Outdoor Attractions and Parks

Loch Lomond & Helensburgh

Both Balloch and Helensburgh are a step away from the City in one easy journey; Balloch is on the banks of Loch Lomond with Helensburgh a pretty town close-by.

Balloch is a popular starting point for boat trips on Loch Lomond being home to the paddle steamer "Maid of the Loch". You can enjoy watersports or walking as well as visiting the local Visitor Centre for an understanding of the local wildlife and area.

The country park in Balloch is 200 acres of woodland, parkland and ornamental gardens with pathways which go down to the shores of Loch Lomond. There are lots of corners for quiet picnics and the visitor centre has a small exhibition on the plants and animals which can be seen in the area. Helensburgh has great shops, hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops. Walks include meandering pathways in the Duchess Woods. The higher-level Upland Way footpath skirts the grounds of the town's most notable architectural feature, the Hill House designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Hermitage Park has lawns, gardens and a woodland stream, while the river-front promenade to Kidston Park passes memorials to two of Helensburgh's most famous personalities: Henry Bell, operator of the world's first commercial sea-going steamboat, the Comet, and television pioneer John Logie Baird.

Auchentoshan Distillery

Auchentoshan Distillery opened in 1823 near Dalmuir. The distillery, which produces a delicate, smooth and light Single Malt Whiskey, has a Visitor Centre which is accessible to all and which will allow visitors to understand how this traditional Scottish drink is made as well as browsing the gift shop and meeting Hamish, the Highland Cow and his family.

National Museum of Rural Life

The National Museum of Rural Life is the chance for visitors to explore a working 1950s farm and all the sights, sounds and smells which go along with it. The exhibits and farmland will show visitors how Scotland's landscape has been shaped to that of now and explain the working procedures of rural life in years gone by.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens is known internationally for its impressive glasshouses and extensive tropical and temperate plant collections from around the world. Covering an area of 2137 sq. metre, the Kibble Palace (dating from 1873) is one of the largest glasshouses in Britain and contains a marvellous collection of tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, and plants from Africa, the Americas and the Far East.

Eleven other linked glasshouses contain a wide variety of plants including cacti and a noteworthy collection of orchids.

Dumbarton Castle

Site of the ancient capital of Strathclyde, Mary Queen of Scots sailed to France from here as a child in 1548. The castle is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde.

Regrettably with 547 steps throughout the castle the property is not suitable for visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Calderglen Country Park

This Country Park in East Kilbride has a wide variety of attractions and facilities to appeal to all ages. Within the park there are nature trails, the Calderglen Conservatory, a children's play area, a children's zoo and an ornamental garden.

Eleven other linked glasshouses contain a wide variety of plants including cacti and a noteworthy collection of orchids.

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle is Scotland's largest and finest remaining 13th century castle. Involved in the Wars of Independence of 1296 the castle was then passed on to the Black Douglas family who restored and rebuilt many parts of the castle. One of the most famous original features still remains today in the form of a large donjon, or tower.

M & D's Scotland's Theme Park

M&D's is 'Scotland's Theme Park' with many rides and attractions to choose from. Visitors can be thrilled by the White Water log flume, Europe's only double looping corkscrew roller coaster - the Tornado or ride on elephants as well as visit the bowling rink, eat and drink in one of the many bars and restaurants or visit Amazonia with all its amazing creatures.

• M&D's Express

James Hamilton Heritage Park

The James Hamilton Heritage Park occupies a 32-acre site and incorporates a 16-acre loch and associated Water Sports Centre. At the Park you can take part in canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and many more activities.

Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park is Glasgow's largest park and its only Country Park. The Park won the accolade of 'Britain's Best Park' in 2007 and then won 'Europe's Best Park' in 2008 making a visit to this stunning 'piece of the country' in Glasgow's southside well worth it!

In the grounds you can find Highland Cattle, mountain bike trails, woodland walks, a children's playpark and walled gardens.

Queen's Park

Queen's Park is a beautiful Paxton creation that offers something for everyone, from manicured lawns and bedding areas for the gardening enthusiast to peaceful naturalised walks rich in wildlife. The Park also boasts a boating lake and a children's playpark as well as sport's facilities.

Waverley Excursions

From 26 June to 31 August 2009, Waverley will be providing a range of day, afternoon and evening sailings Friday to Monday from Glasgow Science Centre and on selected days from various ports including Helensburgh, Greenock, Largs and Ayr. From the moment you step on board this magnificent ship, you can sense you will experience a memorable day out. Enjoy trips to a range of destinations including the traditional sailings to Dunoon, Rothesay - Scotland's Madeira, Largs and Tighnabruaich amongst others.

It's easy to hop on board the Waverley - simply catch one of these services to Glasgow Science Centre to access the boarding point for your Waverley excursion.

Bellahouston Park

This extensive park has many features and facilities to tempt visitors and local residents to its grounds. It boasts formal gardens and open parkland in which to relax and take in views over the city and beyond. Quiet contemplation can also be had at the House for an Art Lover and for the more active and adventurous there are extensive sports facilities.