trip naar glasgow

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

Explore related stories

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Wondering where to go in Scotland? Here are 14 of the best places to visit, from cities and grand castles to wild glens and Britain’s best driving route.

Sep 15, 2021 • 6 min read

Feb 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 30, 2024 • 19 min read

Dec 28, 2023 • 9 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 22, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Aug 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Jun 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Glasgow Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 5, 2024

Our  Glasgow Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this Scottish city. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Glasgow!

Plan your visit to Glasgow

Famous for its architecture, arts scene, culture, sports, shopping, street art, world-class museums, shipbuilding heritage, whisky, Billy Connolly and rich history Glasgow is often overshadowed by the Scottish capital Edinburgh.

However it is a city which has undergone significant regeneration and has emerged as a tourist destination worth including in any Scotland travel itinerary.

In our Glasgow Travel Guide, we cover everything you need to know to plan your visit including what to see, how to get around, best tours and day trips, where to stay plus recommended places to eat and drink.

What you will find in this complete Glasgow Travel Guide

Map of Glasgow

☀️ when is the best time of year to visit glasgow, 📍 what is the best way to explore glasgow, 🚆 by train, 🚗 by car (road trip option), ⭐️ attractions and things to do in glasgow, what to eat & drink, afternoon tea, 🏨 accommodation in glasgow, glasgow travel guide – best tours and day trips, enjoy your visit to glasgow.

Glasgow travel guide – Visiting Glasgow FAQ’s

For warmer days and longer hours of daylight plan to visit Glasgow from June to August. In the winter Scotland is cold and hours of daylight are reduced which can limit the time to sightsee. Spring months from March to May can also be a pleasant time to visit.

Glasgow hosts many sporting, cultural, theatrical and musical events throughout the year (the city is a UNESCO City of Music) Read about events planned in Glasgow for 2022/3.

Read more about the best time to visit the UK in our detailed guide.

Whilst the centre of Glasgow is pretty walkable you will need to use either public transport or a cab to get around to all the sights. It really is too far to walk from the centre to attractions such as the Glasgow Botanical Garden, Kelvingrove Museum or Riverside Museum.

There is a good public bus network and an underground train network too but we found the best way to get around was to take the hop-on hop-off bus.

• Tip – We recommend taking the hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus around the city. This is a great way to see the highlights and attractions of Glasgow and the most efficient way to travel the city as a visitor.
• We took the bus ourselves during our recent visit to Glasgow and enjoyed the live commentary as we toured the city. It is worth noting that while there are plenty of buses they do get busy, especially during the summer months so start out as early in the day as possible to make the most use of your ticket.
• There are some excellent Glasgow walking tours available including street art focussed.

🚂 What is the best way to travel to Glasgow from London?

Glasgow is around 4 hours 30 mins by direct train from London Euston to Glasgow Central. Click to book tickets with Omio.

The Lowlander service of the Caledonian Sleeper also travels between the two cities. Click to book tickets on the Caledonian Sleeper.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel ebook which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

If you are planning a Scottish road trip why not include some time in Glasgow? If you prefer to avoid driving in the city perhaps start your holiday in Glasgow and collect your rental car when you are ready to commence your road trip. We did this recently in Edinburgh and it avoided any issues finding accommodation with parking.

🚗 There are a multitude of car rental companies to choose from in the UK. We recommend comparing prices and deals on Discover Cars  before making your booking.

Popular attractions in Glasgow include:

• The Glasgow Cathedral
• Glasgow Necropolis
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• George Square
• Central Chambers
• Glasgow Botanical Gardens
• Glasgow street art

⭐️ Read more about these landmarks, sights and attractions in our one-day Glasgow itinerary .

🍛 Where to eat in Glasgow

• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Neeps and tatties
• Scottish breakfast
• Cullen Skink
• Deep-fried Mars Bar
• Willow Tea Rooms – Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired tearooms & giftshop
• House for an Art Lover – Art Nouveau cafe
• Cranachan Cafe – Princes Square
• Red Bus Bistro – Take a vintage Routemaster bus tour and enjoy afternoon tea as you see the sights!

➡️ More accommodation options in Glasgow

More special stays – Accommodation Guide for Scotland

Glasgow is ideally located to use as a base from which to explore Scotland by train, car or bus. Popular day trips from Glasgow include:

• Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour – Discover the magnificent beauty of Loch Lomond National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, the Great Glen, Loch Ness and Pitlochry on a guided tour from Glasgow. Learn about history and folklore.
• Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour – Explore the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy and experience the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs on this tour from Glasgow.
• Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour – Journey through the rugged Highlands towards Glenfinnan, famous for its viaduct (the Harry Potter bridge). Pass through dramatic Glencoe, see the Hogwarts Express, and spend time in scenic Mallaig.
• Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast – Explore the Ayrshire Coast, the birthplace of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, on this full-day tour from Glasgow. Home to Culzean Castle and romantic countryside, you’ll find the region to be as captivating as described in the poems of Robert Burns.

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Glasgow . You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around Scotland in these travel guides:

• Things to do in Edinburgh
• Fort William Travel Guide
• Isle of Skye Travel Guide
• Inverness Travel Guide
• Highlands Travel Guide
• Scottish Islands Travel Guide

Explore Glasgow

Plan Your Trip to Glasgow: Best of Glasgow Tourism

Essential glasgow.

Trending in the forums

Glasgow Is Great For

Historical tours.

Cultural Tours

Concerts & shows

Eat & drink

• Dakota Glasgow
• voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
• Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
• Radisson RED Glasgow
• Doubletree By Hilton Glasgow Central
• Fanny Trollopes
• Two Fat Ladies At The Buttery
• Dakota Bar & Grill
• Murphy's Pakora Bar
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• The Necropolis
• Glengoyne Distillery
• Buchanan Street
• The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
• Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow
• Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow
• Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise
• City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

2 Days in Glasgow: The Ultimate Glasgow Itinerary

From avant-garde m useums and vibrant street arts to neighbourhoods brimming with trendy cafes, restaurants and nightlife – there are loads of things to do in Glasgow to keep your two-day itinerary jam-packed.

Once referred to as the second city of the British empire, this former industrial powerhouse is now a culturally influential hub of Scotland.

We have put this itinerary together for first-time visitors to this city. Having lived in Edinburgh , we have visited Glasgow countless times over the years. We have tried to balance out the must-visit tourist attractions and the hidden gems in this article.

Also, this city is an excellent base to explore Scotland. If you are staying longer, visit some of the best day trips from Glasgow .

Glasgow Itinerary Day 1

1. visit kelvingrove art gallery and museum.

Suggested Start Time: 10 am

Visit Time: 1 – 2 hours

Kick-start the first day of this itinerary with a visit to Kelvingrove, one of the best museums in Glasgow . It’s better to visit the museum in the morning when you are fresh and full of energy. 

Before stepping inside Kelvingrove, take a few minutes to admire the beautiful exterior of this magnificent building.

Opened in 1901, this museum holds an extraordinary collection of eight thousand objects from Scottish history to European paintings.

Look out for Salvador Dali’s famous painting, Christ of Saint John of the Cross. Also, admire the works of Monet, Gauguin and Renoir, as well as, Scottish Colourists and the Glasgow Boys. 

Another notable display at Kelvingrove is ‘The Floating Heads’ installation by Sophie Cave. Sir Roger, the stuffed Asian elephant, is also a favourite of locals and visitors alike.

Grab a coffee from its in-house cafe before visiting the next attraction in this itinerary.

How to Reach: From the city centre, catch bus services 2, 3 or 77. Alternatively, you can ride Subway to Kelvinhall Subway Station.

Hours: Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm

Price: Free

2. Explore the University of Glasgow

Visit Time: 30 min – 1 hour

A short walk from Kelvingrove Museum will bring you to the University of Glasgow. If you have time, you can also ramble around the Kelvingrove Park nearby.

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the second oldest university in Scotland. 

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this historic landmark. It certainly gives a strong Hogwarts vibe.

Before taking a self-guided tour of the campus, admire the gorgeous view over the city rooftops from the flagpole. The university houses several museums and attractions. Take a look inside the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, the oldest public museum in Scotland.

We would also recommend visiting the stunning Cloisters, one of the most photogenic places in the city. It was featured in the popular TV series Outlander.

3. Explore the Buzzing Ashton Lane

Located at the heart of this city’s West End, Ashton Lane is a hidden gem of Glasgow . The cobbled street is lined with many cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Frequented by the city’s young crowd, Ashton Lane is also a brilliant spot for a night out. The street looks cute with all the fairy lights. Also, look out for some quirky street art.

Lunch – For a leisurely lunch, pop inside the Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane. They serve authentic Scottish dishes for a price. If you are not up for an elaborate meal, order some delicious souffle pancakes, crepes or bubble tea at nearby Koko House. If you fancy eating a burger, head to Bread Meats Bread on Great Western Road.

4. Stroll around Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Visit Time: 30 – 45 min

The next stop in your Glasgow itinerary is the Botanics. Opened in 1817, this park is a perfect place to relax and unwind. On warm summer days, you can have a picnic or sunbathe here. Also, there is a play area for young visitors.

The Botanics is also the home of the famous Kibble Palace, a beautiful 19th-century glasshouse. Designed by John Kibble, here you will find a wide variety of plants from all around the world. Also, there are several beautiful sculptures inside this glasshouse.

To reach your next destination, you have to catch local bus services.

Hours: 7 am – 6 pm

5. Learn the Past of Glasgow Cathedral

Visit Time: 15 min

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Dedicated to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, this stunning medieval building has played a significant role in the city’s history. It is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy some quiet time to reflect.

The structure, we see today, was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. 

Once inside, admire the stone carving of the ceiling and the beautiful stained glass windows. Also, visit the tomb of Saint Mungo in the Lower Church.

Hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm

6. Climb the Top of the Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis lies only a stone’s throw away from the cathedral. It is a Victorian garden cemetery created after the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. 

The Necropolis is the final resting place of fifty thousand people. Many eminent Glaswegians are buried here.

Climb the small hill to see the ornate headstones, monuments and mausoleums. A cemetery might be the last place you would hope to find beautiful architecture. But in Necropolis, you will see tombstones designed by the likes of eminent Scottish architects Alexander “Greek” Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Also, take in the sweeping panoramic view of the city from the top.

7. Look Out for Street Art

Did you know Glasgow has a thriving street art scene? There are several stunning murals around the city to brighten up the dull corners with colour and creativity.

The artworks are scattered all around the city centre. So, peel your eyes for them. There is even a dedicated mural trail .

We have written a guide to the best murals of Glasgow and will recommend adding some of them to your itinerary.

The famous St Mungo Mural lies only a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. The massive photo-realistic mural depicts a contemporary take on Saint Mungo and the legend of the bird that never flew.

You will spot the St. Enoch and Child mural and the Strathclyde University mural as you walk towards George Square.

8. George Square

Laid out in 1781, George Square is the city’s main public square. Named after King George III, it is surrounded by beautiful Victorian buildings. 

On the east side of the square, you will find the imposing City Chambers, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It served as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council since 1996.

There are many beautiful statues and monuments around this square. You will find statues of prominent Scottish personalities such as Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. 

A few minutes walk from George Square is the Gallery of Modern Art.

9. Gallery of Modern Art and Duke of Wellington Statue

Another must-visit attraction in Glasgow is GoMA.

Located in Royal Exchange Square, GoMA is housed in a gorgeous neo-classical building, which was built in 1778 by a wealthy tobacco merchant.

Opened in 1996, GoMA hosts various permanent and temporary exhibitions and events. You can check out the artworks in its four galleries.

Right in front of GoMA, you will find the famous statue of the Duke of Wellington, donning a traffic cone in his head. Well, it started as a joke many years ago. But today, the statue is a symbol of this city.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.

10. Lighthouse(optional)

Designed by renowned Glasgow-born architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Lighthouse is a hub for design and architecture. This historic building was once the office of The Herald newspaper.

Today, it hosts various exhibitions. Visit The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre on level three, which showcases the life and work of Mackintosh.

Climb the helical staircase to the external viewing platform. From there, you will get an uninterrupted view over the city’s rooftops.

11. Option 1 – Afternoon Tea at Willow Tea Rooms

Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea experience in Glasgow’s Willow Tea Rooms. Commissioned by local entrepreneur Miss Kate Cranston, it is one of the last surviving tearooms designed by world-famous architect Sir Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

You can enjoy some yummy finger sandwiches, scones and a pot of hot tea in a beautiful setting. If you want it extra special, add some prosecco or champagne.

Option 2 – Enjoy Nightlife

This city has a legendary nightlife. There is something for everyone.

Blues fans would love a visit to The Howlin’ Wolf on Bath Street for some live music. Catch this city’s upcoming music talents at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

If you are after old-world charm,  pop in The Scotia, one of the oldest pubs in Glasgow. 

Some of the most famous nightclubs in the city are The Garage, Revolution, Nice N Sleazy, Sloans, Swing, and The Corinthian Club.

If you love stand-up comedy shows, visit The Stand Comedy Club for an evening of laughter.

Glasgow Itinerary Day 2

Breakfast – Begin day two with breakfast at Singl-end Merchant City. Their extensive breakfast menu also includes options for vegans and vegetarians. Also, Cafe Gandolfi on Albion Street is one of our favourites.

1. Explore Pollok Country Park

Start: 10 am

Start the second day of your two-day Glasgow itinerary by exploring the Pollok Country Park.

While this city has no shortage of open green spaces, this one happens to be the largest.

Located on the outskirts of the city, this park is the home of Pollok House and the Burrell Collection.

Also, there are various woodland trails and well-maintained gardens. Watch out for the cute highland coos. 

Take a tour of the historic Pollok House, a Georgian country house. Here you will find paintings by El Greco and Francisco Goya, as well as Rubens and William Blake.

How to Reach: Catch a train from Glasgow Central Station to Pollokshaws West, which takes around 10 minutes. Also, many local buses run frequently from the city centre to Pollokshaws Road.

Price: The park is free. Pollok House, adult £8.50.

2. Visit Burrell Collection

Visit Time: 1-2 hours

After exploring the country park, make your way to the Burrell Collection . 

All the displayed items here have been collected over a span of 75 years by shipping magnate and avid collector, Sir William Burrell and his wife. 

The diverse collection traverses through different genres and eras, making this a haven for history aficionados and art lovers. Opened in 1983, Burrell is one of the most exciting museums in Glasgow .

Here, you will find artefacts from ancient civilisations to paintings by many renowned artists.

Hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm.

3. Visit Riverside Museum

Located on the bank of River Clyde, the Riverside Museum is one of the best family-friendly attractions and a must-visit in any two-day itinerary for Glasgow.

It showcases an enormous collection of three thousand objects, reflecting this city’s excellence in engineering.

Opened in 2011, this futuristic building was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

From vintage cars to model ships – you will find a wide variety of vehicles in this museum. Also, stroll along the reconstructed cobbled street and catch a glimpse of what it was like living in Glasgow in past centuries.

If you feel hungry after all the walking, pop into the cafe inside this museum.

How to Reach: Hop on a bus, train or subway to Partick. Riverside Museum is about 9 minutes walk from there.

Hours: Monday- Thursday and Saturday, 10 am- 5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am- 5 pm.

4. Discover the Tall Ship

Visit Time: 30 minutes

Berthed just outside the Riverside Museum, the Tall Ship, Glenlee, is the only floating Clyde-built ship in the UK.

It was built in 1896 at Bay Shipyard in Port Glasgow for a shipping company.

Hop on board the vessel to learn about its fascinating adventures around the globe. Follow its journey from a British cargo vessel to becoming a sail training ship for the Spanish Navy.

Walk around the cabins and engine room, once used by the crew members.

Hours: 10 am – 5 pm. 

5. Glasgow Green and People’s Palace (Optional)

The next stop on your itinerary is Glasgow Green, the oldest open space in the city. It is a popular place for tourists and locals to hang out and relax.

The park also houses several historical monuments. Watch out for the beautiful Doulton Fountain in front of the People’s Palace.

People’s Palace is a social history museum showcasing the life of Glaswegians from 1750 to the present day. You can browse through objects, photographs, prints and film to get an insight into the city.

6. Drygate Brewery

Located beside the Tennent’s brewery in the East End, Drygate Brewery is a firm favourite with locals. This microbrewery serves about 26 rotating beers on tap and curated bottled varieties. Beer lovers can take a tour of this brewery.

Not just drinks, they also serve some delicious food at their restaurant.

They also have a beer garden and gallery space.

Dinner – If you are staying the night in Glasgow, we would highly recommend going to Gamba on West George Street. They have a great variety of seafood dishes served in a cosy basement. Their famous fish soup is a must-try.

You can also head to Paesano Pizza, the most popular pizza place in the city. They don’t take reservations and you might have to wait in a queue. But it’s totally worth it.

More Time? Day Trips from Glasgow

If you want to add more places to your itinerary, check out our extensive article on the best things to do in Glasgow .

If you are staying more than two days in this city, we would highly recommend seeing the incredibly beautiful Loch Lomond . Also, there are many interesting places you can visit on a day trip from Glasgow , like Edinburgh , Stirling and Inveraray . 

If you want to spend more time within the city, discover some hidden gems and explore the entire street art mural trail .

Glasgow 2-Day Itinerary Map

Here is the map of all the amazing places you will visit on this two-day Glasgow itinerary. We have also marked all the nearby pubs and restaurants you might want to check out. Click on the link to save this Google Map on your phone. It works offline, too.

Best Time to Visit Glasgow

We find Glasgow to be an all-year-round destination. The city is always buzzing with various events and activities.

Many of the attractions mentioned in this itinerary are indoors. So, even if it rains, you can still have a great time.

The weather in Scotland is notoriously unpredictable. So, if you are looking for dry weather, spring and summer months will be your best bet to avoid rain. Still, pack an umbrella or a rain jacket to be prepared.

Also, the city looks beautiful in spring and summer. You would see daffodils, rhododendrons, and bluebells in the city gardens.

How to Reach Glasgow

Glasgow International Airport is the main airport in the city. You will have direct international flights to reach here from most of the major European cities and the Middle East. There are direct domestic flights as well. 

Alternatively, you can also fly to Prestwick Airport or Edinburgh Airport – they are not too far from this city.

Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street are the two main railway stations in the city. There are direct train services from London, Manchester and all the major cities of the UK. Visitors can also board the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston to reach here.

How to Get Around Glasgow

Glasgow City Centre is compact and walkable. If you want to go further afield, take local buses, trains and subways. This city has a very well-connected and budget-friendly public transport system.

First Bus operates over eighty routes across the city. If you are planning to take a few trips on the bus, then it’s cheaper to buy a day ticket.

There are also options to hire e-bikes to navigate the streets of Glasgow.

Another great way to move around the city is the subway. Often referred to as the Clockwork Orange, it connects the north and south parts of the city.

Trains run frequently, and there are fifteen stations. At peak times, they run every four minutes. It is easy to navigate as it only goes clockwise or anti-clockwise.

We hope this guide on how to plan your two-day Glasgow itinerary was helpful in planning your next trip to this Scottish city.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tourist Advice for Visitors to Glasgow

As the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is a wonderful destination for tourists. The city has well over a thousand years of history and is home to many of the finest historic buildings in the country, but it’s also an ultra-modern city with many of Scotland’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Discover everything you need to know about visiting this incredible metropolis in this complete Glasgow tourist information guide, which includes details about where to eat, where to stay, transport, the weather, and the best places to go shopping.

How to Get to Glasgow

One of the reasons Glasgow is so popular is that it’s easy to get to thanks to excellent transport links both inside the city and on its outskirts.

If you’re choosing to fly, you’ll find Glasgow Airport (address: Paisley, PA3 2SW) is just a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre using the Glasgow Airport Express service 500. These buses are ultra-efficient and depart every 10 minutes, so you’ll never wait long to catch one, plus they operate 24/7 (except for Christmas Day).

You’ll find them at the airport stance 1 when you arrive and Buchanan Bus Station stance 46 when you depart. They’re reasonably priced at around £20 for a family ticket.

Be aware that Glasgow Airport is enormous (it is, after all, an international travel hub serving more than 30 airlines) and it gets very busy, so the airport buses are more often than not jam-packed. With that in mind, you might prefer to hire a taxi from the dedicated taxi ranks at the airport entrance or take a train into the city centre from Paisley Gilmour Street station,, which is around one mile from the terminal.

Note: If you need more information about how to travel around the city, the Glasgow tourist information centre is located inside the International airport. There is a second information centre in George Square in the city centre.

The other major airport you could use is Glasgow Prestwick (address: Prestwick KA9 2PL) which is quite a bit further out at 32 miles from the city centre but has its own railway station that connects to Glasgow Central Station in just 45 minutes.

Glasgow Prestwick airport has shuttle services to outlying car parks if you’d rather drive, and it also has bus services that connect to the city centre. Check out the Stagecoach website for further details.

Another popular travel option is the train and you can reach the city centre from the south of Scotland at Glasgow Central Station or from Edinburgh and the north of Scotland at Queen Street Station .

Both stations are easily accessible from the city centre and make travelling to the rest of the country an absolute breeze, especially if you intend to combine a visit to Glasgow with Edinburgh as the train journey between them only takes one hour.

If you want to find out more about Scotland’s airports and how to travel between them take a look at: The Complete Guide to Scotland’s Airports or for train travel check out: How to Tour Scotland by Train .

How to Travel Around Glasgow

Much like Edinburgh’s 18th-century New Town design, Glasgow is built on a grid system which makes it easy to navigate. There’s an extensive bus network provided by First Bus , and taxis can be hailed from pretty much anywhere in the city centre.

Due to the fact that many of the best tourist attractions are spread across the city I recommend you take advantage of the SPT Subway system which runs in a circle around the most-visited areas. You can then walk to your destination from the nearest station.

The subway – the only one in Scotland – is insanely convenient and takes just 24 minutes to complete a full circuit of its 15 stations. The carriages are clean and modern, and the tickets are reasonably priced at around £4 for an all-day adult smart card.

As a top tip, I recommend heading to the SPT website and downloading a copy of their station map as it will help you visit the city’s attractions and find the most convenient subway stops. Alternatively, head over to Google Maps as they also list all the SPT stations.

Glasgow’s buses, meanwhile, have to contend with jam-packed streets and I’m afraid they’re not a patch on Edinburgh’s beautifully clean Lothian Buses. That being said, First Buses cover the entire city, and you can get an adult day ticket across all city zones for around £5, which makes it a cheap way to go sightseeing.

Your best resource for using buses in Glasgow is the First Bus website which has a handy travel planner, but they also have a dedicated mobile app that offers the same service.

As far as taxis are concerned, they’re by far the easiest option but also the most expensive. Glasgow Taxis are the official licenced service, and they have an amazing website that makes booking an absolute doddle. They have a fleet of over 800 taxis and operate 24/7, 365 days a year, so you’ll always be able to get to your destination no matter what the other types of public transport are doing.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

In my experience, booking hotels in Glasgow is much easier than in Edinburgh. Edinburgh attracts more tourists than Glasgow, and it’s a much smaller city, meaning hotels have to be booked well in advance, especially in the summer.

Glasgow, on the other hand, is almost twice the size of the capital and is more geared towards being a business hub which in turn means there are more hotels and they’re generally cheaper. These reasonable prices make Glasgow an attractive option for tourists, with the added bonus that there’s no need to search for accommodation on the city’s outskirts, as you often have to do when visiting the capital.

Having stayed in Glasgow many times over the years, I have a few recommendations which I’ll list below along with a selection of others that have good online reviews. All of these hotels are located within walking distance of the city centre, and most offer a decent breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, and disabled access.

Budget Hotels

The Z Hotel Glasgow .   Address: 36 North Frederick Street, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G1 2BS. Located just 200 yards from Queen Street Station, this hotel caters to travellers on a budget while offering a high level of accommodation. The hotel serves a continental breakfast each morning and a selection of light meals throughout the day.

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, lift, bar.

Point A Hotel Glasgow . Address: 80 Bath Street, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G2 2EN. This budget chain focuses on offering cheap, clean, and modern rooms at a very affordable price. Prices tend to be around the same as Travelodge, but the rooms are nicer, though maybe a little bit smaller. This particular hotel is located close to the Royal Concert Hall.

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, parking, facilities for disabled guests, 24-hour front desk, lift.

ibis budget Glasgow . Address: 2A Springfield Quay, South, Glasgow, G5 8NP. Ibis budget hotels are nicer than their name suggests. The rooms are modern, elegant, and undeniably cheap, but a wee bit small. Perhaps most importantly, this hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, WiFi available in all areas, free parking, pets allowed, bar, good breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels

ibis Styles Glasgow Central . Address: 116 Waterloo Street Douglas House, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G27DN. This hotel is located less than a mile from George Square and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The rooms are modern and elegantly styled, though not much larger than a Travelodge room. However, they include lots of features, such as a smart TV and coffee facilities, and there’s a relaxed lounge/restaurant in the foyer.

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, family rooms, facilities for disabled guests, restaurant, room service, 24-hour front desk, bar, very good breakfast.

Motel One Glasgow . Address: 78-82 Oswald Street , Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G1 4PL. Motel One is a chain that successfully manages to bridge the gap between budget prices and mid-tier quality. This hotel is conveniently located close to George Square and features a great lounge area.

Facilities: non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, free WiFi, pets allowed, 24-hour front desk, bar, good breakfast.

Dakota Glasgow . Address: 179 West Regent Street, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G2 4DP. The Dakota chain leans towards business travellers, which in turn means the rooms are of a very high standard. Dakota is best known for its executive suites, which offer top-tier luxury rooms at mid-range prices. This hotel is located one mile from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery .

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, restaurant, room service, WiFi available in all areas, parking, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, fabulous breakfast.

Top-Tier Hotels

One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin . Address: One Devonshire Gardens, North West, Glasgow, G12 0UX. This 5-star boutique hotel in Glasgow’s fashionable west end features luxurious rooms, a well-stocked wine cellar, and a restaurant that sources its meat from the king’s own supplier.

Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, fitness centre, family rooms, facilities for disabled guests, restaurant, room service, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, superb breakfast.

Kimpton-Blythswood Square Hotel . Address: 11 Blythswood Square, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G2 4AD. The 5-star Kimpton Hotel dates from 1823 and is located in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Each room features a marble bathroom, and hotel guests have access to a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and a first-class restaurant.

Facilities: Swimming pool, non-smoking rooms, very good fitness centre, facilities for disabled guests, spa and wellness centre, restaurant, room service, bar, very good breakfast.

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel . Address: 11 Sherbrooke Avenue, South, Glasgow, G41 4PG. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is situated a little outside of the city centre, but it is the best choice for tourists looking for a peaceful location. The hotel sports enormous luxury bedrooms, a well-stocked bar, and an à la carte restaurant.

Facilities: non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, restaurant, room service, free parking, pets allowed, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, superb breakfast.

If you’re ready to book your Glasgow hotel, I recommend using the  Travel Supermarket website  which lists virtually every hotel in the city at competitive prices you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

Where to Eat in Glasgow

Glasgow takes the crown as the city with the best restaurants in Scotland and it isn’t far behind London when it comes to quality dining, whether it’s ultra-luxurious French cuisine or fragrant dishes from the Orient.

The majority of the top places to eat are located in the city centre, where you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice at all price ranges, although even ‘budget’ isn’t that cheap in Glasgow, which has seen year-on-year menu price rises. Still, if you’re a foodie looking to try something new, there’s no better place to eat than Glasgow, and the city recently received its first Michelin star at the superb (and expensive) Cail Bruich.

As nice as the finest restaurants are, their prices mean the majority of Glasgow tourists will have their sights set elsewhere, so I’ve included a selection of quality city centre restaurants that have affordable menus in the following list.

Horn, please . Address: 91B, Berkeley Street, G3 7DX.

A contemporary restaurant that serves Indian dishes with a modern twist. The interior is relaxed and inviting, and the menu is mouth-watering, with a highly-rated selection of cocktails to compliment each dish.

Bread Meats Bread . Address: Horn Please, 91B, Berkeley Street, G3 7DX.

This is probably the best place in Glasgow for burgers, all of which are as up-market and as far-removed from fast-food joints as it’s possible to get. The portions are huge too.

The Finnieston . Address: 1125, Argyle Street, G3 8ND.

This restaurant on Argyle Street has a wonderful old-school charm mixed with a trendy atmosphere that makes it one of the best in the city for couples and young families. The menu is predominantly seafood but there are vegetarian options as well.

Chaakoo Bombay Café . Address: 79, St Vincent Street, G2 5TF.

An ultra-chic dining experience based on 19th-century Iranian cafés and styled to match. The food is mostly meat dishes that are served on small plates that guests are encouraged to share between them.

Six by Nico . Address: 1132, Argyle Street, G3 8TD.

The unique menus of Six by Nico change completely every six weeks, so re-visiting later in the year means you’ll get to experience new tastes and food styles. The decor is relaxed and informal, and the food is highly rated among those in the know.

Sugo Pasta . Address: Mitchell Street, G1 3LN.

Sugo Pasta is an Italian restaurant that features the very best dishes from Tuscany, Sicily and Abbruzzo. Obviously, pasta is the name of the game at this restaurant and their freshly-made pasta is widely regarded as the finest in the city.

The Spanish Butcher . Address: 80, Miller Street, G1 1DT.

Merchant City is a famous area of Glasgow that’s home to designer boutiques and gourmet places to eat, including this restaurant which serves dishes inspired by flavours from Spain and the Mediterranean.

Alchemilla . Address: 1126 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8TD.

Another Argyle Street favourite, Alchemilla is a feat for the senses with a menu that’s inspired by the Mediterranean. Dishes are presented on small plates that are designed for Tapas-style sharing.

Kimchi Cult . Address: 14 Chancellor Street, G11 5RQ.

This is one of the few Korean-style fast food restaurants in Scotland but it has received acclaim thanks to its reasonably-priced dishes that feature big, bold flavours.

Ox and Finch . Address: 920 Sauchiehall St, Finnieston, Glasgow, G3 7TF.

This is another trendy restaurant, only this time it features a selection of dishes that are predominantly sourced from Scotland. Of particular note is the extensive wine list that offers something to go with any and every meal.

Bilson Eleven . Address: 10 Annfield Place, Dennistoun, Glasgow, G31 2XQ.

A very small, exclusive, and utterly delectable restaurant that prides itself in serving the finest Scottish produce in the city. Reservations are a must and although the prices are high, the quality of food on offer is even higher. This is the place to eat on very special occasions.

The Hanoi Bike Shop . Address: 8 Ruthven Lane, Glasgow, G12 9BG.

Vietnamese restaurant that welcomes visitors to its informal and intimate setting with tables for two, bright plastic stools, and delicious food featuring spicy chicken and seafood dishes served with melt-in-your-mouth noodles.

The Gannet . Address: 1155 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TB.

The Gannet opened in 2013 to rave reviews thanks to its fine Scottish dining that’s offered at very reasonable prices. The interior is minimalistic and cheery and the food ranges from light seafood dishes to hearty beef platters.

The weather & best time to visit Glasgow

Due to the fact the west coast is close to the Atlantic, you’ll frequently find temperatures are a little bit cooler than the east coast, although because Glasgow is set inland it misses out on many of the downpours that the coastal towns are subjected to.

July and August (according to holidayweather.com ) are regarded as the hottest months with average temperatures sitting around 15 °C, while January tends to be the coldest with average temperatures of 3 °C.

Bear in mind these are average temperatures and day-to-day conditions can vary considerably so don’t be surprised to find yourself in blazing high-20s sunshine in summer and below-freezing blizzards in winter.

That being said, you can pretty much guarantee that outside of the summer months you’ll be subjected to quite a few rainy days and unfortunately Glasgow doesn’t fare too well when it comes to getting a good-old-fashioned British downpour.

December and January suffer the worst of the wet weather, with an average of 25 rainy days per month, and even August gets between 10 and 15 days of rain, so you might want to pack an umbrella if you’re thinking of visiting. But at least Glasgow gets plenty of summer daylight, and you’ll find the sun rising around 5 am and setting at 10 pm, giving you a full 17 hours of light to enjoy.

This is in contrast to winter when the sun rises around 8.30 in the morning and sets around 4 pm, giving you a miserable 7 and a half hours of light which might be worth bearing in mind if you’re thinking of visiting the city in the colder months.

The upside of visiting Glasgow in the winter is that there are far fewer tourists, which means queues for the top attractions are virtually non-existent and hotel prices are much lower—often half of what you’d expect to pay in the summer. So bearing the weather in mind, which are the best months to visit Glasgow?

Well, to be honest, there is no ‘best’ time to visit Glasgow. Sure, in summer it’s warmer and the days are longer, but most visitors will spend the majority of the day indoors either exploring tourist attractions, dining in restaurants, or relaxing in their hotel.

While the weather might be a consideration if you’re planning to walk everywhere, due to Glasgow’s superb public transport options it’s possible to visit every corner of the city by bus, subway and taxi, meaning you hardly ever have to venture outdoors.

The one caveat that might affect your decision on when to visit is the events and festivals held throughout the year – the TRNSMT music festival and the Glasgow Christmas festival being two examples.

My advice for choosing a time to visit depends on how resilient you are to the cold and whether there are any specific festivals you’d like to see. For an updated list of upcoming Glasgow events, visit the eventbrite website.

Places to Go Shopping in Glasgow

Glasgow is well known for its shopping which is – without doubt – the best in Scotland. While Edinburgh has Princes Street and the newly-opened St. James Quarter, Glasgow shoppers can enjoy the entire city centre, which features most of the big-name brands on Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street, and Argyle Street.

In addition to the pedestrianised areas, there are a number of markets and shopping malls that feature a collection of boutique shops, and the city has become something of a Mecca for bargain hunters thanks to the market stalls that sell everything from designer cosmetics to vintage clothes. In fact, there are so many places to go shopping in Glasgow that it’s difficult to know where to start, so I’ve included an overview of recommended shopping areas below.

intu Braehead . As is the case with most modern out-of-town shopping centres, this one on King’s Inch Road looks like a square glass box from the outside, but inside shoppers can enjoy over 100 large stores in pleasant air-conditioned surroundings.

One thing that differentiates it from the other shopping centres on this list is the number of entertainment venues in addition to its shops, including a trampoline park, a laser tag arena, an indoor ski centre, and a rock climbing centre, amongst others. It’s definitely one to keep in mind if you’re travelling with children.

Argyll Arcade . If you’re looking for jewellery, there’s only one destination you need to keep in mind while in Glasgow, and that’s Argyll Arcade. This isn’t the largest shopping centre by a long margin, but there are an incredible 32 jewellers on the site that sell everything from top-end luxury watches to wedding rings and costume jewellery.

Of particular note is the Parisian-style decor of the arcade which dates back to 1827 (making it one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades).

Buchanan Galleries . This shopping centre is located at the top of Buchanan Street and is recognised as one of the premier shopping destinations in the UK. Many of Glasgow’s biggest shops are located in Buchanan Galleries, including John Lewis, but there are also lots of smaller independent shops trading under its roof. In total, 80 businesses are located at Buchanan Galleries, which include a number of fast food outlets and coffee shops.

Royal Exchange Square . There are restaurants, bars, and shops all around this sizable public square in Glasgow. It’s best known for its canopy of twinkling lights that are very pretty and make a perfect backdrop to an evening shopping experience. The Gallery of Modern Art dominates the centre of the square, and George Street is just a couple of minutes away, so it’s likely you’ll end up visiting Royal Exchange Square whether you intend to or not.

Glasgow Fort . Glasgow Fort lies outside the city centre but has been included, as access to it is supremely easy thanks to plentiful car parking and dedicated bus links from the city centre. It has been designed to replicate the feel of a modern High Street and is much less crowded than any of the shopping districts in the city centre, making Glasgow Fort the preferred place to shop for locals.

Buchanan Street . This is the busiest and best-known shopping area of Glasgow, primarily because it’s located in the heart of the city centre so is easily stumbled upon by tourists as they make their way between attractions.

Buchanan Street is a pedestrianized street that features most of the big-name brands shoppers have come to expect, and it’s the go-to destination for weekend shoppers thanks to its diverse collection of bars, cafés, and restaurants nestled between the shops.

Merchant Square . Glasgow is chock-a-block full of attractive Edwardian buildings, and Merchant Square is a prime example of them with its sweeping panes of glass and dramatic multi-tiered arches. You’ll find it just a 5-minute walk from the St. Enoch Centre in Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.

A visit is highly recommended, as it’s the best place to find independent boutiques and homemade arts and crafts that are a world away from the giant stores you’ll find elsewhere. One important point to note is that this is the only retail area in Glasgow that has very late-night shopping, with some stores staying open until 3 am.

St. Enoch Centre . This certainly isn’t the prettiest indoor shopping centre in this list but it is one of the largest, featuring more than 100 individual stores retailing everything from fashion and gadgets to food, toys, and books. The St. Enoch Centre is notable for its enormous glass roof, which is the largest glass-enclosed area in Europe and has earned it the nickname ‘the Glasgow greenhouse’.

Princes Square . Chic Princes Square on Buchanan Street was originally built as a 4-story merchant square in 1841 but was converted into its present use as a stylish shopping mall in 1988 after undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This is best known as a fashion and jewellery mall, but it also hosts a cinema and a number of quality restaurants and cafés.

The Barras Market . The Barras Market is probably best known by locals, but if you’re a visiting weekend tourist looking to do something a little different outside of the city centre, it’s certainly worth making the 10-minute journey to Gallowgate. Once there, you’ll find a large traditional marketplace full of outdoor stalls that sell everything you can think of, from handmade ornaments to vintage fashion and domestic appliances.

Barras Market has a great atmosphere, and it’s worth visiting just for the delicious, but very unhealthy, food stalls that you won’t find elsewhere in the city centre.

What do I need to know before going to Glasgow?

1. Most of the main attractions in Glasgow are completely free to enter. Highlights include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , the Tall Ship , the Peoples Palace, and the Riverside Museum , all of which have no entry fee.

2. Glasgow is home to Scotland’s only underground transport system. The SPT railway allows fast travel around the city on a circular route, with day tickets costing less than £5. Just remember that it closes at 6 pm on Sunday.

3. On a sunny day, there are several superb outdoor green spaces that are popular with locals; Glasgow Green , the Botanic Garden and Pollok Country Park are among the best. A hidden gem is the Necropolis .

Is Glasgow good for tourists?

Glasgow is a good city for tourists. The majority of the main attractions are free and getting around them is easy thanks to a subway, lots of buses, and plenty of taxis. Glasgow is also the best city in Scotland for shopping and is one of the best in the UK for nightlife.

What should I know before travelling to Scotland?

1. English is spoken everywhere in Scotland and is the main language in the south of the country. Heading north into the Highlands and into the Western Isles, the primary language changes to Scottish Gaelic.

2. Most Scots only wear kilts at formal events such as weddings, so trying to fit in by wearing a kilt at any other time will likely raise a few eyebrows.

3. Tipping is not mandatory in Scotland,, but if you feel the service in a restaurant was good, feel free to leave an extra 5–10%. Many card terminals offer the option to add a tip when it’s time to pay.

How many days in Glasgow is enough?

For the majority of visitors, 2 days will be enough to experience the best that Glasgow has to offer. A 2-day itinerary can be found in this article: A Weekend Break in Glasgow .

Related Posts

The Best Things to Do in Glasgow With Children

The Best Things to Do in Glasgow City Centre

Pollok Country Park Visitor Guide

The Burrell Collection Visitor Guide

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Accessibility Links

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.

Advertisement

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.

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

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.

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 2 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

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.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

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.

Other things you might like

48 hours in Glasgow

8 hidden gems in Glasgow

What's On - Events in Glasgow

Accommodation in Glasgow

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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!

Search hotels and more...

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Some of the links used on Roaming Required are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and make a purchase then may earn a small commission, at absolutely no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on at Roaming Required HQ and the content being created. We sincerely thank you for your support.

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

View this post on Instagram

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

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fergus King | Scotland (@fergus.king_of_scotland)

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.

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

37 Unique Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

Home » Blog » Europe » Scotland » 37 Unique Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

If you’re traveling to Scotland, you don’t want to miss this list of things to do in Glasgow. Considered the gateway to many other incredible adventures in Scotland, it’s bound to be on your travel itinerary. In this guide, we’re sharing our top picks to help you plan your visit to Glasgow. 

​​I’m going to give it to you straight — Glasgow doesn’t have the same undeniable charm that Edinburgh oozes. 

And we didn’t fall in love at first sight, like we did with Edinburgh .

Glasgow is a little rougher around the edges. It’s not quite as “movie set beautiful”.

In fact, at first glance, it’s kind of gritty. But in a way that urges you to stay a little longer. Explore a little deeper.

And if you give it a chance, Glasgow will pull you in, and you’ll see this city for what it really is…

A city with a beating heart and soul. A city with a lively arts, music and nightlife scene, and some of Scotland’s best restaurants. A city where locals pack the streets, instead of tourists.

Glasgow might not be as perfectly manicured as its neighbor to the east. But it is just as worth exploring.

And with plenty of things to do in Glasgow (and lots of ahhh-mazing places to eat!), it is well worth a spot on your Scotland itinerary.

Glasgow Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Glasgow, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• Edinburgh vs. Glasgow

Best time to visit Glasgow

• How to get around Glasgow

Where to eat in Glasgow

Where to stay in glasgow.

• What to pack for Scotland

Psst! If you have time to discover more of the country, don’t miss these  epic places to visit in Scotland .

Top things to do in Glasgow

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Glasgow, here are our top  recommendations. 

• Sample Scottish cuisine on a food tour
• Spend the night glamping
• Wander through the Cloisters
• Take a walking tour that makes a difference
• Eat “family style” at this stunning plant-filled restaurant
• Walk Insta-worthy Ashton Lane

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Scotland.

1. Sample classic Scottish dishes on a Food Tour

We’ve taken food tours all around the world for a handful of reasons:

• a) You can learn so much about a culture through its cuisine.
• b) You get to hang out with a local and pick their brain about food, restaurants and culture.
• c) You can try all the traditional foods in a low-pressure setting. So if you’re a little hesitant to order a whole meal of haggis, for instance, a food tour is perfect because you’ll get a small portion to try. 
• d) A food tour is probably the most efficient way to eat your way through a city and have the best of the best! (Aka it’s the perfect thing to do when you have a short amount of time to explore.)

So yeah, we’re huge fans. Obsessed might be a more accurate description.

We’ve gone on a lot of food tours (Glasgow was our 11th!), so we’d like to think we know what we’re talking about.

We’ve gotta say that this was one of the best food tours we’ve been on.

There are a lot of food tours in Glasgow to choose from (and most look great!), but this is the one we took .

For the price, we got a huge amount of food and several drinks to pair as well. (Whiskey, a gin cocktail, local beer.)

We were able to experience some unique restaurants and try some of the classic Scottish dishes we had a hard time finding elsewhere on our Scotland road trip (like cranachan). Plus, we had the absolute best haggis of our trip (by far!) on this tour.

Our guide was excellent, and in addition to explaining the foods, shared a lot about the city’s landmarks and history as we walked between the stops. 

It was a truly wonderful tour. If you love trying new foods on your travels, it is our top recommendation of things to do in Glasgow.

Our advice: We would recommend booking your food tour well in advance, as they do book up. We originally were planning to take a food tour in Edinburgh, but they were totally full during our visit. So if you have one in mind, avoid disappointment by booking your spots early.

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We traveled in Scotland for about 2 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including most of the top places to visit.

We took our 2-week travels and created the perfect Scotland road trip itinerary.  We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  2-week Scotland road trip itinerary  today!

2. Spend the night ‘glamping’ just outside the city

Spending the night in a glamping pod was one of our very favorite things we did in Glasgow. 

Hidden Horizons is situated just a 30-minute drive from the city center, but feels a world away. These newly-opened glamping pods are absolutely stunning, and it’s clear the amount of work and attention to detail that has gone into creating this magical place.

Each pod has a unique theme, and it comfortably-appointed with a small kitchenette, a coffee machine, a super comfortable bed, and most importantly, a private hot tub with a view! 

We were treated to a spectacular cotton candy sunset over Glasgow. Pure magic.

Our only regret is that we didn’t book two nights.

So after you make your reservation, here’s what you’re gonna do…

Go to the supermarket to grab a bottle of wine or bubbly and some snacks to enjoy so you don’t have to leave once you’re there. Be sure to arrive right at check-in so you can maximize your time in this unique place. As soon as your arrive, change into your swimsuit and get into that Jacuzzi in time for sunset. 

Now go make that reservation, already!

Our advice: Whether or not it’s in Glasgow, we highly recommend glamping, even if just for one night! We have a roundup of the best places to go glamping in Scotland so you can find one that fits your Scotland itinerary and budget.

3. Wander through the Cloisters

The Cloisters, also known as the Undercroft, are one of the most defining features in the University of Glasgow. 

These fluted, impressive archways may look familiar as they’ve made an appearance in many TV shows, most notably Outlander!

Are you heading to Inverness next?  There are several options for transportation between the two cities, and we have a detailed guide on  how to travel from Glasgow to Inverness  which outlines all of your options.

4. Take a walking tour that makes a difference

We’re big fans of taking free walking tours, as it is the perfect way to orient ourselves with a new city.

Plus, you’re shown around by a local who can let you in on tips and hidden gems only locals know about.

Now, there is a free walking tour company in Glasgow , but we actually have a different suggestion…

Invisible Cities is a really unique social enterprise that empowers locals who have experienced homelessness to become tour guides and show visitors around their home city. 

Glasgow is one of the cities that this UK-based organization offers tours, giving you the opportunity to support a local in a truly life-changing way.

5. Eat “family style” at this stunning plant-filled restaurant

While doing research for our trip to Glasgow, one place that kept coming up was Ubiquitous Chip .

I saw it recommended on other travel blogs. In restaurant guides. And after talking to more than one person who lived in Glasgow, this was a top recommendation.

So it was decided, then. We were going.

This place is quite the establishment. I don’t even know exactly how to describe it. But I’ll try…

There are different types of restaurants and bars all under one roof that each have their own vibe and menu. 

We dined at the restaurant for lunch and shared an embarrassingly large selection of family-style dishes between the two of us. #worthit

The glass ceiling and plant-covered walls gave the ambiance of dining in a greenhouse. A greenhouse that is beautifully decorated and serves tasty bites, mind you. 

Everything we ordered was fabulous, and we can understand why this place kept coming up as recommendations for Glasgow.

6. Walk Insta-worthy Ashton Lane

This narrow, cobbled street is what IG influencers dream of. And the rest of us too, because, well, it’s super pretty.

Colorful flat billow in the breeze overhead, and cozy pubs and trendy restaurants line the street. Pop into whatever strikes your fancy. 

We suggest Ubiquitous Chip (see above) for a family-style meal, a rooftop toast, or a dram of Scotch in their Wee Whisky Bar.

7. Toast drinks at a Rooftop Bar

To get some of the best views of Glasgow, head to any of these iconic and inviting rooftop bars for sweeping drink menus and unique bites.

• Ubiquitous Chip : Since 1971, this restaurant has paved the way for the Glasgow food and drink scene.
• Radisson RED Sky Bar : Enjoy unparalleled views at one of the 50 best rooftop bars in the world. 
• Macintosh at the Willow : This south facing terrace allows you to enjoy the rare sunny days in Glasgow.
• Windows at the Carlton George : Toast your favorite drink to the best panoramic view of Glasgow’s skyline. 
• The Corinthian Club : This stylish, 5-story Victorian venue is perfect for any special occasion or casual outing.

8. Wander Buchanan Street

Glasgow is recognized for being one of the best shopping destinations in the United Kingdom, just after London, so you can’t leave without browsing the variety of shops along Buchanan Street. 

Argyle and Sauchiehall Streets are two other notable shopping streets nearby that are worth exploring as well.

9. Explore the University of Glasgow campus

One of the best things to do in Glasgow’s West End is take a stroll through the University of Glasgow. It is said that the main building on campus was the inspiration for Hogwarts!

This is one of the oldest English-speaking universities in the world that was established in 1451. While you’re here, you cannot miss the cloisters, lion and unicorn staircase, and the free Hunterian Museum.  

10. See the iconic Glasgow Necropolis

Established in the early 1800s, this Victorian cemetery is situated just east of the Glasgow Cathedral. Over 50,000 names have been buried here over the last few centuries. Plus, there are over 3,500 statues and monuments in honor of many important names throughout history. 

The Glasgow Necropolis is so large it’s considered a “ city for the dead” . You could spend hours here walking around, taking in the unique and ornate statues and sculptures.

11. Step inside Glasgow Cathedral

The gothic architecture of the Glasgow Cathedral catches the eyes of many passing by. With the first stones laid starting in the 1100s, walking through it is an imaginative and awe-inspiring experience.

It’s stained-glass windows and detailed stone work make it stand out among many other churches across the rest of the United Kingdom and Europe. It also happens to be the only Medieval Church in Scotland, which is another defining angle of this cathedral. 

12. Spot street art on the “Mural Trail”

One of the newest and most unique things to do in Glasgow is strolling down the Mural Trail to enjoy artwork by local artists. The colorful and vibrant murals are a direct contrast to the desaturated tones of the city.

While in most cities you need to go “ hunting ” for street art, Glasgow’s paintings are all pretty close together and can be enjoyed on a self-guided tour using this helpful map . The 1.5-3 hour route takes you off the beaten path through alleys and under bridges to see the most hidden corners of the city. If you want to experience the art coming to life, guided walking tours do an incredible job of sharing stories and immersing you in the artwork. As you walk through pieces from world-renowned artists to Glaswegian locals, you’ll understand how and why the city’s art scene has developed dramatically over the last decade.

13. Make your own silver ring to take home

A sterling silver ring is a perfect and special souvenir either for yourself or to bring home to a loved one. High-quality sterling silver will last a lifetime, so you can always be reminded by your trip just by slipping it on.

The best place to craft your own ring is with an experienced silversmith in north Glasgow. Luna is a raved, 5-star silversmith with the perfect touch to make you comfortable with learning the ropes of silversmithing, and putting your own touches to a thoughtful souvenir.

14. Get your caffeine fix at this stunning coffeehouse

Transport yourself to the heart of Istanbul at this warm and inviting coffee shop in the West End of Glasgow. Ottoman Coffeehouse offers a unique and dynamic space that separates it from any regular ol’ coffee chain. 

What makes a visit to this coffeehouse so worthy is that among the bustling streets of Glasgow, this spot serves as a home away from home, where you can relax over a stellar cup of coffee after a day of sightseeing.

They believe a cup of coffee is one of the most simple and important pleasures in life. From their espresso to their rotating single-origin beans from Africa, Arabia, and America, a cup of their perfectly brewed beans will transport you back to the grand coffeehouses of Eastern Europe.

15. Hike to the mysterious Devil’s Pulpit

The otherworldly Finnich Glen has a rather dark reputation due to legends throughout history and the coursing red water that flows through the vibrant green walls of the gorge. 

While originally the glen’s nickname, “ Devil’s Pulpit ”, referred to the mushroom-shaped rock the devil was said to stand on, today the whole glen reaps this sinister nickname.

Along this 0.5-mile trail you’ll traverse through legendary spots where it’s said that the devil himself held meetings for his followers, witches performed executions, and Druids held secret meetings.

Check out our guide to hiking Finnich Glen to Devil’s Pulpit for all the information you need to know before you go. 

16. Explore the People’s Palace

Walk along the historic Glasgow Green, the oldest park in the city, and pop into the People’s Palace. This palace serves as a museum that tells the story of Glaswegians social history from the 1700s to the late 20th century.

Through the collection of photographs, objects, prints, and films, you’ll travel back in time to see how the locals lived throughout history. 

17. Catch a lunchtime play at Òran Mór

Òran Mór’s lunchtime plays have become a midday phenomenon among Glaswegians for over 17 years. Each day, they premiere a different play that lasts no more than an hour. 

A Play, a Pie, and a Pint is the group that brings ideas and classics to the stage. They work with local and international talent, as well as emerging and established playwrights producing 33 new plays each year that run for 42 weeks.

Tickets average £12-15 and include a pint of beer, wine or other drink, and a meat (or veggie) pie. The intimate atmosphere and refreshing concepts bring locals and visitors here week after week to sold out shows.

18. Enjoy a dram of whisky 

Whether you’re a hardcore fan of Scotch or simply curious, Glasgow has a variety of places to enjoy a dram and learn a little bit along the way.

Get the lingo down: Dram is the words Scots use for a shot, or small tasting (usually referring to whisky)

Scotch Malt Whisky Society

This sleek setting is the perfect place to sample Scotch. In addition to having a huge variety of excellent whiskeys to sample, the staff has a wealth of knowledge on the topic and can guide you through a tasting or helping you figure out what your whisky preference is. 

Feeling hungry? We had haggis and whisky here as part of a food tour (see #1), and it was the best we had on our trip!

Tour a distillery

If you want to tour a distillery while in Glasgow, there are two great options:

Glengoyne Distillery

Located about an hour northwest of the city, this distillery has been in business since 1833 and has a focus on sustainability. They offer daily tasting and distillery tours.

Clydeside Distillery

Conveniently located on the west side of town, this historic distillery offers a couple different types of tours, including one where the whisky is paired with artisan chocolates.

Sound like an expert: Throughout Scotland, there are 5 regional styles of whisky — Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Touring a distillery near Glasgow will be the Lowland style.

19. Learn the funny story behind the Duke of Wellington statue

The Equestrian Duke of Wellington statue is one of the defining features of Glasgow. It was built in 1884 as a tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. The allure of the statue shifted dramatically around the 1980s when the Duke was capped with a bright orange traffic cone.

While the date of the original cone-capping is still shrouded in mystery, the story of how the cone came to be could not be more clear. Decades ago, after a group of locals went out for a pint or few, they decided to end an already legendary night by placing a cone on top of the statue’s head.

When the Glasgow City Council and local police removed the cone initially, they never expected to spend 10,000 pounds yearly removing cones from the statue. Anytime they removed a cone, another magically reappeared.

On their quest to eliminate the prank put on a Category-A listed monument, they raised the statue 6-feet higher into the air, but the cones still persisted. 

After the “Keep the Cone ” movement, removal of the cone ceased and the bright orange street symbol still stands today, serving as a testament to the Glaswegian’s sense of humor.

20. Get some fresh air at Pollock Country Park

The woodlands and peaceful gardens of the Pollock Country Park is the perfect escape from the cobblestone streets and pints in downtown Glasgow. This massive park is on the south side of the city and makes a perfect stop to relax or have a picnic.

The park is home to the world-famous Burrell Art Collections, as well as other historic homes and estates on the property. You can explore bits of history or opt to take any of the walking and biking trails to immerse yourself in the park’s woodlands.

21. Take a day trip to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Once you’ve spent ample time exploring Glasgow, the next best thing to do is venture out to one of Scotland’s scenic National Parks. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is only a 40-minute drive from Glasgow and makes for an adventurous day trip.

The National Park stretches from the hills and glens of the Southern Highlands all the way to the western coast of Scotland. With such a diverse array of landscapes, there are plenty of scenic hiking and walking trails, quaint villages, and outdoor activities to explore the park in depth.

22. Laugh the night away at a comedy show

Comedy is one of the major pillars of Glaswegian culture, and Glasgow happens to be the birthplace of many renowned local comedians. The city has well-known names regularly going through it’s wide range of venues.

• Glee Club Glasgow : Their weekend comedy shows are favored among locals and are sure to fill your night with laughter.
• The Stand Comedy Club : The host of a new legendary comedy night with a wide array of new and seasoned comics.

23. Enjoy fish ‘n chips in an old ship

McMonagles Boat is a world-class dining experience aboard an old boat docked in the Fourth & Clyde canal. Whether you’re looking to casually dine inside or have a formal dinner in the upper deck, they cater to all different types of preferences when it comes to getting your fix of fish ‘n chips.

They also have a variety of other traditional Scottish dishes to try on deck like haddock, haggis, and the classic, “Big Scottish Breakfast”. 

24. Cheers with a pint of Scottish beer

Sure, you can toast with a pint of local brew at any old pub, but if you’re really into beer, you’ll want to enjoy it straight from the source.

There are a few craft breweries in Glasgow (with more popping up), but our top suggestion is Drygate Brewery.

Drygate Brewery

This gastropub has a variety of styles of beer and a kitchen that serves pub grub.

If you want to learn more about the brewing process, Drygate offers brewery tours and tutored tastings .

Tennents 

This is essentially Scotland’s Budweiser. And actually, Drygate (mentioned above) is part of the Tennents family (and is located just around the corner.)

And if you’re into light and crisp lagers, this might be more your style. You can tour the Tennents Brewery and learn about its history and how it’s made today.

25. Walk Kelvingrove Park & visit the free galleries

The West End of Glasgow is filled with many parks, but Kelvingrove Park nearly tops the list. This Victorian Park was built along the River Kelvin and was designed to complement the many buildings on site, most notably the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The art gallery has over 22 different exhibits you can browse for free. Most impressively, the galleries have gone under £28-million worth of renovations to restore the original 1901 Victorian interior. 

Explore the pop-up exhibits or head to any permanent galleries to learn about everything from Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 

26. Catch live music

The live music scene in Glasgow is renowned for its array of music venues catering to both small intimate shows and massive, booming arenas. Talent comes and goes, but you’re bound to find an incredible show at any of these classic venues during your trip. 

• Barrowlands : This is known for being a legendary rock venue, but the acoustics and spring dance floor has attracted musical talents from a wide variety of genres. 
• OVO Hydro : From rock, pop, to soul and dance, the Hydro hosts some of the biggest musical names in the industry as well as other unique live shows.
• King Tuts Wah Wah Hut : This music venue hosts exciting and renowned musical talent from all over the world like the Killers and Radiohead. 
• Blue Dog : Jazz lovers unite at this New York style piano bar equipt with classic and contemporary cocktails. 

27. Indulge in a doughnut (or three!) at Tantrum Doughnuts

With 2 locations around town, Tantrum is a beloved Glasgow establishment known for their scratch doughnuts that are made fresh daily and sold until they run out.

Choose from unique flavors like pistachio & hibiscus, salted honey, and lemon poppyseed old fashioned. They even have a decent selection of vegan doughnuts.

Come hungry and come early, because they do sell out!

Tantrum Doughnuts locations:

• West side location (near Kelvingrove Park)
• Downtown location

28. Slow down with a chai at a bohemian tea house on the river

Just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Glasgow, you can recover your zen at the Tchai-Ovna House of Tea . They’ve been serving over 80 different types of ethically sourced teas for over 20 years inside a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Among the incredible varieties of tea, they also serve up an eclectic menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Pop in for any of their in-house events, or dine casually from Monday through Sunday, 11 am to 11 pm.

29. Head to The Barras Market on a weekend

This exciting and diverse market has been an anticipated weekend venture since the early years of the 20th century. The word “barras” comes from the Glaswegian word “barrow”, that refers to the handcarts that traders used to sell their goods from.

After entering the intriguing red archway, you’ll be enamored with the one-of-a-kind fashions and bargains dotting the marketplace. This is a space where designers, creators, and dreamers can showcase their unique pieces in one of the United Kingdom’s oldest markets.

Sustainable Fashion Row and Hippie Lane are two exciting areas to roam for your fashion fix. The market also has many mouth-watering food spots to indulge in as you shop around on Saturday or Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm.

30. Escape the city in the nearby village of Milngavie

If you’re looking to escape the city and get outdoors, Milngavie is a small village on the outskirts of Glasgow. It is home to the beginning of West Highland Way — Scotland’s most famous long-distance hiking route. 

It can make a nice place to get out of the hustle and bustle of Glasgow and stretch your legs amongst other hiking enthusiasts.

FYI: The West Highland Way trail is 96 miles and takes roughly 7 days, so if you’re just looking for a short hike, walk for as long as you’d like before turning around.

How to get to Milngavie: From the center of Glasgow, it’s just a 25-minute drive northwest of the city. You can also get there on public transport, by taking the ScotRail from Queen Street, which comes every 30 minutes during the day.

31. Tour Glasgow Central Station

Touring the train station may sound like a strange thing to do, but with more than 4,000 5-star reviews, this is one of the highest-rated tours in the city.

On this rave-worthy tour, one of the highlights is getting to see a preserved Victorian platform that isn’t open to the public. 

Learn more about the tour and book your spot here .

32. Enjoy a cocktail or dessert inside the stunning Corinthian

This building was originally a bank — a very fancy one, at that. It was then turned into a courtroom, at which time the lovely details were covered up so it looked like a more serious place.

But when this was later purchased and made into a restaurant-slash-entertainment venue (known today as The Corinthian ), the stunning architecture was once again revealed.

It truly is a sight to behold. 

You can enjoy the architecture in a variety of ways: 

• Come for an afternoon tea.
• Sit in the beautiful dining room with a dessert or snack. 
• On the weekend, come for their Sunday Roast (a UK staple), or sign up for a cocktail masterclass where you can learn the ins and outs of creating your favorite beverage. 
• There is even a new nightclub in the basement level featuring DJs on the weekends, for those travelers looking to get their groove on.

33. Afternoon tea at the Butterfly & the Pig

Afternoon tea in Scotland is a cultural staple, making it one of the most quintessential things to do in Glasgow. The Butterfly & the Pig is right near the heart of downtown, making it the perfect midday pick me up before exploring the rest of the city.

What separates this afternoon tea from others is that they believe that portion sizes should be hearty and filling. Their full afternoon tea menu includes canapes, sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes, and your choice of tea. 

For a boozy afternoon, you can add a bottle of prosecco to your fill or if you want to save room to sample more restaurants around the city, you can order their cream tea for two that includes tea and scones, with cream and jam.

Psst! If Scotland’s is on your itinerary, we have a round up of the best places to have afternoon tea in Edinburgh .

34. Compete on Pub Quiz night with locals

The quiz scene in Glasgow is competitive, exciting, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Pub quiz nights run from Monday and Thursday and are a favored late-night activity among Glaswegians. 

Grab a pint of your favorite brew and head to any of these iconic pub quizzes to prove your knowledge on endless trivial topics:

• The Sparkle Horse : Hailed as Glasgow’s hardest quiz, this is an essential Monday night gathering that brings in competitive locals and thought-provoking questions.
• The Admiral : This is Glasgow’s longest-running pub quiz that draws in office workers, students, music snobs, and more to test their knowledge for an exciting Tuesday night.
• Curlers Rest : This pub quiz is hosted by a well-known face in Glasgow’s pub scene that runs quizzes in multiple locations, but this Tuesday night is one of the ‘ best in the west ’.

View a list of pub quiz nights here

35. Explore the Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Get away from the bustle of the city and walk among 9000+ different types of plants within the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. If you’re looking for free things to do in Glasgow, this is one of the best spots to explore the city on a budget. 

The main feature of the gardens are the massive temperate and tropical glasshouses. You can also explore an herb garden and plant bed that has local plants potted chronologically in the order they were introduced to Scotland.

Discover over 30 different interesting stops along the Heritage Trail, take the Tree Trail through the Gardens and Arboretum, or enjoy a hot cup of tea in the Gardens Tearoom. 

36. Climb to the top of the Lighthouse

Located in the former offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper, The Lighthouse is known as the city’s center of design and architecture. 

This was the first publicly commissioned project by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland’s most celebrated architect.

It is free to climb the spiral staircase (an iconic view in itself) to the top where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Glasgow.

Important Note: Unfortunately, The Lighthouse is currently closed to the public. Check back prior to your trip to see if it has reopened. 

37. Experience football fame at Celtic Park Stadium

Hardcore football fans (or soccer fans, if you’re coming at us from the USA!), will want to carve out some time in their Glasgow itinerary to visit the iconic Celtic Park. 

This stadium is home to the Celtic Football Club, and is a destination in itself. 

Catch a match here or take a guided tour, which will grant visitors behind-the-scenes access to the dressing rooms, tunnel, dugouts, and Celtic FC boardroom.

There are two tours to choose from (both with rave reviews!):

• Classic Stadium Tour
• Stadium Tour + 3-Course Meal in the Celtic Park Restaurant

What guests are saying:

“Booked this for my boyfriend’s birthday and have to admit I enjoyed it just as much as he did. Made to feel very welcome the minute you go through the door and greeted by so many smiling faces. The tour guide Martin was very informative and had so many stories to tell on every aspect of the tour. The meal afterwards in No7 was tremendous. Great choices for all and very well presented. Would highly recommend both the tour and the meal to anyone, whether a football fan or not.” -Amanda, United Kingdom (November, 2022)

Which is better: Edinburgh or Glasgow?

These are two of the very best cities to visit in Europe , and hopefully you can add both to your Scotland itinerary. But if you only have time for one, let’s go over what makes each unique…

These cities are located just over an hour apart from each other, but they couldn’t feel more different.

• Glasgow is bigger, but less touristy.
• Edinburgh is prettier, but doesn’t have the same level of famed nightlife.
• Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, but Edinburgh has more of a local feel.
• Edinburgh has more “must see” attractions, but exploring Glasgow feels like uncovering local secrets.

Edinburgh is kind of like the preppy popular kid at high school that everyone loves at first glance. And Glasgow is like the artsy kid that is kind of mysterious, and the more you get to know them, the more you like them.

Excuse my ridiculous analogy, but hopefully it illustrates that Edinburgh and Glasgow are both very worthy of spots on your Scotland itinerary, albeit for different reasons.

Most Scots I’ve talked to claim that between the two, Glasgow is their favorite. 

And I can see why. 

It feels less made for tourists, and more made for locals. And the people are friendly and welcoming.

Our food tour guide (a native Glaswegian) put it this way:

• Glaswegians are down-to-earth, friendly and fun. Folks from Edinburgh may call them unrefined.
• People from Edinburgh tend to be more reserved. Glaswegians may call them uptight.

If you’re visiting Scotland for the first time, you can’t miss Edinburgh. But if you are a big fan of less-touristy places, you might feel more at home in Glasgow.

Will you be traveling from Edinburgh? There are several options for transportation between the two cities, and we have a detailed guide on how to travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow which outlines all of your options.

Glasgow’s weather, although always changing, is the most pleasant from spring to fall.  

Each season offers an entirely different palette of different things to enjoy and see, so planning your trip largely depends on your interests.

You can sip on some of the world’s finest whiskey any time of year, but if you’re using Scotland’s largest city as a basecamp before heading into the highlands, you may want to lean towards the summer months. 

Psst! For an in-depth guide on the seasonal weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Scotland .

Getting around Glasgow

Glasgow, although the biggest city in Scotland, is easily navigated using any combination of their public transport options. Walking is an ideal way to get around if you’re staying in the city center, but if you need to go further distances, there are a variety of ways to get around. 

Glasgow’s subway system is the 3rd oldest in Europe (after Budapest and London). It is the easiest way to get around Glasgow’s city center and west end. 

There are 15 stops on Glasgow’s subway system, and it takes just 24 minutes to do a complete circuit. 

Adult tickets start at £1.55.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Scotland , we’d recommend waiting until after your time in Glasgow or making sure your accommodation offers parking and leaving your rental car there while exploring the city. It wouldn’t be very fun driving the city, and parking can be tricky to find (not to mention, expensive!).

First Bus Glasgow makes getting around Glasgow a breeze with over 80 different routes around the city. Not only that, but they offer daily tickets with unlimited rides, or weekly tickets that are ideal if you’re staying in the city for a bit longer. 

If you download the First Bus App , you can get the cheapest ticket prices and never miss the bus with their real-time maps and bus information. 

Learn more about the bus system and view ticket options here .

OVO Bikes are an ideal way to get around town quickly and efficiently. All you need to do is register with the app or online, scan the QR code on the bike, and you’ll be on your way! Learn more about how bike share works in Glasgow . 

How to get from the airport to the city center

• Train: The cheapest option to get to the city center is on the train. ScotRail has trains that depart every 15-minutes that take around 15-minutes to get to the heart of Glasgow.
• Bus : This is another great way to get to Glasgow. Thankfully, First Bus Glasgow now offers an Airport Express Route that will get you downtown in only 15-minutes. 
• Rideshare/taxi : Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all common ways to get to the city, but per usual they’re on the more expensive side for airport transfers.

Most of these are local recommendations from our Glasgow food tour guide (so you know she knows what she’s talking about!).

• Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery : creative, upscale menu featuring seafood and Scottish specialties
• Paesano Pizza : rave-worthy wood-fired pizza
• Gloriosa : Mediterranean eats
• Ubiquitous Chip : gorgeous, sprawling venue with shareable plates
• Ox and Finch : buzzy tapas style restaurant
• The Gannet : elevated dishes in an industrial chic setting

Since Glasgow is so compact, no matter where you stay you won’t be far from the action, but there are a handful of ideal places to base yourself for your trip. 

For first timers, downtown Glasgow near the Merchant City area is ideal since it’s close to all the popular shopping, history, and dining options. Families or those that want a laidback vibe, should head towards the East End or South Glasgow while boozy and foodie travelers will love the draw of the West end.

Glasgow Youth Hostel : This Victorian townhouse turned hostel overlooks Kelvingrove Park on the West End of Glasgow.

Native Glasgow : These condo-style hotel rooms were inspired by 1920s ocean liners. Enjoy the original 1906 features and location right next to George Square.

One Devonshire Gardens : Discover world-class service at this boutique hotel in the trendy West End of town.

What to pack for your trip to Scotland

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this  free Scotland packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing check lists for everything from clothing and toiletries to electronics and extra gear you may consider packing if you plan to do some campervan travels.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Scotland that you won’t find anywhere else!

Round up of the unique things to do in Glasgow

Here’s a recap of all the unique things to do in Glasgow so you can see everything in one place.

• The Cloisters
• Invisible Cities walking tour
• Eat at Ubiquitous Chip
• Ashton Lane
• Rooftop bars
• Buchanan Street
• University of Glasgow campus
• Glasgow Necropolis
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Street art on the Mural Trail
• Ring-making experience
• Ottoman Coffeehouse
• Devil’s Pulpit
• People’s Palace
• Lunchtime play at Òran Mór
• Scotch Whisky
• Duke of Wellington statue
• Pollock Country Park
• Day trip to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
• Comedy show
• McMonagles Boat 
• Kelvingrove Park
• Tantrum Doughnuts
• Ovna House of Tea
• The Barras Market 
• Glasgow Central Station
• The Corinthian
• Afternoon tea
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens
• The Lighthouse
• Celtic Park Stadium

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Edinburgh to Glasgow: Transportation Guide
• Scotland Camping: Essential Tips + Best Campsites
• Glasgow to Inverness: Transportation Guide
• Fun Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

Which of these fun things to do in Glasgow has made its way to the top of your list? Are there any experiences you think we are missing? Leave your comment below and let us know!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

English countryside road trip: London to Glasgow in 3 days

This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2018. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.

Most international travellers who visit the UK will go to London, but many don’t bother leaving the city.

Having been to London a handful of times, only once had I left the city to visit Hull – a small city in Yorkshire – as part of a press trip with Visit Britain in early 2017. My first trip out of the city to explore another part of England had me hooked; I couldn’t wait to see more.

Then Rob was invited to attend a work meetup in Brighton . It gave me an idea – why not plan a trip up to Scotland at the same time, squeezing in an English countryside road trip along the way? This was my chance to really explore the country in much more detail.

I planned a rough route which started with renting a car in London then driving to  Glasgow over 3 days, with a total driving time of around 11-12 hours. We avoided motorways, and instead took our time on highways and backroads for most of the journey.

Note that this is definitely not the most straightforward route from London to Glasgow. If you want the quickest way (aside from flying, of course), you can take the motorway the whole way or even hop on a train and the journey will only take 7-8 hours.

There’s really no point driving from London to Glasgow unless you plan to stray from the motorway and see the countryside, as we did. And it’s definitely worth it! The English countryside was well worth the trip.

This itinerary passes through adorable farms, historic small towns, beautiful national parks, and cute seaside villages. If you’re not from the UK and will be driving this route, you might want to do some research on the local road rules and permits including your International Drivers Licence before your trip.

Day 1: London to the Midlands

On the first morning of our road trip, we picked up our rental car from St Pancras in London. Getting out of London required a short stint on the motorway, but we soon pulled off towards Ashbourne – a super cute town just south of Peak District National Park.

In Ashbourne, we walked around the pretty market square then stopped for lunch at The Bridge (where I had a very British meal of veggie savoury pie with mash, peas, and gravy – yummm!). After lunch, it was onwards to the Peak District – a hilly area in the Midlands that was declared national park in 1951 (the very first national park to be created in England).

I wasn’t expecting much from the Peak District, but as we drove in through the narrow, windy roads lined with tree tunnels, my jaw dropped. It was so beautiful! As there were already people living in the Peak District when it became national park, it was almost as though it had been frozen in time. The area had rolling hills with historic farms and adorable stone buildings, some of which were over 1000 years old.

We passed through a number of small towns along the way – I think the prettiest was Bakewell, though Hathersage was also lovely. Our day ended with a walk over Ladybower Reservoir and a sunset cider at the local Inn.

Where we stayed:  Our evening was spent at Halifax Hall in nearby Sheffield. While the hotel was in a slightly odd location on the grounds of a university, this historic building provided surprisingly nice accommodation where we had a renovated room overlooking a rose garden. Would definitely recommend!

Day 2: Yorkshire and the seaside

Our itinerary on the second day was almost completely made up as we went along! I’d booked us a night at a B&B in northern England, but we didn’t have any set plan as to which route we would drive.

On the advice of my cousin, Rob and I decided to make York our first stop. This little city had so many historic buildings, including the lovely York Minster, which features gothic architecture from the 7th century. Walking around the fortified city walls was a highlight, as was the cream tea (Yorkshire tea served with scones, jam, and cream) that we indulged in at Little Shambles Tearoom.

Rob was keen to see the coast, so we departed York and took the scenic route through North York Moors National Park to the seaside village of Whitby. What a surprise! This historic town is totally adorable and has maritime heritage – it’s actually the place where Captain Cook learned his seafaring skills. Walking up the stairs leading to Whitby Abbey was my fave activity, as the historic ruins are perched on a hill by the sea with gorgeous views of the coastline.

Our last stop of the day was at Durham to see the cathedral, as I’d discovered the courtyard was used as a filming location for some of the scenes in Harry Potter. Unfortunately it was somewhat of a disappointment, as we arrived just as they were setting up for a private event. There were people running about and tables everywhere, but we just managed to take a quick walk around the courtyard before they closed up.

Where we stayed: In northern England, we stayed in Blenkinsopp Castle Inn  – a B&B housed in some converted stables, connected to the ruins of a historic mansion. How cool is that!? I absolutely loved this place, it was one of the best accommodation experiences of the trip and the Vegetarian English Breakfast was to die for!

Day 3: Northern England

We only had one stop on our way to Glasgow – Hadrian’s Wall. This UNESCO world heritage site in northern England, built in AD 122 by the Romans to protect their territory, once stretched from coast to coast covering around 70 miles. It was also used by author George R.R. Martin as inspiration for ‘The Wall’ in Game of Thrones!

We stopped in at Birdoswald Fort to check out the archaeological site, then drove for a while along the road that follows the crumbled remains of the wall (confusingly, the road is also named ‘Hadrian’s Wall’ ). It was amazing to learn about this stone structure which has literally been standing there for nearly two thousand years.

It was back onto the motorway for the last stretch of our drive, then we arrived in Glasgow around lunch time. If you’d prefer to drive to Edinburgh instead of Glasgow, it’s easy to change the itinerary and make this your final destination, as it’s only an extra half hour of driving from Hadrian’s Wall.

I’m definitely glad that we chose to drive to Glasgow instead of flying or taking a train – we would never have seen so much of England’s beautiful countryside otherwise!

Related posts

10 day epic Scotland road trip itinerary

12 essential activities for a weekend in Dublin

A self-guided walking tour of Brighton, UK

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

I know what you mean about not leaving London! That’s exactly what happened when I visited the UK last. I’ll have to make sure to travel to Glasgow next time I go! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com

I think everyone has that same experience, Charmaine! It’d definitely worth a trip out of the city if you have the time 🙂

I love reading your blogs, excellently done!

Glasgow is beautiful. I have to make sure I visit it next time I go to London.

I love English countryside: is so magical! I remember one day trip from london to oxford by train and all the time I had my nose almost pressed to the window.

Cate http://www.35mminstyle.com

Ooh I haven’t done the train trip to Oxford but I imagine it would be magical! The scenery outside of London is just so lovely 😀 Thanks for your comment, Cate!

Thanks for sharing this road trip itinerary, it looks awesome!

It was awesome! I couldn’t believe how pretty England was outside of London. Thanks for your comment, Joanne 😀

Thank you so much for sharing your experience through the midlands. My husband and I are doing a six week trip. We’re doing three days in London then driving Al over the south from Dover, Stonehenge, Jurassic Coast through Devon and Cornwall and Wales. Then up to Liverpool and over to Anglesea and the a ferry to Dublin and a tour of Ireland. We fly to Glasgow and finish our Scotland tour in Glasgow. We were originally planning to take a train back to London. Now we’re going to hire a car and drive! I couldn’t decide which route to take. We have three days , two nights. We’re going to finish in Oxford and catch a bus straight to the airport. Thank you again. We’ll be able to see a bit of the east coast and also lots of those charming little villages in between. 😊

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Glasgow to Edinburgh Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Glasgow and then finish in Edinburgh. Trips from Glasgow to Edinburgh are most popular in August, with the most tours doing this route then.

Filters applied

26 glasgow to edinburgh tour packages with 862 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Bonnie Scotland

Great locations, fun facts and good info from our tour director. Excellent driving and assistance from our driver.

Scottish Royal

this guided tour was very good. we covered many places and did many activities. the guide was very good, always available, attentive and with a good knowledge. I recommend this tour

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Highlights of Scotland

This was a tour beyond my groups expectations. Everything was done with excellence.

Outlander Tour of Scotland

It finally happened. After 2 false starts, due to Covid, we were finally able to complete our tour and we weren’t let down. Spirit Journeys, specifically Julia was incredible to work with. Over the course of two years I had many changes and questions for her and she extremely helpful and courteous in her responses. My wife and I would discuss nightly what the best part of the tour was. Now that it is all over, we’ve come to the conclusion that Roger, our tour guide was the best part of the tour. He was extremely knowledgeable of Outlander and Scotland. There was no question that his goal was to provide us with the best tour possible and he did. Cuddos to Tour Radar, Spirit Journeys, Julia, and Roger.

Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour

The tour guide Andrew was so knowledgeable !! He took care of us and made sure everyone was comfortable at all times! The coach driver Karen was a fantastic driver with a great sense of humor! The two were perfectly paired! Enjoyed the hotels and meals immensely! The rooms were all great and hotel on Isle of Skye was in the best location overlooking the water...fabulous tour!!! Would have liked one night in Edinburg.

Scenic Scotia

Majestic Scotland (7 Days)

• Christmas & New Year

Taste of Scotland

• Food & Culinary

Scotland Culinary

Scottish Escape

Bus was great, Hotels were good, Gary, the tour guide, was awesome!

Scenic Scotland (8 Days)

Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 8 Days)

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend (Glasgow to Edinburgh) (2024)

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend (Glasgow to Edinburgh) (2023)

What people love about glasgow to edinburgh tours.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Bonnie Scotland tour. The location was beautiful and the trip well organized. Our tour guide, Gavin, was simply the best. Loved the experience!!

The tour guide, Linda, was great as was the coach driver, Mike. The coach was very comfortable and the sites we visited were great. The tour was well organized and well executed. The meals were very good as well. The only thing making this “good” and not “excellent” is that I had to sleep on a pullout couch for three nights of the tour which much surprised me for something billed as a first class tour. So if you plan to go three to a room, be prepared for someone to be on a couch.

• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Family from Glasgow to Edinburgh (18)
• Coach / Bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh (15)
• In-depth Cultural from Glasgow to Edinburgh (14)
• Explorer from Glasgow to Edinburgh (14)

• Work With Me

• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• United States
• New Zealand
• Falkland Islands
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Electrical Gear
• Essential Gear
• Working Abroad
• Blogging Resources

Europe , UK , Western Europe

How to travel from glasgow to fort william in scotland.

Travelling from Glasgow to Fort William is a key journey you’ll need to make if you want to experience the beautiful West Highlands of Scotland, in particular, if you want to hike Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest peak.

Fort William is one of the main towns in the West Highlands area and makes a great base for activities in this glorious area of natural beauty – be that walking, winter sports, whisky tastings, road trips, steam train journeys or castle sightseeing.

It’s also easy to access the islands of Skye and Mull, not to mention the famous Loch Ness from Fort William too – all of which makes it a key destination on your Scottish adventure.

But how to get there?

Well, the first step is to get to Glasgow, as this is by far the easiest Scottish city to travel to Fort William from.

If you’re looking at travelling from Edinburgh to Glasgow, then check out this article for more info about the journey. 

My advice would then be to travel to Glasgow first (spending at least a day in this city because it’s great!) before heading on to Fort William

In this article, I’m then going to cover all the info you need to know about getting to Fort William from Glasgow, be that by bus, train or car.

Let’s get stuck in…

Related Posts

• Top 15 Attractions to Visit in Glasgow
• Full Guide to Hiking Ben Nevis
• 10 Best Places to Stay Near Ben Nevis

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

First Step: How to Travel to Glasgow?

When it comes to getting from Glasgow to Fort William, I thought it might first be useful to briefly mention how you can get to Glasgow in the first place.

Scotland’s largest city (even though it’s not the capital), many people arrive into Glasgow via its international airport.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals as they include budget airlines in their searches.

Once you arrive at Glasgow airport, you can then head straight to the centre via taxi, Uber, car or a direct bus service.

You can also travel to Glasgow by train – which is the greener and nicer option if you’re already within the UK.

I highly recommend using Trainline to book rail tickets to Glasgow from across the UK.

The main train station in Glasgow – Glasgow Central – is where most services around the country, including London, arrive into.

Glasgow Central is located on Gordon Street, right in the centre of the city, meaning you can likely walk to your accommodation easily from it.

I then recommend you spend at least a day in Glasgow, exploring all the city has to offer before travelling on to Fort William.

Here’s how to make the journey to this main access town in the West Highlands…

#1 By Train

Best for Ease, Comfort & Views

So the first way to travel between Glasgow and Fort Willaim is by train.

Incidentally, this is also the best option in my opinion.

Used by locals and tourists alike, the train journey between these 2 destinations is cheap and straightforward.

I travelled to Fort William from Glasgow myself using the train and found the service clean, comfortable and easy.

All trains to Fort William from Glasgow depart from the city’s second train station – Glasgow Queen Street –  which is located on North Hanover Street, right by the city’s George Square.

The train journey from Glasgow to Fort William is direct, but due to the distance (120km), the number of stops and the rural nature of the journey, the ride isn’t that quick, taking just under 4 hours on average!

But you needn’t worry, because the route you’ll take is one of the most scenic in the UK!

Known as the West Highlands Line, you’ll be absolutely amazed by the beauty of the landscapes visible from the window, so staring at the stunning Scottish countryside rolling past you is an amazing way to pass the time!

There’s at least 3 services daily that make the rail journey between Glasgow and Fort William and tickets start from £19 when booked in advance online.

ScotRail operate the route and have direct services leaving Glasgow Queen Street at around 8am, 12pm and 6pm.

All these trains take roughly the same time and are direct, so choose the option that fits best with your travel plans.

As always, I use Trainline for booking my UK train tickets as they easily compare tons of journeys for you and make it simple to buy and pay for train services in multiple currencies (GBP, EUR and USD).

If you are returning to Glasgow from Fort William, then buying a return train ticket will also save you time and money, so I’d always opt for it.

All trains from Glasgow arrive into Fort William’s only rail station, which is about a 5 minute walk from the town centre.

In addition to the Scotrail service, there is also the Caledonian Sleeper, which travels from London up to the Highlands.

Running a daily service, it leaves Glasgow just after 5:30am, getting you into Fort William just before 10am.

Given that it has a longer journey time and is more expensive than the ScotRail journeys however, I wouldn’t recommend the Caledonian Sleeper for the Glasgow to Fort William stretch. I’d only consider this option if you’re travelling from London and even then, only if you want a special experience, because cheap it is not!

Best for Price & Speed

You also have the option to travel from Glasgow to Fort William (or in the other direction) by bus.

The company that offers this route is called CityLink and they run 4 bus services a day between the 2 destinations.

• Route 916 leaves Glasgow at 6:45am and arrives into Fort William at 9:46am
• Route 915 departs Glasgow at 10:00am and arrives into Fort William at 1:15pm
• The second daily 915 service departs Glasgow at 3pm and arrives into Fort William at 6:15pm
• Route 914 leaves Glasgow at 6:05pm and arrives into Fort William at 9:13pm

All services take just over 3 hours and costs start from around £28 for a single ride.

It’s possible to buy return tickets too, which works out a lot more cost-effective – as little as £30.

This makes a bus between Glasgow and Edinburgh a great option if you’re booking last minute or are on a budget.

Buses from Glasgow to Fort William depart from Buchanan Bus Station and arrive into the main Fort William Bus Station, which is near to the train station.

Bus tickets can be booked directly through the Citylink website here .

You do miss out on the views when you travel by bus, but it is slightly quicker than the train and cheaper for a return journey too.

On most bus services, there’s a toilet – although I suggest using the bathroom before you board to be honest!

Some of the newer coaches have USB charging sockets.

Best for Flexibility & Exploration

And the third way to travel between Glasgow and Fort William is by car.

You can usually rent a car either from Glasgow airport if you’re flying in there, as well as the city centre.

I’d opt for the city centre if you’re spending a few days in Glasgow first – this way you don’t need to pay for a car during your time in the city (you probably won’t need a vehicle whilst in the centre of Glasgow) and can avoid the hassle and costs of parking too.

Don’t forget to add fuel costs to the expense of renting a vehicle when you’re trying to work out costs!

Car hire can be quite affordable if there’s a group of you travelling together. Grab a great deal on car rental from Glasgow here .

If you’re driving from Glasgow to Fort William, then it’s worth knowing it takes under 3 hours to travel between them by road. You simply need to follow the A82.

If you’re planning to take your time to drive this route, then the key stops to make along the way are Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Glencoe Valley.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it to you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Top Travel Tips for Glasgow and Fort William

When to Visit?

The best time to visit Glasgow and Fort William in my opinion is during the summer months of June, July and August when the best weather comes to Scotland.

Midges tend to be a problem in the countryside during these months, but you don’t need to worry about these in Glasgow or Fort William – they are only a problem when you travel to more rural areas in my experience.

Visiting during the winter months of November through March, when you’re likely to see snow, can be a beautiful time to visit Scotland (and fun if you’ve come for winter sports!), but do beware of the disruption this can cause to travel plans and planned activities.

If you’re planning to hike Ben Nevis, I do not recommend doing so during winter – the conditions are dangerous at this time.

Where to Stay?

For a list of recommended places to stay in Glasgow, check out these great options .

For top accommodation picks in Fort William, check out this article .

How Long to Spend There?

I loved both Glasgow and the amazing nature around Fort William and highly recommend at least a minimum stay of 2 nights in each.

Alternatively, you could spend 3-4 nights in each destination if you want to enjoy some fab day trips that include castle visits, whisky tastings, beach visits and hiking excursions.

Check out these brilliant day trip options from Glasgow for more info.

Travel Insurance for Scotland

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Scotland

When it comes to getting paying for things in Scotland, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise Card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend when you’re travelling with real exchange rates, no markups, no sneaky transaction fees and a free British pound account, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Scotland.. and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Get yours here .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So that’s my full guide on how to travel from Glasgow to Fort William.

Hopefully you’ve found this information useful, but any other top tips you have to add that could help a fellow traveller out, please drop them into the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .