15 best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is a brilliant city to make your base to explore Scotland. Within an hour by car or train, you can be walking the banks of Loch Lomond, stepping off a ferry onto an island, touring a Mackintosh house, standing in the cottage where Robert Burns was born, or wandering the castle that stood in for Castle Leoch in Outlander.

This is my locally-curated guide to 15 of the best day trips from Glasgow. I’ve grouped them by direction so you can plan a logical itinerary, and I’ve included how to get there (with and without a car), what to do when you arrive, where to eat, and where to stay if you want to stretch the day into a weekend.

Day trips from Glasgow – at a glance

• Easiest by train (no car needed): Loch Lomond, Stirling, Edinburgh, Largs and Cumbrae, the Isle of Bute
• Best for islands: the Isle of Bute, Cumbrae, the Isle of Arran
• Best for castles & history: Stirling, Doune Castle, Culzean Castle, Inveraray
• Best for the Highlands feel: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Inveraray
• Best for Outlander fans: Doune Castle, Stirling
• Best for foodies: Largs (ice cream), Inveraray (Loch Fyne oysters), Arran (cheese and whisky)
• Best with kids: Cumbrae, the Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel, Culzean Castle
• Best in autumn: the Trossachs, Loch Lomond – see my autumn day trips from Glasgow

More day trips: Days out in Scotland · from Edinburgh · Aberdeen · Inverness · Perth · Fort William

West to Loch Lomond and the Clyde coast

1. Loch Lomond: Scotland’s first national park, 45 minutes away

The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond are the classic day trip from Glasgow, and they’re closer than most visitors expect – you can be on the shore within 45 minutes. Walk up Conic Hill for one of Scotland’s best view-to-effort ratios, take a boat trip from Balloch, or head up the west side of the loch to the pretty conservation village of Luss.

• Visit: Balloch for boat trips and Loch Lomond Shores. Luss for the village and the pier. Inchcailloch island via the foot ferry from Balmaha.
• Walk: Conic Hill from Balmaha (2.5 miles, around 1.5 hours), with views right down the loch and across its islands.
• Eat at: The Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha (book ahead in summer).
• Get there: 45 minutes by car. Direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, around 45 minutes.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at the lodges at Loch Lomond Waterfront, the five star Cameron House, the lovely Lodge on the Loch Lomond which sits right on the beach at Luss with direct loch access and a pool. The Inn on Loch Lomond , a few miles north of Luss on the A82, is quieter and cheaper than the main resort hotels.

Read more: things to do at Loch Lomond and climbing Conic Hill.

2. Helensburgh and the Hill House – Mackintosh’s masterpiece

Helensburgh is a handsome Victorian seaside town on the Clyde, and it’s home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest house. The Hill House, built for the publisher Walter Blackie, is a complete Mackintosh design down to the furniture and light fittings – and it’s currently sheltered inside a huge steel-mesh “box” while the building dries out, with walkways that let you look down on the roof.

• Visit: The Hill House (National Trust for Scotland). The walkways over the box give you a view of Mackintosh’s roofs you’d never otherwise see.
• Walk: Along the seafront promenade.
• Get there: 45 minutes by car. Direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Helensburgh Central, around 45 minutes, then a 20-minute walk uphill to the Hill House.

Across the water: the Clyde islands

The Clyde islands are the most underrated day trips from Glasgow. The trains run right to the ferry piers, you don’t need to book as a foot passenger on most crossings, and you can be on an island within 90 minutes of leaving the city centre.

Read more: my guide to the best ferry day trips in Scotland.

3. The Isle of Bute – Victorian Rothesay and Mount Stuart

Bute starts before you even board: Wemyss Bay station is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Britain, a curved Victorian glasshouse that flows straight down a covered walkway onto the pier. The crossing to Rothesay takes 35 minutes.

• Visit: Mount Stuart, one of the most extraordinary houses in Scotland. Rothesay Castle, a rare circular medieval castle with a moat. And yes, the famous Victorian gents’ toilets on the pier.
• Walk: Along Rothesay’s promenade, or head out to the sands at Ettrick Bay.
• Eat at: Musicker Cafe, Harry Haws, The Waterfront Bistro, High Tea at Mount Stuart.
• Get there: Direct train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay, around 55 minutes, then the CalMac ferry to Rothesay (35 minutes). The boats are timed to meet the trains.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at the Glenburn Hotel, the big Victorian hotel above Rothesay Bay or the Kingarth Hotel.

4. Largs and the Isle of Cumbrae – ice cream and a bike ride round an island

Largs is Glasgow’s classic seaside day out, and Cumbrae is just ten minutes across the water. Hire a bike in Millport and cycle the flat 10-mile loop around the island – one of the easiest and most rewarding bike rides in Scotland, with beaches, seals and views to Arran all the way round. Then come back to Largs for ice cream.

• Visit: Nardini’s in Largs for a knickerbocker glory in the Art Deco café. On Cumbrae, the Crocodile Rock and Millport’s Cathedral of the Isles, the smallest cathedral in Britain.
• Walk or cycle: The 10-mile road round Cumbrae. Bike hire is available in Millport.
• Also nearby: Kelburn Castle at Fairlie, the castle covered in Brazilian graffiti art, is five minutes south of Largs.
• Get there: Direct train from Glasgow Central to Largs, around an hour, then the 10-minute CalMac ferry. Bikes travel free.

5. The Isle of Arran – Scotland in miniature

Arran is called “Scotland in miniature” because it packs Highland mountains, lowland farms, castles and beaches into one island – and you can reach it from Glasgow in under two hours. It’s a long day, but a brilliant one.

• Visit: Brodick Castle and gardens, just along the bay from the ferry. Lochranza, at the north end, for the castle ruins and the distillery.
• Walk: The Fisherman’s Walk along Brodick Bay to the castle. If you’re fit and start early, Goatfell starts from Brodick.
• Eat at: Pick up Arran cheese and oatcakes for the boat home.
• Get there: Direct train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour, around 45 minutes, then the ferry to Brodick (around 55 minutes). Unusually, CalMac asks foot passengers to book Arran sailings in advance. Some sailings run from Troon instead – check which port before you travel.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at Glenisle Hotel, the Auchrannie Resort in Brodick.

North into the Trossachs and Argyll

6. The Trossachs and Loch Katrine – Highland scenery an hour away

The Trossachs are the Highlands in miniature, an hour north of Glasgow: wooded glens, lochs and small, shapely mountains. Take a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the Sir Walter Scott, a Victorian steamship that has sailed the loch for more than a century, or climb Ben A’an for one of the best short hill walks in Scotland.

• Visit: Loch Katrine for the steamship cruise from Trossachs Pier. Aberfoyle and the Lodge visitor centre in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
• Walk: Ben A’an (around 2 to 2.5 hours), the perfect first hill.
• Get there: About an hour by car. There’s no train, so this one needs a car or a tour.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at Mhor 84 at Balquhidder.

Read more: the best walks in the Trossachs and things to do at Loch Katrine

7. Inveraray – a castle, a jail and Loch Fyne oysters

The drive to Inveraray is half the point – up the side of Loch Lomond, over the Rest and Be Thankful pass and down to Loch Fyne. Inveraray itself is a whitewashed Georgian town on the loch shore, with a fairytale castle that’s been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll for centuries.

• Visit: Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll and chief of Clan Campbell. Inveraray Jail, a 19th-century courthouse and prison brought to life.
• Eat at: Stop at Loch Fyne Oysters at Cairndow on the way for oysters straight from the loch.
• Get there: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car via the A82 and A83. Citylink buses run from Glasgow Buchanan Street, around 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Make it a weekend:  The Loch Fyne Hotel is a dog-friendly spa hotel on the lochside with a pool, restaurant and bar, The Inverary Inn opened in 1755, this is a traditional scottish inn, in the heart of town, Brambles of Inverary has traditional rooms alongside a popular bistro and bakery

8. The Campsie Fells – hills on Glasgow’s doorstep

The closest proper hills to Glasgow, just 30 minutes north of the city. Explore Campsie Glen from the village of Clachan of Campsie, then climb onto the ridge to Cort Ma Law for views back over Glasgow and north to Ben Lomond.

• Walk: Up Campsie Glen and along the ridge to Cort Ma Law (around 3 hours).
• Eat at: The café in Clachan of Campsie.
• Get there: 30 minutes by car.

East into central Scotland

9. Stirling – castle, battles and a knockout view

Stirling is one of the most historically rich day trips you can do from Glasgow, and it’s only half an hour away by train. The castle dominates the town from its volcanic crag, the Wallace Monument stands over the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and the Bannockburn battlefield is a 10-minute drive away.

• Visit: Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Bannockburn visitor centre.
• Walk: Up to the Wallace Monument, or climb Dumyat for the biggest view in the area.
• Eat at: Hermann’s Brasserie on Broad Street for traditional Scottish-Austrian dining.
• Get there: 40 minutes by car via the M80. Direct train from Glasgow Queen Street, around 30 minutes.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at The Meadowpark Bar, Kitchen & Rooms.

10. Doune Castle – Outlander, Monty Python and Game of Thrones

A beautifully preserved 14th-century castle that’s had a remarkable screen career: it was Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones, and several castles in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The audio guide is narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, with contributions from Outlander‘s Sam Heughan.

• Visit: Doune Castle (Historic Environment Scotland). Coconut halves are, famously, available.
• Combine with: Stirling, 15 minutes away, for a full castle day.
• Get there: 45 minutes by car. By public transport, train to Stirling then a bus to Doune.

Read more: Outlander filming locations.

11. The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel – a brilliant family day out

The 30-metre steel horse heads of The Kelpies are one of Scotland’s most photographed modern landmarks, and the Falkirk Wheel – the world’s only rotating boat lift – is just down the road.

• Visit: Both are free to visit; you pay only for guided tours and boat trips. The Kelpies are lit up dramatically after dark in winter.
• Eat at: The café at the Kelpies visitor centre.
• Get there: 35 minutes by car via the M80. By train, Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk (around 25 minutes), then a short taxi.

12. Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital

Glasgow and Edinburgh are only 50 minutes apart by train, but they’re completely different cities, and a day in Edinburgh is one of the most rewarding contrasts you can have. The castle, the Royal Mile, the Old Town closes, and a climb up Arthur’s Seat.

• Visit: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland (free), and Arthur’s Seat for the view.
• Eat at: one of my favourite places in my foodie guide to Edinburgh.
• Get there: Direct train from Glasgow Queen Street, around 50 minutes, every 15 minutes. 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the M8.

Read more: my Edinburgh pub guide and day trips from Edinburgh.

South into Ayrshire and the Clyde Valley

13. New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde

A World Heritage Site in a wooded gorge, New Lanark is the restored 18th-century mill village where Robert Owen built his model community – with schools, fair housing and one of the world’s first nursery schools for the mill workers’ children. Walk up the river from the village to the Falls of Clyde, where Corra Linn plunges through the gorge.

• Visit: New Lanark World Heritage Site and its visitor centre.
• Walk: Up to the Falls of Clyde through the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve (around 2 miles return).
• Eat at: The café at New Lanark.
• Get there: 45 minutes by car. Train from Glasgow Central to Lanark, around 50 minutes, then a short bus or a 20-minute walk downhill.
• Make it a weekend: Stay at the New Lanark Mill Hotel, inside one of the restored mills.

14. Ayr and Alloway – Burns country

Robert Burns was born in Alloway, just south of Ayr, and the village is the heart of Burns country. See the thatched cottage where he was born, walk to the Auld Kirk from Tam o’ Shanter, and cross the Brig o’ Doon, where Tam escaped the witches.

• Visit: The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (National Trust for Scotland), including Burns Cottage.
• Walk: The Poet’s Path, which links the museum, the cottage, the Auld Kirk and the Brig o’ Doon.
• Get there: 45 minutes by car. Train from Glasgow Central to Ayr, around 50 minutes, then a short bus to Alloway.

Read more: things to do in Ayrshire and my guide to Burns Night.

15. Culzean Castle – Robert Adam’s clifftop masterpiece

Perched on a cliff above the Ayrshire coast, Culzean is one of the most dramatic castles in Scotland, designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century. Inside there’s the famous oval staircase; outside there are 600 acres of country park, with woodland walks, beaches and a walled garden.

• Visit: Culzean Castle and Country Park (National Trust for Scotland).
• Walk: Through the country park to the beaches below the castle.
• Get there: 1 hour by car. By public transport, train to Maybole and a taxi, or bus from Ayr.

Day trips from Glasgow without a car

Several of the day trips above are easy without a car. The best by direct train are:

• Loch Lomond to Balloch (45 min direct)
• Helensburgh for the Hill House (45 min direct)
• Stirling (30 min direct)
• Edinburgh (50 min direct)
• Falkirk for the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel (25 min, then taxi)
• New Lanark via Lanark (50 min, then bus or walk)
• Ayr for Burns country (50 min, then bus)

And three islands, where the train takes you straight to the ferry:

• The Isle of Bute via Wemyss Bay (55 min, then 35 min ferry)
• Cumbrae via Largs (1 hour, then 10 min ferry)
• The Isle of Arran via Ardrossan Harbour (45 min, then 55 min ferry)

When to visit

• Spring (April–May): lambs, bluebells and fewer crowds. Island ferries run their summer timetables from late March.
• Summer (June–August): the longest days, the warmest weather and the busiest time. Book island ferries with cars well ahead, and arrive early for Loch Lomond on sunny weekends.
• Autumn (September–October): my favourite season for day trips. Cooler air, fewer visitors, and autumn colour through the Trossachs and Loch Lomond from mid to late October. See my best autumn day trips from Glasgow.
• Winter (November–March): dramatic skies, quiet castles and Glasgow’s own Christmas markets. Ferries move to winter timetables, and some attractions close or shorten their hours, so check before you travel.

Day trips from Glasgow: frequently asked questions

Love from Scotland x

Read more

• Things to do at Loch Lomond
• The best ferry day trips in Scotland
• The best hills for beginners in Scotland
• Outlander filming locations
• Things to do in Ayrshire
• Day trips from Edinburgh
• Day trips from Inverness
• Day trips from Aberdeen
• Scotland in autumn