As Scotland’s second city, it will come as no surprise that Glasgow is a bustling hub of culture, landmarks and activities. While Glasgow may have lots to offer its visitors, there’s also a plethora of fascinating and beautiful places all within a few hours’ drive, so you can set off on a Scottish adventure during your Glasgow city break and swap the concrete jungle for rolling hills, misty lochs and sleepy villages.
Staying in Glasgow? Take a look at our Glasgow West End Hotel for the perfect place to lay your head after your day out.
Here are the five best day trips from Glasgow:
Distance from Glasgow City Centre: 35 miles
The bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond are less than an hour’s drive away from Glasgow City Centre, so it’s the perfect place to experience a taste of the Highlands without travelling too far. This freshwater lake stretches as far as the eye can see (well, 30 kilometers), and is known for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on the British Isles.
Scattered throughout the loch are roughly 30 green islands, which you can spot from the shore or count as you embark on a cruise of the calm waters. In fact, one of the islands – Inchconnachan – even has wallabies roaming free!
Distance from Glasgow City Centre: 29 miles
Located in central Scotland, at the point where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, Stirling Castle is an imposing structure that’s shrouded in legend and steeped in history. The bloodthirsty Battle of Stirling Bridge took place just a stone’s throw away from the castle, and the kings and queens of yesteryear once roamed its grounds.
If the walls of Stirling Castle could speak, there would be whispers of a thousand stories through the rooms – visit the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and many more highlights as you step in the footsteps of royalty.
Distance from Glasgow City Centre: 29 miles
Stretching almost a hundred feet high, the mighty Kelpies are two ginormous horse heads just off an otherwise unremarkable section of the M9. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, they’re named after mythological transforming creatures, said to possess the strength of ten horses, and serve as a homage to Scotland’s horse powered heritage.
Top Tip: after the sun goes down, the Kelpies are lit up from within, making nightfall a wonderful time to visit these enormous sculptures.
Distance from Glasgow City Centre: 59 miles
Often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the Isle of Arran is situated of the coast of Western Scotland, as can be reached from the mainland by ferry. Famed for its creamy cheeses, fascinating cultural festivals and Arran Gold liquor, the island is well worth a visit if you’re staying in Glasgow, and takes just over two and a half hours to reach.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and set sail for Arran, where you’ll discover a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, including Goatfell, the highest peak on the island sitting at 2,866 feet above sea level. You’ll also meet a variety of wildlife that’s seldom seen on the mainland, including red squirrels, basking sharks and even golden eagles.
If you’d like to see more travel tips like these, be sure to visit the Leonardo Hotels blog.
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