Summer Travel Guide to Glasgow

*This is a collaborative post featuring a summer travel guide to Glasgow

The largest city in Scotland is a place where you can find impressive Victorian and Mackintosh “Glasgow-style” architecture. As well as a thriving arts and culture scene. 

Glasgow is thought to have been founded in the 6th Century by St Mungo, who built a church called “Glas Gu” (meaning “Green place”) on the site of the current cathedral. 

After more than 1,000 years of history, the Glasgow of today boasts some great train links to Edinburgh and beyond, making it an easily accessible spot for day-trippers who want to discover a new destination.

Here are a few of Glasgow’s highlights:

Guide to Glasgow- Pollok Country Park

This is the biggest green space in Glasgow, with an area of 146 hectares. There’s plenty to do in the country park, with trails for walking and cycling, walled gardens and a restored 19th-century stable yard and sawmill for those who are interested in history. Some scenes from Outlander were even filmed here. 

Kids can amuse themselves in the park’s play area and will be impressed by the herd of highland cows. Soon, the Pollok Park stables will be restored and reinhabited by Clydesdale horses.  

Barras Market

Situated in Glasgow’s East End, Barras Market is easy to spot, thanks to the distinctive archway that marks the entrance. It has been on the go since the late 19th Century. Today you can find some bargains on clothes and shoes or find a unique handmade gift. Something to remind you of your time in Glasgow. 

Guide to Glasgow- Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

This quirky hidden gem features a set of performances made by carved kinetic crafts, mechanically choreographed to tell humorous stories about life and death.

It was designed by Eduard Bersudsky and some volunteers. He initially started out designing kinetic sculptures as part of the non-conformist art movement in Soviet Russia, but was eventually driven out to settle in Scotland instead.

Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum

Even to look at from the outside, Kelvingrove is a distinctively eye-catching building. Its exterior is made from red sandstone in a Spanish Baroque style. 

Entrance is free, and inside you’ll find a treasure trove of Renaissance art, natural history exhibits and artifacts from all around the world. 

Guide to Glasgow- The Hidden Lane

A colourful, photo-worthy lane that not everyone knows about, the Hidden Lane is a community of 100 studios where artists, designers and musicians carry out their respective crafts. There’s an award-winning tearoom and some interesting gift shops to wander through. 

Barrowland Ballroom

Historically a ballroom, now a concert venue with a retro vibe, this one is a must for music-lovers travelling to Glasgow. It hosts new talent and big names alike. It’s provided some great acoustics for artists like Oasis, David Bowie and Blondie during its time.

These are just a handful of the many sights and experiences you can enjoy on a trip to Glasgow. What else is on your list?