Winter Citylink travel inspiration

A tea room with lots of square tables, covered in white linen with a glass top over each. The chairs are chunky and made from a dark wood. The fireplace in the centre of the back wall and the surrounding wall stencils are designed by Mackintosh in his distinctive style. Geometric squares feature on the grey carpet runners.

Mackintosh at the Willow

This winter, leave the car at home and explore Scotland with Citylink. Sit back, relax and take the scenic route, before visiting one of our many places open throughout the season. We have lots of cosy cafés and tearooms too, all offering hot drinks and sweet treats, and all easily accessible using Citylink’s comfortable coaches.

From castles to museums and gardens to nature reserves, many of our places are staying open this winter. It’s the ideal time to hop on a coach, travel in comfort (and warmth!) and go exploring. Where will your winter adventure take you?

Find out more about which of our places are open this winter

Glasgow

Mackintosh at the Willow

We all know that winter in Scotland can be a bit dreich, but with its beautiful interiors, Mackintosh at the Willow is the perfect place to visit this season.

First opened by Miss Cranston in 1903, the Tearooms were designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in collaboration with his wife, Margaret Macdonald.

A visit to Mackintosh at the Willow offers a unique experience that combines history and culture. The family-friendly interactive exhibition shares the stories of the people who have shaped this remarkable building since 1903. Once you’ve explored the history, the historic Tearooms provide an ideal spot to relax and unwind, and perhaps enjoy a festive afternoon tea with loved ones.

For those who like to keep the pace up, a wide range of family-friendly and adult learning activities are available, including workshops, holiday crafts, and seasonal events.

Find out more about events and activities at Mackintosh at the Willow

Travelling to Glasgow by coach with Citylink is the perfect way to get there in comfort and style. Let Citylink do the driving while you sit back, relax and enjoy the view. With direct connections to Glasgow from Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Fort William, Dundee, Stirling and more.

Arrive at Buchanan bus station refreshed and ready to start your day trip in Glasgow!

Mackintosh at the Willow

Winter walks at Bannockburn

Wander around the landscaped grounds of Bannockburn and enjoy views across to Stirling Castle, which played a central role in the battle of Bannockburn. Stand where the Scots made camp and where, according to legend, Robert the Bruce raised his royal standard on the eve of battle.

There’s also a medieval physic garden and a commemorative area, including a memorial cairn and the remarkable statue of Robert the Bruce. So, why not grab a takeaway coffee from the café and follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce this winter?

Those with a sweet tooth are well catered for in the café – there are plenty of cakes and tray bakes to choose from, as well as a selection of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan treats!

Numerous services run every day on popular routes like Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Dunblane, and there are hourly services from Glasgow. Service 909 calls at Edinburgh Airport too. Get off the bus at Stirling Milton Brae and then Bannockburn is only a few minutes walk away.

The interior of a coach with two rows of blue seats.

Edinburgh

Gladstone’s Land

The long trading history of Gladstone’s Land continues to this day with an ice cream parlour and cosy coffee shop on the ground floor.

Inspired by the refreshment rooms and ice cream shops that were prevalent on the Lawnmarket in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the public houses and dairies that operated out of the property.

Steeped in history, the ice cream parlour and coffee shop is the perfect place for you to relax after a visit to the house, a festive catch-up with friends, or to pop in for an afternoon treat to take a break from Christmas shopping!

Serving a wide range of Equi’s ice cream flavours, sundaes, delicious cakes and hot drinks, you can either sit in or take out. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Travel to Scotland’s capital city in style using the 900 service from Glasgow. Buses run up to every 15 minutes, all day and all night from £10 day return. Under 22 or Over 60? Hop on board free with a YoungScot NEC or an over-60s concessionary pass. There are also direct connections from Livingston, Oban, Dundee and more!