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We are now well through the summer at Gavinburn Cottages and whilst it’s not been as sunny as last year, we have had some sunny days, as the photo proves! Our self catering guests haven’t complained and they have all found plenty of things to do to keep them entertained.

We have been full with guests from all over the globe who have been telling us of their recommendations for things to do whilst staying at High Gavinburn. Most seem to favour attractions in and around Glasgow and Loch Lomond, but there are plenty of other places to visit and Edinburgh is less than an hour away by rail or car. Trip Advisor seems to be a great resource for planning things to do on your stay.

We have compiled a top ten list of attractions which have received special mention from our guests:

  1. Explore outside: Just step out the front door of your cottage and you will find hill walking paths and mountain bike trails galore, with amazing views and wildlife to discover. Make sure you walk to the top of the road and find Loch Humprhey!
  2. Loch Lomond: A real jewel in Scotland’s Crown! Stunning scenery and plenty of islands and bays to explore. Details of cruises and trips can be found online.
  3. The Transport Museum and Tall Ship: One of Scotland’s newest museums, where you can experience all things to do with transport through the ages.  It’s only a 15 minute drive away at Glasgow’s Clydeside.
  4. Shopping: Glasgow has fast become one of Britain’s best destinations for retail therapy. From designer labels to quirky souvenirs, you will find what you’re looking for and its only ten miles away. Take the car or hop on the train at Kilpatrick Station at the bottom of our road.
  5. Auchentoshan Distillery: Our local whisky distillery is only five minutes away. It boasts a great gift shop and offers guided tours, where you can indulge in a dram or two!
  6. Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery: A stunning building in Glasgow where you will find exhibits from all over the world. A great day out, especially if the weather isn’t so good.
  7. Braehead: This shopping and entertainment arena can be found on the M8 near Glasgow. Its home to high street stores, restaurants, cinema and Xscape, an activity and snow centre for adults and kids.
  8. Lomond Shores: This visitor attraction can be found at Balloch, on the banks of Loch Lomond. There are shops (including Jenners), restaurants and activities to be found and its home to the Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium.
  9. Science Centre: Located on the banks of the Clyde at Glasgow, near Finnieston Quay and not far from the transport museum. It offers an exciting and educational day out for all the family. You will also get amazing views if you go up the tower or visit the nearby Finnieston Crane.
  10. Blair Drummond Safari Park: This Park is home to hundreds of animals from around the globe, including tigers and elephants. It allows visitors to drive through various enclosures, offering them the chance to see up close various animals and learn more about them. It is a 50 minute drive away on the road to Stirling, where the castle and Wallace Monument are also well worth a visit.

These are obviously just a small selection of things to do whilst you stay at our holiday cottages. We should also recommend a trip on the Waverley, the world’s oldest ocean going paddle steamer. It takes regular day trips down the Clyde, leaving from Glasgow and stopping at various islands.

Ingliston Country Club is also worthy of note. It’s an equestrian centre with an excellent restaurant where you can watch horses show jump whilst you tuck into your dinner. There’s also a spa and you can book horse riding lessons for the whole family.

For the more adventurous you can even book a 160ft bungee jump from the famous Titan Crane at Clydebank! An amazing adrenaline rush and simply breath-taking. I should know as we have a policy of trying all attractions before we recommend them. Not the best policy we have, as it was the most nerve wracking thing I have ever done!

The Titan Crane is all that remains of the famous John Brown Shipyard on the Clyde which built ocean going liners and warships including HMS Hood, RMS Lusitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and the QE2. It is only 15 minutes from the cottages and is now open as a visitor’s centre, where you can get a lift right to the top. The bungee jump is not compulsory!

Don’t forget that Clydebank also has a 10 screen cinema and indoor go-karting and laser quest.

I hope that this has whetted your appetite for a stay at Gavinburn Self-Catering Cottages!