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Jan
10
Glasgow Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under United Kingdom
A trip to Glasgow
Located at the western end of Midland Valley, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city and its cultural capital. Having reinvented itself as one of Britain’s most lively and captivating cities, it now boasts an imposing combination of attractions including world-class museums and art galleries as well as an uncountable array of restaurants, pubs and bars. Glasgow has received a number of prestigious awards in recent years, above all the label of UK City of Architecture and Design. An increasing number of tourists are attracted to this popular destination which can be reached via three airports.
Flights to Glasgow
Glasgow is served by a few airports, the nearest and most suitable being Glasgow International Airport (GLA) which is located eight miles west of the centre and handles over seven million passengers yearly. Flights to over 80 worldwide destinations are served by 40 airlines operating out of Glasgow. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Glasgow try Ebookers. Other airports are Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, situated 32 miles from the city centre, and Edinburgh Turnhouse Airport, 41 miles from Glasgow.
Paisley’s railway station is just two miles from Glasgow International Airport, and is accessible by regular local buses. Shuttle buses operate to central Glasgow and depart every 15 to 30 minutes, and the journey takes 20 minutes. To get around the city, there is a widespread suburban bus network available as well as an underground train network that serves 15 stations in and around the city centre.
Glasgow
Sightseeing in Glasgow
The area of medieval Glasgow has been immensely restored and is an excellent spot for diverse strolls. In 543 AD, St Mungo arrived at this part of the city and built a church. He lies buried near the 12th century Cathedral of St Kentigern in one of the largest Victorian cemeteries in Britain. Another fabulous place to meander is the Clyde Walkway stretched along the Clyde River where you will find the magnificent Glasgow Science Centre. Nearby Glasgow Green has been a communal park since 1662.
The Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum is one of the city’s finest museums and boasts an outstanding collection of works by Italian and Dutch old masters including Rembrandt and Giorgione. A further highlight is the superb Hunterian Art Gallery which presents the artistic assets of James McNeill Whistler including some 60 of his paintings.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Glasgow features a great variety of eateries for all tastes and budgets including restaurants, gastro-pubs, bistros and fast-food joints. A wide range of international cuisine is available and there are also plentiful decent pubs offering scrumptious fare, often with a Scottish twist. Pubs are placed on almost every street corner and are where the Glaswegians enjoy their favourite lager, the most popular areas being the commercial centre, Merchant City and the hip West End.
A great number of theatres and venues are spread generously around the city hosting everything from contemporary dramatics and musicals to classical pieces, opera and pantomime. For a different kind of night entertainment, check out Glasgow’s various nightclubs which attract some of the hottest DJs in the UK.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Glasgow provides world-class shopping; hundreds of autonomously owned shops and galleries offer exclusive and fascinating merchandise, while a decent amount of speciality shops present a variety of products such as jewellery, crafts, toys and antiques. Hit Buchanan street for upmarket goods and nearby Argyle and Sauchiehall streets for decent look-alikes.
Daytrips
With beautiful lush green countryside and relatively flat roads, cycling around Glasgow is a great way to see the sights as well as getting in some exercise. There are numerous bicycle paths that travel along the banks of the river and also some easy to navigate urban routes. A plethora of bicycle hire places are available around town offering bikes at inexpensive day rates.
Scotland has a historic golfing past, being the place the game was invented. Glasgow has several public and private courses available to enjoy a game. In the southwest of Glasgow lies the world-class Ayrshire course, which will impress even the best golfers in the world.
Glasgow Green is the city’s oldest park and most impressive, with beautiful manicured gardens. The huge sprawling lawns offer a great place for kids to play or an afternoon picnic with the family. There are horse riding facilities as well as bicycle hire for riding around the amazing grounds. Autumn time is particularly beautiful, with an array of colour from falling leaves.
Must-see attractions
For a great day shopping in a lively atmosphere, the charismatic Barras open-air market is on of Scotland’s best, with a plethora of fresh produce and also handmade crafts. There are also great antiques, which can sometimes be bought for a bargain. The food section is filled with tasty pastries and cakes as well as some more traditional local foods.
Provand’s Lordship is one of Glasgow’s oldest houses, dating back to 1470. The medieval structure is still in good condition and a great example of architecture from that era. Inside the house are authentic 17th century pieces of furniture and decorations. Provand’s Lordship is open daily from 10:00 and has guided tours to explain its interesting history.
The Hunterian Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of paintings, prints and furnishings. Famous paintings are on display, including works from Rembrandt and Rubens. There is also a collection from the Scottish Colourists from the 19th century, who became known as the ‘Glasgow Boys’. The art gallery is massive and will keep you enthralled all day.
Best time to go
Glasgow is best visited in the summertime between June and August when the temperatures are warm and the sky is sunny. There are numerous outdoor festivals and events during the summer which can provide an enjoyable time. If travelling to Glasgow in the summer, be sure to book your accommodation in advance as hotels can fill quickly. Wintertime is also nice, but be sure to pack some warm clothes and wet weather gear.
Rainy day suggestions
For something to do on those rainy days, Glasgow has a variety of indoor entertainment and attractions to see. The Glasgow Science Museum is filled with interesting displays and exhibits including an amazing planetarium and IMAX theatre. There are numerous historic pubs throughout the city area; these have a fun atmosphere and locally brewed ales.
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