Glasgow is blessed with a huge number of museums, many of which are free to access.

Our favourites include Kelvingrove with its collection of fine art and antiquities, the Hunterian at University of Glasgow (visit the cloisters pictured when there), the recently renovated Burrell Collection (and the wider Pollock Country Park is also worth a visit even just to see the herd of Highland Cows) and of course the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) which Banksy choose for his first ever exhibition.

For those interested in Charles Rennie Macintosh architecture the House for an Art Lover in Ballahousten Park is worth a visit (also has a lovely tearoom), the Macintosh House (part of the Hunterian) and Hillhouse in Helensburgh are must-sees.

Another favourite way of seeing a different side of Glasgow is to take part in a mural trial throughout the city centre.

Edinburgh is just over an hour away and another perfect day trip with its huge concentration of cultural activities and history. A lesser known attraction in Livingston (enroute to Edinburgh) is Jupiter Artland which is home to a series of spectacular art installations across the landscape.

With 5 acres of forest garden to tend to at Fa’side we are always happy to provide recommendations to guests of other gardens worth visiting. Our own garden is at its best in May but another place worth a visit that month is Culzean Castle. We recommend the walk along the coastal path towards Maidens through the glorious Bluebell woods.

In summer, a favourite day trip is to visit the Japanese Gardens at Cowden near Dollar followed by the Scottish Lavender Farm at Kinross.

Drummond Castle Gardens are spectacular in all seasons and worth the drive to Perthshire. They were used as a substitute for Versailles in the series Outlander.

Dumfries House and gardens under the stewardship of King Charles have undergone huge transformation, igniting wider community regeneration. An impressive project which has a number of kid friendly activities too.

We are also local to Greenbank Gardens which is another lovely garden.

In the west end you’ll find Kibble Palace Botanic Gardens within beautiful Victorian glasshouses.

As dog owners ourselves we are more than happy to offer suggestions on places to walk. If our garden proves too repetitive for walking we recommend walking through Rouken Glen Park which recently won an award as UK park of the year. Within the park you will find the Boathouse Cafe which is dog friendly.

Duncarnock Fort, also known locally as the Craigie (pictured), is a 5 min drive but wonderful location for a 15 min easy climb which kids can also mange. There you can follow the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots who made this her daily walk when in the area.

Another nice spot to exercise dogs is along the Barrhead Dams.

For a beach walk we recommend Irvine, Barassie or Troon beaches. Irvine beach has the advantage of the Gro Cafe which is extremely dog friendly with its Aussie vibe.

Our favourite pub to bring your pooch is the West Brewery on Glasgow Green which serves German style beer and food (parking is usually quite easy too).

We have children ourselves, so if you find yourselves in a rainy day situation we would be more than happy to help.

Some of our favourite local outings include visits to the Blair Drummond Safari Park which can be an all day affair but is is nearby Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument.

On a rainy day Kelvingrove museum and Kelvinhall (opposite) are a good combination with plenty of nice spots for lunch nearby.

A short drive from the cottage is the Museum of Country Life in East Kilbride which is lovely to visit in spring.

The local park, Rouken Glen has a well appointed playpark if you are in need of burning off energy.