What to do in a 2-day break
The days are getting brighter so it's time to get out and enjoy both city life and the countryside. With Glasgow, you can do both. Enjoy the buzz of the city in Glasgow and then take a short hop to Loch Lomond for stunning scenery and tranquillity.
Situated in the heart of Glasgow city centre, CitizenM hotel is in an ideal location for exploring. There are 198 rooms each with a king-size bed, mood pad room control, ambient lighting and not free WiFi! Click here for Mr Foodie's review.
CitizenM, 60 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 BW www.citizenM.com
Check in and leave your bags as there's shopping to do!
If you love shopping you will be in heaven here, start your city exploration by checking out Glasgow's Style Mile. Here you will find all the big brands as well as independent boutiques, designer stores, and more. Click these links to find out more about each shopping area. Buchanan Galleries, Buchanan Quarter, St. Enoch Centre, Ingram Street, House of Fraser, Princes Square and more. With over 1,500 shops, you might be here a while!
Next up lunch, but not just any lunch. This is lunch with a difference. Glasgow Walking Lunch Food Tour. Learn about Glasgow and its history whilst taking part on a guided tasting tour. Find out the answers to question such as "What connects Robert Burns to a milkshake on Duke Street" or "what do billionaires really like to eat" All will be answered. Find out more about the Glasgow Walking Lunch Food Tour here.
Still hungry for knowledge? Then head along to Glasgow School of Art to discover the story of internationally renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Discover his story from student to architect. Here you will see the stunning Glasgow School of Art exterior and visit the Mackintosh furniture gallery.
Booking is recommended.
Mackintosh Visitor Centre, 164 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6RF Tel: 0141 353 4526After all that history, shopping and knowledge it's surely time to relax, enjoy the nightlife of the city and pick a restaurant for dinner and then somewhere for cocktails. Guy's Restaurant and Bar is in the heart of the Merchant City and is known for its eclectic menu. This is somewhere ideal for cocktails and dinner.
Guys Resturant, 24 Candleriggs, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 1TD http://guysrestaurant.co.uk/Day Two
After a good night's rest its time to head out to the countryside. The easiest way to get to Loch Lomond from Glasgow is by train. Railway services run between Glasgow Queen Street and Balloch (Loch Lomond) every half hour from early to late you can make the most of a day out or a short break. Trains also run from Glasgow to Helensburgh, Arrochar & Tarbet and Ardlui. ScotRail offer deals from off-peak tickets to kids go free.
Start with some sight-seeing and as Scotland's Wild say #sightdoing . This is a tour with a difference. Drive to parts of Loch Lomond and get out on foot to discover the beauty and tranquility of what makes Loch Lomond a special place. This may also culminate in a dram or two where you least expect it!
Find out more about Scotland's Wild here.
After working up an appetite, it's time for lunch. The Woodbank Inn is located in the centre of Balloch, a 2 minute walk from the station serving up a wide range of dishes.
The Woodbank Inn, Balloch Road, Balloch, G83 8SS www.thewoodbankinn.co.uk
You can't get more Scottish than a tour around a distillery and at Glengoyne Distillery you can have a whisky and chocolate tour! Learn about how whisky is made and then get to taste some Glengoyne whisky alongside some delicious chocolate.
Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Glasgow, G63 9LB www.glengoyne.com/visit-us/distillery-tours/whisky-chocolate-tourCheck into some accommodation such as The Old School House near Gartocharn. This 18th Century old school house is less than a kilometre away from the loch itself. Relax in the comfortable and informal surroundings.
After refreshing yourself, it's dinner time. The Boathouse at Cameron House has been refurbished and is looking great. Located at the waters edge, The Boathouse is relaxed and has views over the marina.
The Boathouse, Cameron House, Loch Lomond, G83 8QZ www.cameronhouse.co.uk/dining-1/the-boathouseAs you can see you can #packmorein with visits to Glasgow and Loch Lomond on a single trip. Get the benefits of both the city and the country and all within easy access of public transport. For further information on booking your trip to Glasgow and Loch Lomond, visit PeopleMakeGlasgow.com/packmorein
Find out more about Glasgow at People Make Glasgow, Loch Lomond information at Loch Loch Lomond, Scotrail for railway information.
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