Villages near Glasgow
For those looking for a serene lifestyle within easy reach of Scotland’s largest city, the villages near Glasgow offer a perfect balance of countryside charm and urban convenience.
From affluent commuter villages like Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir to more rural, nature-focused areas like Drymen, there are plenty of villages near Glasgow to suit a variety of preferences.
Combining access to the beautiful countryside with local amenities, close proximity to larger towns, and easy commuting distance to Glasgow, the following villages are perfect for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Alloway
Alloway is a suburb of Ayr in South Ayrshire along the banks of the River Doon. Known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, it also serves as the setting for his famous poem “Tam o’ Shanter.”
Despite its suburban status, this former village retains much of its village charm.
Alloway is home to the highly regarded Alloway Primary School. Additionally, there is a pharmacy and medical centre, a local grocery store and post office, an artisan bakery shop, and Poets Corner cafe.
For the sports-minded, there is a range of sports facilities at Cambusdoon Sports Club and Ayr Rugby Club, and for golf enthusiasts, the world-renowned golf courses of Turnberry and Royal Troon are a short drive away.
There is a regular bus service to the nearby town of Ayr, which offers a range of supermarket and retail shopping, transport, and recreation options.
Easy access to the A77/M77, means Glasgow is less than an hour by car.
Eaglesham
Eaglesham is a conservation village renowned for its late 18th-century design and architecture.
The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for leisurely walks, fishing, and access to several well-regarded golf courses.
There are a range of shops for everyday conveniences, as well as an up-market hotel, bars, restaurants, and a well-regarded primary school.
Additionally, Eaglesham falls within the catchment area for some of the country’s most esteemed secondary schools, with prominent independent schools easily accessible on Glasgow’s south side.
Eaglesham has regular bus services to Glasgow city centre. There are also excellent motorway links offering quick access to Glasgow, Ayrshire, and beyond. Nearby train stations at Busby and Clarkston further improve connectivity, while both Glasgow and Prestwick airports are within easy reach.
Cardross
Cardross is a charming village located on the banks of the River Clyde. Another of the popular villages near Glasgow that offer a variety of amenities. These include a local pharmacy, restaurant, bars, and also a well-regarded primary school.
For outdoor and leisure activities, the village is home to Cardross Golf Club, as well as tennis and bowling clubs.
The scenic landscapes in the area provide plenty of spots for walks and relaxation.
There are regular train services from Cardross Station to both Glasgow and Helensburgh. The nearby M8 motorway is also easily accessible. The village’s proximity to Dumbarton and Helensburgh also provides a broader range of shopping, dining, and leisure options just a short distance away.
Bridge of Weir
Next on our list of popular villages near Glasgow is Bridge of Weir. The village offers a delightful setting with a variety of local shops and amenities to meet daily needs.
The village is within the catchment area for Gryffe High School and also has its own primary school. The renowned private school, St Columba’s School is also nearby in Kilmacolm.
There is an express bus service to Glasgow and convenient access to the bypass that connects to the M8 motorway. This provides convenient routes to Glasgow city centre, Paisley, Braehead Shopping Centre, and Glasgow Airport.
Bridge of Weir boasts two golf courses, opportunities for fishing on the River Gryffe, and a selection of village pubs.
Kilmacolm
Kilmacolm is a lively village surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for walking and cycling. Nearby Castle Semple Loch offers inland sailing whilst The Firth of Clyde marinas provide excellent facilities for coastal sailing.
Glasgow is just 17 miles away, with major shopping centres nearby. The village itself has a supermarket, boutique stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. The community centre and library form the heart of the village, regularly hosting a Saturday farmers market.
Residents enjoy a strong social scene, with clubs for golf, tennis, and bowling. There is also a fitness centre nearby at Birkmyre Park.
Kilmacolm Golf Club, a mile from the village, features an 18-hole course designed by James Braid.
There is a primary school in the village as well as the prestigious St Columba’s School. Regular buses go to Glasgow, rail connections are available from Langbank and Johnstone, and the M8 motorway is easily accessible.
Drymen
Drymen is a picturesque conservation village set within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Sitting among stunning scenery, this tranquil village is serviced by village shops, pubs, hotels, and a bakery, as well as a well-regarded primary school. The nearest secondary school is in Balfron which is approximately 12 minutes away.
Drymen is an ideal place for walking and hiking with easy access to the West Highland Way and for golfers there is a choice of 2 beautiful courses.
Drymen is close to both Glasgow and Stirling with Glasgow around 18 miles and Stirling around 22 miles away by car. Additionally, nearby Balloch Station provides rail services to Glasgow.
Neilston
Neilston is one of the highly sought-after villages near Glasgow for commuters. Situated about two miles beyond Barrhead, with Glasgow’s southside approximately six miles away and the city centre around 12 miles, it is an ideal location.
The village provides a leisure centre, library, two primary schools, local shops, and pubs, and a train station with direct 30-minute services to Glasgow Central. Nearby Barrhead offers supermarkets, high street shops, and local dining options.
The village falls within the catchment area for the highly acclaimed East Renfrewshire schools.
Neilston has a variety of local walking routes and trails. Additionally, the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are only a 45-minute drive away.
Torrance
Torrance, a desirable village in East Dunbartonshire, offers a charming semi-rural lifestyle while providing excellent commuter access to Glasgow, located just over eight miles away.
With its close proximity to Bearsden, Milngavie, Kirkintilloch, and Bishopbriggs, the village benefits from easy connections to the M80 and M8 motorways, as well as regular bus services and nearby mainline train stations at Bishopbriggs and Lenzie.
The village itself offers a range of local amenities, including a chemist, a well-stocked general store, and three pubs, with additional shopping and services available in nearby towns.
Torrance’s picturesque countryside is perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding, and other outdoor pursuits.
For families, Torrance Primary School feeds into the highly regarded Boclair Academy in Bearsden, and the area is known for its excellent schooling at all levels.
Golfers will appreciate the admired courses nearby, further enhancing the appeal of this vibrant yet peaceful village.
Glasgow Property
If you are looking for a property in Glasgow or the surrounding towns and villages, enlisting the help of a regional property finder can be very advantageous. With expert local knowledge, they can help you navigate the local property market ensuring no opportunities are missed in your search for the perfect property.
To find out more about the villages near Glasgow, please contact us for a commitment-free discussion about your property buying plans.