A short break in Scotland exploring Glasgow
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Image: Barrowland Ballroom
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Start your midweek Scottish adventure with Avanti West Coast

Glasgow, your gateway to endless adventures!

Travel direct from London to Glasgow in just 4 hours 29 mins by Avanti train. No check-in, no passport needed. Discover vibrant streets and serene retreats, embracing the bustling energy and tranquil beauty of the city whilst embarking on onward journeys to explore other parts of Scotland.

Start planning your adventure today with our guide to Glasgow and beyond!

Book your Avanti West Coast Adventure

Direct services from London & the North West with Avanti West Coast

Book a midweek adventure and enjoy quieter services, cheaper fares, and more time to sample everything Glasgow has to offer.

Travel from London to Glasgow midweek and book a minimum of four weeks in advance to grab a ticket from £35. Or take advantage of fares of less than £15 available from stations throughout the north west when you book your tickets a month ahead.

Sit back and watch the world glide by as you arrive direct into the heart of Glasgow by train. No check-in, no passport, no hassle and only 4 hours 29 mins from London.

Book your Avanti West Coast Adventure

8 Reasons to Visit Glasgow

The Hidden Lane
© Glasgow Life / Paul Watt Photography

1. Unique Experiences on a Budget

Many of Glasgow’s most popular attractions are free. But it’s not just museums and galleries – explore the gardens and parks, see colourful art on the mural trail, or take a self-guided walk on a heritage trail.

Find more things to see in Glasgow

The Burrell Collection
© Glasgow Life / Paul Watt Photography

2. Iconic Attractions for Free

Glasgow's top attractions are not only iconic but also completely free to enter. From the renowned Kelvingrove Art Galleries & Museum to the contemporary wonders of the Gallery of Modern Art. Not to mention the Art Fund Museum of The Year 2023, The Burrell Collection, found inside the stunning Pollok Park, complete with Highland cows. Your adventure in Glasgow promises a diverse range of options to explore and enjoy.

Find more iconic attractions

3. Glasgow UNESCO City of Music

Explore Glasgow's world-renowned music scene, pulsating with over 100 weekly events featuring DJs, contemporary, classical, Celtic, and country genres. Soak up the infectious energy of legendary venues in one of the friendliest cities on the planet!

4. SEE MORE OF SCOTLAND FOR LESS WITH SCOTRAIL

Bridge of Orchy railway station
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Easy travel in Scotland

As an Avanti West Coast ticket holder, you can enjoy a 20% DISCOUNT on ScotRail Off-Peak tickets!

And, from big cities to tiny villages. The Highland Rover lets you see it all. The pass gives you four days of unlimited travel over eight consecutive days across the Highlands for £95.

Learn about 20% off ScotRail for Avanti West Coast customers

Finnieston Neighbourhood
© Glasgow Life. All rights reserved.

5. World Class Food & Drink

Glasgow offers an award-winning culinary scene, boasting a delightful array of food and drink options that range from traditional Scottish delicacies to international cuisines from around the globe.

Clydeside
© Glasgow Life / Paul Watt Photography

6. Accommodation for all Budgets

Find cool apartments in popular neighborhoods like the west end and southside, known for their celebrated music scene and fascinating history. Experience the lively city center and its thrilling nightlife, while also discovering peaceful moments. Glasgow has something for everyone, making it an ideal base for exploring Scotland's cultural hub.

7. Unrivalled Events

You're guaranteed to find a great event or world-class festival to enjoy in Glasgow.

Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary

The V&A’s major retrospective of Dame Mary Quant, one of Britain’s most iconic and celebrated fashion designers, will be shown at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 20 May to 22 October 2023, after returning from international tour.

Find out more about Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary

Clydebuilt Festival

The Clydebuilt Festival celebrates all things River Clyde and shipbuilding, so expect a lot of boats! There'll be boat launches and Scotland's biggest open water rowing race, arts and crafts, sea shanties, and food and drink.

Find out more about Clydebuilt Festival

Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF)

SQIFF is an annual festival showcasing the best in independent film made for and by LGBTQIA+ people. The festival is Scotland wide with many events held in Glasgow.

Find out more about SQIFF

PLTFRM FSTVL

Joining in will be Detroits legendary Floorplan, Clara Cuve, techno legend Speedy J, one of the most in demand requests Dj Heartstring, Daria Kolosova, Frazi.er, Julian Muller, Arman John + many more!

Find out more about PLTFRM FSTVL

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2023

A diverse programme of in-person and digital events, celebrating the Glasgow, its heritage and its people. The city is yours to explore…

Find out more about Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2023

Indie Beer Scotland 2023

Scotland’s biggest independent craft beer festival featuring fresh cask beers and craft keg, plus cider & spirits from Scotland’s best independent producers.

Find out more about Indie Beer Scotland 2023

Find out more

Find more events in Glasgow

8. Spectacular Day Trips

Glasgow's central location means it is really easy to explore further, from pretty, coastal communities to iconic Highland landscapes.

Canoe trip on Loch Lomond
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Largs

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

Find more ideas for Largs

Loch Lomond

Head to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond for your next Scottish adventure. The mesmerising loch lies in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by charming villages, rolling countryside, hills and some truly wonderful activities.

Find more ideas for Loch Lomond

Falkirk

Falkirk and the surrounding area is bursting with brilliant contrasts. The area boasts some outstanding attractions, including The Kelpies, The Helix, The Falkirk Wheel, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, the Antonine Wall, and The John Muir Way to name but a few.

Plan a trip to Falkirk

Easy travel around Scotland

Scotland is easily accessible on public transport.

First Bus will take you around Greater Glasgow Area.
Scottish Citylink run coaches to over 200 destinations.
ScotRail trains take you over to the east coast via Edinburgh, up north via Stirling and Perth to Inverness or east to Dunfermline, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Check out our travel in Scotland section for more easy information.

Start your midweek Scottish adventure with Avanti West Coast

Direct services from London & the North West with Avanti West Coast