Glasgow 7 Day Itinerary

Glasgow is notorious when it comes to 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.

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.

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.

If you've worked up an appetite while out shopping, be sure to pop into Hidden Lane Tearoom for a pot of tea and delicious cakes or try out Rafa's Mexican Food.

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.

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.

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 too.

Love animals? The park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for ravens, tawny owls, deer and if you're lucky enough, rare birds of prey.

Our final stop for today is the ferry port town of Gourock. 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.

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.

Feeling hungry? Be sure to pop into the Shielings Café for a bite to eat and with the attraction's Taste Our Best accreditation, you can enjoy some of the finest Scottish produce available. There are lots of picnic areas too.

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!

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.

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?

Did you know? Paisley Abbey was once a centre of learning and it was believed that Sir William Wallace was educated by the monks here.

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.

Want to try out a cool experience while on holiday? If you've ever wanted to try your hand at falconry, here's your chance! Hootenanny Owls offers specialised sessions in falconry including exclusive deals on handling for kids.

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.

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

Top tip: The weather in Scotland can be very unpredictable at times and its best you come fully prepared before you set off on your hike. Make sure to bring your waterproofs, hiking poles and most importantly wear hiking boots as the ground can be very rocky and rough. If you wish to tackle this hike in the summer months, make sure to stay hydrated and bring plenty of water with you.

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.

When you complete the tour, take a turn outdoors and enjoy a stroll along the beautiful gardens or pop into the visitor centre which houses a gallery, audio-visual presentation shop and restaurant.

Feel the wind in your hair as you pedal to your heart's content around Cumbrae. The 10-mile Cumbrae Circular route is a great way to uncover some of the island's hidden gems in just a few hours. Starting off in the town of Millport, you will be able to see stunning bays along the way, including Deadman's Bay, Fintray Bay and Little Skate Bay before finishing the route via Kames Bay, home to an abundance of wildlife from golden eagles, seals, dolphins and much more.

Forgot to bring your bike? No problem at all. Mapes of Millport have over 400 bikes available to hire from many award-winning manufacturers including Burley, Raleigh and Leggero.