Top Day Trips from Glasgow

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. However, thanks to its geographical position, Glasgow is the perfect base 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.

Visit Renowned Loch Lomond and the Charming Village of Luss

One of the country’s most treasured spots, Loch Lomond and its surroundings offer beauty by the beach, on the water, and way up high. Whether you choose to stroll along the shore at the 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 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 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 famous battlegrounds like Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge. It has played vital roles in the stories of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Robert the Bruce.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• Stirling is just a 31-minute train ride from Queen Street station.
• Alternatively, it’s a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city center.

Experience 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 a stunning backdrop of the Schiehallion mountain against the magnificent sight of Loch Tummel below. The atmospheric Faskally Wood breeds an adventurous spirit, while the Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries offer a chance to warm up with a dram of Scotland’s national drink.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside are best explored by car, with 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. For fans of lobster, mussels, and scallops, the call of award-winning seafood makes it a worthy trip. While driving from Glasgow, consider stops by Castle Stalker (as featured in the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail) and the impressive Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• While there are trains from Glasgow to Oban, taking a car is quicker (2.5 hours) and allows for convenient sightseeing on the way.

Spend a Day on the Scenic Isle of Arran

Lovingly described as “Scotland in miniature,” Arran has long been a sanctuary for Glaswegians eager to escape city life. Adventurous visitors should climb Goat Fell, while a more relaxed outing can be enjoyed at the excellent whisky distillery. A trip to King’s Cave (tied to Robert the Bruce) and Brodick Castle will provide insights into the island’s rich history.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (about 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run frequently.

Explore the Sights of Edinburgh, Glasgow’s Fierce Rival

Although Glaswegians steadfastly refute claims that Edinburgh is the better city, they won’t begrudge visitors a trip to the capital to admire its impressive sights. The contrasts between these two neighboring cities are stark in terms of aesthetics, atmosphere, and the locals. A day in Edinburgh is best spent exploring the castle, hiking up Arthur’s Seat, and wandering down the Royal Mile in the Old Town.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• Trains run as frequently 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

Ayrshire, the birthplace of Auld Lang Syne and home to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, is a must-visit. Immerse yourself in Burns’ words and stories at the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage. Further down the coast, regal Culzean Castle offers stunning views of iconic Ailsa Craig.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• The Burns Museum is reachable by car in 45 minutes. Public transport options are available, involving a train and local bus.

Cycling Around the Island of Great Cumbrae

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Largs, this small island experiences a population boom in the summer as families seek its charming holiday feel. A leisurely 10-mile cycle around the “island of 1000 bicycles” is almost essential, as is a stroll along the promenade with a classic Scottish fish supper. Great Cumbrae also features Britain’s smallest cathedral.

How to Get There from Glasgow

• Largs, where the ferry departs, is easily accessible by train (1 hour) from Glasgow Central station. Ferries run approximately every half-hour, especially during summertime.