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GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS
730 Great Western Road. Glasgow. 0141 334 2422, www.glasgow.gov.uk
Commonly referred to as the Botanics. this IS a West End institution and a year-round magnet for anyone looking for a little peace and quiet. The main entrance is on the corner of Byres Road and Great Western Road. and as well as numerous pOSSible walking routes past its many trees. shrubs. themed gardens or along the River KeIVin. there are two sets of Victorian glasshouses. Take a picnic. Slt back and enJOy.
GLASGOW CLIMBING CENTRE
lbrox Church, 534 Paisley Road West. 0141 427 9550. www.glasgowclimbingcentre.co.uk
While smaller than some of the new facilities elsewhere in Scotland. this centre in a converted church on the Southside of the city. boasts over 60 routes on walls up to 40ft high. Equipped for top- roping and leading With experts on hand to provide lessons for all standards of rock climber, those who crave the buzz of free-climbing will enjoy the loft- high bouldering cave. A novel addition is the dry- tooling area. which involves free climbing with ice axes.
IN THE FRAME
GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE
Pacific Quay. Clydeside, 0141 420 5000 www.9lasgowsciencecentre.org
A shining titanium crescent overlooking the Clyde. the SCience Mall offers three floors of live shows and over 300 hands-on exhibits. plus a planetarium and science communicators on hand to explain everything. The IMAX Cinema boasts a 12.000 watt sound system and a screen bigger than a five-a-Side football pitch, showmg panoramic educational films and Hollywood blockbusters in 2 and 3D.
Whether it’s postcard painting or interactive workshops, Edinburgh and Glasgow’s most popular
attractions have the kiddies covered
A glut of ceramic centres has sprung up recently. offering lots of creative fun — but at a price. If you can only run to a pottery painting session every few months or for a birthday treat. there's no need for the kids to miss out on a regular dose of arty fun. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have a wealth of art galleries and museums bending over backwards to get kids involved, without charging you a penny.
In Edinburgh. the National Gallery (0131 624 6200) runs its Doodles and Tales session on the last Sunday of every month. Hear a story. look at some art — then make your own. And each Saturday and Sunday from 2—4pm. you'll find Bags of Art. the Art Cart and Painted Postcards — all of which enable young visitors and their families to explore the diverse range of art on show. The Bags and Cart are loaded with art materials. while Painted Postcards uses different works from the collection to inspire all the family. The National Museum of Scotland (0131 225 7534) also has an Art Cart. which is wheeled out from loam—4.30pm everyday, filled with interesting designs to colour in.
Every Saturday from 10.30am—1 pm in Glasgow. the Gallery of Modern Art (0141 287 3050) holds its Art Club. Aimed at children aged 3—12. the sessions are a fun way to explore the art on display
through drawing. collage. sculpture and games. Adults feeling inspired are encouraged to join in. too. At the Museum of Transport (0141 287 2720) each Sunday from 2-3.30pm, it's time to get Back to the Drawing Board. Young and old can stroll round the museum, choose an object. sketch it then head back to the workshop to make a finished version. Children under 8 must be accompanied, but over-8s can be left to draw if their adult stays in the museum.
There's also an ever-changing weekend programme of craft and design at Scotland Street School Museum (0141 287 0500) and don't miss the Family Arty Weekend at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (0141 276 9599) on Sat 25 & Sun 26 April. (Kelly Apter)
22 THE LIST 2—16 Apr 2009
GLENTRESS FOREST
Near Peebles. 01721 721736. www.hubintheforest.co.uk
With 400.000 annual VISitors. this high octane. thrill- seekers mountain-biking centre is one of Scotland's most popular attractions. Boasting some of the COuntry's best Single-track riding. routes are graded according to difficulty. The green beginner run is where to test your balance on timber obstacles; blue offers a challenging 8km ride and black is for those kitted out With a suspenSion bike. suffiCient padding and nerve to tackle the energy-sapping. 29kni-long trail.
HOLYROOD PARK
At the foot of the High Street and Holyrood Road, Edinburgh.
For one of the best views over the Old Town climb
Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. On a clear day you
can see all the way to the lagged coastline of the Forth Estuary and beyond. After you've had an eyeful, head back down the Radical Road to the bottom of Salisbury Crags.
HOPETOUN HOUSE South Queensfeny, 0131 331 2451. www.hopetounhouse.com
With rolling parkland looking towards the Forth. this
palatial home to the earls of Hopetoun since 1699 is generally considered Scotland's finest stately home. lts fine Georgian architecture and grand interior was designed by Robert Adam. the 17th-century Scottish architect. King George N once feasted in the state dining room and at every turn antique ceramics. tapestries and original Masters add to the breathtaking opulence.
lNCl-ICOLM ISLAND
0131 331 5000, www.maidoftheforth.co.uk Nicknamed the Iona of the East. wildlife lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy this three hour round—trip sailing to lnchcolm Island with Maid of the Forth. Lying over a mile off-shore. the 12th century monastic buildings of lnchcolm Abbey. a small visitor
. centre. gardens and delightful sandy beach all wait
to be explored while the viewpoint prowdes a stunning panorama of Edinburgh and Fife.
KELVIN WALKWAY Runs from Kelvingrove Park - Dawsholm Park
J The Kelvin Walkway extends the West Highland Way
south to the centre of Glasgow, and meanders through some of the best parts of the city's northwest area. It follows the River Kelvin from Kelvingrove Park through the northwest to Dawsholm Park about three miles away. Starting at Kelvingrove Park at the University. you can then head through the Botanic Gardens. under the Forth and Clyde Canal and all the way to Kirki‘ntilloch should you have the time and energy.