How to spend your staycation in Glasgow

If you’re longing for village life, schlep across to the Southside and specifically Cathcart, where you can stand on the curved stone Snuff Mill Bridge awhile, look down to the babbling waters below and imagine you’d returned to the 19th century. The quaint architecture around here is like nothing else in Glasgow, and as it’s right beside Linn Park, you can take a stroll along this section of the fast-flowing White Cart Water with the dog. It’s in Old Cathcart that you’ll find The Old Fruit Shop, a fashionable neighbourhood haunt, based in what used to be… well, you can guess what purpose this building once served. Book for dinner and share some small plates, like Spanish stew and cashew cheese nachos. There’s a few tables outside as well as those in the vintage rustic-chic interior.

Who needs a trek into the Highlands when you have this kind of beauty on the doorstep? Loch Lomond is but a 20-minute drive from Glasgow’s ‘burbs and a short rail ride from the centre, yet it feels like distant shores. You’ll find waterside bistros and kayak/canoe/SUP hire along the loch’s perimeter. And if you’re the wild swimming type, there are several beaches from which to enter the (surprisingly warm) waters. On a hot midsummer day, there’ll be jet skis, barbecues and the seaplane doing its rounds, making this feel more like the Italian lakes than the Scotland lochs. Best of all is Duck Bay, where a bar/restaurant (part of a hotel, but open to non-residents for food and drink) provides epic views of the jetty in the foreground and the mountains behind. Grab a snack and a cocktail on the al fresco terrace, or book inside for a fancy dinner.

Here’s another one for those of you urban-dwellers who long to get close to water during some down time. On the outskirts of the city, among picturesque commuter villages, is this recently refurbished restaurant and bar, with a maritime theme. The sunroom and terrace with its pretty fountains enable diners to soak up some rays, alongside the gorgeous Loch Winnoch scenery. Stop by for some brekkie ahead of your semi-rural day out, or tuck into a hearty lunchtime carvery. And there’s a special kids’ menu for those of you with little ones. Once you’ve had your fill, you can explore the nearby RSPB nature reserve, Castle Semple Country Park, or Muirsheil Country Park. Being in green space is scientifically proven to benefit both your physical and mental health. So what are you waiting for, get yourself and your crew to the Boat Yard.

Perhaps a gig, exhibition or show is what’s brought you to Glasgow and you’re thinking of making a few days of it. The city is UNESCO listed for its music scene, with many famous musicians and bands hailing from here. If you’re a fan of live music, be sure to check out some of the city’s legendary venues, such as the Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the O2 Academy and the SEC Centre. The latter is a visitor attraction in itself; a notable landmark, especially when illuminated after dark. And it hosts some of the top acts in the country. Before, or after the event, book a table to eat at CLYDEBUILT Bar & Kitchen. The modern venue features stunning industrial-style architecture and serves up snacks, traditional stone-baked pizzas and signature burgers with a floor-to-ceiling front-row view of the riverside.

Take a stroll around the shops and boutiques of Buchanan Street, then wander around the Gallery of Modern Art (admission is free). Be sure to look up as you roam the central streets; this is where much of the finest art nouveau and Victorian architecture can be seen. Inside you find some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the land, like the Devil of Brooklyn, a new launch in a very old building. Glasgow has been making its name for itself on the international mixology scene of late, so no trip here is complete without sampling some creative libations.

The Devil of Brooklyn uses housemade ingredients — like ginger beer, fernet branca caviar and tepache — to fashion its sophisticated drinks. Some examples you’ll find on the menu are: Johnny Has Been Heard (Flor de Cana 7, pineapple falernum, Blue Curacao, fresh lime oleo, citric acid and sugar-dusted, flamed pineapple) and Grape or Grain (Pickerings Sloe Gin, apricot brandy, lime and a topping of either Brooklyn Pilsner or Durello Sparkling Wine).

Glasgow is home to several beautiful parks, including Kelvingrove Park, Pollok Country Park and Glasgow Green, all of which are worth adding to your to-do list . You could pack a picnic, but if you’re leaving the food prep to someone else during your break, we recommend CATCH, right opposite Kelvingrove. It showcases seafood, an area of cuisine in which the West Coast of Scotland excels. This posh chippie has bookable tables and a menu with the likes of lobster, langoustine tails and local craft beer. Afterwards, you can peruse the Victorian architecture and impressive art collection at the close by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a real icon of the city.

From the west of the city to the east – Andina is one for those of you who really need that sense of travel, but are staying on home turf. The Colombian coffee house transports its customers to Latin America, with breezy white washed interiors, Colombian music and authentic flavours and Fairtrade coffee. There are two cafes: one in Dennistoun and another in Finnieston. Gluten-free corn-based arepas (a staple of the Colombian diet) are a highlight of the menu, with fillings like refried beans and cheese. Wash it down with one of the venue’s unique beverages, like the Andina Summer – a mix of coconut, coffee and a secret ingredient – and the white dulce de leche mocha.

During the colder months, the Cranside Kitchen’s outside open-air courtyard becomes a winter wonderland, while during the summer it’s a playful paradise with flower-wrapped swings and deck chairs in an open-air courtyard. Located beside the iconic North Rotunda building in Finnieston, it has one of the biggest outdoor beer gardens around, with scran available from traders including Halloumi, Romano’s, Xi’an and YUZU.

Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of India during your Glasgow staycation at Mother India. Widely regarded as one of the city’s culinary treasures, this restaurant offers an authentic dining experience that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. From aromatic curries to sizzling tandoori specialties, every dish at Mother India Glasgow is crafted with care and expertise. There’s plenty on offer for vegetarians and the small plate menu here is perfect for families or large groups, allowing everyone to sample a variety of dishes.