For Glasgow's students, a parental visit brings a certain pressure to think of suitable things to do. You don’t just want to take them to your local, anywhere too loud or over-crammed with young folk, that your slightly deaf dad will probably ask rude questions about, all too loudly. You want to show them the best of your city, despite the fact that you probably haven’t been to that museum before and spend your weekends in bed or with your head in the toilet.
So, here are three activity and meal combinations to impress your folks with when they come to stay.
For the plant-loving parents
The Botanical Gardens in the West End is the perfect place to take your parents if you get the feeling they would rather be in the garden anyway. Take a stroll through the iconic Kibble Palace, warm up and look at the beautiful plants in the tropical hot houses, have a cream tea in the tearoom, and even buy some peanuts and feed the friendly squirrels. Just make sure to wash your hands before you have your scone.
Kibble PalaceLindsay Middleton
Pair with: Dinner at Brel, on Ashton Lane. Great food, good beer and a lovely civilised, yet lively atmosphere.
Brel, Ashton LaneLindsay Middleton
For the culture vultures
The Burrell Collection in Pollock Country Park is crammed with both beautiful art and historical artifacts, there is plenty to take in at your preferred pace. Stop to re-energise at the café, or take a stroll in the beautiful park in nice weather to make a day of it.
McAteer Photograph
Pair with: Brunch at The Butterfly and Pig South. Less than a ten minute drive away, you'll find the successful Glasgow chain's new location, which has a tearoom, restaurant and bar menu.
For parents who lunch
Taking mum shopping is often a winner. Work the high street up and down the bustling Buchanan Street, and Argyle Street. Then pop into the decadent Princes Square shopping centre for upmarket clothes shops and boutiques.
Princes Square Lindsay Middleton
Pair with: Lunch at Barca, an authentic, non-chain, Spanish tapas and cava bar in the heart of Glasgow. Go all out and pair your tapas with a cocktail masterclass to make it a day to remember (perhaps fuzzily).
Lindsay Middleton
Your parents will leave happy in the assumption that you're out there doing healthy, enjoyable things during your time in Glasgow. How right that assumption is is, of course, down to you!
See more things to do in Glasgow from Time Out.