Glasgow's Hidden West End

Ashton Lane

If you are coming to Glasgow's West End to enjoy the array of shops, restaurants and bars, don't be shy about venturing off the beaten track. While Byres Road is buzzing day and night, many of the small lanes tucked away hold delights for the inquisitive visitor.

Ashton Lane is by far the most popular of the Byres Road's 'off-shoots'. Boasting an array of award-wining restaurants, cafe bars as well as a cinema, Ashton Lane has something for everyone.

Take a Tour of Glasgow

Enjoy a bus tour of Glasgow

Did you know there are many different kinds of tour you can take around Glasgow?

From bus tours, to walking tours, music tours and 'geek' tours, they provide a brilliant way to explore Glasgow and find some of its hidden gems that most visitors will never see.

Not only that, but seeing Glasgow in a tour can bring you into contact with some of the city's colourful characters as they share stories about the history and events that have taken place to shape Glasgow into the vibrant city we enjoy today.

The best thing about a tour, though, is that you can easily pop back to your favourite parts to spend even more time there.

So when planning your visit to Glasgow, check out some of the great tours on offer. They are guaranteed to show you something you would otherwise not have seen!

Enjoy Glasgow Show on Glasgow Green

This weekend, make the most of the hot weather and enjoy the family-friendly Glasgow Show on Glasgow Green.

With live music, extreme sports, dancing, theatre, countryside activities, children's funfair rides and a main arena filled with international acts, it's shaping up to be a great weekend on Glasgow Green.

In fact, I'm planning on sweet-talking the boss to see if I can wangle an escape down there myself to see
the amazing Blazing Saddles Horse Stunt Team.

The Show is on both Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 5.30pm and the Glasgow Show Parade leaves George Square at 11.30am on Saturday and its arrival marks the formal opening of the Glasgow Show at 12.00pm in Glasgow Green. The Parade will include vintage buses, dancers, horse and dray, pipe bands, street theatre and much more.

Exploring Glasgow's Green Spaces

Did you know Glasgow is bursting with green spaces? Parks and gardens adorn Glasgow and what better time of year to enjoy them than the height of summer?

Whether you are green-fingered, fancy a relaxing stroll or even a spot of sunbathing, Glasgow's green spaces have plenty to offer.

Starting in our own neighbourhood, we have Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens on our doorstep (literally!).

The best of Glasgow's Museums this Summer

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

The Burrell Collection

It has long been known that Glasgow boasts some of Europe's best museums. Earlier this year the Riverside Museum was voted The European Museum of the Year 2013 and the sheer number and variation in the city's museums has tourists flocking from all over the world.

Throughout the summer Glasgow's museums have a packed itinerary full of new exhibitions and interactive fun for all the family.

With painting exhibitions to  the story of football and everything else in between, Glasgow's museums are bursting with life and activity this summer.

Oh, and don't forget, most of them have great little cafes for you to relax while the kids explore.