This tour incorporates the Glengoyne, Auchentoshan and Clydeside, Jackton, Luss and Rosebank Distilleries.

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow offers a plethora of activities for people of all ages, interests and whisky tastes – if you have time, take at least a week and make the most of this vibrant city.

The Clydeside Distillery is close to the city centre, so we’ve chosen three whisky bars there and two family-friendly activities, but there is so much more to see!

The Bon Accord

The Bon Accord has been cultivated carefully over the years into a specialist whisky bar, winning multiple awards including the Whisky Bar of the Year. It's a haven for real ale enthusiasts and whisky drinkers alike, or even just those who love their world famous steak pie. They're home to The Bon Accord Whisky Society and many other whisky societies in Glasgow, and also help run Glasgow's Whisky Festival.

The Bon Accord, North Street, Glasgow

Scotch Malt Whisky Society at Bath Street

The SMWS at Bath Street has an amazing 670 bottles available by the dram, and more than 500 bottles in the shop - that's impressive by anyone's standards. Their Manager Calum Lawson is an expert and promises some very special bottlings and harder-to-find older bottles that you won't see elsewhere. As with all the SMWS venues, the decor is fabulous - The Snug is a comfortable and cosy private space, and they have a dedicated Tasting Room and dining booths at the rear of the Members' Room.

The Pot Still

The Pot Still has an incredible selection of whiskies – more than 700 to choose from, as well as cask ales and traditional homemade pies (a “warm hug on a cold day”). It’s family-run so there’s great service and a lovely atmosphere, plus whisky tasting sessions throughout the year. In 2018 they were awarded an AA Hospitality Award for Pub of the Year Scotland, and in 2019 Whisky Magazine’s Icon of Whisky Scotland Whisky Bar of the Year – not bad!

The Ben Nevis Bar

The Ben Nevis Bar is an intimate Scottish bar with a great selection of whisky and beer, located in Glasgow’s trendy Finneston area. It’s renowned on the Scottish traditional music scene for its regular sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and is a mere 15-minute walk from the Clydeside Distillery.

The Good Spirits Co.

The Good Spirits Co. works with scores of distilleries and independent bottlers to ensure they always have a wide selection of new, interesting and tasty whiskies. They run regular public tastings in their purpose built tasting room, but if you’re just dropping in they'll be happy to talk you through what’s on their shelves, and they always have a wide range of bottles open for tasting - they know that the best way to help somebody find the whisky that’s right for them is to let them taste it!

The Good Spirits Co., Bath St, Glasgow

Glasgow Science Centre

The Glasgow Science Centre offers so much – there really is something for everyone. At Distillery Tours, we’re particular fans of the Question of Perception and the Bodyworks experiences, but take a look at their website to see the full range. In addition to their more traditional science-related activities, they also have an IMAX cinema, which is a fun way to relax of an evening.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove has 22 themed galleries displaying a whopping 8000 objects, all available to view for free. This extensive collection is internationally-significant and includes work from the Scottish architect, designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Understandably, Kelvingrove’s website doesn’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to see for yourself. Oh, and the surrounding Kelvingrove Park is lovely for a picnic too!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The Glengoyne and Auchentoshan distilleries lie north of Glasgow and there is plenty to explore once you leave the city too...

Mugdock Country Park

About half way between the Auchentoshan and Glengoyne distilleries is Mugdock Country Park near Milngavie. The Park has 270 hectares of woodland, moorland and heathland, connected by a network of paths, and contains a loch, two castles, a stables complex and walled garden. There are some lovely walks round the park, a children’s playpark and adventure trail, and a packed events calendar throughout the year – including workshops and a cinema club at Mugdock Theatre.

Loch Lomond

A half hour’s drive west from the Glengoyne Distillery is the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park, which is an area of outstanding beauty – especially as it’s a relatively short trip from Scotland’s biggest city – and gives a taste of the kind of scenery to expect when travelling further north.

Loch Lomond has plenty to see and do – from the Sea Life Centre on a rainy day, to a cruise on the Loch itself; from pony trekking with a “small herd of well-mannered ponies”, to a walk along the banks or through the woods, Loch Lomond is incredibly beautiful.

Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond

A Little Further Afield...

Head out of the city and to Falkirk to discover more about the town's Rosebank Distillery. While there take the time to visit some of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions - the magnificent Kelpies located in Helix Park and the Falkirk Wheel, a true marvel of engineering and the World's only rotating boat lift.

The Kelpies

Accommodation

In Glasgow city centre, you can’t go wrong with the Radisson Blu Hotel. A two-minute walk from Central Station, the hotel is architecturally stunning and does a mean breakfast. Slightly cheaper but no less lovely is The Grasshoppers, a luxury boutique hotel with cupcakes provided on arrival. Slightly up the hill is the Blythswood Square Hotel, originally a Georgian Townhouse, now a fabulous hotel with restaurant.

In Loch Lomond and the Trossachs hotels and B&Bs are prolific and there’s plenty of people to match, so book early.

We like the Lodge on Loch Lomond – the food is good, the views are mesmerising, the rooms are lovely, and many of them have balconies overlooking the loch. You can even arrive by boat at the hotel’s personal jetty. A half hour’s drive north of the Glengoyne Distillery is the insanely romantic Altskeith Country House, a luxury Bed & Breakfast with four poster beds, open log fire and a conservatory overlooking Loch Ard. Or if you fancy caravanning, self catering or glamping, the Lomond Woods Holiday Park is great – pet friendly, walking distance from Loch Lomond, restaurants and bars, and there’s even hot tubs.