Day Trips From Glasgow Ideas For Your Next Trip!
Glasgow is a great starting point for day trips all over Scotland. It’s in the lowlands of Scotland, but it’s probably the best major city to use as a base for accessing the Scottish Highlands, with the edge of them being only roughly 40 minutes away. Additionally, it’s only about an hour or so away from Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh- so there’s plenty of day trips from Glasgow you could work into your trip. Let’s plan your next trip to Scotland with some day trip ideas from Glasgow!
Edinburgh
Let’s start by getting the most obvious place to visit out of the way. The capital city of Scotland is extremely easy to get to from Glasgow, and with it being just 45 minutes by train or just over an hour via car or bus, Edinburgh is the perfect way to spend a day trip from Glasgow.
Things To Do in Edinburgh in 1 Day:
Edinburgh is one of those places you could wander around forever- and there’d still be something interesting to do or discover! History, food, and stunning views are everywhere here- it feels almost magical as you walk around the cobblestone streets. But, if you truly are only able to spend one day in Edinburgh, here’s a few things I recommend:
- Activities to do in Edinburgh:
- Explore Princes Street Gardens
- Explore Edinburgh Castle
- Take a walk down the Royal Mile
- Pop into the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Walk down Victoria Street
- Watch the sunset at Calton Hill
- Where to eat in Edinburgh:
- For Breakfast:
- The Edinburgh Larder
- Tani Modi
- Lunch/Dinner:
- Makar’s Mash Bar
- Tempting Tattie
- Deacon Brodie’s Tavern
- Cold Town House
- Edinburgh Street Food
- The Alchemist
- For Breakfast:
- Where to shop in Edinburgh:
- The Royal Mile
- Napier’s: Scotland’s oldest (working) apothecary- find skincare, wellness, and more here!
- Islander UK
- Stockbridge
Truthfully, there is SO much to do in Edinburgh that I recommend spending at least 3-4 days here, but if you only have time for a short day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow, then it is totally doable! Just spend your time wisely and make sure to book certain attractions in advance, as they tend to book up quickly.
Glen Coe + Fort William
As I previously mentioned, Glasgow is a WONDERFUL base for venturing into the Scottish Highlands. And if you’re looking to venture North, I have the perfect first stop for you: Glen Coe. Just two hours via car from Glasgow, Glen Coe is a must-see destination in the Scottish Highlands. In fact, I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the iconic wee white house of Glen Coe- situated in the misty glen between gorgeous peaks.
Glen Coe is not only a beautiful landscape (it was actually formed by a prehistoric volcano eruption nearly 400 years ago!), but also a a place of historical significance. In 1692, government troops massacred many members of Clan MacDonald under orders from King William III. While another bit of dark Scottish history, it’s interesting to learn about the events that shaped Scotland.
Things to do on a day trip from Glasgow to Glen Coe:
- Visit the wee white house
- Glencoe Visitor Centre
- Hike
- Visit Skyfall and Harry Potter filming locations
- Visit the Three Sisters viewpoint
Once you’re done exploring Glen Coe, why not drive just 30 minutes more to visit Fort William? If you’re the outdoorsy type, this is the perfect place to visit in the Scottish Highlands! Located on the banks of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is home to the UK’s highest mountain peak, Ben Nevis. It’s also the beginning (or end) point of the West Highland Way, Scotland’s famous 96 mile hiking trail along the western highlands. Fort William is also where you’ll find the Jacobite Steam Train, or more commonly known as the Hogwarts Express! Yes, it’s the real train used in Harry Potter. If you’d also like to see the famous bridge it goes over, you can drive about 30 minutes west of Fort William to Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Jacobite Steam Train passes Glenfinnan Viaduct at around 10:45 am and around 3:00 pm in the afternoon- but I recommend getting there at least an hour early for the best photo spots!
Stirling
Into Scottish history? Or a fan of the movie Braveheart? Then you MUST take a trip to Stirling on your next visit to Scotland! This medieval town is just a 40 minute drive north of Glasgow, making it perfect for a quick day trip. The town has a history going back nearly 1,000 years, having begun as a Royal burgh in the 1100s (although it technically wasn’t an official city until 2002!)
It’s most known for being home to Stirling Castle, a medieval fortress that has guarded the city since the 1100s (although most of the castle that exists today was built sometime between 1500-1600). This is primarily where Mary, Queen of Scots grew up- and it’s also where she was crowned queen in 1543. If you’re a fan of Scottish royal history, you must visit this castle, as it was a primary (and favorite) residence for the Scottish Royal family for centuries.
Stirling also played a massive role in the Scottish Wars of Independence- it’s where William Wallace won the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. It’s also where future King of Scotland Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward II’s powerful English army in the Battle of Bannockburn- a turning point in the first Scottish War of Independence.
Another great thing to do in Stirling is to visit the National Wallace Monument. This gorgeous tower sits above the area in which William Wallace won the Battle of Stirling Bridge (as mentioned above). Walk up the 246 steps to the top for a stunning view of the countryside and to learn more about Scotland’s history and national hero. It’s a gorgeous landmark to visit on a Stirling day trip from Glasgow!
St. Andrews
If you’re willing to venture out a bit farther for your day trip from Glasgow, I recommend heading to the east coast of Scotland to St. Andrews! This coastal town has a bit of everything- academia, history, stunning views, and of course, golf! This historic town is often considered the ‘Home of Golf’ because it’s widely considered to be where the activity was invented, likely sometime in the 1500s.
The Old Course of St. Andrews is considered one of (if not) the oldest golf course in the world and is home to several major golf tournaments and championships. If you want to walk around the course, just be sure that none of these tournaments are happening during your visit- otherwise you may be out of luck. Sundays are a GREAT day to visit and walk the course, as it is closed to play on that day. You can also visit the Swilcan Bridge, a gorgeous 700-year-old bridge on the course. When it was first built, the primary use was transporting goods and livestock such as cattle. Eventually, it morphed into part of the course!
St. Andrews also has no shortage of history. It was once a major hub for Catholicism in Scotland, shown by the beautiful remnants of the once massive St. Andrews Cathedral. The building process began in the 1100s, and it was eventually consecrated in the presence of King Robert the Bruce in 1318. As a result of the Scottish reformation, the Cathedral eventually became abandoned and fell into ruin, which is the state you can see today. That being said, St. Andrews Cathedral is a stunning place to visit and is free to enter- I highly recommend walking the grounds and enjoying the views!
Another history stop you can’t miss in St. Andrews is St. Andrews Castle. This coastal castle sits at the edge of the North Sea and was another site of religious contention in medieval Scotland. While it was originally built and opened around 1200, St. Andrews Castle was repeatedly destroyed in varying degrees through its history. First, during the Scottish Wars of Independence (early to mid 1300s), and again when the castle experienced a siege during the Protestant reformation. I recommend grabbing an audio guide and touring the Castle. Pay special attention to the mine and countermine, a really interesting piece of history from the Siege!
Into the British Royal Family? St. Andrews is a wonderful place to visit as it’s where Prince William and Kate Middleton met during college (yes, they both went to the University of St. Andrews!). And while in St. Andrews, you MUST visit the spot where it’s believed they had their first official date- Northpoint Cafe! This cozy cafe and lunch spot even has it written on their front windows that Northpoint Cafe is ‘Where Wills met Kate (for coffee)’. If available, I recommend grabbing a table outside to enjoy the views of St. Andrews (plus, it’ll be much less crowded!).
St. Andrews is a lovely, historic, and seaside Scottish town- and I highly recommend visiting St. Andrews on a longer day trip from Glasgow!
Guided Day Trips from Glasgow to St. Andrews
Outlander Day Trips From Glasgow
While Outlander filmed some scenes within Glasgow, many of the iconic Outlander filming locations are not within the city. So, if you’re looking to explore places like Lallybroch, you’ll have to take a day trip from Glasgow! That being said, many locations aren’t too far away and are easily accessible by car. Here’s a few options for you:
- Midhope Castle: Wondering where to visit the real Lallybroch? This is the place! Just a 48 minute drive from Glasgow, Midhope Castle is probably the most iconic Outlander filming location, as it’s Jamie Fraser’s iconic home. While you can’t go inside, I think it’s worth taking a walk along the grounds and taking in this beautiful 16th century estate with your own eyes (and maybe replaying the many Outlander scenes that took place there in your head!). You can buy tickets online here, or check out this blog post on how to see Lallybroch!
- Doune Castle: Looking to visit the stronghold of Clan Mackenzie? It’s just 43 minutes away from Glasgow, at Doune Castle! Be sure to grab an audio guide when you tour the grounds- there’s so much interesting information not only about the show, but also Doune Castle’s history.
- Linlithgow Palace: You probably wouldn’t recognize this Outlander filming location at first, but it was used at the end of season 1 to film the inner scenes of Jamie’s imprisonment at Fort William. Linlithgow Palace is about 45 minutes outside of Glasgow, making it a perfect day trip to take! This place has extra historical significance, as it was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Culross: This quaint village is another day trip from Glasgow that only takes about 45 minutes via car. You’ll recognize the Mercat Cross as a prime Outlander Filming location- used for the main scenes in the village of Cranesmuir. It’s where Claire and Jamie rescue a boy accused of theft, and also where Geillis and Claire are accused of witchcraft. One of the best things to see in Culross, aside from the Mercat Cross, would be Culross Palace. This beautiful yellow building was a wealthy merchant’s home in the 17th century and onward. In terms of Outlander locations, it was used was Geillis Duncan’s home (the interior, specifically the study). And if you walk around the back to the gardens, you’ll recognize it as the Castle Leoch gardens, where Claire would gather herbs.
- Blackness Castle: Also located in Linlithgow, Blackness Castle is perfect for an Outlander day trip out of Glasgow. This fortress was built in the 1440s, and you’ll recognize it was the place where Jamie was whipped in Fort William (and where Brianna visits over 200 years later).
- Falkland: Would it really be an Outlander day trip without visiting the village of Falkland? You’ll recognize it from the first few scenes of Outlander, where Claire and Frank arrive in 1940’s Inverness. Visit the iconic fountain where Jamie’s ghost watched Claire, or stay in the same in that Claire and Frank did. Instead of Mrs. Baird’s, it’s actually the Covenanter Hotel! Here in Falkland, you’ll also find the store where Claire bought her first vase. If you’re a fashion lover, there’s also a fantastic vintage store in Falkland- it’s called Vintage Quine.
Since there’s so many Outlander film locations in close proximity to each other (and about 45 minutes from Glasgow), I’d recommend hitting them in one day. If you don’t feel like driving or planning logistics, a guided Outlander day trip from Glasgow is a great option! My fiance and I did one from Edinburgh and we had a great time exploring all of the incredible historic locations you know from Outlander. Here’s a few Outlander tours from Glasgow:
Day trips from Glasgow to take on your next Scotland trip!
Glasgow is yet another of Scotland’s incredible, historic cities to visit. I find that the food and art scene is especially worth exploring (and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Glasgow, check out this post!). That being said, Glasgow is a spectacular place to use as a base for nearly any trip to Scotland because of its proximity to the Highlands and centricity in the lowlands. Let me know if you’ll be taking any day trips from Glasgow on your next trip to Scotland, and if so, if any are on this list!
