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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Christina O'Neill

Best day trips for October week less than an hour's drive from Glasgow

It's hard to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, especially when you're trying to limit screen time.

And with the October week on the horizon, what better way to spend time and make memories as a family than a day trip?

Glasgow has some amazing attractions, but adventures away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city are sometimes just what you're after.

We've done the hard work for you by suggesting 10 top places you could drive to in an hour or less... and whether it's something active, chilled or cultured you're after, we've got you covered.

So if you're at a loose end this October week, simply load the kids into the car, pack a picnic and off you go!

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

It's certainly worth the trip to Bracklinn Falls; Victorian bridges, forests to traipse through and spectacular falls. It may be a wee bit too late in the year to take a dip, but it's worth it to fill your lungs with fresh, woodland air and take in the scenery before winter hits.

57 minutes (41.8 miles) via the M80

Ardardan Estate, Argyll and Bute

Explore the walled garden, take a trip along the woodland walk and check out the cute pigs, Highland cows, hens and sheep. It's a working farm which means a chance to spot the animals grazing away - and tractor tours and trailer rides. Something for everyone and, if you forgot the picnic, the home baking at the tearoom is sure to keep you fuelled.

39 minutes (21 miles) from Glasgow via the M8

Culzean Castle and Country Park, Ayrshire

Free to National Trust members and packed to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of Scotland's past. Once the playground of David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassillis, the castle was built in the late 18th century. The rambling estate is home to dozens of buildings and follies, woods, beaches, a parkland, swan pond and cliffs. There's also a large collection of flintlock pistols and military swords - and a children's adventure play area.

One hour four minutes (48 miles) via the M77 and A77 (okay, a wee bit over.)

Whitelee Wind Farm, East Renfrewshire

Whitelee Wind Farm, taken from Queens Park in Glasgow's south side (In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)

Ideal for family outings, dog walking, horse riding, mountain biking, skate boarding and running. It's the UK's largest onshore wind farm, with 215 turbines generating up to 539 megawatts of electricity - which is enough to power just under 300,000 homes! It also has a free visitors centre so you can learn more.

24 minutes (15 miles) from Glasgow via the M77

Maritime Museum, Dumbarton

Delve into the fascinating history of shipbuilding on the Clyde from the 1800s to 1963, check out the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank - FYI it's the length of a football pitch - and see the ship model carriage running.

Find out how to design a vessel and take a peak into a Victorian builder's private drawing office. This is the perfect trip for any budding engineer or maritime enthusiast.

30 minutes (20 miles) via the M8

Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Ayr

Visit rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and birds, see the larger residents including Ralph and Stanley the camels and a host of llamas, ponies, donkeys and goats. Also home to various breeds of monkeys, lemurs and meerkats, and activities including bumper boats, electric tractors and diggers. There's a play area with assault course, giant sand pit, trampolines, ringo sledging and a giant aerial runway.

53 minutes (41 miles) via the M77 and A77

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Stirling

It's been open since 1970, providing a fun-filled adventure day for generations. Features drive-through reserves, a boat safari, amusements, children's play areas and a petting zoo. Youngsters love it – but watch out for the monkeys.

They're also celebrating Halloween with pumpkins, fire-pits and giant hay-bale spiders for a spooktacular day to remember this year.

39 minutes (33 miles) from Glasgow via the M80

Firkin Point, Argyll and Bute

Blow off the cobwebs and see a beautiful part of the world up at Firkin Point. There's a picnic area, walk and cycle route which goes on for three miles north or south of the lochside car park and forms part of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path.

Boasts stunning views of Loch Lomond, wheelchair and pram friendly facilities and toilets. You can take in the jaw-dropping scenery over a lazy autumn afternoon.

54 minutes (40 miles) from Glasgow via the M8 and A82

Eglinton Country Park, North Ayrshire

The country park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of parkland to explore on cycling and walking trails. Peaceful woodland trails and delightful waterside paths aplenty. Check out the ruins and the stunning walled gardens and follow the Irvine and Kilwinning New Town Trail. You'll also find a visitor centre, cafe, children's play area and bird watching facilities.

41 minutes (34 miles) via the M77

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