Glasgow Weekender: Top Things to Do in and Around the City

Weekends in Glasgow are never short of options. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, coffee and a wander through leafy streets, or you’d rather swap the city bustle for lochside views and fresh air, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are four of our favourite ways to spend a couple of days in and around Glasgow. Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow

For a weekend plan that mixes art, architecture and a bit of greenery, House for an Art Lover is a real gem. Based on Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 1901 design (and finally brought to life in the 1990s), it’s a chance to step inside his world of elegant lines, floral motifs and striking Art Nouveau interiors. Each room has been designed and furnished to reflect Mackintosh’s vision, making it feel like stepping back into a carefully curated past. Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow

The house isn’t just about interiors, though. It’s also packed with ambitious and diverse exhibitions, showcasing contemporary artists alongside craft, design and photography. So even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see.

Outside, you’ve got the landscaped grounds of Bellahouston Park, with a walled garden and art installations scattered across the green space. Indoors, the Gallery Café makes an excellent brunch or lunch stop. Expect hearty sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh bakes and proper coffee—all served with views over the park through big glass windows.

Afterwards, have a browse in the design shop, where you’ll find Mackintosh-inspired gifts, prints and homeware. It’s a slower-paced outing but one that feels quietly luxurious, with the mix of culture, calm and cake.

Travel: Bellahouston Park, about 20 minutes from central Glasgow by car or subway/bus

Insider tip: If you can, book ahead for the café—it’s a popular weekend stop with locals who come just for the food.

For those who prefer to stay in the city, Glasgow’s West End is a weekend playground of shops, cafés, parks and culture. Start your wander on Byres Road or Great Western Road, where independent boutiques and bookshops are tucked between cafés and bars. Some favourites: Hoos for Scandi-inspired interiors, Second Line for flipping through vinyl, and the Hyndland Bookshop for a cosy browse. And of course, you could even pop into our Biscuit Clothing store on Hyndland Road while you’re there!

When coffee calls, head to Cottonrake Bakery—their pastries and tarts are some of the best in Glasgow (the chocolate hazelnut tart is legendary). For something more substantial, Kelvin Rooms offers casual all-day dining in a lovely townhouse setting.

Culture-wise, you’re spoilt for choice. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is a must-see, with a collection that spans everything from Old Masters to contemporary Scottish art. The surrounding Kelvingrove Park is perfect for a stroll on a sunny day, while the Botanic Gardens provide a lush, green escape with Victorian glasshouses and peaceful paths. And for something a little more offbeat, head to the Hidden Lane in Finnieston—a tucked-away alley full of colourful studios, indie shops and the charming Hidden Lane Tearoom.

If you’re around on a Sunday, don’t miss Stravaigin on Gibson Street. It’s a much-loved pub and restaurant with a menu that takes classic Scottish ingredients on a bit of a global adventure. Their Sunday roast is legendary—one of our team swears it’s the best in town.

Travel: West End, 10 minutes by subway from central Glasgow

Insider tip: Stay into the evening—the West End is packed with excellent restaurants. Alongside Stravaigin, try Ox & Finch for inventive small plates, or Paesano for what’s widely considered the best pizza in the city.

If you fancy a little drive out of Glasgow (about 50 minutes by car), Jupiter Artland is worth the detour. This magical sculpture park sprawls across meadows and woodland, blending art with nature in a way that feels playful and immersive.

There are over 30 site-specific works by artists including Anish Kapoor, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Phyllida Barlow. One moment you’re following a wooded trail, the next you’re stumbling across a mirrored house, a neon installation or a set of sweeping landforms you can climb and roll down. It’s as much about the journey as the artworks, and kids love it just as much as adults.

When hunger strikes, head to Cafe Party for colourful, hearty dishes and excellent cakes, or grab something lighter from the Silverstreak caravan café. There’s also a shop selling quirky art-inspired gifts and books, perfect for a browse before you leave.

Travel: Just west of Edinburgh, around 50 minutes from Glasgow by car

Insider tip: This one’s also perfect for our Edinburgh customers, with just a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

If a weekend calls for fresh air and spectacular views, even as the weather gets colder, Loch Lomond is the answer. Just 40 minutes from Glasgow, this iconic Scottish loch is perfect for combining gentle adventure with food and relaxation.

A good starting point is the pretty village of Luss, where stone cottages line the streets and the waterfront gives you sweeping views across the water. From here, you can hop on a Cruise Loch Lomond boat trip—options range from one-hour sightseeing cruises to longer trips that let you hop off and explore quieter spots. Out on the water you’ll see tree-covered islands and dramatic mountain backdrops that make this loch so famous.

Back on dry land, there are plenty of lunch options. The Village Rest in Luss is a cosy café-restaurant with hearty Scottish dishes, while The Lodge on Loch Lomond offers more of a treat, with views across the loch from the dining room. After lunch, take a shoreline walk or simply sit with a coffee and soak in the scenery.

Travel: Luss, Loch Lomond – 40 minutes by car, or train to Balloch then short bus/taxi

Insider tip: If you’re planning a boat trip, book tickets online ahead of time.