7 Days of iconic sightseeing in the west of Scotland

See all the city's best bits from the top seat of a double decker bus! With multi-lingual guided tours, a great view of the city and plenty of fascinating facts, this is a fabulous way to get acquainted with a brand new city.

Visit The Burrell Collection in the heart of Pollok Country Park. This recently refurbished building is home to one of the greatest art collections with thousands of objects spread across 24 galleries and spanning more than 6,000 years of history. You'll find famous artworks from Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as medieval, Chinese and Islamic art.

Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

Afterwards, take a wander along Byres Road, a pleasant, bustling street lined with a variety of independent shops. You'll find some great places to eat and drink in this part of town – be sure to try Ashton Lane for a few local favourite spots. Glasgow also has superb accommodation options, so you can rest and recharge your batteries after a busy day in the city.

Indulge with a lengthy luncheon at this magnificent baronial mansion, where you'll find a selection of restaurants and brasseries. Golfers can tee off at the 18-hole championship course, and there's a tranquil spa, complete with a rooftop infinity pool.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the Luss Heritage Trail, a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro Ben Lomond, Ben A'an, and The Cobbler are all rewarding climbs nearby.

Explore this wee port town with its distinctive row of pastel-coloured houses. There is a distillery, a local museum and several pubs here too. 

Stretch your legs by taking the short climb from Oban town centre up to McCaig's Tower to admire the views across the bay and towards the isles. 

If you haven't yet experienced this region's top quality seafood, what are you waiting for? Oban is Scotland's 'seafood capital' and is famous for its flavoursome feasts. Along the harbour, fresh catch is hauled straight from the shores and onto your dinner plate. Enjoy!

Uncover this unique 18th century cotton spinning mill, which is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the industrial communities and villages that once thrived across Scotland. The award-winning visitor centre offers an intriguing insight into this period of history, alongside a range of visitor attractions and learning experiences.

Nearby, the Falls of Clyde are not to be missed. This jaw dropping natural formation is located just next to the visitor centre and boasts magnificent waterfalls, scenic walking trails, rich plant life, and wildlife to spot.

Head up to Strathclyde Country Park to enjoy some time out in the countryside, with Strathclyde Loch, a watersports centre, M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, adventure playgrounds and more that the whole family can enjoy.

Nearby, Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is bursting with family-friendly things to do. Explore the exhibition hall full of working machinery, let the kids blow off steam at the adventure play park, and experience the underground mine and miners’ cottages.

This free day out is a fantastic choice to keep the family entertained. Step inside the 14th century Dean Castle and admire the detailed and intricate collections on display, or head out and explore the 200-acre country park. Home to parkland lime trees, ornamental pines, and great oaks, follow along the trails and paths and discover the park for yourself. Make sure you stop by the visitor centre and grab a bite to eat in the Treehouse Café before you go.

Delve into the life and works of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire. Visit the cottage where Burns was born and lived in his early childhood, browse over 5,000 artefacts and displays in the museum, and explore famous locations mentioned in Burns's poems, including Brig o’Doon and Alloway Auld Kirk.

One of the grandest and most ethereal looking castles in Scotland, Culzean Castle is not to be missed. Perched on the Ayrshire clifftops, Culzean encompasses all the features of a true fairytale castle – a dramatic oval staircase, turrets, elegant rooms, and an estate filled with woodlands, a Swan Pond, an ice house, and formal gardens.

This outdoor space is a haven for those looking to explore their artistic side. Whether you’re interested in cosmology, wellbeing, or just looking to explore somewhere new, there are plenty of paths and areas to discover at Crawick Multiverse. Admire the landforms and installations, or why not stop over and stay the night at the onsite campsite if you’re travelling in a motorhome or campervan?

Adventure awaits at Drumlanrig Castle! This magical pink castle is set amongst rolling green landscapes and features its own estate with glorious Victorian Gardens, a woodland adventure playground, and plenty of nearby trails to uncover. Head on a castle tour where you can dive in deeper to the history of the Douglas Family, who have been tied to the castle for over 600 years, as well as browsing intricate displays and collections that date back centuries.

West Kilbride is a scenic village on the Ayrshire coast that boasts immense views across to the Isle of Arran. Take a wander to the beach through Seamill, see the nearby Portencross Castle that dates back to the 1360s, play a round or two of golf at West Kilbride Golf Club, or take a walk up Law Hill or Tarbet Hill to enjoy some great views.

Head just 15 minutes north to the town of Largs, famed for its history with the Vikings when a fleet of longboats attempted to land in 1263 but were ultimately held off by Alexander III’s army. Across the town you can experience festivals, battle reenactments, and living history displays to commemorate this victory.

Did you know Cumbrae is Scotland’s most accessible island? This small but mighty island sits just off the coast from Largs and offers great opportunities for cycling as well as community events, and fun activities the kids will love.

Before you head back into Glasgow, stop in at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to stretch your legs. As Scotland’s largest regional park, there are plenty of routes, trails, and paths to explore on foot or by bike, with outdoor activities on Castle Semple Loch you can enjoy too. If you’ve had enough adventures on your trip, pop in for a coffee and cake and soak up the views before you head home instead.