We love Glasgow. We love Glasgow even more in the summer - but there’s only so much time you can spend in Kelvingrove, Queens Park, or any other of our great green jewels until you start experiencing wanderlust. Now with the weather shaping up nicely again (fingers crossed this time) - we want to get out there and start enjoying some of the idyllic countryside getaways and breezy beach locales around the city.
For sure you can enjoy the sun in Kelvingrove Park or the Botanic Gardens, or any one of the many great green jewels of Glasgow - but no summer is complete without at least one day trip. That’s why we put together this list of the best spots near Glasgow for a day trip - most of which are less than two hours away. Get away from these crowded tenement blocks and city streets and escape into the great outdoors - seeing some of the best beauty spots, camping grounds, countryside villages, and beachfront towns.
The good news is, there’s so much to do in the surrounding area around Glasgow - so many beautiful places to visit that are often overlooked by those of us living in Glasgow. So much so that we had a hard time narrowing it down to 12 of the best.
From beach and loch-front towns to beautiful nature spots, here’s 20 of the best spots for your next day trip this summer.
1. Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute is a truly magical place - home to the Royal Burgh of Rothesay, a beautiful small town full of some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. From the chip shops to the restaurants, the food is incredible too thanks to the large Italian diaspora on the isle. You can also check out the putting green, which is second to none in our opinion.
2. Luss
Luss is absolutely Lush. You wouldn't believe it's so close to Glasgow given how beautiful the place is. While away the day on the pier, or dip in for a swim, you can't go wrong really. Some of our favourite summer memories are sitting on the pier and reading a good book. Photo: Andrew Milligan
3. Wemyss Bay
You might think of Wemyss Bay as little more than a gateway to the Western Isles, but you'd be wrong. There's so much to do in the wee coastal town, if the CalMac is ever off (which is pretty often) take a wander around the bay, it'll take that sting off of missing the ferry. The train station was also recently voted one of the most beautiful in the UK as well, which you can see here!
4. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is a must-visit at some point in your life. If you extend your day trip into a night trip you can even spot the Aurora Borealis on the Isle.