Glasgow is one of Britain’s biggest cities and has amassed a reputation as a proud place with a rich cultural heritage and an impressive, intoxicating combination of Victorian and modern buildings. This former industrial giant, once an epicenter of the shipbuilding trade, has transformed itself into a city of entertainment and art, filled with shops, galleries, museums and much more.
Gothic Glasgow and gorgeous galleries
Glasgow has a long, diverse history and one of the oldest buildings in the city is its cathedral, the High Kirk of Glasgow, which dates back to the 12th century. Its Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass windows dominates the skyline and makes it one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city.
Entry is free, although you can make an optional donation. Another of Glasgow’s most celebrated buildings is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a beautiful red sandstone structure situated in the surroundings of Kelvingrove Park.
With artefacts ranging from a Salvador Dalí painting to antique armor and items from Ancient Egypt, there’s plenty to get your teeth into. The museum is the perfect way to while away an afternoon, especially since entry is free.
If you’re spending time in the city, it’s also worth keeping your eyes peeled for the designs of its most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His influence can be seen all around, including at the Glasgow Art Club, which is filled with fireplaces and fittings designed by the architect as a young man.
The Glasgow School of Art also showcases some of his works, which you can see when you attend one of the daily tours led by students.
The beautiful game
Glasgow is home to not one, but two world famous soccer clubs, fierce rivals Celtic and Rangers - no surprise in a city that’s intensely passionate about sport. In the East End you can take a tour of Celtic Park, where you can learn all about the history of the club and explore the changing room and tunnel.
To the west of the city is Ibrox stadium, home to Rangers, where you can also book a tour and visit areas including the dugout and trophy room. Glasgow is also home to the national soccer stadium Hampden Park, which boasts the Scottish Football Museum.
If you’re more of a golf fan, you’ll find a number of championship courses just a short drive out of the city including Mar Hall, Gleneagles, Royal Troon and Turnberry. Scotland’s love affair with golf has been a long and glorious one.
The great outdoors
If you fancy exploring the wonderful countryside of Scotland, you can drive just a few miles out of Glasgow to find a number of parks, lochs and wide open spaces. Seven Lochs Wetland Park, less than 10 miles away, is a peaceful and relaxing green space spanning the border between Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.
The seven lochs are home to a huge variety of wildlife and wetland birds, so you may see kingfishers, buzzards or even catch a glimpse of roe deer around Bishop Loch.
If you travel for less than an hour along the M8 and A82 you’ll find Loch Lomond. Adventure fans can have a go at watersports such as canoeing or water skiing, while there are also several golf courses, or you could simply take a stroll along the shoreline with views of the water and the surrounding Trossachs National Park.
Renting a car for your trip to Glasgow makes it possible to explore not only the city but all these attractions in the surrounding area, in a part of the world you’ll be desperate to return to.
