Living in the vibrant city of Glasgow is a thrill, but even urbanites need to reconnect with nature and history sometimes. Luckily, with Scotland’s magnificent landscapes and cultural sites just a short drive away, planning an epic day trip escape is easy. Pack up the car and let these destinations inspire you. Discover the magic of day trips from Glasgow, where every turn of the road unveils new adventures and unforgettable experiences.
Discover the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
Located just over an hour northwest of Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the encompassing Trossachs National Park make for easy day trips from Glasgow to escape into nature. With breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and glens surrounding the largest lake in Britain, this area has some of the country’s most beloved scenery. Sail around the Loch Lomond islands or hike at one of the many forest walks and nature trails. Don’t miss a photo op at the iconic viewpoint of Loch Lomond Shores.
Top Things To Do:
- Visit the tranquil islands of Inchcailloch, Inchfad or Inchmurrin
- Stop at various viewpoints like Loch Lomond Shores
- Go hiking at Ben Lomond or one of the nature trails
Escape to the Seaside at Ayr
If you’re craving some seaside serenity, the charming coastal county town of Ayr is less than an hour’s drive southwest of Glasgow, making it the perfect quick day trip from Glasgow getaway. Stroll along the scenic esplanade or dig into the history and art along this section of Scotland’s southwest coastline that inspired the likes of Robert Burns. The surrounding landscapes also allow a chance to experience everything from food festivals at the harbour to open golf tournaments nearby.
Top Things To Do:
- Relax with a seaside walk along the esplanade
- Visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
- Attend local food, art, or golf festivals
Immerse in History at Stirling
The historic city of Stirling has some of Scotland’s most important castles, battle sites, and monuments that shaped the nation. Located less than an hour northwest of Glasgow, a trip to Stirling offers the chance to step back in time on day trips from Glasgow. Start at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles, for panoramic views before exploring old town streets and museums. Don’t miss the National Wallace Monument and the Battle of Bannockburn experience to relive William Wallace’s victory.
Top Things To Do:
- Marvel at Stirling Castle’s intricate architecture
- Absorb history at the National Wallace Monument
- Relive the Battle of Bannockburn with a visit to the Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Venture Along the Clyde Coast
The scenic Clyde Coast makes an exceptional day trip from Glasgow for dramatic seascapes dotted with lighthouses. Head just over an hour west to marvel at views that vary from sandy beaches to steep sea cliffs. Must-see photo stops include Cloch Point Lighthouse, Horse Isle with its wild deer, and Toward Point Lighthouse for unforgettable sunset views. The trip can continue further down the coast for those looking for a full-day adventure.
Top Things To Do:
- Admire breathtaking coastal views
- Spot wildlife like seals and deer
- Marvel at iconic lighthouses
Cycle Through History at New Lanark
Located just under an hour southeast of Glasgow, New Lanark whisks you back to its 18th-century roots as a mill village powered by water from the River Clyde. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark is filled with perfectly preserved buildings, museums, nature trails, and interactive exhibits detailing the history of workers, housing, education, and industry from this model mill community. Bring or rent a bike to follow miles of traffic-free woodland and riverside cycling routes to soak up the atmosphere. Explore this fascinating historical destination on one of your day trips from Glasgow.
Top Things To Do in New Lanark:
- Tour the historic mill buildings and worker community sites
- Visit the wildlife gardens and nature trails
- Rent a bike for miles of scenic cycling routes
Find Outdoor Adventure at The Campsies
Those looking for rugged adventure within easy reach can traverse the steep, rocky landscape of The Campsie Fells. Located just 20 minutes north of Glasgow, this area transforms into a scenic wilderness perfect for everything from hillwalking and cycling to outdoor climbing and abseiling. Trails like the Dumgoyne offer panoramic views as a reward. Pack a lunch to further relish the fresh air and stunning scenery during one of your exciting day trips from Glasgow.
Top Things To Do in The Campsites:
- Challenge yourself on peaks like Dumgoyne or Earl’s Seat
- Ride through mountain bike trails
- Learn outdoor skills like abseiling
Marvel at the Kelpies
See one of Scotland’s most monumental contemporary sculptures at The Kelpies when visiting Falkirk, located about a 35-minute drive east of Glasgow. These glorious 30-meter horse head sculptures are the largest works of art in Scotland. Walk through quirky helicopter tours and horse trails surrounding the Kelpies and soak up panorama views of the Forth & Clyde canal system. Stop at the onsite visitor centre to learn about their creation and the heavy horse’s history of the area during one of your captivating day trips from Glasgow.
Top Things To Do at The Kelpies:
- Gaze up close at the monolithic horse head sculptures
- Snap Instagram-worthy photos from unique angles
- Learn about heavy horses and canals at the visitor centre
Day Trips from Glasgow: A Perfect Getaway
1. 2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Hatchback AWD
The nimble yet refined 2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Hatchback ensures a stress-free drive to Glasgow with its clever symmetrical all-wheel drive system continuously optimising traction over changing road surfaces. Adaptive steering tuning delivers linear, confidence-inspiring curve-handling without sacrificing ride quality. Active Torque Vectoring further enhances grip and control. The SUBARU BOXER engine hums quietly and efficiently thanks to extensive sound insulation. Enjoy seamless phone integration, streaming audio, and intuitive navigation via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru’s responsive touchscreen during one of your thrilling day trips from Glasgow.
2. 2020 Honda Civic Sport Sedan FWD
Expect smooth, unruffled acceleration with maximised fuel efficiency from the 2020 Honda Civic Sport Sedan’s turbo engine and streamlined CVT transmission. Settle into the ergonomic sports seats with lumbar support for fatigue-free comfort over long distances. Sound insulation and active noise cancellation make conversation effortless at highway speeds. For entertainment during your exciting day trips from Glasgow, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink simplify streaming personalized playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks through the seven-speaker audio system.
3. 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew RWD
The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew puts unflappable power and trail-tackling traction within reach for spontaneous day trips from Glasgow thanks to its torque-rich EcoBoost engine and shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. Charge up steep terrain effortlessly while also benefitting from a smooth, quiet highway ride aided by a 10-speed automatic transmission and an isolated rear suspension. First-class seating keeps everyone relaxed mile after mile while available Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies arriving at campsites.
4. 2022 Toyota Camry SE FWD
Toyota pulls out all the stops ensuring a serene, exceptional ride for day trips from Glasgow in the 2022 Camry SE with extensive noise-quelling measures for ultra-low cabin noise. Upscale available features like cooled seats, multi-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats further dial up occupant ease. An isolated rear suspension smooths out imperfections. The refined drivetrain optimally balances brisk acceleration and peak efficiency aided by selectable Sport mode and steering wheel paddle shifters for upshifts.
5. 2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum 7-Passenger FWD
Keep the whole family powered up and entertained for day trips from Glasgow in the family-friendly 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan. The standard hybrid setup rewards you with up to 36 mpg combined fuel economy. Cleverly positioned USB ports at every seat ensure devices stay topped off for games, movies, and music via the rear entertainment system. Tri-zone climate control lets passengers tailor individual comfort while available second-row captain’s chairs with pop-up ottomans approach business-class luxury for the long haul to Glasgow festivals.
Pack up one of these road-ready, tech-loaded vehicles from CarGurus for a smooth ride.
Conclusion
Glasgow provides the perfect launch point to experience Scotland’s natural and historical wonders on quick, easy day trips from Glasgow with dramatic scenery changes within only an hour’s drive. Let Stirling’s epic history, Loch Lomond’s untamed splendour, or the Campsie Fells’s rugged landscapes stir your spirit as you day trip the Glasgow area your way. Just point the steering wheel towards the open road and go! To know more about day trips from Glasgow you can visit the official website of Savewithnerds.
FAQs
Where can I travel to from Glasgow?
Some top day trip destinations from Glasgow by train or car include:
- The Trossachs/Loch Lomond (nature, hiking)
- Stirling (history, castles)
- St. Andrews (beach, golf)
- Ayrshire Coast (seaside towns, Robert Burns history)
- The Campsie Fells (hiking amid hills/reservoirs)
- Edinburgh (arts, festivals)
Where to go in the highlands from Glasgow?
Excellent Highland day trips from Glasgow by car include:
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Glencoe (mountains, hiking, Harry Potter scenes)
- Pitlochry (fishing village, salmon ladder)
- Oban (coastal port town, seafood and whisky)
- Inveraray (walks, Inveraray Castle and Jail)
Is Glasgow worth a day trip from Edinburgh?
Definitely! It’s less than an hour’s train ride between the cities. Glasgow offers:
- Fabulous shopping and dining
- Arts scene – galleries, venues, street art walks
- Architectural wonders – Glasgow Cathedral, City Chambers, and more
- History – St. Mungo, University of Glasgow museum
Can you do a day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow?
Absolutely! Glasgow and Edinburgh make an easy day trip between each other. Must-see highlights in Edinburgh include:
- Edinburgh Castle (iconic on the skyline)
- Royal Mile (shops, sites like St Giles’ Cathedral)
- Holyrood Palace and Park
- Arthur’s Seat hike
