Friendly and comfortable Scottish family-run hotel. Very relaxing for a weekend away.

On the doorstep of The Isle of Arran, great golf courses and other attractions.

Very nice restaurant and bar, and the rooms were very clean and comfortable too.

31 Ardrossan Road, Seamill, Ayrshire, KA239NA
www.merrickhotel.co.uk
01294 822649
West Kilbride Station

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It's a big, accessible green space with good paths largely through mixed woodland which also features an early ringwork if you're in to archaeology. There are also gardens. Look out for kingfishers along the White Cart Water. There's a programme of family events and the kids will like the heavy horses and the highland cattle herd. There are also mountain bike courses through the woods for beginners to advanced level.

And if it rains, the Burrell Collection is on site - marvellous antiquities and art and entry is free. Or you could visit Pollok House, an 18th century mansion house in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Both venues have restaurants.

If going by car, park by Pollok House rather than by the Burrell if you want to avoid parking fees.

Pollok Country Park
2060 Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow
G43

www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/pollokcountrypark.htm

Nearest train station Pollokshaws West

Buses 45, 47, 48, 57

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Just reopened after a great job of renovation. There is plenty to see for children of any age and the layout allows a space where younger children can run around while browsing. The park is large and on the other side of Argyle Steet there are a couple of pubs that serve reasonable food at midday. My kids - aged 6 and 9 - loved it. Taking the Glasgow underground (if you never have) is an event in itself. Across the road is the Transport Museum which is also a good free visit, and the ice cream van outside is a must.

Kelvingrover Art Gallery and Museum: Argyll Street, Glasgow;
tel: 0141 276 9515;
Museum of Transport: 1 Bunhouse St, Glasgow;
tel: 0141 287 2720;
www.glasgowmuseums.com;
Directions: Get off at Kelvingrove underground after Partick train station or direct from Buchanan St underground

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A huge indoor complex at Glasgow's Braehead Arena. Choose from a host of activities such as rock climbing, a sky ride, fan drop, bowling, cinema and Britain's longest indoor real snow ski slope!

Xscape Braehead, Kings Inch Road, Braehead, Renfrew;
tel: 0871 200 3222 (or 0871 222 5672 for the snow slope);
www.xscape.co.uk/snow/braehead

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This welcoming cafe/restaurant is in the basement of St Andrews in the Square (a renovated 18th-century church, now functioning as a folk club and venue for events such as weddings and conferences). Cafe Source offers value for money - not particularly cheap, but fantastic quality and decent portion sizes (especially the delicious sandwiches).

It's also a good choice for families, as a selection of toys is usually available, and is ideally placed for lunch or dinner following a visit to the People's Palace on Glasgow Green.

The monthly jazz supper club is well worth a visit, but book in advance - it's very popular.

St Andrews Square, just off the Saltmarket, G1

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On a clear day you can see the whole city, including a panorama from Ibrox stadium to Celtic Park. The spires of the west end and glittering city centre lie in between the stadia with the highlands providing a spectacular backdrop ( you can see at least 5 munroes from the Arrochar hills to Ben Vorlich at Loch Earn). Glasgow is a much more attractive city than it is often given credit.

Take a train from central station to Queens park, exit the station to victoria rd, turn right and you will see the gates of the park at the end of the road. Walk through them, straight ahead through an avenue of trees to the highest point in the park.

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Tucked away in the West End this great restaurant serves contemporary Scottish food in a great setting. The Bothy manages to have staff in kilts and irn-bru sorbet on the menu, but still has an upmarket, elegant feel.

Ruthven Lane, Off Byres Road. Opposite Hillhead Subway station

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The People's Palace is Glasgow's social history museum. It tells the story of the city through its people, and not just the great and good. You can listen to examples of Glasgow speech, and see a reconstructed tenement 'single-end'. It's also free, like all of the City of Glasgow's 13 museums. Unmissable if you're a resident or expat Glaswegian, and still good even if you're not.

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT; Tel: 0141 271 2951; www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=9

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