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 Follow in Burns' footsteps |
Sandgate Street Tarbolton Glasgow KA5 5RB United Kingdom +44 129 254 1940 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
This 17th-century thatched house, located less than an hour from Glasgow, is a must for anyone interested in the life of Robert Burns. The great poet and his friends used the venue for their bachelors' debating club, formed in 1780. You can stand in the very room in which Burns took dancing lessons and was initiated into Freemasonry, and imagine the literary rascal following his masonic shenanigans with a trip to the adjacent inn. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An island day trip |
Glasgow, Isle of Arran KA27 8HY United Kingdom +44 177 030 2202 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
Built on the site of a Viking fortress, parts of Brodick castle date from the 13th century, but its real splendour was established in the 18th. Especially impressive are the Victorian walled garden and the rhododendron collection in the woodland garden. The charming surroundings are home to the usual visitor centre, gift shop and tearoom, as well as an adventure playground to entertain the kids. The parkland setting, overlooked by Goatfell mountain, has woodland paths to explore, with waterfalls, gorges and a wildlife pond. Arran is a beautiful island, well worth a visit in its own right. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Nature and wildlife in the burbs |
Strathaven Road East Kilbride Glasgow G75 0QZ United Kingdom +44 1355 236644 |
This park just outside Glasgow is perfect for families with an interest in nature. Attractions include a conservatory, an ornamental garden and a children's zoo with goats, guinea pigs, snakes and owls. There is also an adventure play area, a play area for children with special needs, a cafe and a visitor centre but the highlight is probably the eight miles of nature trails across the park, taking in woodlands and water. Guided walks are available too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steven Mcivor |
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More than a hunting lodge |
Carlisle Road Glasgow ML3 7UE United Kingdom +44 169 842 6213 |
In the mid-18th century, the Dukes of Hamilton devised a grand design linking their palace via a huge, tree-lined avenue with a hunting lodge and summer house. Coal mining subsidence destroyed the palace and the landscape, but the lodge, called Chatelherault, was salvageable and eventually restored. It now stands as the impressive and well-equipped centrepiece of a country park which also features woodland, an Iron Age fort, the ruined remains of Cadzow Castle, ancient oaks and rare white cattle. There is a visitor centre, cafe and gift shop in the grounds. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Damian Shields |
 Dedicated to the famous explorer |
165 Station Road Blantyre Glasgow G72 9BT United Kingdom +44 169 882 3140 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
The centre is based in the building where this great Victorian missionary and explorer was actually born in 1813, at Blantyre on Glasgow's southern fringe. There is a museum here housing an art gallery as well as a social history exhibition and an animated display for children. Many of Livingstone's personal belongings are on show and the one-room apartment which he lived in as a child remains mostly unchanged. The centre also has an African themed tea room, gift shop, a jungle garden and playground. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alberto Pambira |
 Angling and butterflies |
Townhead Road Coatbridge Glasgow ML5 2HD United Kingdom +44 123 642 2257 |
One of several country parks surrounding Glasgow, Drumpellier was a private estate until 1919 and has superb angling facilities. Fishing in the two freshwater lochs is not all it has to offer though. The 500 acre park also has a butterfly house during summer months, a visitor center beside the main gates, a golf course, football pitches and lots of woodland and heathland to wander through. Small rowing boats and canoes are available for hire but many people enjoy more restful leisure pursuits such as feeding the flocks of ducks, swans and geese which congregate on the water. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Experience a malt distillery |
Dumgoyne, Near Killearn Glasgow G63 9LB United Kingdom +44 136 055 0254 www.glengoyne.com |
Scotch whisky is generally associated with the Highlands and this distillery near Loch Lomond produces the most southern Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. The name derives from the Gaelic Glen Guin, which means Glen of the Wild Geese, where it is situated. Free drams are on offer to those who come for a tour, these are conducted six times a day on the hour and are an entertaining way to learn more about the complex distillation process and the history of whisky making in the Glengoyne region. Admission: adults £3.95, children £2.95 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: frtzbrn |
 Photo: Phil Lamond |
 Photo: girasole |
 Photo: Graham Lewis  |
 Photo: barry_woudenberg |
 Photo: Roddy Morrison |
 Photo: Downtown Bob |
 Photo: Joe and Alice Young |
 Photo: Beth LaFrenier |
 Photo: Struan |
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History, nature and secrets |
Fairlie Ayrshire Glasgow KA29 0BE United Kingdom +44 147 556 8685 http://www.kelburncountrycentr... |
Kelburn Castle dates back to the 13th century and is the family home of the Earls of Glasgow. Tours of the castle are available every day in summer unless it is being used for a special function. It is surrounded by exotic gardens and many features of historic interest. A romantic Glen contains a network of pathways and footbridges leading past waterfalls and deep gorges. Back on the old home farm, there is a restaurant, gift shop and family museum, or if you're feeling energetic check out the riding and trekking centre and the assault course. Finally, don't miss the Secret Forest, which is... well that's a secret.Visitors can check the website for updated timings . Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pete Goodman |
 Photo: Miss G a.k.a. Glau |
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A hi-tech day out |
Hamilton Road Hamilton Road Glasgow ML1 3RT United Kingdom +44 169 833 3777 http://www.scotlandsthemepark.... |
M & D's boasts of over 40 exciting rides and attractions, including the White Water log flume and Europe's only double looping corkscrew roller coaster—the Tornado. The fun doesn't have to stop when the rain comes down as the indoor entertainment complex contains a children's soft play area, the Bizarre bar and diner and the Cosmic Bowl—the most hi-tech ten-pin bowling alley in the country. There is also a full-swing golf simulator and American pool salon. Admission to the park itself is free but there is a charge for each ride. Day passes for unlimited rides are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Utopian socialist village |
New Lanark Road Glasgow ML11 9DB United Kingdom +44 155 566 1345 http://www.newlanark.org/ |
New Lanark was built as an industrial settlement in 1785 and was taken over by the utopian socialist Robert Owen in 1800. The village was home to the workers at Owen's mill and they were treated far better than most workers at the time, although as the multimedia "Millennium Experience" shows, life was still hard. There are several other exhibitions on textile machinery, child labour, steam-engines and the development of power, as well as two recreated tenement homes - one set in the 1820s and the other in the 1930s. The centre is next to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, making for an excellent day out. New Lanark is still a working community today. Admission: adults GBP4.75; concs GBP3.25; two adults, two children GBP12.95 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: robert_olejnik_1986 |
 Photo: hampshiredan |
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Sea, stones and whisky |
Stafford Street Glasgow, Argyll PA34 5NH United Kingdom +44 163 157 2004 |
Oban is the town where the Highlands meet the islands, and it's one of Scotland's oldest sources of malt whisky. Visitors are welcome to watch the distillers at work and to sample their peaty 14 year old single malt with its distinctive whiff of the sea. The distillery dates from 1794 and is nestled at the foot of a cliff, directly opposite the North Pier. The last guided tour starts an hour before closing and the cost is redeemable against purchases in the shop. Admission: adults £3.50 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathryn Irvine |
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Poetic history |
Main Road Kirkoswald Glasgow KA19 8HY United Kingdom +44 165 576 0603 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
Souter (shoemaker) Johnnie was the sidekick of Tam O'Shanter in Robert Burns' famous poem. This 18th century cottage, located about an hour from Glasgow, was home to the real life inspiration for the character—John Davidson. It has been restored to act as a museum as much of interest to social historians as to Burns fans, containing life-sized models of Tam, the innkeeper and his wife, as well as a reconstruction of a period souter's workshop. The cottage and adjacent alehouse also feature Burns memorabilia and relics and are well worth visiting as part of a tour of Burns country. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A huge variety of leisure activities |
366 Hamilton Road Motherwell Glasgow ML1 3ED United Kingdom +44 169 826 6155 |
This 1,100-acre park is in the Clyde Valley just outside Glasgow, but it certainly justifies a trip as you could happily spend a lifetime here. Thousands of visitors a year come to enjoy everything from sailing on Strathclyde Loch to birdwatching in the woodland and wetlands. There is a well-equipped campsite and facilities for many sports on both land and water, including horseriding, orienteering, coarse angling, football, hockey, windsurfing, water skiing and Canadian canoeing. You'll also find M & D's, Scotland's theme park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Petrie |
 Photo: Paul Dillon |
 Photo: Gavin Clarke |
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Relive the Viking invasion |
40 Greenock Road Glasgow KA30 8QL United Kingdom +44 147 568 9777 http://www.vikingar.co.uk/ |
Vikingar is an award winning multimedia experience taking visitors from the first Viking raids on Scotland to their defeat at the Battle of Largs in 1263. Costumed interpreters, life-sized displays and videos combine to bring the Viking experience to all of your senses in a one hour tour. There are four sections to explore - the Homestead, Hall of the Gods, Hall of Knowledge and the main auditorium, where you can watch a short film about the Norse invasion in this region. The complex is also home to a gift and craft shop, theatre, cinema and a swimming pool, making for a packed day out. Admission: adults £3.80, senior citizens £2.80, children £2.90, family of four £10.50 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historical Cruises |
36 Lancefield Quay Glasgow, GB United Kingdom +1 41 221 8152 http://www.waverleyexcursions.... |
Step aboard the Waverley or Balmoral pleasure steamers and enjoy yourself on a cruise into history. The two historic vessels recapture the essence of old Great Britain and provide its patrons with some of the best views along the United Kingdom coastline. Departing from ports and piers around the UK throughout the months from Spring to Autumn, Waverley & Balmoral Steamers will surely leave you with a trip to remember. Ticket prices vary from specific points of departure, see website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Hart |
 Photo: Charley Seavey |
 Photo: Taylor Dundee |
 Photo: Claire Ross |
 Photo: Stephen Strowes |
 Photo: riddiculus |