IHG Travel Blog

Discover the ins and outs of Glasgow

Everything’s greener in Glasgow

Glasgow might be Scotland’s largest and most populous city, but it’s also one of the greenest in Europe with more than 90 public parks and gardens. In this city, there’s an endless supply of activities and attractions, so here’s your outdoor and indoor guide to the best of both in Glasgow.

Where to enjoy Glasgow’s views and greens:

Pollok Country Park

Venture into Pollok Country Park, Glasgow’s largest park at 360 acres and the only country one within the city. Extensive woodlands and lush Scottish greens make for a peaceful, soothing sanctuary to tourists and wildlife. Take in nature’s beauty as you stroll through this park or join in on an event while visiting, such as getting your face painted during Pollok Family Day or a Countryside Ranger event like Pond Dipping. Also within the park you’ll find a museum that will be mentioned later in this post.

The park has free entry and is always open, but certain facilities are subject to opening and closing times.

 

Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is your 85-acre oasis inside the city. Be surrounded by serenity, green and a range of wildlife while walking along the River Kelvin or by the duck pond. Go on the Heritage Trail to see 35 key sites and monuments within the park. A main feature and tourist attraction at Kelvingrove Park is the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, which is the first part on the trail.

The park has free entry and is always open, but certain attractions have opening and closing times.

Titan Crane at Clydebank

The Titan Crane is the only thing left of the world-renowned John Browns shipyard on the River Clyde where famous battleships and passenger liners were once constructed. The Crane has now been restored, opened to the public and is even lit up at night. Ride the lift to the very top of the Crane, a 150-feet ride up that takes less than a minute. Once on the jib platform, see views of the River Clyde and the surrounding countryside (Glasgow is east of the crane). Inside the wheelhouse, see the workings of the crane and learn about the Titan’s history. A tour lasts about an hour, and wearing flat shoes is recommended.

Tickets to the Titan Crane are £4.95 for adults, £3.50 for concession and £13.50 for a family. The Crane is closed during the winter.

The Tall Ship

In Riverside is an independent maritime museum with naval themed activities and events, including tours and talks. The Tall Ship gives you an outside and inside experience in one place. Explore the Glenlee, the main exhibit at this attraction. She’s one of only five Clyde built ships still afloat today and the only ship of her kind in the UK. Study every inch inside the ship and then venture out onto the upper deck to see what it’d be like to be a sailor or even the captain of a ship.

The Tall Ship is open throughout the year. Doors open at 10 a.m. daily, February-October it closes at 5 p.m. and November-January at 4 p.m., although some opening times vary due to certain events or functions. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to the day’s closing time.

 

Where to get the inside scoop on Glasgow:

The Burrell Collection

Located inside Pollok Country Park is the Burrell Collection. Have your mind blown by all the works of art from various times and major artists, as well as the building itself. You not only get to see the 8,000-piece unique collection given to Glasgow from Sir William Burrell, but you get to enjoy the numerous beautiful pieces while being surrounded by the woodlands that you can see through the museum’s glass walls. The Burrell Collection surrounds you with so much beauty it just might take your breath away when you first walk in.

Admission to the Burrell Collection is free. It’s open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of the most visited museums in the UK is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Prepare your eyes for the sights they’re about to see as this museum holds one of Europe’s greatest collection of art. Discover Monet paintings, exhibits on Scottish art, history and archaeology, and a collection of European arms and armor. Walk through 22 themes and be amazed at the 8,000 objects your eyes come upon.

Admission is free to all visitors. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Glengoyne Distillery

What’s a trip to Scotland without tasting some Scottish whiskey? Have your chance to try some of the best whiskey around and see how it’s made at the Glengoyne Distillery. This distillery is more of a charming community home to friendly distillers who really know what they’re doing. They distil extremely slowly by spending six years preparing the oak casks. Glengoyne Distillery offers various tours — Glengoyne Tour (£7.50/person), Wee Tasting Tour (£10.00), Tasting Tour (£20.00) and Cask Tasting Tour (£50.00). This distillery also offers a Master Blender Session (create your very own blended whiskey for £40.00), Whisky and Chocolate Matching (£20.00) and The Master Class (an in-depth distillery tour telling and showing you more than the normal public tours for £125.00).

Glengoyne Distillery is open seven days a week with tours running on the hour. During March-November, the first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m., while the shop is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. During December-February, the first tour begins at 10 a.m. and the last at 3 p.m., and the shop is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Advanced booking is required for groups of 10 or more and for certain classes and tours.

Whether experiencing Glasgow from its outdoor or indoor experiences, one thing remains the same — Glasgow is a beautiful, enjoyable Scotland city worth visiting. Book your tickets and Glasgow hotel room now to see some of these attractions in person.

Exit mobile version