29-05-2025
The 15 best day trips within two hours of Glasgow
There are a wealth of exciting and scenic destinations a short distance away
UP & AWAY The 15 best day trips within two hours of Glasgow
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WITH Scots set to see the return of sunshine soon, many of us will be planning a day trip without splashing out on a trip abroad.
The city of Glasgow has a number of exciting and scenic destinations a short distance away.
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Fairlie has a long, lovely strip of sandy beach perfect for a quick city getaway
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Callendar House and Park is the perfect day out for the whole family
Credit: Alamy
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Visitors can enjoy a walk to Mugdock Castle and explore ruins
Credit: Alamy
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Loch Lomond provides a number of great experiences to enjoy
Credit: Alamy
There are a wealth of places to visit suitable for the whole family, offering everything from history and culture to adventure and nature.
We compiled a list of some of the best day trips from Glasgow for adults and kids alike.
Loch Lomond
Situated around 40 minutes from Glasgow, Loch Lomond provides a number of great experiences to enjoy.
Loch Lomond Shores offers a range of indoor, outdoor and water-based activities as well as shops, restaurants and an aquarium.
Families can enjoy cycling, pedal boats, canoeing and kayaking tours.
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium offers youngsters the chance to explore the depths of the world's oceans in seven themed zones.
Mugdock Country Park
Mugdock Country Park, near Milngavie, is situated around 10 miles from Glasgow city centre and boasts a variety of exciting activities.
Visitors can enjoy a walk to Mugdock Castle, explore ruins and stop by the visitor centre.
For kids, there is an adventure play area and a more challenging trail for older children.
Additionally, there is a trail perfect for hiking, mountain biking and running.
Brand new coastal caravan park on picturesque NC500, near stunning, award-winning beach
Pitlochry
The town of Pitlochry in Perthshire is slightly further afield - around an hour and a half drive from Glasgow - but the journey is well worth it.
The idyllic location boasts spectacular scenery, majestic mountains, lush forests and regal history.
It is a base for those who enjoy walking and hiking and is often considered to be the gateway to the Highlands due to its location on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.
There are miles of documented trails as part of the Pitlochry Paths Network, for local walks ranging from three to 12 miles.
The Kelpies
The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world and are an iconic landmark in Falkirk.
The sculpture, a giant statue of two horse's heads, can be found at The Helix, a huge park more than 350 hectares in size.
It is located less than 40 minutes from Glasgow city centre.
Meanwhile, the Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that carries barges and boats between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal.
Largs
Largs in Ayrshire, a 45-minute drive from Glasgow, is the perfect seaside holiday destination.
The west coast town offers a range of ice cream parlours, a Victorian promenade and ferries to the nearby Isle of Cumbrae.
Largs offers a variety of activities for all the family to enjoy including putting, bowls, golfing and swimming.
There are also several restaurants, hotels, pubs and award-winning fish and chip shops.
Fairlie Beach
For those seeking somewhere a little quieter and less well known, head to Fairlie.
The small town on the east shore of the Firth of Clyde has a long, lovely strip of sandy beach perfect for a quick city getaway, under an hour from Glasgow.
The town, just three miles from Largs, has all the facilities you'll need for a day trip including restaurants, pubs and gift shops.
And if you tire of sitting on the sand, or the kids have ants in their pants, then you'll be glad to hear the amazing Kelburn Castle, Country Park and Estate is right here.
Isle of Arran
Arran, often referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature', boasts a number of exciting attractions including Brodick Castle and Country Gardens, Goat Fell, which is the island's highest point, and the Isle of Arran Distillery.
Ferries operate from Ardrossan on the Scottish mainland to Brodick, with journeys taking just 55 minutes.
There are a number of experiences available for thrill-seekers including paragliding, snorkelling and gorge walking.
Arran also hosts all of Scotland's 'big five' species - seals, otters, red deer, golden eagles and red squirrels.
Strathclyde Country Park
Set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside, this park is a popular family attraction, with a vast range of activities and events on offer.
Explore adventure playgrounds, hire a bicycle or head to the water sports centre to hire a fun boat.
Kids will be kept amused by bumper boats, pedalos, speedboat trips and waterwalkerz.
The Waterfront Cafe at the park is situated on the first floor of the Watersports Centre overlooking Strathclyde Loch.
Roome Bay
The gorgeous little-known destination is in Crail, right on the Fife Coastal Path.
It is made up of a sandy upper beach and is dotted with rock pools, teeming with sea life.
It's a peaceful haven with an old disused swimming pool at one end that is now a magnet for all sorts of wildlife.
And it's backed by a sloping grass area where there's a children's playground.
St Andrews
The Fife town, known as a global golfing hotspot, is also adored for its stunning golden beaches and breathtaking coastal views.
It boasts cobbled streets, ice-cream parlours, bistros and mouthwatering food.
The coastal location has many different walks and paths for those looking to explore the area.
You can also visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland's largest and most magnificent medieval church.
Stirling
Stirling's historic monuments are must-sees if you want to really delve into the past.
Stirling Castle, high on a volcanic outcrop, and The National Wallace Monument with Ochil Hills as its backdrop really take you back in time.
To really make a day of it, you can embark on a guided Dark History tour, delving into Stirling's grim and gritty dark history via tales of unsolved murders and grizzly grave-robbers.
Or book an Old Town Jail tour or Escape Room escapade, in which you're literally locked in a real Victorian prison cell and must solve puzzles to get out.
Strathaven
Strathaven, just 40 minutes from Glasgow, has been a hit with people wanting to escape the busy town and city life and take in the breathtaking views.
The historic market town in South Lanarkshire is just 25 miles away from Glasgow and boasts a medieval history.
The town has a park and is filled with plenty of green spaces that are ideal for a leisurely stroll - especially during amazing sunny weather.
The town is also home to the ruins of Strathaven Castle - which were built around 1350.
The Perth Museum
Perth Museum is now located in Perth's former city hall, with the space transformed by the architecture firm Mecanoo.
It looks at 10,000 years of Scottish and world history through a local lens.
The museum is the new home of the Stone of Scone, more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny.
The attraction also features a cafe, a gift shop and learning and event spaces, making it the perfect day out.
Callendar House and Antonine Wall
Explore this spectacular, free-to-visit stately home in Falkirk, which dates back to the 14th century.
Visitors can stroll stop by the exhibitions, a Georgian kitchen and playpark, before taking a stroll through the beautiful parklands and discover a long section of the Antonine Wall ditch, dating back to the Romans, just north of the house.
Callendar House also boasts a tearoom with stunning views serving a range of breakfast, lunch, and light snack options.
The attraction's gift shop has a range of items from bespoke local made products, to kits and crafts for kids.
Crookston Castle
Crookston Castle, is the only one of its kind in the city, and is also Glasgow's second-oldest historic building.
Lying on the south-western edge of the city, was once a major tourist attraction with a fascinating history of royal romances, warring families and even played a defence role in World War II.
From the castle's hilltop position, you can get a spectacular view of south-east Glasgow.
Families can make a day of it by tying in a visit to nearby Pollok Park.
