Merry Christmas from McQuade

Well hasn't 2013 gone by quickly?

Ice skating in George Square, Glasgow

It took a while to get warmed up, literally, but once it got going 2013 settled into a glorious summer that was enjoyed the  length and breadth of Glasgow. From the Mela in the Botanic Gardens to the return of the Mardi Gras Parade on the Byres Road. And, of course, not forgetting the amazing World Pipe Championships on Glasgow Green.

But, 2013 was also tinged with tragedy after the events at the Clutha Vaults bar and our heartfelt sympathies will forever be with all those affected.

Yet, in adversity comes strength, and Glasgow has strength in barrow loads. So as the wintry winds blow us out of 2013 and into 2014 we are looking forward to another year of providing relaxing escapes in the heart of Scotland's best city.

So, from everyone at McQuade Hotels, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and 'aw the very best' for 2014. Looking forward to seeing you in the West End next year.

Christmas is coming to Glasgow

The iconic St Enoch Reindeer

It may still be November, but things in Glasgow are starting to get very festive.

There are huge reindeer in the St Enoch centre, the Christmas lights in George Square are being switched on this week (14th Nov), Christmas music can be heard filtering out of the shops and, slowly, Glasgow is looking more and more festive.

Yet, this is not to mention the annual Christmas market in St Enoch Square. When this opens and hot, mulled wine is on offer, then Glasgow will be truly in the festive spirit.

St Enoch Christmas Market

George Square

And, you know what? We can't wait!

There's spooky goings-on in Glasgow this Halloween

Mwahahahaa! *laughs in a sinister fashion*

The ghosts and ghouls of Glasgow's streets and lanes are slowly starting to get ready for their annual outing at Halloween.

Dragging their dusty, cobweb-filled bones from their alleys and underground dens, these spooky beings may be lurking round any corner at this time of year... so watch out!

There's plenty eery goings-on in Glasgow this Halloween. From ghost walks to haunting concerts, Glasgow is the perfect place to enjoy Halloween...if rubbing shoulders with ghouls and demons is your kind of thing!!

Is it ever too early for Christmas Shopping?

George Square at Christmas

Okay okay, I hear your howls of derision!

BUT, in my defence, I noticed in Tesco yesterday while I picked up a pint of milk, that at the end of one aisle was 5 shelves of Christmas Selection boxes and sweets. Surely it won't be long before mince pies and Christmas puddings are on display.

While you (and me) may not agree that we have bypassed autumn in our race to Christmas, what it does mean is that more and more people are already planning their Christmas shopping trips and, in fact, many are taking these trips earlier and earlier.

Skating in George Square

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

How the action will look in the new Hydro arena

Now that the ticket applications are closed we are entering the Home Straight for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Taking place between 23 July - 3 August 2014, the Games will be taking place right across Glasgow as well as further afield.

Starting with a booming Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park, the Games will see some of the world's best athletes swimming, running, jumping and punching their way across the city to get their hands on a coveted gold medal.

Glasgow Doors Open Day

Glasgow Central Station

Have you ever wanted to see behind the scenes of some of Glasgow's most famous and iconic buildings? I know I certainly have, especially the wonderful Panopticon and to explore the tunnels under Central Station that I've heard so many urban rumours about.

Well, hang on to your hats, because you can do all of this and so much more on Open Doors Day...well, it's actually a weekend, which makes it even better!

Bank Holiday Weekend in Glasgow

Not sure how to spend your bank holiday weekend in Glasgow? Well, Glasgow's calendar is full with plenty to satisfy parents, children and the young-at-heart all at once. Here is a selection of some of the best this weekend.

The Riverside Festival is a new event taking place on Saturday, August 24 from 4pm - 11pm on the grounds of the iconic Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship, on the banks of the River Clyde. The event will feature outdoor stages and bars, covered dance floors, street food, comedy and performance art and have a real carnival atmosphere.

Scotland's Exclusive Wedding Event at Hampden Park all weekend. If you're planning for the Big Day, then this event will help you choose everything from the piper to the flowers. Or, if you're not planning just yet, why not go along and live the dream!

Medieval Sport at 2pm on Saturday, 24th at the People's Palace & Winter Gardens. See how they amused themselves in the Middle Ages with archery, jousting and kubs.

Go bat hunting! Pollok Country Park, 24th at 8.30pm. It's European Bat Weekend, so grab the bat detectors and torches and go on a bat hunt. Ages 8+; all children must be accompanied.

Glasgow & District Fuchsia Society Annual Show, Kibble Palace, all weekend. A competitive event judged under British Fuchsia Society rules, with the chance for visitors to see plenty of rare varieties.

Whatever you decide to get up to in Glasgow this weekend, share your photos on our Facebook page.

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.

Get your funk on...

... with the Glasgow International Jazz Festival!

Taking place this weekend, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival began in 1987 when Glasgow was bidding to become the European City of Culture for 1990.

Attracting some of the biggest names in jazz over the years, such as; Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Guy, Michael Brecker and Tony Bennett, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival has grown from strength to strength.

With a rich and varied programme providing something for everyone, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival comprises of a whole range of styles, from traditional and Dixie to free jazz, and even blues and hiphop crossovers.

So if you fancy a bit of New Orleans in Glasgow this weekend, or just fancy opening up your eyes to something completely new, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival sounds (excuse the pun!) like just the very thing for you this weekend!

Getting Excited About the Commonwealth Games

I know it's still a year away, but we are already getting excited about the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

The peleton being cheered into Byres Road

Last weekend's epic road cycling race through the streets of Glasgow was fabulous as half of the city came to a halt to admire the physical fitness and endurance of some of the UK's top cyclists.

Glasgow's Tour de France

 This Sunday (23rd) Glasgow plays host to the National Road Race Championships. This is the first time the championships have come to Glasgow and will be brining some of the world's best riders to the city streets.

Alex Dowsett, Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish, Olympic and World champion Laura Trott, 5-time World champion Ed Clancy, Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead and Scotland’s own David Millar will all be among the peleton on Sunday.

Glasgow's West End Festival

Look out for the costumes at the Mardi Gras Parade

For the month of June Glasgow's West End will play host to Glasgow's biggest festival, The West End Festival!

From Friday 31st May - Sunday 30th June over 100 Glasgow-based organisations, arts groups, local and international artists will deliver a mixture of activities and projects. The festival programme includes; events, exhibitions, performances, talks, tours, workshops and screenings, and many events are free of charge.

Exploring Glasgow's East End

While the West End gets all the hype and all of our hotels and apartments are situated to the west of the city centre, the intriguing East End has plenty to offer the Glaswegian and tourist alike.

The famous Barras market

Venturing past Glasgow Cross in Merchant City you will find the 'Barras' market. Open every Saturday and Sunday, this market hustles and bustles with East End life and is a must for anyone looking for antiques, bargains, or an amazing place to photograph Glasgow in its raw beauty.

Glasgow hosts The European Museum of the Year

European Museum of the Year

We've mentioned before how great the Riverside Museum in Glasgow is, but it seems it is not only us Glaswegians who know about it status.

Glasgow, come rain, hail or snow!

Glasgow in all its summer beauty

It seems that spring and summer have stalled on us and we are stuck in limbo somewhere between cold and Baltic!

Never mind though. If there's one thing the Glaswegians have it's an unshakeable ability to have fun no matter what the weather brings.

When it rains in Glasgow the city's warmth comes out

What to do in Glasgow when it rains

The weather forecast for this coming weekend doesn't look great, but that doesn't mean there is no fun to be had in Glasgow.


Glasgow is awash with culture and history which makes it a great place to explore come sun, rain or shine. The Riverside Museum, Tall Ship and Gallery of Modern Art are great places to explore for all the family and have previously been highlighted on our blog.

Kelvingrove Museum

Today we'll look at the splendour of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Rugby 7s this weekend in Glasgow

Round 8 of the HSBC Sevens World Series

Whether you like rugby, men with big thighs, dressing up like a movie star or just like a good day out, then this weekend's Rugby 7s at Scotstoun are the perfect tonic for your bank holiday weekend.

Top three things to do in Glasgow this weekend

If you're staying in Glasgow this weekend you'll want to know the best things to see and do. With such a vast amount of info out there it can be easy to be overwhelmed with choice, so to make things simple, we're giving you the top three. Yes, only three because quality trumps quantity on any city break.

Win with McQuade every month

Did you know that every month McQuade Hotels give away a night's B+B for two and a meal for two through our Facebook page?

It costs nothing to enter, you just need to follow the simple instructions on our Facebook page and keep an eye out to see if your name comes out of the hat each month.

Come to Glasgow for the World Pipe Band Championships

The World Pipe Band Championships will be held over two days for the first time this summer.

Held in Glasgow Green, the event will be in a brand new two-day format, on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August. Enjoy a fantastic day in the centre of Glasgow with the air filled with the most Scottish of sounds. It not only makes a great day out for true piping fans, but there's plenty going on for the whole family.

All of this makes the perfect excuse to spend the weekend in Glasgow. Our hotels and serviced apartments are ideally situated in the West End allowing you to access the "Worlds" easily on the Subway or buses, while ensuring you can still 'get away from it' when you want to rest your feet.

Having a coffee on Byres Road?

While staying in Glasgow, no visit would be complete without a wee trip to Byres Road, the centre of the vibrant West End.

On the Byres Road there's a huge range of shops, delis and buildings to set your sense on fire, but more of them in future blog posts.

What to do this Easter in Glasgow with the kids

If you're staying with McQuade Hotels this Easter weekend there's plenty to do with the kids in Glasgow.

Why not head down to the Clyde where two fantastic attractions sit side-by-side.