The Best Day Trips To Take From Glasgow

Spontaneous or planned, day trips are the best kind of outings for those who live for wanderlust and possess that innate yearning for Culture Tripping. Glasgow, although an absolute beauty, is strategically placed near plenty of enticing places to visit. So that you don’t get soul tired, consult our guide and explore the best day trips to take from Scotland’s largest city.

1. Isle of Arran

Standing Stones On Isle Of Arran | © John Mason/Flickr

When strapped for time but adamant on experiencing one of the Scottish Isles, consider the Isle Of Arran your knight in shining armour. Close enough to be considered a day trip but far enough away to manifest as an adventure, the total travel time, which includes a ferry ride, is approximately two and a half hours. The kind of spot akin to a postcard, Arran, which is a geologist’s playground, is divided into highland and lowland parts. From the Goidelic-speaking peoples to the Machrie Moor Stone Circles, with each step more of the isle’s lengthy history is revealed. Built in 1510, Brodick Castle is worth exploring, as is Brodick Country Park. (Please note, Brodick Castle will be closed for renovation until April 2018, although the Gardens and Country Park remain open – including a brand-new outdoor play area opening in May.)

Isle Of Arran, Scotland

Standing Stones On Isle Of Arran | © John Mason/Flickr

2. Loch Lomond

A shining example of a Scottish loch, Loch Lomond is a mandatory pilgrimage. Vast and mystical, this wonder is part of the Trossachs National Park. Considered by many as the boundary between the highlands and lowlands, Loch Lomond is the perfect place to get lost in thought or sit back and appreciate nature in its purest form. After marveling at the loch, which hosts over 30 islands, make it your mission to conquer Ben Lomond. Let it be known that ‘The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond’ should be played the whole 47 minutes there and back — on repeat!

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Ben Lomond | © john mcsporran/Flickr

3. Alloway

Picturesque and intriguing, Alloway is just a brief car ride from Glasgow and two swishes of a lamb’s tail from Ayre. As the birthplace of Scotland’s very own Bard, Robert Burns, there’s a history there as intense as his poetry. Tour the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, set eyes upon the many manuscripts and letters, explore the very cottage in which he was born and have a gander at the Burns Monument and Memorial Gardens. Take note of the Brig o’ Doon, the 15th-century bridge where Tam o’ Shanter ran like blazes in the famous poem. This is your chance to pay your respects and thank the man for creating the belter of a tune that is Auld Lang Syne!

Alloway, Ayr, Scotland

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum | © Richard Szwejkowski/Flickr

5. Bute

Diner

Benmore Gardens, Argyll And Bute | © kloniwotski/Flickr

Perhaps one of the most underrated places in Scotland, the Isle of Bute deserves a standing ovation for being a hub of culture and cool. This serene island sanctuary can be reached by ferry, which will no doubt be made all the more pleasant by the multiple native seal colonies. Highlights include Mount Stuart House, one of the most impressive Neo-Gothic mansions out there, Ascog Hall Fernery And Gardens, which contains a fern thought to be over 1,000 years old, and a random yet fascinating shop dedicated to seaweed! Foodies can salivate over the American themed eatery Liz’s diner and the fish and chips at The West End Café. Just make sure to have a nosey in Musicker — a triple threat of a bookshop, café and guitar shop all in one.

Bute, Isle Of Bute, Scotland

Benmore Gardens, Argyll And Bute | © kloniwotski/Flickr

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.