Day Trips & Day Tours from Glasgow
Fancy a brilliant day trip or day tour from Glasgow ? With this dynamic city being so centrally located in Scotland, there are plenty of historic attractions, castles, lochs, outdoor activities and remarkable landscapes either right on Glasgow's doorstep or a moderate distance away.
Best of all, you've got options when it comes to how to go - you could book an organised tour, hop aboard public transport or take the car to enjoy a road trip! Here are some ideas on how to have a great day out from Glasgow.
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Loch Lomond Shores
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
By Tour Bus
An organised one-day tour is often a great way to experience many of Scotland's icons, from breathtaking landscapes to the amber-coloured delights of Scotch whisky.
It's time to re-think what you think you know about coach trips - tour buses are often luxurious and compact, accommodating small numbers for a more personal experience. Many also boast green initiatives which allows them to off-set their carbon emissions.
Find a day tour from Glasgow .
Tour operators who offer one-day trips from Glasgow include Timberbush Tours , Rabbies Tours , Discover Scotland Tours , Haggis Adventures and Highland Experience . For many, it can take the stress out of travel as you don't have to worry about navigation - instead, soak up the views from the window and listen to your knowledgeable guide tell you stories about the area.
But where do they go, we hear you asking? There are a number of destinations to pick from, depending on what is on offer from the tour operator. You'll find that there are trips which take in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs , Oban and Glencoe , and Perthshire - some even go as far as Loch Ness ! Tours follow the most scenic routes and take breaks at viewpoints with stunning views. On some trips, the bus will make a stop at a distillery, where you can take a tour and discover whisky-making secrets.
Stirling Castle
With the car, you can enjoy the freedom of the road and can head off in almost any direction.
It's amazing where you can travel to from Glasgow in an hour or two! Help reduce carbon emissions and rent an electric car/vehicle (EV) which you can collect in Glasgow from a company like 365 Luxury Car Hire which offers a fleet of Teslas.
Find a reliable map of all the EV charge points in Scotland at ChargePlace Scotland , Scotland’s national EVcharging network; and Net Zero Nation .
If you're keen to see some of our coastline, head to Ayrshire and follow the coastal roads to the impressive Culzean Castle and Country Park . On the way, plan stops at Ayrshire's seaside towns, such as Troon . You could return to Glasgow via Dumfries House , a stunning 18th century house with exquisite gardens.
From Glasgow, Stirling and Falkirk are less than 40 minutes' drive. In and around these places there is a huge range of fantastic attractions to visit, including Stirling Castle , the National Wallace Monument , the Battle of Bannockburn Centre , the Falkirk Wheel , and The Helix , home to The Kelpies by Andy Scott. Make it a round trip by returning via the Trossachs taking in the Lake of Menteith , Aberfoyle and Balloch at the south of Loch Lomond. This route also takes in Blair Drummond Safari Park whilst Doune Castle is just a short detour.
For a day trip which allows you to see more of those famous bonnie, bonnie banks, head north west of the city and travel along the shores of Loch Lomond before heading over the Rest and Be Thankful pass to the charming historic town of Inveraray on Loch Fyne. It's a splendid drive which takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Instead of returning the same way, you could travel back via Tyndrum and Crianlarich , and visit attractions along the way such as Cruachan Power Station and the crumbling Kilchurn Castle . Why not find lochs Near Edinburgh and Glasgow for a fun-filled day out?
That's just the tip of the iceberg - there are plenty more ideas for brilliant road trips in Scotland!
Cyclists passing Lion Rock
© Kenny Lam
By Public Transport
Scotland's national and local rail and bus networks connect Glasgow with some wonderful places all across the country.
From Glasgow, it's easy to visit one of Scotland's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. New Lanark , a restored 18th century cotton mill village, is easily reached by taking a train to Lanark and then jumping on a local bus to this fantastic family friendly attraction.
Did you know you can escape to the coast by train in under an hour, and then 'hop' to an island in the Firth of Clyde? It's just a 45 minute train journey to Ardrossan , and then a 55 minute ferry crossing to the pretty Isle of Arran , often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature'. Once on Arran, you can explore the port of Brodick , or catch a local bus round the island.
Largs has been a popular seaside destination for generations of Scots, and today this coastal town still makes for a jolly day out by the sea. The train from Glasgow takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, stroll along the promenade with an ice cream or jump aboard the ferry and take the short crossing to the Isle of Cumbrae . Here you might want to hire a bike at Millport and discover the island on two wheels, or discover Millport's attractions as you wander round the tiny island town.
Or, take the train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay where you can catch the ferry to the Isle of Bute . The ferry arrives in Rothesay where you can get a local bus to the magnificent Mount Stuart , Britain's most spectacular Gothic house.
Should you be more excited by the thought of seeing Scotland's capital than its coastline, then jump aboard one of the regular train or bus services to Edinburgh . Lying just 45 miles east of Glasgow, you'll find that it doesn't take long before you are walking over the ancient cobbles of the Royal Mile , admiring the stunning city skyline from Arthur's Seat , or exploring world-class attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland .
Remember, you can use Traveline Scotland to help you plan days out by public transport.
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Scotland Tours & Trips from Glasgow
Find your perfect adventure! We have 38 tours of Scotland that start in Glasgow, Scotland. The most popular month is June, and tour lengths range between 2 and 16 days.
38 Scotland tour packages from Glasgow with 613 reviews
- Christmas & New Year
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
It was really beautiful! And the guide Shelby was fantastic!
- 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
- Active Adventure
- Coach / Bus
Majestic Scotland (7 Days)
- In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Scotland
This was a tour beyond my groups expectations. Everything was done with excellence.
Scotland: Lochs and Landscapes
- €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
- Train & Rail
- Sightseeing
Bonnie Scotland
Rosanne was an amazing tour guide. She was so animated and filled with advanced history knowledge. There was never a dull moment with Rosanne and she made it a wonderful experience. I wished we stopped off in Loch Ness longer.
Scottish Royal
The tour was very enjoyable. Diane was very knowledgeable and at times humorous. Great group of Canadians on the tour, I was the only American. Highly recommend this couch tour.
Taste of Scotland
Scottish Highlands & Islands
Guide Margerie and Driver Allister excellent. The tour occasionally strenuous; bus rides whole day. Bus quite confortable; Wi-Fi appreciated. Expected more meals included. Big Tour group - 44 Pax - a bit too many for my taste. When I inquired I was told max will be 35.....for me more acceptable. Hotel's fine except Isle of Skye: "Dunollie"- I had a claustrophobic room; no idea where to put my suitcase. After all the add. single room supplement is not little. Itinerary very interesting.
Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour
Well organised in spite of covid and rail strike restrictions. Tour guide Kieran was was superb with his general chat and information, a mine of information and traditional stories.
- Food & Culinary
Scotland Culinary
Scottish Escape
Bus was great, Hotels were good, Gary, the tour guide, was awesome!
Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & The North West Highlands - from Glasgow
We took the highlands tour in the month of may last year. It was really wonderful . Our guide was Billy. I found him a bit rude and racist . Twice he shushed my family member when she was talking to me on the bus. And at the end of the trip when my father went to say good bye to him and thank him for the wonderful tour, he did not acknowledged him and straight away ignored him. That left a bitter after taste in the mouth after such a wonder trip.
Spirit of Outlander - 16 Day Tour
Overall our experience with our tour was good. Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun.
Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands - from Glasgow
Tour guide Michelle was exceptional
Reviews of Scotland Tours from Glasgow
Everything was great-guide,tour,nature...Only you can put more stop to see more attractions which are few min.from mean road. Greetings from Croat8a
We thoroughly enjoyed our Bonnie Scotland tour. The location was beautiful and the trip well organized. Our tour guide, Gavin, was simply the best. Loved the experience!!
Tours starting from Glasgow
- Glasgow to Edinburgh tours (23)
- Glasgow to Glasgow tours (13)
- Family from Glasgow (27)
- Explorer from Glasgow (21)
- In-depth Cultural from Glasgow (20)
- Coach / Bus from Glasgow (19)
- Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
- Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
International Versions
- Deutsch: Schottland Rundreisen ab Glasgow
- Français: Circuits Écosse au départ de Glasgow
- Español: Circuitos por Escocia desde Glasgow
- Nederlands: Schotland Rondreizen die starten in Glasgow
Scotland Tours From Glasgow
Outstanding scotland tours from glasgow.
As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is bursting with exciting activities and interesting historical visits. One of Scotland’s top destinations, the city can also be a convenient base to explore more of Scotland.
Head out of the city, and there is so much of Scotland to see. The picturesque Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is just a short drive away. It’s easy to reach Loch Ness, Glen Coe and the scenic Western Highlands too - all these destinations are covered in our tours from Glasgow.
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Loch Ness and the Highlands
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle
Oban, Glen Coe, West Highland Lochs and Castles
Glimpse of Scotland
Isle of Skye Explorer
Road to the Isles
Scottish Dream
Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides
Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides
Day tours from glasgow.
Glasgow is surprisingly close to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. This makes the city the perfect hub to discover this beautiful region’s historic attractions, breathtaking landscapes and mesmerising folklore.
Loch Ness Tour
Experience dramatic scenery on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands day tour from Glasgow. There’s even the chance to go in search of “Nessie”, the elusive Loch Ness Monster !
Explore all things Outlander on a day tour to see the filming locations used in the hit TV series, including the real Castle Leoch, Cranesmuir village and Black Jack Randall’s Headquarters.
Scenic Glasgow Day Tours
Take a full-day tour to Oban to experience picture-perfect west coast seascapes combined with fairy-tale castles and picturesque towns.
Close to Glasgow lies the glorious Trossachs region, often described as the “Highlands in Miniature.” Visit this picturesque area on the Loch Lomond tour from Glasgow .
Also included is the chance for a gentle cruise to see the “Bonnie, Bonnie Banks” and a visit ancient Stirling Castle .
Our day trips from Glasgow are the ideal complement to your city break.
Scottish Highland Tours from Glasgow
Experience epic and unspoilt landscapes as you discover the great outdoors, then enjoy cultural pit stops at prehistoric sites and ancient castles. Take a walk on iconic battlefields to learn how Scotland’s history was shaped by bloody conflict.
Whether you choose one of our short breaks in the Highlands or an extended island adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Short Breaks from Glasgow
For a real taste of Scotland, take the relaxing Glimpse of Scotland tour . This two-day showcase package includes the bleak wilderness of Rannoch Moor and the striking mountains of Glen Coe.
Enjoy a night by the banks of Loch Ness, then search for the elusive Nessie before visiting evocative Culloden Moor.
Scottish Island Vacations
If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, a bit of island-hopping comes highly recommended. Our Scottish island holidays can take you to the stunning Inner Hebridean islands of Islay, Mull and Iona.
Enjoy a tour to the beautiful Isle of Arran , known as "Scotland in Miniature". Famous for it's mountain peaks and gentle island scenery, it makes the perfect short break.
Explore the northerly Orkney islands, where the rich prehistoric history has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Outer Hebrides tours from Glasgow will let you explore this chain of magical islands that sit 30 miles from Scotland’s northwest coast. Inhabited by Neolithic settlers and, later, Viking invaders these islands have a unique history and culture just waiting to be discovered.
Highland Tours from Glasgow
Skye tour from Glasgow
Saddle up for an incredible 3 days to explore the enchanting Isle of Skye .
Tour through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and discover island highlights like the Cuillin Mountains, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.
Best Scottish Vacations
Explore Scotland’s famous lochs, mountains and castles on a luxury escorted tour from Glasgow.
With luxury hotel accommodation, many meals and all admission fees included, the 8-day Scottish Dream tour offers the ultimate Scottish adventure.
Highlands and Islands Coach Tours
Scotland’s islands are waiting to be experienced. Why not include one or more in your Scotland Tour to discover their unique character and culture.
Explore the stunning Inner Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona or head to Islay, famed for its distinctive whisky.
Venture further afield to discover the stunning Outer Hebrides or the beautiful Orkney Islands
The 8 best day trips from Glasgow for lochs, islands, and highlands
Feb 6, 2022 • 5 min read
From nearby beauty spots to scenic coastal escapes, here are the best day trips from Glasgow © Digital Vision / Getty Images
With Glasgow’s renowned nightlife and music scene, its ever-growing culinary reputation, expansive parks and revered museums, you can have a ball without ever venturing outside the city limits. But thanks to its geographical position, Glasgow is the perfect base from which to enjoy Scotland’s raw nature and dramatic scenery.
To the north, south, east or west, here are eight of the best day-trip destinations from Glasgow.
See renowned L och Lomond and the charming village of Luss
One of the country’s most treasured spots, Loch Lomond and its surrounds offer beauty by the beach, on the water, and way up high. Whether you choose to go for a stroll on the shore at charming Luss village, paddle a kayak to one of the loch’s many islands from lush Balmaha , or conquer your first Munro in 974m (3195ft) Ben Lomond , this national park offers postcard-perfect sights from almost every angle.
How to get to there from Glasgow
It's best to take the car; it’s a 35-minute drive from Glasgow. Public transport is available, with a train station at Balloch on the loch’s southern edge.
Get a dose of Scottish history at Stirling Castle
Often overlooked for its more widely-known neighbor in Scotland’s capital, Stirling Castle is just as grand, if not more so, than its Edinburgh counterpart. Perched atop a volcanic rock, the castle is as dramatic as it is historic. Overlooking the famous battlegrounds of Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, Stirling Castle has played vital roles in the stories of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.
How to get to there from Glasgow
Stirling is just a 31-minute train ride from Queen Street station, or a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city center.
Enjoy the best of Scotland's raw nature in the Perthshire Highlands
There are few better places to witness Scotland’s spectacular countryside than in Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire Highlands . Queen’s View offers the perfect platform from which to make the most of the area’s raw nature, with the Schiehallion mountain a beautiful backdrop to the awesome sight of Loch Tummel below. The similarly stunning Faskally Wood breeds an atmosphere of adventure, while Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries — the latter of which is the smallest in Scotland — is where visitors warm up with a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.
Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside is best explored by car, with the town a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Glasgow.
Taste spectacular seafood in Oban
The gateway to the idyllic Hebridean Islands , this quaint harbor town offers picturesque views across the bay to Kerrera and Mull from the excellent vantage point at McCaig’s Tower , the intriguing and unmissable structure modeled on Rome’s Colosseum. For fans of lobster, mussels, and scallops, the call of award-winning seafood would be worth the trip alone. On your drive from Glasgow, consider stops by Castle Stalker (as featured in the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail ) and the similarly impressive Kilchurn Castle on the often unheralded Loch Awe.
While there are trains from Glasgow to Oban, taking a car is quicker (2.5 hours) and allows you to visit many of fantastic sights on the way.
Spend a day on the scenic Isle of Arran
Lovingly described as "Scotland in miniature", for years Arran has proved a west coast sanctuary for Glaswegians keen to escape the city. For the adventurous, a climb up Goat Fell (the origin of the name still remains unclear) is a must, while a more relaxing outing may have you wind down at the excellent whisky distillery . A trip to King’s Cave (of Robert the Bruce fame) and Brodick Castle will give a great insight into the island’s vast history.
Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (approx 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run at least five times daily.
Tour the sights of Edinburgh, Glasgow's fierce rival
Although Glaswegians steadfastly refute suggestions Edinburgh is the better city, they won’t begrudge visitors taking a trip to the capital to admire its awe-inspiring sights. The contrasts between these two neighbors are stark in terms of looks, feel and the locals. A day in Edinburgh would be best enjoyed exploring the castle , trekking up to Arthur’s Seat , and ambling down the Royal Mile in the Old Town . You’ll love it: just don’t harp on about it too much when you return to Glasgow.
Trains runs as often as every 15 minutes from Queen Street Station to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.
Learn about Scotland's great poet, Robert Burns, on the Ayrshire coast
The birthplace of Auld Lang Syne, the Scots song sung around the world every New Year’s Eve, Ayrshire is the home of its creator and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Immerse yourself in the words and stories of the bard at the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage . Drive a little further down the coast and stop by regal Culzean Castle and take in nearby views of iconic island Ailsa Craig.
The Burns Museum can be reached by car in 45 minutes from Glasgow. Public transport options are available, involving taking the train and a local bus.
Cycle around the island of Great Cumbrae
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Largs, the population of this small west coast island balloons when summer arrives, as families descend upon Great Cumbrae to experience its old-world holiday feel. A leisurely 10-mile trip on two wheels around the "island of 1000 bicycles" is almost mandatory, as is a stroll along the promenade with a classic Scottish fish supper. Great Cumbrae is also the home of Britain’s smallest cathedral .
Largs, where the ferry departs from the mainland, is easily accessible by train (1 hour) from Glasgow Central station. Ferries run approximately every half-hour, more frequently in summertime.
You might also like: The 15 best things to do in Glasgow for fun (no kilt required) 27 things you should know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more The best things to do in Scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks
This article was first published November 2019 and updated February 2022
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Scottish Outland Adventure ( 9070 )
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The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:
Meals
meals & itinerary.
Full Scottish breakfast daily; 3 dinners with choice of menus
Itinerary
Day 1 arrive in glasgow, scotland.
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover Scotland’s great cultural city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 GLASGOW–STIRLING–CULROSS–EDINBURGH
Start your day with an orientation drive taking in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares. Continue on to Stirling where you will have time to admire the castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and preferred residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Pause in Culross featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” After arrival in Edinburgh, why not join an optional excursion: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis? Today’s Distance: 69 mi/ 111 km
Day 3 EDINBURGH
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, join an optional tour with dinner. For departure August 11 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 4 EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–CULLODEN MOOR–STRATHPEFFER
A day of memorable sightseeing. Take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing, then cross the Firth of Tay and head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then proceed to your Highland destination. Today’s Distance: 225 mi/ 362 km
Day 5 STRATHPEFFER. WEST COAST EXCURSION
More spectacular Scottish scenery: Dornoch Firth, the Kyle of Sutherland, the Mountains of Assynt, and Knockan Crag. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this afternoon: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a lake cruise, followed by supper. Today’s Distance: 123 mi/ 198 km
Day 6 STRATHPEFFER–ISLE OF SKYE–GLENFINNAN–FORT WILLIAM–GLASGOW
More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. Pause at Glenfinnan to see the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous viaduct well known to “Harry Potter” fans before reaching Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way back to Glasgow. Today’s Distance: 234 mi/ 377 km
Day 7 GLASGOW
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
MATTHEW BELL
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
“ I always tell people that I want them to go home having learned all about our beautiful and historic countries , but also having enjoyed themselves. You're among friends here , and I will look after you from arrival to departure! ”
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Scottish Evening
No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!
Price Range: $$$
Royal Yacht Britannia and Dinner
Discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant!
Strathpeffer
Loch Ness Experience and Supper
The history, legends, and utter majesty of Scotland's most famous lake are revealed on this discovery featuring Loch Ness Centre, a scenic cruise, and dinner!
Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:
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“The Cursed Wonka Tour”: The Best Reactions To The Failed “Chocolate Factory” Experience In Glasgow
M ost of us have probably been in a slump lately and in need of some good, uplifting news. So Glasgow said: “Hold my jelly beans.” The immersive Willy Wonka Experience that went viral last week has been an excellent source of entertainment for people across all social media platforms. And while it wasn’t so fun for the actors involved or the people who bought tickets for $40, the level of absurdity kind of does make one chuckle nonetheless.
For those unaware, we’re talking about the Willy Wonka “immersive experience” (the event even has its own Wikipedia page !). It’s the scam that involved an AI-generated script, a partially decorated warehouse, half cups of lemonade and two jelly beans for the kids, the sad Oompa Loompa , and the unforgettable character “The Unknown,” who supposedly even has its own horror movie coming out in 2024.
Image credits: brutamerica
This is how the organizers advertised the event
Image credits: momentsmediauk
Image credits: willyschocolateexperience
But what should have been a magical experience turned out to be a sad, partially decorated warehouse
This tiktok sums up the fiasco pretty well, one of the parents who attended the now-infamous event, stuart sinclair, shared some pictures on facebook.
Image credits: Stuart Sinclair
Here are some more pictures from the ‘magical experience’
Image credits: CultureCrave
Two parents have shared their experiences of attending the event
Image credits: Good Morning Britain
In short, the whole story goes like this: tickets for an immersive “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” went online, and people rushed to buy them. The ads promised “an adventure brimming with magical creations,” but when people arrived, what they saw was a huge disappointment.
You can see from the pictures that the whole event was a low-budget and low-effort scam. One of the parents who bought tickets and attended it, Stuart Sinclair , wrote on Facebook: “What an absolute shambles of an event.” He detailed how his kids got two jelly beans each and half a cup of lemonade. “Never seen anything like it, was [definitely] an ‘experience,'” the man wrote.
Another parent, Alana Lockens, shared with The New York Times how she had some doubts before the event. Apparently, after she bought the tickets, the organizers updated the website with a legal warning that claimed the event was in no way related to the Wonka franchise owned by Warner Bros.
When she arrived at the event, she was somewhat relieved that there was actually ‘an experience’ taking place. However, that relief was short-lived. “I can laugh about it now, but initially, I just thought it looked ridiculous. It was so poorly done, considering how much the tickets had cost us.” Some parents even called the police, but they left shortly after.
The cherry on top: announcing the cancellation of the event with a piece of cardboard
Image credits: jadikosaur
Both the organizers and the owners of the space where the ‘Willy Experience’ took place spoke out
The company that organized the event, House of Illuminati (the jokes write themselves at this point), issued an official apology . They wrote how sorry they were for the disappointment and promised to issue refunds to those who purchased tickets.
Box Hub, the event space in Glasgow where the “magical experience” took place, issued a statement too. “All comedy aside, we understand that many children and families were left disappointed after traveling from across the country for this event.” They also put the now-infamous “Event Cancelled” cardboard sign up for auction on eBay and promised to donate the profits to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Nobody was expecting Hugh Grant or Timothée Chalamet to show up, but the Walmart versions of the characters still left people disappointed
The actors for “the unknown” and an oompa loompa spoke out on tiktok, the actors have spoken out about the disastrous experience as well.
The people playing the characters were victims of poor planning and a low budget and had to make do with what they had. Two of the actresses who played Oompa Loompas, Kirsty Paterson and Jenny Fogarty, went on to Good Morning Britain to tell their side of the story.
Kirsty said that the organizers gave the actors the script the night before. When they inquired about makeup (Oompa Loompas are orange, after all), the organizers told the actors to “improvise.” The women spoke about how all the actors knew on the day of the event that nothing was going right, but they didn’t want to disappoint the children.
One of the three Willy Wonkas broke his silence as well. 19-year-old Michael Archibald has spoken to Sky News and on his personal TikTok account about his experience as an actor for the event. “I thought it was where dreams went to die,” the actor said. He claims the actors didn’t have any motivation as everything was “incredibly last minute,” and the script was clearly not written by a person.
The AI-generated script is available to read online. And oh, excuse me, Willy Wonka’s name here is actually Willy McDuff, and the Oompa Loompas are, in fact, Wonkidoodles. My mistake! Michael also told Sky News that the organizers scrapped the script on the day of the event and told the actors to “make things up.”
Despite the many mishaps, Archibald tried to find the positive. “The kids were absolute wonders. They were just so lovely. They were wanting photos and were getting really excited. And I just wanted to make sure that I did my role as best as I could and make their day just that little bit better.”
Who is this mysterious “The Unknown?”
Perhaps the character that has garnered the most interest from people on social media is The Unknown. The video where Wonka’s actor introduces it with the words “What is that? It’s The Unknown!” has gone viral and sparked countless memes and speculations about who was behind the mask. And no, it’s not the “missing” Kate Middleton . The actor behind the character is 16-year-old Felicia. She made a few TikToks about her experience, answering frequently asked questions from people.
Felicia said that, according to the script, the character is a chocolate maker that “lives in the walls” (!?). Apparently, it’s canon that this character is a lifelong nemesis of Willy’s. There was even supposed to be a fight between them at the end, but the actor behind The Unknown said that this ending got scrapped.
The production didn’t have a “giant hoover” that The Unknown could get sucked into after losing to the protagonist. Felicia said that this kind of ending just wasn’t possible under the circumstances, even if it was in the script. “One of the organizers just told us: ‘Just improv it. Just do what you want.’ And me and the Willy Wonka were like: ‘How can we do whatever we want for that?'” Felicia also said that this was her first-ever paid acting job.
There has been news that there’s a horror movie in the works about The Unknown. I’d recommend taking the announcement with a grain of salt, as the production company that is supposedly distributing it doesn’t seem entirely legitimate. However, even if it’s not real, kudos to those who came up with it for their commitment to take the memery of this whole disaster to a whole new level.
Naturally, the Internet had a field day with this DashCon and Fyre Fest-level disaster
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'Fiasco': Willy Wonka experience in Scotland creates sour taste for ticket buyers
When willy wonka fans bought tickets to the willy's chocolate experience in scotland, they expected to get to eat their way through a re-creation of the chocolate factory. the reality fell far short..
A Willy Wonka-themed event in Scotland marketed as a place "where dreams come to life" turned sour last weekend, with police arriving and attendees wanting refunds.
At least those who ventured to Willy's Chocolate Experience in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Saturday are apparently getting their money back.
A U.K. event company called House of Illuminati promised attendees chocolate fountains, performances by Oompa Loompas and "a celebration of chocolate in all its delightful forms," the company promised on its website about the event based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Instead, when the venue opened on Saturday, Feb. 24, ticket-buyers found a sparsely decorated warehouse with a pair of women with green wigs – apparently the Oompa Loompas – and an actor portraying Willy Wonka, who looked more like an Oompa Loompa than Wonka.
Spring break: US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for travelers
Willy Wonka actor calls Glasgow, Scotland event a 'fiasco'
"I feel for anyone who bought tickets to this event, people who were expecting a magical chocolate experience and got me in a top hat in a dirty warehouse in Glasgow," said Paul Connell, an actor and comic who posted videos about the experience on TikTok and spoke to BBC Radio about the "fiasco," as he called it.
Connell said he and the other actors "were furious."
"We’d been conned, as well, and it did turn quite scary at one point because people were angry," he said.
Still, the actors tried to do as best they could for children in attendance, he told the BBC.
But, "there was lots of shouting and groups of people getting very, very irate," he said.
Children were crying with disappointment, Eva Stewart, 19, of East Kilbride, Scotland told the BBC . Instead of "this big massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets … it was practically an abandoned, empty warehouse, with hardly anything in it," she said.
Father: Wonka experience 'an absolute con'
It took two minutes to see all the sights and then Stuart Sinclair came across "a queue of people surrounding the guy running it complaining," he said in a Facebook post with pictures showing the venue.
Calling the event "an absolute con," he added: "The kids received two jelly babies and a quarter of a can of bars limeade."Sinclair told The New York Times that he drove two hours and paid about $44 per ticket to bring his three children. “There was maybe 20 chairs, a couple of tables and a half-inflated bouncy castle,” he told the Times.
Police responded to the Box Hub Warehouse mid-day Saturday to find angry attendees wanting refunds, the BBC reported . It was not clear who called the police, the Times reported.The event was shut down and the organizers refunded tickets and apologized for the “very stressful and frustrating day,” The Guardian reported .
Company responds to 'fiasco'
The company organizing the event, the House of Illuminati, released a statement.
"Unfortunately, last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realize we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead," the company statement said.
A Facebook group continues to discuss refunds and how promotional imagery was likely generated by artificial intelligence.
"The event organizers apparently used artificial intelligence to generate promotional images that suggested a very high-quality attraction, which looked just like the immersive and trippy Wonka-esque world that the ad copy promised," The Hollywood Reporter reported . "Ticket buyers needed pure imagination to think it looked anything like a fantastical chocolate factory."
Connell said he thought his Wonka script was "AI-generated gibberish."
House of Illuminati promises refunds for its Willy Wonka-themed event
"I am truly sorry for any upset and disappointment caused at the weekend. Refunds have been issued and will continue to do so," the House of Illuminati company said on its Facebook page . "This was an event gone wrong, the house of illuminati will NOT be holding any event in the foreseeable future."
So much for the most wonderful place in the whole world.
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider .
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Glasgow Willy Wonka experience called a ‘farce’ as tickets refunded
Event billed as immersive ‘celebration of chocolate’ cancelled after children left in tears at sparsely decorated warehouse
It was billed as a “celebration of chocolate in all its delightful forms” but ended up a tragic tale worthy of an Oompa-Loompa song.
Police were called to a venue in Glasgow last weekend after furious families who had spent hundreds of pounds on the Willy’s Chocolate Experience complained about the “awful” event that left children in tears and was abruptly cancelled midway through.
The event organiser, House of Illuminati, which charged up to £35 for tickets, promised an “immersive experince” based on the Warner Bros film Wonka, which stars Timothée Chalamet as the young chocolate entrepreneur and was an instant hit with children and grownups over the festive period.
The event publicity promised giant mushrooms, candy canes and chocolate fountains, along with special audio and visual effects, all narrated by dancing Oompa-Loompas – the tiny, orange men who power Wonka’s chocolate factory in the Roald Dahl book which inspired the prequel film.
But instead, when eager families turned up to the address in Whiteinch, an industrial area of Glasgow, they discovered a sparsely decorated warehouse with a scattering of plastic props, a small bouncy castle and some backdrops pinned against the walls.
After an immediate and angry response from early arrivals who demanded their money back, organisers called a halt to the event only hours after opening, but failed to inform later attenders, some of whom had travelled substantial distances and are now demanding their train costs be refunded too.
A Facebook group has been set up by furious families, who described their children crying with disappointment at the event which was scheduled to run on Saturday and Sunday and lambasted the event as a “farce” and the organisers as “cowboys”.
Police Scotland confirmed that officers had been called to the venue after complaints.
Paul Connell, an actor who had been hired by the company to perform at the event, told STV News of his shock when he arrived at the warehouse and realised that the rubric he had been given was impossible to fulfil because none of the promised props or special effects were there.
“My heart sank looking around … I just felt sad because I was aware of how many kids were going to be coming through.
“We were told to hand the kids a couple of jelly beans and a quarter cup of lemonade at the end.”
Connell said that when he asked the organisers what he should do with the script he was told to improvise.
In a statement, House of Illuminati apologised to customers for the “very stressful and frustrating day”.
“Unfortunately, last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realise we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead,” it said.
The organisers confirmed that full refunds would be given to customers, which could take up to 10 days.
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A Few Jelly Beans and a World of Disappointment at Willy Wonka Event
Families traveled to Glasgow for an event that claimed to channel the magic of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” They got a couple of jelly beans.
By Amanda Holpuch
Families in Scotland were expecting to taste chocolate treats and observe “optical marvels” at a Willy Wonka-themed event in Glasgow this past weekend. Instead, they got a couple of jelly beans, a short walk around a nearly empty warehouse and a visit from police officers.
The event, Willy’s Chocolate Experience, scheduled for Feb. 24 and 25, promised on event listing websites to include chocolate fountains, performances by Oompa Loompas and interactive experiences inspired by scenes from Roald Dahl’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
One father, Stuart Sinclair, drove two hours from Dundee to take his three children to the event. “There was maybe 20 chairs, a couple of tables and a half-inflated bouncy castle,” he said.
Mr. Sinclair said that he paid 35 pounds, or about $44, per ticket for his two sons, aged 10 and 11, and his daughter, 4, who was dressed in a Willy Wonka costume and had told her preschool teachers how excited she was to go to the event.
“The children got two jelly beans each,” Mr. Sinclair said. “And then they got a half a cup of lemonade.”
Families had booked time slots to enter the venue every 15 minutes and were greeted by rows of unadorned tables and walls of black fabric separating one sparsely decorated space from another.
“As soon as they walked in the door, they were like, ‘wow,’ just shaking their heads and totally in disbelief of how bad it was,” Mr. Sinclair said.
Alana Lockens, of Hamilton, said that after she had bought tickets, she noticed the event website had been updated with a legal warning to say that it was not related to the Wonka franchise, which is owned by Warner Bros. She grew concerned it was a scam and was initially relieved to arrive and see an actual event taking place.
“I can laugh about it now, but initially I just thought it looked ridiculous,” said Ms. Lockens, who went with her ex-husband, a friend and her two children. “It was so poorly done considering how much the tickets had cost us.”
Facing crowds of disappointed families, event organizers abruptly canceled the event Saturday afternoon.
Police Scotland said that officers were called after the event was canceled, but that the police determined they were not needed. It was not clear who called the police.
The event organizer, the House of Illuminati, addressed the complaints on Saturday, saying in a statement that it recognized the event was a disappointment and that it should have canceled it earlier. “We fully apologize for what has happened and will be giving full refunds to each and every person that purchased tickets,” the company said in a statement on its Facebook page, which has since been removed.
The House of Illuminati did not respond to requests for comment.
The event took place at Box Hub, an event space in Glasgow.
Matt Waterfield, the operations manager for Box Hub, said in an email that the House of Illuminati approached him in early January and that the company was entirely responsible for the marketing, promotion and operation of the event. “They dressed the venue on Friday,” he said. “The result was incredibly underwhelming.”
“We are fully on side with the many outraged customers and truly hope that House of Illuminati refunds these families as promised,” he said.
Families who attended the experience and people hired to work at it gathered in a Facebook group to complain about what had happened and to discuss how it would be set right.
Jenny Fogarty, who was hired to play an Oompa Loompa, told The Scotsman that she was given a 15-page script to read the night before the event began and that she received her costume an hour before families arrived.
“The wigs were very cheap,” Ms. Fogarty said. “We were just handed an Amazon box that probably arrived that morning.”
Ms. Fogarty said that she was told she would be paid £16.66 an hour, but that she had not been paid yet.
The event was marketed like immersive experiences that have appeared in cities across the world in the last two decades, such as the Museum of Ice Cream in New York and “ Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience .”
The event’s website built on that suggestion but also hinted that the experience might be of questionable quality.
It promised “a journey filled with delicious treats, enchanting adventures, and moments worth capturing,” and it included elaborate, candy-colored illustrations. Those illustrations were marred by unusual misspellings and phrases, including: “a pasadise of sweet teats” and “exarserdray lollipops.”
Mr. Sinclair said that although his family was disappointed by Willy’s Chocolate Experience, he and his children still made the most of their day in Glasgow, taking his daughter to make her first teddy bear at a Build-a-Bear workshop.
“ The worst part of all,” Mr. Sinclair said, “there was no chocolate.”
Amanda Holpuch is a general assignment reporter. More about Amanda Holpuch
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3 Day Tours from Glasgow
Our 3 day tour from Glasgow takes you to the romantic Isle of Skye, the Highlands and mysterious Loch Ness. Your small group will visit the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and haunting Glencoe,
Day two provides the opportunity to see the best Skye has to offer. From hiking at the Fairy Pools, taking in the sparkling azure waters to strolling through the harbour town of Portree, there’s lots to see and do on this stunning island..
You’ll have the opportunity to visit Eilean Donan Castle and on our visit to Fort Augustus there is the option of taking a Loch Ness monster-hunting boat trip. We continue through ‘Monarch of the Glen’ countryside and the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry, returning to Glasgow via Edinburgh.
Isle of Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness
An island of faerie folklore, single track mountain passes, secret glens, craggy rock formations, crystal clear pools and waterfalls. Rich in history with a vast array of wildlife and spectacular scenery, it’s little wonder the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland.
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Outlander Adventure 1 day tour
Admire three castles and a well-preserved village on this adventure through the sights and stories of Outlander.
Tour Highlights
Doune Castle - In Outlander , it’s the fictional Castle Leoch. And in reality, it’s a stunning castle with a tall gatehouse, an impressive great hall, and lovely views of the River Teith.
Culross - This 16th-century village poses as Cranesmuir in Outlander . It also starred in the movies: Captain America: First Avenger and The 39 Steps .
Falkland - This quaint town in the Kingdom of Fife boasts a beautiful palace and was the location of the 1940’s Inverness scenes.
Midhope Castle* - Jamie’s family home, Lallybroch, is as lovely as it looks in the show.
Blackness Castle - The tough-looking castle looks like it could fend off an entire empire. And in Outlander , it impersonates Fort William.
Your journey
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.
Tour Details
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old).
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
We leave Glasgow and begin to follow the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series.
The journey takes you past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander , Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives you an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. You can also listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Heading north, we stop for lunch at the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland represents 1940’s Inverness. See if you can recognise the familiar sights such as Mrs Baird’s Guesthouses and the Bruce Fountain.
Midhope Castle* is your next highlight. The cosy interior of the house has been re-created in the film studios. In reality, visitors can’t explore the ruins of the castle, instead, you can sit on the iconic steps of Lallybroch and wait for Jamie or Claire to walk through the beautiful archway in the courtyard.
We then travel the short distance to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.
Then, travel back in time once more as your driver-guide takes you to charming Culross. In Outlander , Culross posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir and the home of Geillis Duncan and her ill-fated husband, Arthur. Look carefully while exploring the town's cobbled streets and you may find Claire’s herb garden behind the impressive historic Culross Palace.
After a glimpse into landscapes and stories that inspired Outlander , we return to Glasgow in the early evening.
*Please note that Midhope Castle is closed for approximately 12 weeks from Friday 22nd December 2023 at 3pm.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Blackness Castle
- Doune Castle
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .
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The event took place at Box Hub, an event space in Glasgow. Matt Waterfield, the operations manager for Box Hub, said in an email that the House of Illuminati approached him in early January and ...
On this tour, you get to contrast these two sides of Scotland. You venture to Culzean Castle, a palatial country manor that hosts mazes, awesome architecture, fine coastal views, and tales of smugglers, presidents, and ghosts. And you explore the landscapes that inspired Robert Burns, a poet whose rags to riches story is full of romance and ...
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig & Glencoe. 1 Day Tour from Glasgow. A stunning day tour from Glasgow that takes you to locations from movies such as Skyfall, Highlander and Harry Potter. We'll travel to Glencoe and the 'Road to the Isles', from Fort William to Mallaig, one of Scotland's most scenic routes. Capture the Jacobite Steam Train ...
3 Day Tours from Glasgow. Our 3 day tour from Glasgow takes you to the romantic Isle of Skye, the Highlands and mysterious Loch Ness. Your small group will visit the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and haunting Glencoe, Day two provides the opportunity to see the best Skye has to offer. From hiking at the Fairy Pools, taking in the sparkling azure ...
Check-in closes at 07:45 (tour departs at 08:00) - Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Pick Up, Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (Stance between 23 to 32), Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW *Please note that if your tour departs from 1st April 2024, your tour will depart at 0745. Finishes (approx.) ...
Tour Highlights. Doune Castle In Outlander, it's the fictional Castle Leoch. And in reality, it's a stunning castle with a tall gatehouse, an impressive great hall, and lovely views of the River Teith. Culross This 16th-century village poses as Cranesmuir in Outlander. It also starred in the movies: Captain America: First Avenger and The 39 ...