Holiday tips for Glasgow(ish)

[TheTurn0fTheScrew]

We've booked a holiday home in the Clyde Valley about 40mins south of Glasgow, and after a brief panic when Nicola S was threatening to turn back Mancunians at the border, we are very excited. I'm after any tips for things to do. We have two DC, 14 and 10. The 14yo and I like art, the younger one likes a walk with a view, and both kids like slightly quirky shopping (kawaii/anime/sci fi stuff). We all like the seaside, and eating lots, so restaurant recommendations will be particularly welcome.

I've already booked Kelvingrove to come and see Big Jesus, and brunch for that day, but otherwise we have a week to fill. Thanks in advance, Scotsnetters .

Have a look here for food.

Family eating out in Glasgow on a budget www.mumsnet.com/Talk/scotsnet/4294733-Family-eating-out-in-Glasgow-on-a-budget

Here for days out.

Days Out recommendations - Central Belt, 12 & 14yo www.mumsnet.com/Talk/scotsnet/4283305-Days-Out-recommendations-Central-Belt-12-14yo

ooh, fantastic, thank you very much!

Jupiter Artland if you like art and a walk, nearer Edinburgh but maybe not that far from where you will be.

The riverside museum of its open is a good day out.

New Lanark might be worth it if you're in the Clyde Valley.

Forbidden Planet in Buchanan Street in the city centre for graphic novels, manga etc.

Also Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton for walks and a nice view from the hunting lodge.

this is brill, thank you all so much. I am googling everything!

Netherfield Alpacas for a walk with a difference

Hmm. How far are you looking to travel each day? Do you have a car? Clyde valley has some gorgeous walks right on the doorstep. Agree that Edinburgh is also a viable option from where you are. You could consider a elk up Tinto hill depending how active you are as a family.

If you are booked in kelvingrove there are loads of nice restaurants about there. Eusabis is nice, also Mother India cafe. Buthchershop grill is nice (but pricey)

Depending on where you are in the Clyde Valley you would probably be equal distance to beaches on the West Coast - Troon, Prestwick, Irvine etc and those on the East Coast - Dunbar, Berwick etc or even Borders beaches like Eyemouth area

Also for quirky shopping Cockburn Street in Edinburgh is a bit alternative. Although I’m not sure how much of that is catered to kids.

Presuming you have car

If you do visit Chatelherault, there's also a new bouldering centre - Hang on - in Hamilton. I haven't been though. Just in case this glorious weather changes!

Go to Arran for the day (get the ferry at Ardrossan in Ayrshire, it takes about an hour to get to Brodick). If you did that on a Friday you could come back on the late ferry. At present you have to book on to the ferry even as foot passengers, but that might change later in August.

Arran is a beautiful island in the Firth of Clyde, 20 miles long, 10 miles wide, between Kintyre and Ayrshire. The northern half is dramatic mountain scenery like the Highlands and the southern half is rolling hills and lush fields like the Borders, Galloway or the North of England.

There's a National Trust for Scotland castle with gorgeous grounds and a country park in Brodick. Isle of Arran museum nearby is good, especially if weather is dodgy. Several good places to eat and a few shops in Brodick, so even if you don't get further than there you could have a lovely day.

If you do get further, there are lovely beaches at Sannox, Lamlash, Whiting Bay and Kildonan. There's a ruined castle at Lochranza and a distillery with a good tour. The scenery on the west coast of the island is stunning. You can go right round the island on the scheduled bus services (and there are taxis), so no need to take the car on the ferry if you prefer not to.

For the art lovers in your family

https://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk]

I think there is also a nice cafe for lunch

You could go into the west end after your visit to kelvingrove- finnieston is great for eating and Byres road for cafes/shopping (Ruthven lane has lots of antique shops) botanic gardens are there too.
If you’re willing to drive a bit, you could head to Loch Lomond. Luss is always very popular.
You can get a cruise on the loch from several places- Cameron house has the boat house to eat in which is a bit £££ but gorgeous.
If you go to the other side- balmaha- there’s a pub there and the conic hill is a straightforward hill walk with amazing views.

Ayrshire beaches- Troon is great and Scott’s restaurant is on the harbour there too. Or the wee hurry for fancy fish and chips.

Thanks again, you're all marvellous. We do have a car, and I'm up for a 90min drive for things to do, which means Edinburgh is in reach as well I think. Mother India and the steak place definitely look up our street.

Jupiter Art looks great - we love Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is a similar set up.

Is the Science Centre worth a look?

Strathclyde Park near Motherwell. There's a fun fair and a Loch where you can hire boats.

I was just coming along to suggest the science centre! It’s a fabulous day out for all ages

New Lanark/Lanark has some sort of dinosaur trail. Not sure how good it is for older kids but worth a Google.

Decourceys arcade on byres Road has some lovely shops on it that the kids would love!

@Mibbiesaye

New Lanark might be worth it if you're in the Clyde Valley.

Forbidden Planet in Buchanan Street in the city centre for graphic novels, manga etc.

There's a new forbidden planet, a big one somewhere apparently. My brother says the big one stocks all the new stuff. I'll ask him where OP. Maybe Sauchiehall street.

If you do travel to Ayrshire for the beach, irvine is my favourite. It's a bit more rugged beach, and gro cafe does excellent food.

Definitely do a trip to Edinburgh bit I would go in the train. Its a nightmare to drive in the center and get parked. Also costs a fortune.

In Ayrshire though so tend to do days out here. In the off chance you do decide to travel I would recommend Culzean Castle, the Robert Burns birth place museum, Dumfries House, Heads of Ayr farm Park and Blair Drummond safari Park ( the ones bot Ayrshire), Loch lomond shores is a nice place to go and Luss, Stirling Castle.

God there's a lot of typos in there sorry. Typing with my left hand because I'm trapped under a sleeping baby.

If you like art and also quirky stuff you’ll love Sharmanka. I’ve added the link below but not sure it will work.

As you’ve said the Jesus in the Kelvingrove is beautiful. Also check out the GOMA in the centre.

Also as other posters have said Byres Road in the West end has lots of quirky shops. I love Hillhead Bookclub to eat which is off Byres Road or anywhere on Ashton Lane which has a really beautiful tiny cinema.

www.sharmanka.com/Home/Welcome.html