Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a luxury family break, or a relaxing escape with friends, our countryside retreat in nearby Bishopton offers the perfect base to explore Glasgow's world-class experiences while staying immersed in nature.
From exploring hidden woodland trails and enjoying alfresco lunches to spending afternoons on the golf course or evenings beside the River Clyde, a summer staycation offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Key Takeaways
-
Glasgow is ideal for summer staycations, combining city attractions with beautiful green spaces and riverside scenery.
-
Families can enjoy parks, museums, outdoor activities, and easy day trips close to the city.
-
Summer in Glasgow offers long daylight hours perfect for sightseeing, dining outdoors, and evening walks.
-
The surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Explore Glasgow’s Green Spaces & Summer Walks
One of the best ways to experience Glasgow during summer is by exploring its parks, riverside paths, and hidden outdoor gems.
The city is home to expansive green spaces perfect for relaxed afternoons, family picnics, and scenic strolls, including:
Pollok Country Park
As Glasgow’s largest park, Pollok Country Park is perfect for a summer day outdoors. Families can wander woodland trails, spot the famous Highland cattle, and enjoy peaceful riverside walks beneath towering trees.
The park’s open lawns make an ideal picnic spot, while the nearby Burrell Collection offers a welcome cultural stop during warmer afternoons.
Children will love discovering fairy houses hidden among the trees and exploring the wide open spaces where nature and imagination meet.
-
Great for family picnics
-
Dog-friendly with plenty of shaded trails
-
Café and toilets are available at The Burrell Collection
Clyde Walkway
For slower-paced summer afternoons, the Clyde Walkway provides scenic riverside views and peaceful walking routes stretching through both urban and natural landscapes. Open green spaces and calm waters make it especially enjoyable during warmer evenings when the sun lingers late over the River Clyde.
Families can stop to watch boats drift past, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply take in the calm surroundings.
-
Mostly flat and suitable for buggies
-
Dog-friendly throughout
-
Great for evening walks and sunset views
Kelvingrove Park & The River Kelvin
In the heart of the city, Kelvingrove Park offers a lively summer atmosphere with beautifully landscaped gardens, riverside paths, and plenty of room for children to play. Follow the River Kelvin toward the Botanic Gardens for a quieter escape filled with wildlife, shaded walkways, and hidden corners to explore.
During the summer, the area comes alive with outdoor events and locals enjoying the sunshine on the grassy banks along the river.
-
Ideal for gentle summer walks
-
Wildlife spotting opportunities along the river
-
Easy access from Glasgow city centre
Family-Friendly Summer Adventures
A Glasgow staycation offers far more than sightseeing alone. Summer is the perfect time to embrace outdoor activities, discover local attractions, and create unforgettable family memories together.
Discover Glasgow’s Museums & Attractions
Glasgow’s world-famous museums provide excellent rainy-day options while still feeling exciting and interactive during the summer months. Families can explore everything from natural history and transport to art collections and hands-on exhibitions.
Popular favourites include:
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A stunning architectural masterpiece housing 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries. Visitors can marvel at everything from fine art (including Salvador Dalí’s masterpiece) to a Spitfire plane suspended from the ceiling, ancient Egyptian relics, and creature exhibits.
The museum also has a full programme of upcoming exhibitions which can viewed on its website.
Glasgow Science Centre
A futuristic, interactive wonderland designed to bring science and technology to life. With hundreds of hands-on exhibits across three floors, a massive planetarium, and an IMAX cinema, Glasgow Science Centre is the ultimate destination for curiosity and discovery.
Outdoor Activities at Mar Hall
From unforgettable experiences such as falconry and archery to a 9-hole family golf session with a PGA Professional Golfer, make the most of time outdoors with our range of activities.
Whether you prefer an action-packed adventure behind the wheel of a 4x4 Land Rover or the gentle trot of horseback with pony trekking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Day Trips Beyond the City
One of Glasgow’s biggest advantages is how easily the city connects to Scotland’s breathtaking countryside. Within a short drive from Mar Hall, visitors can discover charming coastal towns, scenic lochs, and peaceful villages ideal for summer exploring.
Popular summer day trips include:
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The unparalleled landscapes of Loch Lomond are a must-see, offering a wealth of scenic walks and breathtaking viewpoints to explore.
For families and animal enthusiasts, get up close and personal with all kinds of avians at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, discover local aquatic life at the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium or go pony trekking through the scenic trails of the surrounding countryside.
Edinburgh
No visit to Scotland is complete without a visit to the capital city. For history buffs, we recommend a wander around John Knox House to get a taste of 16th-century life, booking a free guided walking tour at St Giles’ Cathedral and exploring the exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland.
A visit to The Real Mary’s King Close is a must, and you can complete your exploration of the dark side of Edinburgh with a ghost tour or a visit to the Underground Vaults.
Of course, you can also easily spend the day shopping on Princes Street, exploring The Royal Mile, relaxing in the neighbouring Princes Gardens, or enjoying panoramic views of the city from Calton Hill.
Stirling
If you’re looking for a taste of Scotland’s complex and rich heritage, be sure to stop in Stirling. This historic city is home to the renowned Stirling Castle, which served as the residence for several of Scotland’s late medieval kings and queens.
For an alternative family outing, Blair Drummond Safari Park offers a unique drive-through safari experience with the chance to spot over 300 rare and exotic animals. Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
The Clyde Coast
Travel west to discover the relaxed, traditional seaside appeal of the Ayrshire coastline, where welcoming coastal towns such as Largs combine rich heritage, scenic views, and a classic British seaside feel. Picture ice cream by the harbour, crisp sea air along sweeping coastal walks, and independent cafés and boutiques scattered along the promenade.
From Largs, a short ferry ride takes you to the Isle of Great Cumbrae, home to the picturesque town of Millport, where peaceful beaches and easy cycling routes loop around the island. Continuing along the coast, you’ll find long sandy shores, dramatic clifftop viewpoints, and historic castles, all set against the striking backdrop of the Firth of Clyde.
Make This Summer One to Remember
After a day exploring Glasgow and beyond, return to the peaceful surroundings of JA Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort for a truly luxurious summer retreat. Set within 240 acres of woodland estate, the hotel combines elegant rooms, suites, and luxury lodges with tranquil outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding during long summer evenings.
Stroll hand-in-hand through manicured gardens, wander ancient woodland trails, or explore country parks. After a day of exploration, unwind with soothing spa treatments, immerse yourself in Mar Hall’s thermal experiences, and savour a meal at our award-winning restaurants.