From the Winter Games to the World Cup and Wimbledon, 2014 is filled with mouth-watering sports prospects for enthusiasts around the world.
Yet this summer, very few locations will be able to match Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games for entertainment, in terms of the opportunities it offers for caravanners both indoors and out.
In the 20th occasion in the history of the Games, the city is gearing up for what will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland.
So with that in mind, we at CaravanTimes have taken a look at what the Games, the city and the surrounding Scottish countryside can offer to caravan enthusiasts this summer.
From caravan site information to suggestions for rambling spots, we hope you’ll find everything you need for a happy holiday in Scotland.
Caravan sites around Glasgow
A while ago, we wrote a piece on the Caravan Club’s new site at Strathclyde Country Park, and it has proved highly popular ever since it opened last year.
Located just 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, the site offers both members and non-members alike hundreds of caravan pitches. What’s more, it’s just a ten minute walk from one of Scotland’s most visited country parks.
Set around Strathclyde Loch, the 1,000 acre park is home to a number of wetlands, wildlife refuges and bird watching spots – alongside miles of walking and cycling routes that pass through sites of historical interest, including a Roman fort and bath house.
For prices and booking, click here.
Craigendmuir Park is another modern and well-maintained site that offers an abundance of pitches for touring caravans.
Situated amongst fields of rolling green, this site is ideal for those who are simply looking for a base from which to explore Glasgow’s vibrant city culture or Scotland’s beautiful countryside.
For prices and booking, click here.
And for Camping and Caravanning Club fans, the site at Milarrochy Bay is a dream location for those who’d like a holiday some distance away from the city.
Set near Loch Lomond and in the Trossach’s National Park, a mere 40 minute drive from the city, the 150-pitch campsite welcomes members and non-members who are intent on taking in the great outdoors.
With the West Highland Way, Loch Lomond and the Trossach’s National Park on its doorstep, the C&CC’s site is a great option for walkers, ramblers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
And, if you’d like to mix up your holiday with some city culture, Glasgow is just 25 miles away.
For prices and booking, click here.
The XX Commonwealth Games (23 July – 3 August, 2014)
In the space of 11 days, 6,500 athletes from 70 nations will descend upon the city to compete in 17 sports which range from athletics to aquatics.
Meaning, if the atmosphere at Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium is anything to go by, you should probably bring earplugs!
Taking place across 14 venues which include the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the SECC, this could be a golden opportunity to see some of the world’s best sportswomen and men in action.
Athletes expected to participate in the Games include superstars such as Mo Farah, Tom Daley, Bradley Wiggins and Nicola Adams.
Oh, and a certain, nondescript Jamaican athlete, one Usain Bolt, might just make an appearance (fingers-crossed).
Whether or not you’re able to get tickets to the events themselves, Glasgow will certainly be an incredible city in which to watch the Games and to sample the lively ambiance.
What to do in and around Glasgow
With over 90 parks within the city boundaries, it’s little wonder that Glasgow means ‘dear green place’ in Middle Gaelic.
At the top of the list for the city’s parks is Pollock Country Park, which was awarded the accolade of Europe’s Best Park in 2008.
Here, you’ll find lots of pretty riverside walks, droves of famous highland cattle and heavy horses, alongside gardens dedicated to cultivating many species of flora. For those looking to do more, there are mountain bike circuits, themed trails and orienteering courses.
And for the culture vultures amongst you, did we mention that there are two museums within the park itself?
A Georgian house located in the heart of the park offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s history, whilst the renowned Burrell Collection includes works from ancient civilisations, as well as art spanning countries across the world.
Amongst other parks that offer great walking trails and colourful flower gardens are Bellahouston Park and Auchinlea Park, both located within easy driving distance of the city centre.
For those looking to see more Scottish cities, Stirling and its famous William Wallace Monument are less than half an hour’s drive, or within an hour you could be taking in the sights and sounds of Edinburgh’s old city.
Getting peckish?
Well, if you’re doing all of the above then you certainly will be!
Since lots of caravanners enjoy a curry or two whilst on their travels, we thought we’d give you some insider info on where to eat in Glasgow.
‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.motherindia.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mother India is a staple curry house amongst spice-seeking Glaswegians, and having been voted Restaurant of the Year and Best Non-European Restaurant by the Scottish Herald, we’re not surprised.
It now owns a number of outlets around the city with eat-in or take-away options available at budget prices.
For Chinese and Malaysian food, try Asia Style or its competitor around the corner, Asia Gourmet. Both offer up a multitude of delicious and authentic East Asian food for incredibly low prices.
And if you’d rather try something that won’t give you trouble the morning after, try the Black Sheep Bistro for home-cooked Scottish food that has been a local favourite for years and years.
For a full list of eating options in and around Glasgow, click here.
Have you been caravanning in and around Glasgow? Let us know your top tips in the comments box below.
