As a Glaswegian local, I have spent my free days taking many memorable day trips from Glasgow. To help you plan the perfect day out, I’ve compiled a list of my must-sees places near Glasgow.
From quaint towns to the capital city, beaches to forests, this list offers something for all types of travelers to the UK.
Read along to discover a safari park the kids will love, stunning castles and unique hikes for the adults, and (of course) a cameo by that famous underwater monster.
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27 Best Glasgow Day Trips
Loch Lomond
Jaw-dropping scenery, outdoor activities, and wildlife attractions – all within easy reach of Glasgow.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 38 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Website
A trip to Loch Lomond is a no-brainer for locals and tourists alike. The loch has some of the best attractions in Scotland, including water skiing to hiking. Adventurers can head for the trees for zip wire courses and tightropes. For more laid-back wanderers, Loch Lomond offers boat trips, pony trekking and the Sea Life Aquarium.
Loch Lomond is also one of the easiest day trips from Glasgow without a car. From Glasgow, there is a direct train to the shore at Balloch.
For a more secluded visit travel further north along the shore to the pretty village of Luss. You can also climb the mountains Ben Lomond and Conic Hill, with unsurpassable views over the loch.
The Trossachs
Stunning scenery in a national park full of lochs, hiking trails, and tranquil towns.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Website
Loch Katrine is a freshwater reservoir, also located in the Trossachs National Park. Outlander fans take note – the banks of the loch were used for filming a picnic scene in season 2 of the historical fiction TV series.
Visitors to Loch Katrine can sail on the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott, which launched in 1899 and remains in good working order.
Closer to the coast, Argyll Forest Park is a good place to immerse yourself in nature. You will find easy walking trails around Ardentinny.
Callander is also popular among walkers as the starting place for beautiful routes. Follow the River Keltie to find Bracklinn Falls, walk the old railway to Oban or climb Callander Crags for jaw-dropping views.
Travellers will find a hidden gem 10-minutes from Callander – the majestic Loch Lubnaig perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Picnic by the shores or stop off at The Cabin for good food with an amazing view. For a beautiful hike, head to Ben Ledi to the south of the loch.
Edinburgh
A beautiful city filled with diverse attractions, from castles to dungeons to volcanoes.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Edinburgh Website
Scotland’s capital city deserves a longer than a day visit, but it is possible to see many of Edinburgh’s highlights on a day trip from Glasgow.
Edinburgh is best known for the unmissable Edinburgh Castle, which rests on a hill above the rest of the city.
Stretching downhill from the castle is the Royal Mile, a street which extends to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh themselves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is a tradition to climb Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano which sits in the middle of the city. From the top you can see out to the Firth of Forth. Speaking from personal experience, I would check the weather forecast before attempting the hike to Arthur’s seat!
Stirling
This centrally located city punches above its weight in the history books.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Stirling Website
Stirling Castle is well-preserved and an ideal Glasgow day trip for history buffs who’d like to get a feel for life in the 1500s. I recommend climbing the National Wallace Monument to look out over the battlefield of Stirling Bridge.
Outside the city, you can find Blair Drummond Safari Park. Here it’s possible to get up close with lions, rhinos, penguins, and other exciting species in a drive-thru experience. The Blair Drummond Safari Park is a great place to take kids who might not want to spend time in yet another castle!
Culzean Castle
This country estate includes adventure playgrounds, beaches, and trails.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Culzean Castle Website
Culzean Castle perches on the Ayrshire coast with scenic vistas over the Firth of Clyde.
Visitors can explore the dozens of buildings and architectural curiosities on the Culzean Castle estate, including a swan pond and ice house. Guests can rent the castle’s top-floor apartment, which was presented to President Eisenhower in recognition of his role in the Second World War.
👉 Head’s Up: As of February 2024, Culzean Castle is unable to be rented out due to a planned refurbishment.
Loch Fyne & Inveraray
A tranquil spot to enjoy some local whisky.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour, 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Inveraray is a former royal burgh that sits on the shores of Loch Fyne. The fishing town is an ideal spot to unwind with a dram of Scotch whisky and local seafood.
When in Inveraray, make sure to try some fresh seafood at Samphire. For fans of the morbid, Inveraray Jail has restored buildings from the early 19th century full of gruesome exhibits.
St Andrews
The Home of Golf offers attractions for golfers and non-golfers alike.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps
St Andrews is internationally known as a golf destination and regularly hosts the Open Championship on its Old Course. Several of the courses in the town are considered among the best in the world and the Old Course itself is open to the public.
Other main attractions in the town include the striking remains of St Andrews Cathedral and the St Andrews Aquarium.
Loch Awe
This loch has one of the most breathtaking views in Scotland.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps
Loch Awe is a dream road trip for explorers looking for rugged beauty and uninhabited islands. The oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland can be found within the ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Although currently closed for conservation work, you can still appreciate Kilchurn from afar.
Falkirk
Falkirk is home to two unique tourist attractions, a rotating boat lift and the Kelpies horse heads sculptures.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 33 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Falkirk Website
The Central Lowlands town of Falkirk makes for one of the more unique day trips from Glasgow due to a couple interesting attractions.
The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift – a feat which has to be seen to be believed. The wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, allowing boats to travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Boats are lifted or dropped 115 feet, taking only a few minutes.
The Kelpies horse heads sculptures were inspired by Scottish mythical shape-shifting water creatures. At 100 feet, they are the largest horse sculptures in the world.
Ayr
The perfect town for a classic summer beach trip in Scotland.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 47 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Ayr Website
Locals flock to the seaside town of Ayr in the elusive warm summer days in Glasgow. The town is easily reached by public transport with direct trains from Glasgow Central Station, making it an easy day trip from Glasgow without a car.
Ayr’s lengthy sandy beach is ideal for barefoot strolls and brave souls can take a refreshing dip in the water. You can also spend many competitive hours in the Golden Disc Fun Centre Ayr playing classic arcade games, a perfect activity if it rains.
Troon
Escape to the seaside in Troon, settling down and unwinding in a sheltered beach nook.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 43 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Troon Website
Troon is a seaside town and another easy day trip under an hour from Glasgow.
The sandy beaches of Troon lie up the coast from Ayr and offer scenic vistas along the west coast of Scotland. Golfers can find several beautiful courses in the town. The Fullarton Fairy Trail makes for a calm walking spot.
Largs
A hotspot for Viking history, the resort town of Largs features a stunning Victorian promenade.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 46 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Largs Website
Largs is a traditional holiday resort with a beautiful Victorian promenade and Scotland’s largest marina.
What makes Largs stand out is its Viking history. The town was the site of a battle in 1263 and in commemoration the town holds the annual Largs Viking Festival. The Viking-themed attraction Vikingar is well worth a visit, as is Kelburn Castle, a few miles from the town.
Kelburn is one of Scotland’s most unique castles – its exterior has been painted in bold designs by graffiti artists and it hosts an annual music festival.
Millport
Visit Britain’s smallest working cathedral, and cycle or sail around the small but stunning Cumbrae island.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour, 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Millport Website
Millport is the only town on the island of Cumbrae, which lies offshore from Largs. Popular activities in Millport include renting bikes and cycling around the island trails. Britain’s smallest working cathedral, the Cathedral of the Isles, is located in Millport.
To reach Cumbrae, take the short ferry trip from Largs, which departs every 15 minutes at peak times.
Dunfermline
Scotland’s former capital, Dunfermline is a hidden gem of history.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 48 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Dunfermline Website
Dunfermline was Scotland’s capital from the 11th century until the 15th. The remains of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland’s most influential and famous kings, lie under the 12th-century abbey.
Throughout Dunfermline, you will see sites named after industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who was born in the city. Visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum to learn more about the tycoon’s life.
Isle of Arran
With a castle, a whisky distillery, and a mountain peak, you have plenty to choose from on the Isle of Arran.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours, 24 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Arran Website
The unbelievable landscape of the Isle of Arran lies a little further away from Glasgow, making for one of the longer day trips from Glasgow on this list.
Reach the Isle of Arran from Glasgow by driving on the A737 for around an hour to Ardrossan on the coast and then taking a ferry to the main village of Brodick.
Beyond the village, you can find Brodick Castle and Country Park. The castle is under refurbishment but visitors can tour the interior or explore the gardens. Strong hikers should not miss Goatfell mountain peak, the highest point on the island. You can recover by a trip to Lochranza Distillery!
North Berwick
North Berwick’s collection of independent cafes, shops, and bars should not be overlooked.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour, 18 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | North Berwick Website
North Berwick is another seaside Scottish town well worth a visit. 30 minutes from Edinburgh, the town of North Berwick looks over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock Island.
You can have some traditional fish and chips after browsing local boutiques or between rounds of golf at the local courses.
Visit St Andrews Auld Kirk, the site of an infamous witch gathering, or take a short walk to the Glen and the ruins of three Middle Ages mills.
Anstruther
Wander a charming old-fashioned fishing village and enjoy a traditional fish supper.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Anstruther Website
Anstruther sits in a string of fishing villages in the Fife region, a little south of St Andrews. Award-winning restaurant Anstruther Fish Bar is a must-visit to enjoy a classic fish supper.
In summer months a boat trip runs to the Isle of May and passengers can often see puffins, seals and other wildlife.
Culross
Take a step back into history at Culross, a picturesque town less than an hour from Glasgow.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Culross Website
Culross is full of preserved and restored historic buildings. From central Glasgow you can reach the town of Culross in around 45 minutes by driving along the M80 and across the Kincardine Bridge over the Firth of Forth.
Town House, the site of historical witch trials, remains in good condition as does Culross Palace.
New Lanark
This experimental planned settlement is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 46 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | New Lanark Website
New Lanark was founded as a mill village in the late 18th century in a major development in urban planning. Entrepreneurs and social pioneers built cotton mills and housing for workers along the banks of the River Clyde. The mills operated until 1968 and most of the buildings have since been restored.
Visitors can explore historical houses, a school, a store, and textile machinery. If you want to extend your visit, you can stay overnight at the new Lanark Mill Hotel.
Linlithgow Palace
The birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, looks out over a miniature loch.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Linlithgow Palace Website
Linlithgow Palace was one of the main residences for the Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. Unfortunately, a fire in 1746 made the palace uninhabitable, but impressive ruins remain. The peaceful Linlithgow Loch makes a perfect backdrop for this striking architectural gem.
Falkland
Famous for its appearance in Outlander, Falkland is also home to a 16-century tennis court.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour, 5 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Falkland Website
Outlander fans, this is another town you will recognize from the show. Falkland was used as a stand-in for the city of Inverness during filming.
Other noteworthy attractions include Falkland Palace, which used to be the country residence of Scottish monarchs. It is also home to the only 16th-century tennis court in Scotland.
The Devil’s Pulpit
Don’t let the name put you off – hiking The Devil’s Pulpit is far more heavenly than hellish.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 33 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
The Devil’s Pulpit is a beautiful but challenging hike that winds between rock formations and ascends a steep stone staircase to reach a gorgeous waterfall.
Because the glen has been used as filming locations, it is a popular hike near Glasgow. Be aware of limited parking spaces and busy peak times. Also, take caution – the trail can be slippery at times so make sure to take it slow.
Loch Ness
Don’t regret missing the world-famous loch and its mysterious monster.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 3 hours, 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Loch Ness Website
Loch Ness is worth the scenic three hour drive from Glasgow. Although a sighting of Nessie is never guaranteed, there are plenty of other attractions to see around Loch Ness. There is an 80-mile walking, cycling, and running trail looping around the waters and many more hiking trails in the vast wilderness of the Scottish Highlands.
Halfway along the loch’s shore, you can find Urquhart Castle, a picture-perfect ruin stretching out into the loch. The only practical way to day trip to Loch Ness is by car or tour bus.
If you’d prefer someone else to handle the logistics (and driving), check out this spectacular Loch Ness and Glen Coe tour.
Blackness Castle
This distinctive castle offers incredible views over the Firth of Forth.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Blackness Castle Website
Blackness Castle’s strength as a military stronghold is clear to anyone who visits. The 15th-century castle was fortified extensively, giving it a ship-like appearance. The castle is open year-round, except on selected holidays.
At less than 45 minutes from the city, Blackness Castle makes for one of the easier day trips from Glasgow.
Wigtown
This lovely town is a paradise for book lovers.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Wigtown Website
In the very south of Scotland lies the National Book Town of Wigtown. Wigtown has more than a dozen bookshops and each year hosts the Wigtown Book Festival in late September or early October.
Jupiter Artland
Only 10 miles from Edinburgh lies an outdoor celebration of modern sculptures.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Jupiter Artland Website
Jupiter Artland is an artistic wonder set on the estate of Bonnington House. Visitors are encouraged to explore the landscape and sculptural sites. It can take several hours to wander around the contemporary art park full of outdoor works and playful landscaping.
The Pineapple
This ode to the pineapple has been transformed into a wildlife haven.
🗺️ Distance from Glasgow: 41 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
The Pineapple is a bizarre summerhouse that was built in 1761, accompanied by glasshouses and a walled garden. Nowadays it is preserved by the National Trust for Scotland and acts as a haven for wildlife including newts and frogs.
👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from London
FAQs About Glasgow Day Trips
What are the best day trips from Glasgow?
One of the best day trips from Glasgow is Loch Lomond, which offers outdoor watersports and is easily accessible by train from Glasgow. For a city break, other popular Glasgow day trips include visiting Edinburgh,Stirling or Dunfermline.
What are good destinations within 2 hours of Glasgow?
Within 2 hours of Glasgow, you can reach Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Edinburgh,Stirling,Falkirk, and Dunfermline.
What is the prettiest place near Glasgow?
The Devil’s Pulpit is one of the prettiest day trips from Glasgow.
Can you do a day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow?
It is easily possible to do a day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow. There are regular trains and buses between Glasgow and Edinburgh and the journey is around an hour each way.
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I hope this guide helps you discover the best day trips from Glasgow for you! Next up, check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Glasgow.
