The 10 Best Day Trips from in Glasgow, Scotland

October 20, 2021 Milan Banda

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people on the city’s hidden gems — then choose from 130+ weekly musical events for a special night out. Glasgow is also the perfect base for exploring more of Scotland, with great connections to the Highlands and the islands.
Restaurants in Glasgow

1. The Outlander Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 - 8 People)

Alba Experiences
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour is a must for every fan of the hit TV show Outlander and is a bucket list-moment to get to visit the sets of your favourite show. Relive the books, walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire, and explore ancient castles and little villages that have not been changed since the 16th century. Meet the friendly locals and enjoy homemade cuisine from a family run tearoom in Falkland. A massive fan of the hit TV show, your tour guide for the day has actually appeared in Season 3 & 4 of Outlander so has lots of inside knowledge. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and giving you a day you will never forget. Haste Ye Back!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, driver/guide, Dram of whisky, Private tour

Exclusions: Visitor attractions, Lunch

Reviewed By terryw717

We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.

2. Outlander Luxury Private Day Tour with Scottish Driver

Aura Journeys
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

See the sights that inspired the story of ‘Outlander’ and tour the places where the series was filmed. This private tour caters to you, keeping your comfort in mind at all times as you are chauffeured from your hotel or the cruise ship port in a luxury vehicle. Visit the sets that stood in for Mrs. Baird’s B and B, Castle Leoch, the village of Cransemuir, Wentworth Prison and Fort William. Your guide will share stories of Scotland as you travel. • See the Scottish spots you love from the Outlander TV Show • Door to Door Luxury Service from any Edinburgh Location • Private Tour for you with the services of a Local Scottish Driver Your day is planned to cover the sights and attractions from the Outlander TV Show at your pace, with no waiting for other passengers. With so many places to visit our sightseeing excursion allows you to sit back and relax in luxury taking in the stunning scenery and if you want to stop you can. Just remember this is Your Day Your Way!

Inclusions: Bottled Water, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Door to Door Service, Services & Stories of a Scottish Chauffeur, Wi-Fi Access

Exclusions: Entrance Fees to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

3. The Braveheart Tour - Private Tour with Guide

Carlton George Hotel, 44-46 W George St, Glasgow G2 1DH, UK MacSporranTours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour is unique as it's very informal and luxurious. How long travellers want to spend at each attraction is up to them. The vehicle is also a very comfortable Mercedes Benz Viano with privacy glass free bottled water and DVD player in the back. The vehicle can carry up to seven passengers in complete comfort.

Inclusions: Bottled water, DVD player.

Exclusions: Admission Tickets

Reviewed By RMSScotland

John was punctual, friendly and professional. An excellent service and great value. He was flexible and accommodating due to flight delay on our return journey. Would highly recommended and will use again in future.

4. Full-Day Loch Ness Glencoe and the Highlands Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Discover Scotland Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Visit Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands on this one day tour from Glasgow. Departing Glasgow you'll have the opportunity to enjoy morning refreshments and take some great photos at Loch Lomond. Your tour will then continue through the desolate Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. We will stop for photographs in Glencoe which has very dramatic scenery and a dark past. Travelling through Fort William with Ben Nevis looming overhead, you will follow the Great Glen Canal on it’s journey to Fort Augustus at the southern top of Loch Ness. You’ll have time to enjoy some lunch here and explore the town.You can then choose to purchase tickets for a 1 hour monster spotting cruise on the loch, you may even see Nessie!. We'll travel through Inverness and the Cairngorms National Park before reaching our final refreshment stop in the Victorian town of Pitlochry. After some time there we continue back to Glasgow.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Services of your Driver-Guide

Exclusions: Meals and Refreshments, Loch Ness 1 Hour Cruise. Can be purchased on the day: Adult £16.00 Concession £16.00, Child £10.00.

Reviewed By CannonisGod

Another Quality day trip completed (10th May 2021) Jeff was excellent with his knowledge and is very caring and makes the whole trip come together. Will definitely be back again.

5. Outlander Adventure Small-Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 52 reviews

Visit three castles and a well-preserved village on this adventure through the sights and stories of Outlander. There are moments that make your heart pound, scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat, and kisses that cause you to blush. But no matter how thrilling Outlander is, we think the real-life sites are even more emotive. This is because visiting the locations lets you step back in time and wander through unchanged, ancient villages. It gives you the chance to gaze up in awe at the mighty walls of a 600-year-old castle. And it allows you to venture through the real battlefields of the Jacobite uprising. On this tour, your guide takes you through a fantastic array of Outlander sights while telling you all about the history that inspired the famous show. So, take this time-travelling adventure and discover that the real locations and history are as exciting as the show itself.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Admission fees

Reviewed By maholi_leask

What an incredible experience. I’d definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know and see more of this beautiful country ????????????????????????????. George was very friendly, kind and knowledgable. Each stop was absolutely breathtaking! My main reason for booking the tour was visiting Oban and I’m so pleased I had plenty of time to wonder around, eat and visit the tower. Technical details you might want to know: We came back to the bus station at 6:40 pm ( I got in on time to get my bus back to Aberdeen yeii) butwe had perfect weather and minimal traffic Plenty of stops. Public toilets in Oban charge 50p so make sure you have coins. Thank you for helping me with that George . You are a star (in Netflix and real life) PS: I absolutely LOVE the Scottish playlist ???????????????????? Thank you for showing us around ????????????????????????????

6. Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 274 reviews

See epic ruined castles, listen to tales of old clan rivalries, and venture through brilliant mountain scenery on this tour to the Scottish Highlands.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission fees

Reviewed By marcobasaglia

Excellent tour of Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs and Castles. I was the only one on the tour when lockdown eased and Stuart the tour guide showed up just for me! Great policy. Stuart was humble and a great tour guide. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on tour. He was very knowledgeable and a good taste in traditional Scottish music. Amazing sights of Scotland, cannot miss if you're in the country.

7. Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies from Glasgow

19 Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NX, UK Timberbush Tours Glasgow - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 99 reviews

Upon leaving Glasgow you will visit the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you can take a lovely 1 hour cruise across its waters, or you can pay a visit to the blissful village of Luss. Next you will traverse the Trossachs National Park where you will witness the ‘Highlands in Miniature’. You will finish your day at Stirling Castle where you will learn the history of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce before returning to Glasgow.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Deepshikhash

Its a long and tiring tour however the bus is very comfortable and punctual. It sure could use more stop but then it will be very late to reach back Glasgow. The stops are well thought off. The tour guides are good and so are the chauffers.

8. Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Rabbie's
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4.7 based on 743 reviews

Take the high road to the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness on a small group day trip from Glasgow. You'll travel through beautiful Glencoe, admire the spectacular Highlands and spend time at Scotland's famous Loch Ness an absolute must on any visit to Scotland!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Loch Ness cruise, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By maholi_leask

What an incredible experience. I’d definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know and see more of this beautiful country ????????????????????????????. George was very friendly, kind and knowledgable. Each stop was absolutely breathtaking! My main reason for booking the tour was visiting Oban and I’m so pleased I had plenty of time to wonder around, eat and visit the tower. Technical details you might want to know: We came back to the bus station at 6:40 pm ( I got in on time to get my bus back to Aberdeen yeii) butwe had perfect weather and minimal traffic Plenty of stops. Public toilets in Oban charge 50p so make sure you have coins. Thank you for helping me with that George . You are a star (in Netflix and real life) PS: I absolutely LOVE the Scottish playlist ???????????????????? Thank you for showing us around ????????????????????????????

9. Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Rabbie's
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4.7 based on 56 reviews

Visit the charming Ayrshire coast, birthplace of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, on this full-day trip from Glasgow. Home to ancient Scottish castles and a romantic countryside, you’ll find the region to be as captivating as Robert Burns described in his many poems and songs. Explore Culzean Country Park in the morning, and then spend your afternoon in the heart of ‘Burns Country’ – the town of Ayr where Robert Burns was born.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Gratuities, Admission fees

Reviewed By maholi_leask

What an incredible experience. I’d definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know and see more of this beautiful country ????????????????????????????. George was very friendly, kind and knowledgable. Each stop was absolutely breathtaking! My main reason for booking the tour was visiting Oban and I’m so pleased I had plenty of time to wonder around, eat and visit the tower. Technical details you might want to know: We came back to the bus station at 6:40 pm ( I got in on time to get my bus back to Aberdeen yeii) butwe had perfect weather and minimal traffic Plenty of stops. Public toilets in Oban charge 50p so make sure you have coins. Thank you for helping me with that George . You are a star (in Netflix and real life) PS: I absolutely LOVE the Scottish playlist ???????????????????? Thank you for showing us around ????????????????????????????

10. Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles from Glasgow

19 Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NX, UK Timberbush Tours Glasgow - Day Tours
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4.7 based on 125 reviews

Experience the natural beauty of the West Highlands, with lochs, scenic mountains and ancient castles. Visit Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne, see haunting Glencoe; site of the massacre of the MacDonald Clan and visit the quaint fishing town of Oban, gateway to the Isles.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Deepshikhash

Good and comfortable tour. Informative tour guides and chauffers. Well though stops. Sterling castle has a entry ticket and worth the tour

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