Glasgow has two major stations; Queen Street and Central. Regular services serve the rest of Scotland, giving plenty of opportunities for days out by train. The islands in the Firth of Clyde are also accessible by train and ferry. Here are just a few ideas for a day out without a car:
Visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city is an all year round tourist attraction. The walk from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile, to Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament, passes a fascinating mix of museums, historical monuments, churches, shops and eating places. Visit the National Art Gallery, wander round the free Royal Botanic Gardens or take a bus out to Ocean Terminal in Leith where the Royal Yacht Britannia is docked.
Getting There
Trains to Edinburgh run every 15 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street; the journey takes 50 minutes.
Stirling Remembers “Braveheart” William Wallace
Stirling offers modern shopping and plenty of history. Stirling Castle stands on a rocky crag, overlooking the city and, two miles south of Stirling, the Bannockburn Heritage Centre celebrates the Scots’ victory over the English forces of Edward II, in 1314. To the north, the exploits of Scottish hero William Wallace, who inspired the Oscar winning Braveheart, are remembered at the National Wallace Monument. Set on a hill, the view from the top of the monument takes in Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and the Pentland Hills. Regular bus services from Stirling serve both the National Wallace Museum and Bannockburn.
Getting There
Trains to Stirling run 4 times a hour from Glasgow Queen Street; the journey takes, between 25 and 40 minutes.
Largs is a Traditional Seaside Resort
Largs is a traditional Scottish seaside resort, with a Victorian promenade and ice cream parlours. Sports and leisure activities include golf, putting, bowls, children’s play areas, fishing, diving and swimming. Ferries leave Largs regularly to Millport, on the Island of Great Cumbrae. The crossing time is only 10 minutes and the pier is a short walk from the railway station.
Getting There
Trains to Largs run every hour from Glasgow Central; the journey takes about 1 hour
Take a Train and a Ferry to Brodick on Arran
Spend the day at Brodick on the beautiful Isle of Arran. Visit Brodick Castle or explore the island on foot. Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Forth, being 19 miles long and 10 miles wide. Brodick, which stands in the shadow of the Goat Fell mountain, has a wide selection of shops, eating places and accommodation on the island and a Tourist Information Office is in easy walking distance of the ferry terminal.
Getting There
Trains to run from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour, the journey takes 50 minutes. The train connects with the ferry to Arran, which takes 55 minutes. Suggested trains for a day trip to Arran are take the 8:33 (8:40 on Sundays) from Glasgow which arrives in Arran at 10:40. Returning catch either the 16:40 or 19:20 ferry from Brodick
Other Ideas for a Day Out from Glasgow
There are plenty more attractions in easy reach of Glasgow by train including:
· Visit Loch Lomond (take the train to Arrochar)
· The Falkirk Boat Lift
· Spend the day by the River Tay in Perth)
· Take the train to Gourock and ferry to Dunoon
· Take the train to Wemyss Bay and Ferry to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute
National Rail provides up to date details of train times and fares.
Ferries in the Firth of Clyde are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne
Image Credits
All photographs are taken from Geograph and are the copyright of the named photographer; but can be freely reproduced under the terms of a Creative Commons License.
John Oyston - I am a freelance travel writer, accountant and further education teacher. I have spent a lifetime travelling across the UK, Western Europe ...
Join the Conversation