Give the football a body swerve and have fun outside of the World Cup

THE World Cup may be a month-long festival of football but, believe it or not, there are some people who can only watch so much of it.

Even diehard fans of the game may feel they need a break from the relentless display of sporting genius. And that's especially true if England are turning out to be the geniuses.

The good news is that for anyone who wants to get away from the telly action for a bit, who can't bear the sight of the Auld Enemy slamming in another goal, or who simply doesn't like football, there are plenty of alternatives available.

The World Cup runs in South Africa from the opening ceremony on 11 June to the final on 11 July. That's a little early for the Edinburgh Festival, which doesn't get into full swing until August, but there is plenty of arts and culture in other places.

Glasgow is celebrating its West End Festival right through until 27 June. This is the 15th time the event has been held and there are loads of events taking place, with nearly one in three being run for free.

Elsewhere, there are canal walks, summer fairs, political discussions, painting exhibitions, transcendental meditation and an abseil at the Finnieston Crane – but that's just for one day, 12 June, when England are playing the US.

Other events include ceilidhs, concerts, health walks, theatre and even Japanese drumming. In fact, with so much happening, you could almost forget the World Cup existed.

For another option, why not visit a Highland Games? You'll find them taking place in every part of Scotland during the World Cup season, from Strathmore to Lesmahagow and from Aberdeen to Hawick.

For those who prefer slightly less traditional entertainment, there's the Rock Ness Music Festival from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 June, with the now venerable T In The Park being staged between Friday 9 and Sunday 11 July. Or, for something quieter, how about a round of golf? Murrayshall House Hotel in Scone, Perthshire, offers two fabulous courses, the Murrayshall and Lynedoch, set amid splendid scenery. It's a great place to stay too. And with excellent shopping in nearby Perth, one partner can head onto the greens while the other engages in some retail therapy.

If cricket is more your style, then you can either participate or watch at Edinburgh's Grange Club. One big game that fans will not want to miss is the Scotland v England game, which takes place there on 19 June. Members of the club can not only watch and perhaps participate in top-class cricket, but also enjoy tennis on no less than five grass courts – something which is bound to be popular, as Wimbledon takes place during the World Cup. There's the option of squash, hockey and social functions too. For something less sporty, there are various craft and gift fairs coming up. Distinctive products, such as handmade jewellery, cashmere, candles and soaps will be on sale at indoor sales held by Lothian Events in Peebles (12 June), Linlithgow (26 June) and North Berwick (19 June and 3 July). Admission is free – happy hunting!