Clydeside Jaunts: Great Places to Visit near Glasgow

“Glasgow is an ideal base camp to explore the attractions of Scotland, such as the Scottish Highlands, Arran Island and Loch Ness. You’ll also find castles, manor houses and lakes nearby. Check out these day trips and places to visit near Glasgow and experience a bit more of Scotland.

### Stirling and Stirling Castle

Just a short distance from Glasgow is the town of Stirling, which is famous as the site of the Battle of Bannockburn in the 14th century. It was also where the famous William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which was a significant victory for Scottish independence. You can see commemorations of both at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre.

Stirling also has the magnificent Wallace Monument, a stunning tower with panoramic views of the landscape and artefacts related to Wallace. You’ll also like the Stirling Castle, a 12th-century castle built atop a volcanic crag, which has played a significant role in Scotland’s history.After visiting the castle, you can see the scenery of the Trossachs on the Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle Tour. The mountains and lochs of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which boasts spectacular scenery and native wildlife, are highlights of a visit to Sterling.

If you’re in the area for longer and castles are your thing, you may even consider becoming royalty for the night in your very own Scottish castle stay.

### Isle of Arran: Little Scotland

The Isle of Arran is only a short distance from Glasgow, but it has an array of Scotland’s most notable attractions. The island contains majestic mountains, castles, moorland, fishing harbours, sandy beaches and tons of wildlife. Some highlights of the Isle of Arran are the Brodick Castle and Goat Fell mountain, which are great attractions to explore in a day.

### Benmore Botanic Garden

Benmore Botanic Garden, which sits among picturesque mountain scenery at the southern end of Lock Eck, is part of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden. You’ll find massive Californian redwoods planted on the property, as well as hundreds of species of azalea and rhododendron.

Another great attraction is Puck’s Hut, a memorial to Isaac Bayley Balfour, the garden’s creator, and a bronze statue of a boy with 2 dolphins that was donated by the owner of a nearby home. You could also explore the Argyll Forest Park, a vast parkland with footpaths through a diverse landscape with tall trees, vibrant wildflowers and native wildlife.

### Loch Lomond and the Western Highlands

Scotland’s largest freshwater loch is close to Glasgow, at the southern end of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Along with its enchanting beauty and romantic panoramic views, Loch Lomond is also a great location for boating and water adventures. Golfers will enjoy the Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House, a championship golf course that boasts views of Ben Lomond across the water. Walking and biking trails are found throughout the park, and Loch Lomond water cruises can give you a unique view of the landscape.

### Newark Castle

The industrial area of Port Glasgow contains the 15th-century Newark Castle. The mansion, tower and gatehouse, which were once the seat of the Maxwell family, are open to tours and boast gorgeous Jacobean designs and rooms with exhibits related to the working conditions of the staff.

Nearby is Greenock, another former industrial area and the birthplace of engineer James Watt. It’s also famous for being the final burial place of ‘Highland Mary’, who was immortalized by Robbie Burns.

### The Ayrshire Coast: Robbie Burns Country

Scotland’s beloved national poet, Robbie Burns, was inspired by the countryside of the Ayrshire Coast. The Ayrshire Coast is often regarded as one of the most magnificent coastal areas in the country, and you can explore the places where Burns lived and worked with the Burns Heritage Trail from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which covers the thatched house that was his childhood home. The tour also passes the Robert Burns House and museum, his grave in nearby St Michael’s Churchyard and the burial place of his father.

The Ayrshire Coast also has Culzean Castle and Country Park, an expansive wilderness area with wooded trails and manicured gardens, such as the Victorian Walled Garden. These can be seen on the Ayrshire Coast Day Trip from Glasgow with a guide who will discuss the poet and the castle.

### Dumbarton Castle

The Dumbarton Castle is perched on a basalt rock on the bank of the Clyde. It’s an important stronghold that began in the sixth century and was integral to the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde. Of the original stronghold, the dungeon and gateway are all that remain, but the views and ruins are spectacular.

The Georgian artillery fortifications and the Governor’s House, which is home to fascinating artefacts from the castle, are also must-see attractions on a day trip to the area.

Dumbarton Castle from the south – By Rosser1954 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48560098

### Oban and the West Highlands

The Victorian area of Oban is a coastal town and the main port for the southern Scottish islands. McCaig’s Tower, a massive tower in the town, gives you spectacular views reaching to the Isle of Mull if you hike to the top. You’ll also see the scenic countryside, moors, mountains, castles and lochs along the way.

This Scottish city boasts an array of cultural and historic sites all its own, but it’s also close to some of the best hidden gems and notable landmarks in the country. Lengthen your stay at a Glasgow hotel and see a little more of what Scotland has to offer.”