enjoyable and less crowded to visit.

How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Ardrossan Harbor. Then take the ferry to Brodick Isle of Arran Ferry Terminal.

Dundee is a perfect getaway from Glasgow. The city offers many attractions and activities such as good food, shopping and a number of interesting art galleries and design galleries. In fact, it has been named the first UNESCO City of Design of the UK.

Visit V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum that showcases its design heritage along with exhibitions and galleries. Head on to the McManus next, which is Dundee’s main Art Gallery and Museum. This magnificent Victorian building is the heart of Dundee’s art and culture scene and where everything eminates from.

Pop into some of the many quirky cafes, bakeries and restaurants and try their delicious food. The Dundee Cake is a local favourite Scottish fruit cake that you should try whilst you’re in the city. Explore the bars and pubs for a drink or two (or three or four!)

If you’re planning to stay, check out this cosy backpackers hotel . All the major attractions are within walking distance.

How to get there: 1 ½ hour ride. From Glasgow Queen Street, take a train or bus to Dundee.

Kilmarnock is a town with rich cultural history. It is the hometown of Jonnie Walker, the founder of that famous whisky brand known the world over. It’s been bottled in Kilmarnock for hundreds of years and continues to do so to this day. Historically signifcant people and events don’t end there. The famed poet Robert Burns first published his works here and Kilmarnock is also the town where Alexander Flemming, who discovered penicillin, was educated.

Kilmarnock is a classic Scottish town with a fascinating heritage and thankfully makes an easy and fun day trip from Glasgow. It is an eclectic mix of the old and the new. Walk along the cobbled Bank Street, or the John Finnie Street, which has incredible Victorian architecture. Stop by the Dick Institute (stop it you filthy lot!) which features the largest museum and art gallery space in Ayrshire.

The Burns Monument Centre is dedicated to the poet and is an interesting place to visit, especially if you have an interest in literature. Another places not ot miss is the New Laigh Kirk church with its vibrant and colourful stained glass windows.

How to get there: 1-hour min ride. From Glasgow, take a train to Kilmarnock.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

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Don’t Forget your Glasgow Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There’s a lot to do in Glasgow , but there’s a lot more to see and experience out of the city too. It is the perfect base to plan fun excursions to almost every place to visit in Scotland . Whether you choose to see ancient castles or want to relax in a port city, it is just a train or bus ride away from Glasgow.

Our favourite places to visit are Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. There’s something just so breathtaking about the natural wonders of Scotland. As hikers and climbers, the Highlands are our weak spot, with their beautiful and wild scenery. If you’re in Glasgow for a week or more, make a couple of these half-day or full-day trips for the full Scottish experience.

Here are some travel tips for Glasgow:

• The best time to visit is spring (April-May) when there is minimal rain, and October when there’s beautiful autumn foliage. Summer is most popular and gets too crowded. Winters are cold and dark.
• Pack some rain gear , warm layers , walking shoes and hiking equipment, and don’t forget your first aid kit .
• Book your accommodation for Glasgow within walking distance of the train or bus station.
• Guided tours are convenient for far-off places if you don’t have your own transport, but it’s more fun to plan the trips yourself if you can.
• If you’re lost, just ask locals for advice or directions, Glaswegians are the friendliest people ever! You just might need to listen closely to decipher that they’re saying!
• Check out the Scottish Heritage Pass and the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. These passes include entry to many historical sites and are handy if you plan to visit many of them.

Do let us know which day trips you would like to go on. Bon Voyage!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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Trip to Glenfinnan viaduct - Glasgow Forum

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Trip to Glenfinnan viaduct

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We will be in Glasgow from the 23rd to 26th May, and would like to do a day trip to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (tickets on the train are all sold out, sadly) - is this a viable option, and is there a simple public transport way to get there? I checked with the Rabbie's tour and they don't do a day trip that way.

If its too complicated / takes too long to get there, then will just have to keep that for another trip here!

18 replies to this topic

I think the comment about the fare being "more than that" was in reference to the £9.10 mentioned in reply #3

Timberbush are a well established tour company and if you prefer then they would be fine to go with.

Hi BishkekerUK

Will check on ticket prices on the Scotrail app, in case there are any offers

Hi Waddler,

I read up about taking in the viewpoints after arriving at the Glenfinnan station - it sounds very exciting and something I would like to do. However, there are quite a few reminders to make sure we have proper gear to keep us comfy in the rain and wind and wet.

As we are coming from Malaysia, we unfortunately won't have the appropriate stuff. As they say, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes - and there's nothing more guaranteed to spoil the excursion than being wet and cold!

So in our situation, I guess the more practical thing would be to take a tour, even if it doesn't give us much time at Glenfinnan. On the upside, we'll be able to get warm in a coach even if we do get wet, and will be able to see, albeit superficially, more of Scotland's beauty.

What I hope to get now is some info about Tinderbush as a tour provider - as they are the ones offering tips including Glenfinnan.

Thanks so much for your reply!

The walks around the viewpoints in Glenfinnan are not hardcore walks. I'd assume a raincoat and decent trainers but I don't think you need anything more than that in late May. You could perhaps include a change of clothes in your pack just in case its really wet, and change before getting back on the train.

But the tour sounds good - like I say, its worth seeing Glencoe, so really its up to you whether you wish to see Glencoe or wish to have longer at the viaduct viewpoints. I kind of suspect that the tour doesn't get close to the viaduct. I suspect it'll show you the viewpoint above the Visitors Centre - this is an excellent view of the loch and well worth seeing, but its a more distant view of the Viaduct. I'm not sure - you could perhaps contact them to ask about the itinerary and which viewpoints they go to.

Here is another tour you might consider

https://www.discoverscotlandtours.com/tours/glenfinnan-viaduct-glencoe-loch-shiel-tour-from-glasgow/

But looking at the little time that we have to introduce my niece to the beauty of Scotland , we will probably go with the tour this time, and just enjoy the view of the viaduct in the distance, if that's what's on offer.

Maybe the next time, we will get our acts together earlier and book seats on the Jacobite steam train itself!

Sure, the train does take much longer anyhow and you see additional places on the tour.

By the way, is this the Timberbush one you were on about:

https://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/our-tours/from-glasgow/1-day-tour/glenfinnan-mallaig-glencoe-adventure

If so it includes Mallaig which involves an additional 1h 15 mins or so of driving return past Glenfinnan - I suspect this means it includes less time at Glenfinnan than the the tour mentioned in #15 as it is trying to fit more in.

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Adventure Centers to bring day trips to northern and southern Nevada

Airing later this week on kolo.

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Two new Adventure Centers will soon be coming soon to Nevada.

“Nevada adventure centers will be a federal state and local partnership to provide guided turnkey access to outdoor activities,” said Brenda Scolari, the Director of the State Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

She tells us that there are two of these centers in the works. One in Boulder City in southern Nevada, and the other in Carson City.

Travel Nevada says they were intentionally built outside of Reno and Las Vegas.

“Overall, we want Nevada residents and visitors to understand what is available outside of Vegas and Reno,” Scolari said.

The centers were made possible due to the state receiving a highly competitive grant.

The combined cost of both projects is just over $6 million and will be built on existing state-owned parcels of land.

“I think the strength of the concept is what won us the grant,” Scolari added. “We hope they can be replicated elsewhere in the state and create revenue and resources for smaller communities in Nevada.”

The design of the center in Boulder City is being inspired by city’s connection to Lake Mead, and the one in Carson City will be part of the Nevada State Railroad Museum campus.

And Scolari says once they are up and running day trips will be what people can expect.

Construction is set to begin next year, and they are scheduled to be up and running early in 2026.

Copyright 2024 KOLO. All rights reserved.

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