Top 5 day trips to Scotland

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Here at Stena Line HQ we absolutely love visiting Scotland! Beautiful hotels,  delicious cafes and restaurants,  the most stunning scenery… we could go on and on. There are literally endless holiday options to choose from, but did you ever think of just popping over for the day? It’s budget-friendly, a perfect “mini-break” for anyone with a jam-packed schedule, and a really nice way to test drive the Stena Superfast if you’ve never been onboard before, plus sometimes it’s just really nice to explore a different country, especially since the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan only takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Not sure what to do on your day trip to Scotland? Don’t worry – we’ve done all the planning and have put together our top 5 day trips so you don’t have to.

  1. Day Trip to Glasgow By Coach

Ok, this one sounds like a little bit of a no brainer we know! But how could we not include it on our list? This day trip is available all year round with a choice of midweek and weekend sailings. The coach brings you right into the heart of Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to be precise. If you’re determined to hit your FitBit goal then walking around the city will be the easiest way to discover some hidden gems. But if you’d prefer to conserve your energy the city bus services are frequent, or hop on the City Sightseeing Bus Tour to see Glasgow’s most popular attractions. Shopping in Glasgow is a shopaholic’s dream! Head straight to Glasgow’s “Style Mile” which includes Buchanan Street, Argyle Street & Merchant City.  Then you can refresh yourself in Merchant Square, home to a countless number of bars & restaurants. If you’re a frequent traveller to Glasgow why not visit the City’s trendy West End, namely the beautiful Ashton Lane? It’s home to some of Glasgow’s most iconic and renowned restaurants including The Ubiquitous Chip, and did we mention it’s really pretty too!

Get there from only £12 return per person! Click here to find out more.

2. Day trip to M&D’s Theme Park

Otherwise known as Scotland’s Theme Park, M&D’s is a leisurely 2 hour drive from Cairnryan Port. Take your pick from driving your own car, or choose the coach transfer option instead. Both day trip options include an unlimited ride wristband which, you’ve guessed means you can try all of the rollercoasters as many times as you want, plus a round of golf on Devil’s Island. But you will have to pay separately if you want to visit Amazonia or try out the Disco Boats and Bungee Trampolines. Find out more here.

3. Luxury Afternoon Tea at The 5* Glenapp Castle

Did somebody say homemade scones with jam and cream?! Glenapp Castle is truly breathtaking, with stunning surroundings, and views out to Ailsa Craig who could say no? The day starts with a relaxing trip across the water. On arrival in Cairnryan you’ll be met by hotel staff for the short 20 minute drive to the hotel. Served in the Drawing Room & Library the delicious menu includes a selection of finger sandwiches, strawberry tart, praline choux buns, macaroons, carrot cake and a selection of teas and coffees.

Find out more by clicking here.

4. A Day At The Races

Did you know Ayr Racecourse is home to the Scottish Grand National and the Ayr Gold Cup, plus it’s Scotland’s only Grade 1 racetrack? In 2019 there’s 32 fixtures, and includes 10 festival and feature days! That means it’s time to glam up or get your most stylish suit on. Ayr Racecourse has ample free parking if you wanted to take a day trip by car, but we also offer day trips by coach to the Doonside Cup, Ayr Gold Cup & Tennent’s Raceday. Find out more by clicking here.

5. Day Trip By Coach to Ayr

This is one of our most popular day trips to Scotland! For anyone that hasn’t been, Ayr is a gorgeous seaside town in the heart of Robert Burns Country. There’s a beautiful esplanade with a long sandy beach, lots of shopping and three public golf courses. For something a little bit different there’s even a handmade arts and craft fair once a month in The Grain Exchange called @HandMadeAyr. It’s the perfect day trip if you love a relaxed day out by the sea. Find out more here.

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Stena Line have a great range of day trips to Scotland on our Belfast to Cairnryan route all year round. For more information just click here.