The best farm stays near Glasgow

While Scotland’s biggest city may not have the fairytale charm of Edinburgh, it more than makes up for it in character. Glasgow is an intriguing and earthy city filled with both stately and cutting-edge architecture, great music and arts scenes, a wild nightlife, and some of the friendliest, bighearted people in the UK. The name Glasgow means “dear green place,” and, with more than 90 public parks and gardens, there's always a green space closeby. It’s a good base for heading into nearby hills and mountains, starting the West Highland Way and exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Glasgow is admittedly not famous for its good weather, so be prepared for rain any time of year. Still, the summer months are the best time to visit, when days are long and Glasgow Green is prime for sunny days. Winters, while chilly, are fairly moderate, but daylight hours are short. If planning to hike the West Highland Way or explore Loch Lomond, visiting in spring or autumn can help you avoid crowds.

• Some private campsites are seasonal—check opening dates before travelling.
• Weather in Scotland is changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
• Glasgow is well-connected to the rest of Scotland (and England) by rail and bus. The city itself is very walkable, although city bus lines and a limited subway system exist.
• Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten something—you’ll find anything you need in Glasgow’s shops. Start on Buchanan and Sauchiehall streets for essentials.
• Frequent buses connect the city centre with the airport in 15 minutes.