We can now freely roam our green and pleasant land and very soon we can start planning overnight stays too.

Minds may automatically turn to the Cairngorms, Perthshire, the N500 or the pretty East Lothian Coast for these type of getaways. But what about other locations in Scotland, some you might never have considered as a short stay destination before…perhaps now is the time? Here are three West Coast mini-break ideas for all the family, that offer a change of scene, first class Scottish hospitality, but won’t break the bank.

Giffnock

Giffnock is home to the much-loved and newly refurbished The Redhurst Hotel. Having been at the heart of the local community since the 60s the hotel has spent lockdown undergoing a multimillion pound makeover and is now gearing up to receive guests from 12th May.

Fresh interiors, chic bedrooms and luxury bathrooms along with a lovely outdoor terrace and the new Bird & Bell restaurant means The Redhurst could soon be a favourite for families looking for a night away from home.

But where is Giffnock and what is there to do?

Giffnock is a suburb of Glasgow in East Renfrewshire. It is often awarded the title “Scotland’s most affluent town” but was pipped to the post by Edinburgh’s Stockbridge last year.

Many an hour can be spent in the award-winning Rouken Glen, 58 hectares of Scottish urban park, complete with boating pond, waterfall, walled garden, table tennis, tennis courts, skate park and more. Relax outdoors with refreshments from the pond-side cafe and the hope is that soon, as restrictions ease, both the weekend pony rides and the Model Steamer Club, where the locals meet at the boating pond to sail their model boats, will resume. And for wildlife lovers there is always something to see, from tiny shrews, voles, wood mice and five bat species to Roe Deer, frogs, newts, toads and seven species of fish.

For those looking for even more outdoor adventure is the Pollok Country Park & Estate, an expansive award-winning park with several woodland walks and mountain bike trails (for all levels), highland cows, treasure hunt and Pollok House - a National Trust Scotland venue located in the park.

If it’s retail therapy you are in need of, you’ll find Silverburn shopping mall is just a 10 minute car journey from the hotel.

East Kilbride

Calderglen Country Park is a four-star tourist attraction in East Kilbride, with extensive nature trails running for several miles through the park. The northern part of the park is a site of special scientific interest for is carboniferous geology, and the river features a number of waterfalls along its course.

There is an adventure play area for toddlers and juniors, picnic areas, conservatory, ornamental gardens, children's zoo, Courtyard Cafe, toilets and and a golf course.

The mini zoo is a hit with all ages featuring meerkats, prairie dogs and owls outdoors, and reptiles and fish in a tropical glasshouse.

Also in the area is the National Museum of Rural Life. Spend a day in the countryside, uncover Scotland's unique rural history and meet the animals on the farm.

New for 2021 is the Willow Sculpture Trail. Inspired by the wildlife often spotted around the museum site and the animal residents at the farm, willow artist Anna Cross has created a beautiful collection of willow sculptures using a range of willow varieties to capture the character of the animals, from the well-loved farm cat to a soaring buzzard.

But where to stay? We like the Macdonald Crutherland House, a four star family hotel which is handily situated south of Glasgow in 37 acres of unspoiled countryside. Originally built in 1705 as a manor for Lady Dowager of Torrance Castle, the hotel now offers a mix of stylish contemporary accommodation in an historic setting.

There is a gym, spa, an 18-metre swimming pool with sauna and steam room, beautifully manicured gardens and an award-winning restaurant on-site, enough to keep even the fussiest mini-breakers busy.

18-metre swimming pool at the Crutherland House

Langbank

Langbank is a picturesque village on the south bank of the River Clyde in Renfrewshire with panoramic views ‘doon the watter’ and is just 9 miles from Paisley.

The neighbouring countryside caters for a wide range of sporting and leisure activities including fishing, golf, shooting, sailing and equestrian so is the ideal place for lovers of the great Scottish outdoors.

An action packed day requires a worthy place to rest one’s head, so how about the Gleddoch Hotel? The Golf and Spa resort is situated in prime location at the top of Langbank with breathtaking views of the countryside. The Championship 18-hole golf course is bound to keep you entertained.

Foodies will rejoice at the news the Chef David Hetherington has been appointed Head Chef at the resort and will no doubt bring dishes to rival the stunning views.

Perhaps, soaking in the views from the outdoor spa pool or a beauty treatment or two is more your idea of a break? The Gleddoch spa team are on hand to help.

What could be better to draw the day to a close than a visit to the hotel’s DRAM bar? A must-try for any whisky or gin lover, DRAM serves an array of over 80 whiskies and 50 gins, mostly sourced from Scotland, this intimate wood panelled bar is perfect for enjoying an evening tipple.

A four-poster suite at the Gleddoch Hotel

Please check Government guidelines before booking your stay or setting off.

A Night Away, On The West Coast