Here are our recommendations for the best day trips from Glasgow. From the seaside town of Largs to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, there is a day trip from Glasgow to suit everyone!
1. The Kelpies
The majestic Kelpies stand proud in Falkirk at 30 metres tall. In Scottish folklore a kelpie is the name given to a shape-changing aquatic creature found in Scottish waters, usually in the form of a horse. Most lochs in Scotland have an associated kelpie story, the most famous of course being the tale of the Loch Ness Monster. These 2 horse heads were created by sculptor Andy Scott and look even more magnificent at night when they light up all different colours.
Distance from Glasgow: 40 mins drive
Tip: You can visit the Kelpies free of charge or opt for a tour inside the horse heads which costs £7.50, more info here.
2. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city is just under an hours drive from Glasgow. Head to the Old Town for history, eerie closes and the charming Victoria Street. Here you can visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle at the end of the Royal Mile or enjoy a pub crawl at the Grass Market. Or why not visit the city’s New Town where you can shop on Princes Street and then splurge on some fancy cocktails on George Street. During the festive season head to the Christmas Markets and The Dome for drinks.
Distance from Glasgow: 55 mins drive or 1 hour 10 mins train journey
Tip: If you’d rather stay the night check out our review of the Radisson Collection Hotel.
3. Largs
Largs is a charming seaside town in North Ayrshire that gives off summer holidays vibes and is famous for its authentic Italian ice cream parlours. We highly recommend Nardini’s for Scottish tablet ice-cream. The town is also known for its viking heritage.
Distance from Glasgow: 40 mins drive or 1 hour train journey
4. Glen Etive and Glen Coe
Visit these scenic Glens to discover the best of Scotland’s natural beauty. At Glen Etive admire the incredible Buachaille Etive Mòr munro and watch majestic deer in their natural habitat. Then head to Glen Coe for the most surreal and other-worldly views.
Distance from Glasgow: 2 hours drive
Tip: Don’t worry about having “good weather” to visit here. The views are spectacular in sunshine, rain or snow.
5. Inveraray
Inveraray is a charming town in Argyll and Bute on the west of Scotland. Here you can visit the romantic Inveraray Castle, which was built in the 1700s and is home to the Clan Campbell. Also check out the Inveraray Jail and views across Loch Fyne.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 20 mins drive
Tip: Stop at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint on route to Inveraray.
6. loch lomond & The Trossachs National Park
If you are from Glasgow it’s likely Loch Lomond is a family favourite day trip as it is so close to home. Head to Luss for an ice-cream or Balmaha for a hill walk. Also check out the hidden gem, the Falls of Falloch and stop by the haunted Drovers Inn.
Distance from Glasgow: 30 mins drive
7. St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve
St Abb’s is the perfect coastal haven for nature lovers and bird watchers! Head here to listen to the waves crashing off the rocks from the cliff-top and to watch the thousands of seabirds that inhabit here.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 45 mins drive
Tip: Visit early as the single track road can get busy and there aren’t many parking spots.
8. Perthshire
Perthshire is a great day trip from Glasgow, especially in Spring or Autumn due to the beautiful greenery. Head to Drummond Castle to see their magnificent gardens and mile long drive way lined with beech trees. In the spring time head to Kinclaven Bluebell Woods to see a carpet of dazzling bluebells.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 10 mins drive
9. Stirling
Visit the city of Stirling which is full of history. Climb the striking Wallace Monument and check out the view from Stirling castle.
Distance from Glasgow: 35 mins drive
10. Millport
Hop on a ferry from Largs to visit the Isle of Cumbrae for the day. Bring your bike to cycle around the island or hire one from the island’s only town, Millport.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 30 mins drive (including ferry)
11. kilchurn castle
Kilchurn castle is a ruin from the mid-1400s located at Loch Awe. It’s a very scenic area and you may get lucky like us and spot a Highland Cow or two.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 40 mins drive
12. The Devil's pulpit
Finnich Glen (also known as The Devil’s Pulpit) is a 100 ft deep, moss-covered gorge, where a river runs over red sandstone making the water appear red like blood (hence it’s nickname).
Distance from Glasgow: 35 mins drive
Tip: This is also not the easiest spot to get to, the stairs feel pretty dangerous so please visit with caution and wear appropriate footwear.
BONUS: THREE LOCHS FOREST DRIVE AND GO APE
The Three Lochs Forest drive is a 7 mile scenic route which passes 3 beautiful lochs – Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray. The drive is open from 9am until 4pm each day but we would advise you to check here for updates. For adventurous souls, there is also the Go Ape treetop adventure course nearby in Aberfoyle.
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour drive
We hope you enjoyed our recommendations for the best day trips from Glasgow. For more inspiration for visiting Scotland click here.
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The Wee Wanderer
Aww guys I loved this one!! Was just talking about the devils pulpit after seeing it on The Nest! Great tips well done 😊💖
ontheroadagaintravels
Thanks so much! Such an amazing place 🙂
Andrew Millar Foulds
I wish you both every success and hope one day to book a holiday with your company xxx
ontheroadagaintravels
Thank you papa <3 and hopefully one day we will have our own holiday company xxxxxx