Ships, Coaches, Opentop Busses and of course, a Deep Fried Mars Bar!
In the early hours of a Sunday morning we parked up at Stena Line Belfast for a 2.5 hr crossing to Cairnryan.
Check in at Belfast for foot passengers is a simple process and the departure lounge is comfortable with a Barista Coffee House on site offering hot/cold drinks and snacks.The journey across the Irish Sea was extremely smooth and helped by the fact that we had access to the Stena Plus Lounge at the front of the ship, where you can help yourself to complimentary drinks and snacks, or can purchase cooked breakfasts from the menu. There is plenty to keep the kids entertained with a cinema and games arcade on board. Take advantage of the special offers at the Onboard Shop or treat yourself to a treatment at the Nordic Spa!
As we disembarked we were greeted literally outside the door by George and we boarded our Ulsterbus coach for the approx 2 hr, scenic drive to Buchanan Street Station in Glasgow. Buchanan Street is ideally located to walk to the city centre, take a bus to Edinburgh or even the airport! My husband and I opted to hop on the City Sightseeing Glasgow Open Top Bus which conveniently stops at Buchanan Street Station every 30 minutes. Our Ulsterbus coach dropped us off at around 12.30 pm and were due back at the station at 4.30pm, so decided this would be the best, quickest way to see as much of the City as possible within the timeframe, and we were not disappointed! From the history, architecture, and stunning murals there is something for everyone.
The wind was bracing on the top deck but as it was dry so we toughed it out for the views. Tickets can be purchased as you board from the driver or online. Earphones free and tours are available in several languages. They are both informative and entertaining!
Once our tour was complete we decided to disembark at George Square in the City Centre and do something we have always wanted to do….. order a deep fried Mars Bar! No trip to Glasgow is complete without dining at one of the several Blue Lagoon fish and chip shops located throughout the city. They offer both sit in and take away options. We sat in and my husband swore it was the best fish he had ever had! Luckily there was a vegetarian option for me and we shared the famous deep fried mars bar with some ice cream – and it was absolutely delicious!!
We took in the Buchanan Galleries Shopping Centre for some souvenirs and the obligatory fridge magnet for our daughter on our way back to the coach.
If you are looking for a fun packed day out I can highly recommend the Stena Line service to Glasgow – they also offer Edinburgh and Ayr as destinations. I met several people who had taken the trip to spend the day with their children who were studying in the city and others like us, who just wanted to so some sight seeing.
I cannot say enough good things about the service from the amazing staff both on board the Stena Line ship and our coach driver George on the day. The whole day was seamless and very worthwhile.
To find out more about this and other day trips available click HERE