Glasgow with kids for the weekend....

Trow

what would you recommend?

We will be down on 26th/27th for High School Musical on ice.

I don't know Glasgow very well (we are actually staying in Renfrew - Glynhill Hotel, very reasonably priced i.e. similar to Travelodges, but includes breakfast), which does have a swimming pool - so thats one thing for them!

Any other options? Have looked at the Braehead centre, which has a lot on offer, but is expensive, and although we may be doing that, I would like some cheaper options as well!

Also, ideas of places that are family friendly and good value to eat would be great - I'm not a fan of Maccy D's/BK - but that might happen once during the trip...

Thanks in advance!

lynnexxxo

Xscape, next to braehead is great - a large snow slope (skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing) although it is not cheap. At least 20 per head. However there are loads of places to eat there and there is usually meal deals on somewhere. Theres also a cinema and bowling -both the usual sort of price.

What age are your kids? My boys are 4 and 2 and there favourite place is the Peoples palace an winter Gardens at glasgow green. huge big light and airy conservatory they can run about in while we have a nice lunch. The transport museum and Kelvingrove art galleries(both accessible from subway) are good, and free.

Check out 5pm.co.uk - they have offers for some lovely restaruants for reasonable amounts.

If you have a car its not far to loch lomond - very scenic theres a small shopping centre (think jenners etc, not cheap) but also as aquarium which is quite good.

There is a Matalan clearance centre in renfrew too - mega cheap, although at the mo it is over run with last summers maxi dresses and tiny shorts.

Trow

Thats great - thanks. I had been looking at Xscape - it's good to get an opinion about it!

We won't have a car - I would probably get hopelessly lost...... I'm not used to driving where there are more than two options at a junction... lol!

The kids are 10 and 12. I was considering ten pin bowling - they haven't had the chance to ever do that, and also the cinema - again, we don't have a 'proper' one, so it makes a great change for them.

Great tip about Matalan - might have to pay them a visit!

Thanks

MKUX3

just back from glasgow tonight.

xscape is great - i am sure there will be buses there.

was staying at the marriott hotel for 3 nights just now and ate at di maggios which was lovely,reasonably priced, and marriott - very nice and reasonably priced. i am also going down to see high school musical and will probably go to di maggios again.

Contains_Mild_Peril

I definitely recommend the Science Centre. If you don't mind paying a bit extra to visit the 3D cinema, planetarium and Tower, there's more than enough to keep the kids amused all day, and it's easy to get to by train.
For food, Tchai Ovna in Otago Lane is a little out of the way (buses along Great Western Road stop quite nearby though) but it's a great little place with a completely unique atmosphere. They have a huge selection of exotic teas and all their food is vegetarian. Though their most popular treats (e.g. the divine Pugu Cake) sometimes sell out, there's always a good selection of reasonably priced meals and snacks available, and they're located next to a fabulous secondhand bookshop.

cazziebo

Science Centre is great. Took my nieces and nephew there during the October break and they thought it was fab. they still talk about the Imax 3d film. We spent a whole day there - and I think they would have gone back next day if they could.

If you are going to the West end for Mild peril's cafe (must try it out myself!) - train or bus into Glasgow then tube to Hillhead or Kelvin Hall - then the transport museum is quite good, and the Kelvingrove galleries are good too.

Xscape is also great - bit pricey. You could always go to Ikea for dinner - my kids loved the food there and it is dead cheap.

I think there is a good swimming pool in Paisley - maybe there are some buddies around who can confirm?

Enjoy!

Trow

Wow, thanks.

I have mentioned the science centre to them - they aren't OVERLY keen at the moment, but they don't have details yet of whats on at the IMax, so that could tempt them...

Thanks for all the input - will check out your suggestions!

mikki2d

For food, there is a Twofor One Steak Pub just next to the Glynhill called the Abbotsinch. Typical pub food but well cooked and adult main meals are two for one. Might be as cheap to buy two adult meals for the kids.

There is ice skating in Braehead itself and swimming in Paisley. The Renfrew Ferry is something a wee bit different and crosses over to Yoker where you can take the bus along to the Titan Crane - a new visitor attraction. If you are heading into Glasgow I would take the bus up to Govan (bus stop just opposite the Glynhill) and take the Underground from there. That way you can also visit the Transport Museum and the Art Galleries (fantastic) in the West End (both free).

Trow

Thats great mikki - will definitely check out the Abbotsinch, I'm not sure that the Titan Crane will appeal to the kids though...

You seem to know about the busses - do you know what bus company or even route number I would need to get from Glasgow to get to the Glynhill, and from the Glynhill to the Braehead? I phoned about it (I like to be organised...!) but no-one seems to have much of an idea...

Edited to add - I've just checked out the subway website - looks fab - all day travel for £1.90 - I reckon thats the way to go! Well, to Govan anyway....!

You guys are great!

Emms

Buses to Braehead will be very easy from where your staying. Your on Paisley Road and all the buses from Paisley to Braehead go that way

http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/__80256E280053B5B6.nsf/vWeb/wpDNOS65CKF7?Open&show=current&region=Scotland%20West&town=Paisley

http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/__80256E280053B5B6.nsf/vWeb/wpDNOS65CKE7?Open&show=current&region=Scotland%20West&town=Paisley

Theres two buses for starters but there are lots of wee local ones aswell.

Theres bus stops right outside Braehead that go to city centre and for coming back from the City to your hotel get a bus that goes to Paisley via Braehead again, the 24 and 25 should both be fine. If im getting either of those buses I tend to go to the Union Street bus stops which is the street right beside Central Station.

Emma

Trow

Emms - just the kind of info I needed, thanks!!