Roadtripping | Scotland Day 1

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After exploring Ireland by car for a friend’s wedding two years ago (back when I was heavily pregnant!), Ash has wanted to explore Scotland by a roadtrip. This time, we had a munchkin-in-tow. Our trip began with a very early morning wake-up call! We were driving all the way, as opposed to flying and hiring a car – for cost as well as convenience. Despite wanting to leave at 4am, we left an hour later, but still made good time getting to Glasgow.

We stopped en route at the Lake District, in time for breakfast. The Tebay services are apparently family-owned and award-winning – and they were actually amazing. Of course, the views were beautiful and Alfie enjoyed seeing the ducks; the restaurant was good with plenty of window seats and even a soft play area; while I could have spent hours in the gift shop and food court.

Our plan for the day, once we had arrived, was to explore as much of the city as we could and truth be told, it’s doable in a day – I didn’t really think much of it, to be honest. The best way of seeing a new city in my opinion, is to jump on one of the city hop buses... so that’s exactly what we did! Our time in Glasgow coincided with a race of some kind, so there were road closures and the bus wasn’t stopping at the usual stops, nor was it sticking to the timetable. I think we ended up doing more walking due to this.

The Riverside was interesting, with its Tall Ship moored on the quayside and the free travel and transport museum (originally called the Riverside Museum). The museum would have been great if Alfie was older – there was so much to see, plenty of interactive elements and it was all so interesting, particularly for someone that used to work in the travel industry! Instead, we had to rush around as Alfie wouldn’t stay in the pushchair and wanted to touch and climb on everything... we had to prise him away from the piano with a bribery of lunch!

We made our way back towards the city centre and Kelvingrove Park. There was an upbeat atmosphere around the Art Gallery & Museum with a percussion band playing – and we saw a second band in the park itself, although they didn’t have as big an audience. The park was so beautiful and peaceful and we could have quite easily spent longer walking around. One thing I noticed about the park and the city in general was how quiet it was. It was a Sunday, but I expected the streets to be busy, particularly where the shops, bars and restaurants were.

And that was the extent of our Glasgow exploring. It was back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I had booked a table at a restaurant I was recommended on Twitter: Ox & Finch. I won’t be revealing anymore, you’ll have to wait until Sunday to read about our meal.

Today we drove 366 miles

Today we walked 11.7km

Where we stayed

Jurys Inn – Jamaica Street, G1 4QG

Our room was a really good size with two double beds, with plenty of excess pillows. Despite filling the gap between the beds with those, Alfie still fell out in the night and ended up staying with us. The hotel’s in a great location, right next to Central Station and within walking distance of the shops and many of the sights – however, it did mean we heard all the trains pass through. If like us and you’re driving, be sure to park at the Jamaica Street Q Park and get your ticket validated by reception (you’ll be paying £8 for 24-hours, as opposed to £18). The staff were helpful and friendly, particularly Kevin who let us in for breakfast, despite us leaving our passes upstairs in our room... he then gave Alfie a Curly Wurly because he waved at him and said “hiya”. We weren’t able to thank him on our departure.

Love, Lucy xx 

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