It's maybe not an obvious destination but the stunning range of colours in Kelvingrove Park, Maxwell Park, Queen's Park and Pollok Country Park is well worth an autumnal visit. Spend some time at the Glasgow University cloisters, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or, if you head south, at the Burrell Collection. When it gets darker and chillier make sure you find yourself a wee table at cosy Kember & Jones on Byres Road - their coffee and cakes are to die for!

www.kemberandjones.co.uk/
134 Byres road, Glasgow, G12 8TD
+44(0)141 337 3851
Google map: bit.ly/QODgQ4
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/

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An Clachan is everything a cafe should be. Set in a (previously unloved) section of the beautiful Kelvingrove Park, An Clachan has really lovely home made cakes (the best chocolate chip cupcakes I've had), hot and cold food (again, home made), good coffee, great welcoming staff and healthy snacks and drinks for children. It's even near a small play park, and believe me, good coffee and kids play areas are rarely found together.

www.kelvingroveparkcafe.co.uk/
Kelvingrove Park (off La Belle Place), Glasgow, G3 7LH
+44(0)7846 463614
Google map: bit.ly/KSGHPF

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The Yarn Cake is a yarn and cake shop, or a knitters cafe, or just somewhere to sit out of the rain, squish wool, or have a hot choc on-a-stick.
It's on Queen Margaret Drive, which is growing into a quirky neighbourhood, a bridge between the arty West End and down to earth Maryhill.
The Yarn Cake itself is bright, the large window revealing three tables, and shelf after shelf of yarn, knitting books, and knitting supply. There's a large loo, unusually for the size of the place, which is easily wheelchair accessible and has baby changing facilities.
You'll usually be welcomed by staff and regulars before you get a step into the place. If you come on a Saturday, you might get press-ganged into helping with the Saturday Guardian quiz.
The yarns range from cheap but good quality (Drops) all the way up to hand-died hanks from local indy dyers.
The teas and coffees are also from local suppliers, with half a dozen teas and two coffee blends, ground to order. The hot choc on a stick can come in anything up to four varieties, depending on how quickly they're selling out that day.
Cakes are home made, on the premises, with German tarts and loaves a speciality (though I love the baked cheesecake most).
All in all it's a very welcoming place for knitters and cake fans alike.

theyarncake.posterous.com
148 Queen Margaret Dr, Glasgow G20 8NY
+44(0)141 946 5305
Google map: bit.ly/yIg5pX

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Italian owned (and staffed) coffee house and pizza/pasta place halfway along Byers Road in the West End.

Go there for the best pizza and coffee in the city, friendly and efficient service and a great perch to watch some of the weird and wonderful locals amble past.

Great to take a friend or sit with the papers and watch the world go by.

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