Recharge & unwind at the best weekend getaway spots near Glasgow!
Stress sneaks up on all of us, and sometimes the only cure is to pack a bag and get away for a bit. Even a quick weekend getaway can leave you feeling fresher and ready to tackle the week.
I’ve been in Glasgow long enough to know the city like the back of my hand, so lately I’ve been chasing wee adventures just outside it. Turns out there are loads of easy escapes that make you feel miles away without the hassle.
I’ll share my favourites so you can make the most of them too!
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Photo credit: lomondtrossachs
Website: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/
Address: Balloch, Alexandria G83 8QX
Contact details: +44 1389 722600
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs has become one of my go-to weekend escapes. It’s close enough that I can be in Balloch in under an hour from Glasgow, but once you’re there, it feels like you’ve properly left the city behind.
The park is huge, with rolling lowlands to the south and Highland peaks like Ben Lomond further north. Loch Lomond itself is the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area, dotted with islands and surrounded by walking trails and forests.
There’s always something new to enjoy, which is why I never tire of coming back. Sometimes I keep it simple with a stroll along the water; other times I stay overnight and camp if a long weekend gives me the chance.
| Pro tip: Start early and head north of Balloch if you can. The southern end near Balloch is the easiest to reach from Glasgow, which also makes it the busiest. If you set off in the morning and push a little further into the park, you’ll find quieter trails, clearer views of the loch, and a much calmer atmosphere. |
Isle of Arran
Photo credit: visitarran
Website: https://www.visitarran.com/
Contact details: +44 1770 302043
If I were asked how to best describe the Isle of Arran, I’d call it a compacted version of Scotland. It’s got a bit of everything the mainland offers, like rugged mountains, sandy beaches, and quiet villages.
What amazes me is how much you can fit into a weekend here. You can climb mountains, wander through forests, cycle along winding paths, or explore the island’s castles and learn more about Scottish history.
And don’t worry about getting here, since it’s super easy. I usually take the train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour and then catch the ferry to Brodick. The whole journey takes around three hours, making it an easy escape from the city.
| Pro tip: Skip the usual gift shops and take home something truly local. Arran cheese, oatcakes, and whisky make brilliant souvenirs that actually let you relive the trip. I usually grab a cheese pack in Brodick and, if time allows, a bottle from the distillery in Lochranza. |
Oban
Photo credit: loveoban_
Website: https://www.oban.org.uk/
Address: Argyll and Bute PA34
Contact details: +44 1546 605521
Oban is one of the best weekend getaway spots, especially if you’re a seafood fan like me. Often called the “Gateway to the Isles”, this town is the starting point for ferries to Mull, Iona, and the Hebrides.
This town is full of history and colour, but the seafood is what makes it truly memorable. You can pick up fresh langoustines, scallops, and crab straight from the harbour stalls or enjoy a proper meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Beyond the food, the scenery is another reason I keep returning. Dunollie Castle overlooks the bay and gives sweeping views of the ferries crossing the water. It’s the kind of place that always tempts me to take more photos, that’s for sure.
| Pro tip: When you visit Oban, make time for a boat trip from the harbour. These tours take you out into the bay and beyond, with options to spot seals, dolphins, and even whales in season. Some trips also head towards the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool, which is one of the largest in the world! Check out this website for more information. |
Pitlochry
Photo credit: explorepitlochry
Website: https://www.pitlochry.org/
Address: Perth and Kinross PH16 5BX
Pitlochry feels like a place frozen in time, and that’s exactly why I make a point of visiting at least once a year. It takes just under two hours to drive from Glasgow, or you can take the train and arrive in about the same time.
The town rests beneath Ben Vrackie and along the River Tummel, surrounded by some of the most beautiful walking country in Scotland. Its Victorian heritage is still very much alive, with many of the original buildings standing proudly today.
Historic buildings aside, culture is another reason to spend a weekend here. The Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a well-known hillside venue that stages a wide range of live performances, especially during the summer weekends.
| Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to stay in Pitlochry, use the Accommodation Enquiry form on this website. It lets you contact all the listed hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses at once, so you can quickly compare availability and prices without emailing each place separately. |
Edinburgh
Photo credit: thisisedinburgh
Website: https://edinburgh.org/
There are times when I still want to explore and enjoy the city life, but I’m too familiar with Glasgow’s skyline to stay put. That’s when I usually take the train to Edinburgh for the weekend, with the journey taking less than an hour.
What makes this city one of my go-to weekend getaways is the variety packed into such a compact space. You can climb Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views, wander through the National Museum of Scotland, or lose yourself in the hidden closes.
The food scene is another highlight, with traditional pubs and modern restaurants spread throughout the city. History is also everywhere, with historic attractions like the Royal Mile making the capital a place that always feels worth returning to.
| Pro tip: Plan your weekend around the city’s compact layout. Choose accommodation near Princes Street or the Royal Mile so you can walk to most of the main sights without wasting time on transport. It’s also worth booking tickets for major attractions online in advance so you won’t have to stand in long queues. |
Fort William & Glen Coe
Photo credit: discoverglencoe
Website: https://discoverglencoe.scot/
Address: Highland PH49 4
Fort William and Glen Coe are places I keep going back to whenever life feels heavy and I need a proper reset. The drive takes about two and a half hours, and the moment you see the mountains, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
The glen is famous for its dramatic scenery, with peaks like Buachaille Etive Mor and trails that suit both casual walkers and keen hikers. It still amazes me to know that these landscapes have appeared in films such as Harry Potter and James Bond!
After a day of walking through Glen Coe, I like to stop in Fort William to rest and explore. The town has memorable sights of its own, including Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal and St Andrew’s Church, a historic church built in 1884.
| Pro tip: If you want to see more of the Highlands while staying in Fort William, set aside time to ride the Jacobite Steam Train. This tourist train service takes you from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct with sweeping views that feel as if they belong in a film. It’s best to book your tickets online as early as possible, since they often sell out quickly. |
St Andrews
Photo credit: benslenss
Website: https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/st-andrews
Address: Fife KY16
Sometimes, small-town vibes are exactly what I need to clear my head, which is why I often find myself returning to St Andrews. It takes about two hours to reach by car, or you can take the train to Leuchars and then a short bus ride into town.
For such a small place, there’s plenty to see and do. I enjoy wandering through the ruins of the cathedral, exploring the old castle on the cliffs, and walking around the university grounds, which are full of history and character.
St Andrews is also known as the home of golf, and the Old Course is a must-see for fans of the sport. In summer, West Sands beach is perfect for a swim or a long walk while taking in the sweeping seaside views.
| Pro tip: Climb St Rule’s Tower at the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral early in the day. The steps are narrow, and it can get busy later, but if you go up in the morning, you’ll often have the top to yourself. It’s one of the best ways to take in the layout of the town before exploring on foot. |
Inveraray
Photo credit: givielane
Website: https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/visit/inveraray/
Address: Argyll and Bute PA32
Inveraray is one of my favourite spots when I want a quick Highland escape from Glasgow. The drive takes about an hour and a half, winding past Loch Lomond and over the Rest and Be Thankful before dropping down to Loch Fyne.
Like St Andrews, this town is small but full of character. Its streets are lined with neat white Georgian buildings, and the lochside setting is hard to beat. It also has Inveraray Castle, with grand rooms and gardens that are perfect for a slow wander.
I also enjoy climbing to the Dun na Cuaiche viewpoint for sweeping views of the town and the loch. Add the seafood restaurants, and Inveraray becomes a rewarding adventure that always leaves me refreshed for my return to the city by Monday.
| Pro tip: Stay in Inveraray into the evening and drop by The George Hotel for live traditional music. With open fires, a cosy atmosphere, and fiddles filling the room, it’s a good way to end a day of exploring. You can check the hotel’s website to see when the next performances are scheduled. |