The Best Day Trips From Glasgow

Scotland is all about dramatic coastlines, rugged countryside, remote lochs and glens – and let’s not forget the whisky. As the country’s second city, Glasgow has plenty to see and do, but it’s also the perfect base to head off on adventures. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their tips on where to go for a top day out.

1. Isle of Bute

Natural Feature

Hop aboard a ferry to the Isle of Bute. Only 44mi (71km) from Glasgow, it has miles of coastline, lush hills just begging to be hiked, fishing excursions and golf courses. Hire bikes and cycle around the 15mi (24km)-long, palm-tree-studded island or wander the wild gardens and admire the architecturally impressive Mount Stuart. After a morning of mansion tours and nature trails, stop for a fresh seafood lunch in the main town of Rothesay. Recommended by local insider Austin Yuill

2. Stirling

Architectural Landmark

A half-hour train ride from Glasgow, Stirling may be a small city, but it’s got a big personality. Buzzing restaurants, welcoming pubs, watersports and horse-riding are just a few of the things that make Stirling such a delight. Head up the hill to visit the ancient Stirling Castle and the Church of the Holy Rude, a majestic 10th-century church and ancient graveyard. You’ll also enjoy jaw-dropping city views. So if you’re looking for a charming city that you can tackle in a day, this is it. Recommended by local insider Austin Yuill

3. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Historical Landmark, Museum

Discover the literary legacy of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, whose words and songs have shaped Scottish history and identity. Pay homage to the bard at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the village of Alloway. Here you can visit his childhood homestead, examine the more than 5,000 artefacts on display, wander the Kirk Alloway ruins and visit the church where his parents and other famous poets were buried. Afterwards, head to the garden for a coffee break, pastries or their famous haggis. Recommended by local insider Austin Yuill

5. Glencoe

Natural Feature

Within 2 hours’ drive of Glasgow you can walk the trails and enjoy the scenery that were the backdrop for Braveheart and Harry Potter. Wander further into the valley to reach Glencoe Visitors Centre, where you can learn about the area’s history, including the infamous Glencoe massacre, and about the local flora and fauna. The village of Glencoe offers forest walks, stunning loch views and homely pubs serving incredible food and fine ales. Recommended by local insider Austin Yuill

6. Inveraray Castle

Historical Landmark

On the western shore of Loch Fyne lies the popular day-tripping town of Inveraray and the famous Inveraray Castle. Learn about Clan Campbell, one of the largest Highland clans, while touring their ancestral home. Wander the grounds, visit the armoury and enjoy afternoon tea in the cafe. If you’re lucky you may even be served by the Duke of Argyll himself (he’s the one wearing the apron that reads, the Duke). The village of Inveraray offers a pretty, old-town main street lined with cafes, museums, breweries and two specialist whisky shops. Recommended by local insider Austin Yuill

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.