Plot out a trip that encapsulates both Glasgow and Scotland’s stunning rural landscapes that inspired J K Rowling’s magical Harry Potter series. The city boasts an excellent network of roads both in and around central Glasgow that, coupled with the scenery, makes driving in this area of the UK a genuine pleasure.

If you arrive into Glasgow Airport, it’s just a 20-minute journey via the M8 into the city’s heart. A one-way system runs directly through Glasgow’s shopping quarter, dotted with independent boutiques and cosy coffee shops.

Journey along the A814 to access the Riverside Museum, then loop around the B808 onto Argyle Street to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery Museum.

If you’re planning a day trip to the Scottish capital, drive east along the M8 and within an hour and a half you’ll arrive in Edinburgh. If you take the M8 in the opposite direction, the rugged and wild west coastline of Scotland beckons.

The M8 is one of two major motorways that run either side of the River Clyde. The other is the M74. Head south on this and join the A74(M) which will eventually take you to the English border, where another adventure can unfold.

To discover the glorious natural beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, join the A82 from Glasgow. Park up and stretch your legs as you hike up lush hillsides that tumble down to the vast and gorgeous expanse of water.

Continue north along the A82 to reach Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak. Take on the famous mighty mountain, trekking steep paths to reach the breath-taking mist-shrouded summit.

Road rules in Scotland are similar to those in Ireland. You’ll drive on the left hand side of the road and all passengers are required to wear a seatbelt. Speed limits will vary but these will be well signposted – 112 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, 96 km/h on single carriageways and 48 km/h in urban areas.

Personality oozes from every corner of Glasgow. With Victorian good looks, earthy attitude and a rich industrial heritage etched deep into this Scottish city’s soul, its unique panache is hard to miss.

The story of the city’s proud past is best told by the River Clyde which runs through the heart of the city. A hire car will enable you to explore the whole 20km stretch of it, taking you from Glasgow’s centre all the way to the wild Scottish coast.

Dance to the beat of the city

Music lovers will fall in love with this city. Its legendary music scene resulted in Glasgow becoming the UK’s first – and now one of only five – UNESCO City of Music.

Thought to be one of the best spots in Britain for vibrant live music, it plays a huge role in the heartbeat of city life.

Watch the city come alive as evening falls. Gigs and concerts are hosted all over Glasgow, with an average 130 music events a week across a wide spectrum of genres, whether you’re a contemporary fan or looking for a fix of traditional Celtic music.

Buy tickets for your favourite and get caught up in the legendary lively atmosphere that comes with gigs in Glasgow.

Designs on the city

Wander Glasgow’s streets and you’ll come across some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK. None more so than Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.

Tucked away from the city centre, this cultural hotspot has an eclectic exhibition of art and artefacts to see, including a World War II Spitfire and works from Van Gogh.

One of Scotland’s most impressive buildings, medieval Glasgow Cathedral is also worth a visit. Built on St Kentigern’s tomb in Gothic-style, it’s reputed to be the birthplace of the city.

Once you’ve ticked that off, learn from about the impact of pioneering architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh on the city at Mackintosh House.

Discover a collection of furniture from his home inside the reconstructed interior, then drive back towards the city centre to see the Glasgow School of Art, considered to be the architect’s masterpiece.

The two sides of Edinburgh

It’s well worth taking the scenic drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh to experience Scotland’s captivating capital. Beautiful both inside and out, it’s the perfect blend of old and new.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you head into the Old Town. Start your visit at Edinburgh Castle and make your way down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Head past the grand royal family's official residence in Scotland and make your up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct, ancient volcano. From here you can see across the city to the North Sea twinkling in the distance.

Leave this tranquil spot behind and head for Princes Street Gardens. Cross the gardens and you’ll find yourself in Edinburgh’s New Town – although it actually dates back to the 18^th century. Here you’ll find cutting-edge designer stores dotted along the Georgian terraces and cobbled streets.      

With car hire in Glasgow, you can see all there is to see of Scotland’s second city and the rugged, breath-taking natural beauty that surrounds it, as well as some of the UK’s other exciting and fascinating cities.