Glasgow 7 day itinerary

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Glasgow is famous for its street art, with local and international artists showcasing their incredible talent through an array of creative works; from colourful murals to stainless steel statues. If you're looking for free things to do in Glasgow, be sure to check out the Contemporary Art Trail.

Explore 14 of the city's contemporary public artworks including The Clyde Clock, Cherub Skull and Tympanum.

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Fancy a bit of shopping? With its eclectic mix of boutiques, high-street and high-end stores, selling everything from clothing and homeware to jewellery, it's really no surprise that visitors and locals choose Glasgow as their go-to shopping destination.

Situated in the heart of the city's West End is De Courcy's Arcade. This two-level arcade is a great find if you want to shop and support more local businesses.

Whether you're looking for the latest fashion accessories at Ziri, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at The Cup and Saucer Vintage Tearoom or spruce up your living space with some wall art from Janet & John, you'll be sure to find everything in one place here.

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Not too far from De Courcy's Arcade is another West End gem. From jewellers and designers to craftspeople and furniture upcyclers, Finnieston Lane brings a pool of talent together in one of Glasgow's well-established communities.

Get ready to spend those pennies and browse through its wonderful selection of shops, including Shona Jewellery, Burning House Books and SPIN Pottery.

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Say hello to one of Glasgow's coolest venues. Barra's Art & Design is a hub of creativity, hosting live music events, exhibitions, street food markets and much more - all under one roof! Take advantage of the nicer weather throughout summer at The BackYard.

This outdoor space is a popular food & drink hotspot featuring an outdoor BBQ & Grill, gourmet food trucks and a beer garden.

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You might want to take the bus to see the wonderful sights of Glasgow, but cycling can be just as fun. Hire an OVO bike from Glasgow's bike hire scheme for as little as £5 a day and check out Aye Cycle Glasgow's for some great routes to take across the city.

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A champagne afternoon tea? Yes please! Step inside the beautiful surroundings of the Salon De Luxe at Mackintosh at the Willow where you will be given a tailored talk through the history of the original Willow Tearooms. Afterwards, sip on flutes of champagne while tucking into a delicious selection of sandwiches and pastries, a perfect place for resting your weary legs after lots of sight-seeing.

To round it all off, the Salon De Luxe Afternoon Tea packages give you exclusive access to the interactive exhibition where you can discover more of Glasgow's rich and vibrant history in the late 1890s to the early 1900s and learn about one of the city's most well-known architects, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

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Soak up the great outdoors at Scotland's largest regional park. From taster sessions on paddle sports to powerboating at Castle Semple Loch, Clyde Muirshiel is a glorious spot to enjoy some adrenaline-fuelled action.

If you prefer staying on dry land, there are lots of cycle routes suitable for all abilities, as well as walking trails.

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When it comes to exploring Scotland off the beaten track, you're always guaranteed spectacular views at Lyle Hill. On a clear day, you will be able to see across the Firth of Clyde and the southwest Highlands. Feeling peckish? Make sure to make a reservation at Scotts Greenock. Enjoy panaromic views of the Cyde while you dig into mouth-watering dishes. Highlights on the menu include coconut chilli chicken, sizzling fajitas, fish & chips and steak pie.

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Take a trip to the ferry port town of Gourock and keep the kids entertained by stopping off at Gourock Park. With a pet's corner and large play area, it is a great place for kids to explore and run off all that energy. If you're a fan of golf, make sure to swing by Gourock Golf Club. This 18-hole course provides great playing conditions with its spacious greens and fairways and with the Clyde Estuary as your backdrop, what's not to love!

In the summer, take a dip at Gourock Outdoor Pool - the oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland. Swim a few laps while out in the sun (hopefully) or lounge at the traditional patio while overlooking the Clyde Estuary.

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Ever wondered what life is like on a working farm? The National Museum of Rural Life is the perfect way to experience it! Discover Scotland's largest collection of farming machinery, from tractors to combine harvesters, before getting up close and personal with some of the farm's animal residents, including Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, sheep, hens, Clydesdale horses and much more. No two visits are the same here with each season bringing highly anticipated arrivals, from new-born animals and family trails to harvesting.

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Situated within Scotland's "industrial heartland", transport back in time and discover the old Summerlee ironworks. Home to an amazing array of machinery, award-winning play park and interactive displays, you will never be short of things to do here.

Other highlights include riding on Scotland's only operational heritage tram railway, as well as guided tours of a recreated mine where you can learn the story behind the miner's row. With free admission, it certainly calls for a vintage day out!

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There's nothing better than a nice afternoon walk. This smooth 1-mile circuit route along Lanark Loch is a great chance for the whole family to stretch their legs and enjoy nature at its very best. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of fish along the way including leaping carp and pike.

See more of Lanarkshire's natural beauty with The Falls of Clyde. This 3.75 mile walk takes you on a journey through a series of waterfalls up a beautiful wooded gorge with lots of pretty fields and woodland areas to admire along the way.

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Scotland is full to the brim when it comes to historical attractions, from medieval castles and ruins to peaceful abbeys. A history lesson awaits at Paisley Abbey. Founded in 1163 by Walter Fitz Alan and set up on the site of an old Celtic church by 13 monks, the priory brought Christianity to the area in the sixth century and was later granted abbey status in the 13th century.

Today, the venue is home to a whole host of cultural events running throughout the calendar year. Guided tours around the abbey take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm. After the tour, why not stop off for a light refreshment at the café, browse through the gift shop or if that's not enough history to fill your boots, pop into the visitor centre?

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Head to Finlaystone Country Park and create more precious family memories while exploring Renfrewshire. With its mix of deciduous and coniferous woodlands, the park allows families to take things at an easier pace with its range of walking trails, all varying in length and difficulty.

There's lots of wildlife to be seen here too! Keep an eye out for roe deer, foxes and grey squirrels who are bound to make a special appearance during your visit.

Of course, no holiday would be complete without taking a few good snaps. Stroll through its gardens where you will come face-to-face with a beautiful array of flowers and plants. From daffodils in the spring to rhododendrons in summer, the garden is a floral paradise whatever time of year you choose to visit. Another photo keepsake to have is Finlaystone House, its striking fairytale-like appearance is a popular venue for weddings and events.

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Head to Brodick Castle and Country Park, the only island country park in Britain. Traditionalists will love it; it's the quintessential Victorian Scottish estate. Steeped in history, the castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and houses a fabulous collection of artefacts, from silverware and paintings to even sporting trophies. Explore the garden to see the famous collection of rhododendrons or follow one of the woodland trails - you might even spot rare red squirrels.

Afterwards, set off along either the coastal road north or south to get a real feel for the island's geography. Let the kids blow off some steam at the Isle Be Wild adventure play area and for the adults, take it easy as you stroll through the formal gardens on the Silver Garden Trail.

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We're taking things to dizzying heights on our next stop with a hearty climb up to Goatfell. At 874m (2,867ft), it is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran where you will be treated to incredible panoramic views at the top. The weather in Scotland can be very unpredictable at times and its best you come fully prepared before you set off on your hike. 

Along the way, you will discover an abundance of wildlife and fauna including the dwarf juniper, sweet-scented heather, buzzards and golden eagles.

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If you've been longing for a taste of Scotland's national drink, you'll certainly be in high spirits for the last stop of the today. Lochranza Distillery offers a great selection of whisky tours for both the novice and whisky connoisseurs.

Head on the Distillery Tour where you can see behind-the-scenes of the production process before proceeding to the tasting bar to sample the Arran Gold Cream Liqueur. If you would like something sweet to go along with your tipple, choose the Whisky and Chocolate Pairing. Not only that you will also be given a voucher for £5 off the distillery's 70cl malt whisky which can be purchased from the Arran Malt Shop.

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Scotland is a great place to see wildlife no matter what time of year you decide to visit. During your trip, stop by Scalpsie Bay where you can see the resident seals basking on the rocks.

Get your camera at the ready too, you'll be treated to some of the best scenery of Arran and the Holy Isle. If you're willing to brave the cold sea temperatures, take the plunge and go for a refreshing wild swim.

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Once the ancestral home of the Marquess of Bute, take a guided tour around Mount Stuart and get ready to be dazzled by its striking Victorian architecture and interior design. From the foraging squirrels carved into the dining room panelling to the painted mirror in the ladies' drawing room, each design element tells a story of the people who once lived here.

Other highlights of the tour include viewing the first domestic heated swimming pool, a look at an early telephone system and a Victorian passenger lift.