Glasgow is a beautiful city but sometimes it’s nice to escape the crowds of people and see the beautiful spots on Glasgow’s doorstep. You don’t have to drive for long to have a nice day out near the city and these day trips prove it.
1. Campsie Fells
Less than a 40 minutes drive from central Glasgow, you can escape to the beautiful hills of Campsie Fells. Walk for miles amidst this picturesque landscape and see something different at every turn, including the spooky Lennox Castle Hospital, an abandoned mental hospital. Many visitors also choose to stop in at the Glengoyne Distillery and sample some delicious whisky on one of their distillery tours.
The village of Campsie Glen sits nestled between the fells and there you can visit the Shrine of Schoenstatt, which is fabled to be “a connecting point between Heaven and earth”. The village is full of old buildings and there are woodlands surrounding it that are perfect for a peaceful walk.
2. Finnech Glen
You should definitely visit Finnech Glen, also known as Devil’s Pulpit, but exercise caution when descending the slippery stairs, named Jacob’s Ladder or the Devil’s Steps. Once you reach the bottom, you can walk through a stream with an amazing ruby red base. Its colour comes from the red sandstone that has been worn away by the water to form the glen. You’ll find this breathtaking spot just 30 minutes north of Glasgow by car.
3. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is an absolute gem. People go on their holidays here so, if you’re going for the day, there are loads of options for things to do. First things first — there’s a whisky distillery and a cheese producer here, both of which you can visit. Then you can relax on the beautiful Brodick Bay, visit the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, or spend some time exploring Brodick Castle.
4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The impressive Loch Lomond runs through the beautiful Trossochs National Park, which is speckled with beautiful hills and waterfalls to explore. It would be near impossible to explore the whole area in a day but you can take a cruise boat along the loch to get a sense of the place.
There are loads of tiny islands on the loch. Visit Inchcailloch where you can sit in seclusion with the wildlife and the loch surrounding you. Inchacailloch means ‘island of the old or cowled woman’ and it’s supposedly where St. Kentigerna, an Irish missionary, lived and died.
If you’re after more of a walk, you can venture out around Loch Lomond’s shores to find Rob Roy’s Cave, and if you’re in for a bit more of a challenge, you can climb Ben Lomond and back. Ben Lomond takes between four and five hours depending on your fitness level, so it’s the perfect day trip.
5. Loup of Fintry
Loup of Fintry is a stunning waterfall, only a 45 minute drive from Glasgow. You can bring a picnic and sit on the grass, whilst listening to the roar of the water rushing over the rocks. It’s the ideal serene mini getaway we’ve all ben hoping for.
6. Stirling
Stirling Castle might just be one of the most beautiful day trips in Scotland. Perched atop a volcanic hill, just 40 minutes outside of Glasgow, there are plenty of things to see and do within the castle walls. The castle offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Scottish royalty and the military history of Scotland. The onsite Unicorn Cafe also serves refreshments. You don’t have to book in advance but if you’ve travelled from Glasgow then it’s advisable to do so. You can buy tickets in advance online and adult tickets are £16.50.
7. Falkirk
If you’re in Falkirk then you simply have to see The Kelpies. These huge steel sculptures of two horse’s heads tower 30 metres above the ground, and they represent the murderous shape-shifting mythical creatures that would appear to humans in the shape of a horse. Once the human rode it, the victims would be then drowned by these beings. As you’re exploring this iconic monument, there’s also a gift shop and some cafes, so you can sit and relax on your day out.
What is more, make your wee day out into a fun cycling adventure to the Falkirk Wheel, which is simply fascinating. It lifts boats that sit on tons of water into the air and transports them, providing a terrific transport route to Glasgow. You can also find our guide to local cycling routes for day trips here.
8. Arrochar, Argyll and Bute
On top of making the UK’s Best Hidden Gems list last year, the quaint village of Arrochar is a place for stunning vistas, challenging walks and memorable day trips. With Ben Lomond gracing the village on the one side, and the rocky summit of The Cobbler within the Arrochar Alps on the other, Arrochar sits at the banks of the lakes making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of adventuring.
If you want to actually brave The Cobbler, the path is around 11km and should take four to six hours. Make a start on the opposite side of the road of the Succoth car park and follow the (barely marked) red way markers. The path could prove more difficult at times to less experienced hikers, and once you reached the summit (unless you’re a rock climber), come back down the same way you came up.
9. The Secret Scottish Pyramid
That’s right, Scotland has a pyramid, and it has nothing to do with Ancient Egypt. Instead, it has a regal history that dates back to Queen Victoria. The Secret Scottish Pyramid, also known as Prince Albert’s Cairn, sits in the cosy woodland of Cairngorms National Park in the North East of Scotland, not too far from the Royal Balmoral Estate. Located around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow, the woodland walk on the Balmoral Estate offers one of the more unique day trips, with views of the Balmoral Castle and a stunning view over the national park once you reach Prince Albert’s Cairn. As usual for Scottish terrain, bring your hiking boots as there might be muddy patches along the way.
10. Dunkeld
Located around an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow, Dunkeld was also named the best place to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times in 2023, so it’s not just one of the best day trips. Dunkeld is located in Perthshire, around one hour and 15 minutes drive from Glasgow. The village is a favourite for pretty village enthusiasts and boasts refreshing nature walks, calming scenery and a charismatic, friendly aura within the village. There are plenty of local businesses to check out, such as The Great British Bake-Off star Flora Shedden’s Aran Bakery, The Taybank and The Birnam Arts Institute.
11. The Japanese Garden at Cowden
What if we told you you could travel to the Far East by just driving an hour from the city? Well, when it comes to day trips near Glasgow, feeling like you left the country without going far offers a special allure. The Japanese Garden at Cowden is also named “Sha Raku En”, meaning “a place of pleasure and delight”, and is located just 50 minutes from Glasgow. Founded by Ella Christie, the spot aims to merge the two cultures, bringing a welcome union of Japanese and Scottish flairs. While guests have to pay £8.50 to get into the garden, there is also a tearoom to unwind and enjoy the day.
12. North Berwick
North Berwick is a quaint little seaside town on the East Coast two hours from Glasgow, centring around two beaches. Its picturesque location offers plenty of walking opportunities, as well as independent businesses and cute wee pubs worthy of checking out. What is more, North Berwick was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2024, recognising its appeal and quality of life.
13. Dollar Glen
Dollar Glen is an idyllic place for an impressive escape, with deep gorges, calming burns and castle ruins. A day out into woodland is located east of Stirling, below the Ochil Hills. Uncover Castle Campbell, as well as the Burns of Care and Sorrow with tumbling waterfalls and an array of wildlife. On one of the more unique day trips 55 minutes from Glasgow, visitors can also spot long-eared bats and spotted woodpeckers, with the area also known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.