Glasgow
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The city of Glasgow has mediaeval roots and began as a small village situated close to the River Clyde. The 17th and 18th centuries found Glasgow a prosperous hub of activity as merchants sailed the seas and brought back wealth based on tobacco and cotton Alas, in the late 19th century and into the 20th century Glasgow became known as a city of squalor, slums and filth. Steel mills, coal mines and factories belched out their fumes, polluting the air into a thick coat which corroded the health of its citizens and also stained and tarnished the buildings whose elegant architecture would lay hidden. And the River Clyde, once the backbone of trade and revenue where ocean liners such as the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were built, was stagnant with empty cartons of curry and fish suppers now its ships. Something had to be done. Town planners in the 1960's and 1970's had visions of clearing the slums and replacing them with tall, box-like structures known as high-rises, but these visions, although fulfilled were to prove short-term and inappropriate. These in turn have been torn down and more appealing residences constructed. Buildings in the city center have been sand-blasted, cleansed of the grime to reveal their architectural gems. What was once thought to be merely old has been reclaimed as part of our history, and the city has leapt forward embracing not only the present, but the future - a future with solid roots that the most important commodity of all, the people, stimulate. Glasgow is vibrant.
Queen Street Station is where you'll be if you're traveling by train to/from the north, such as Aberdeen or to/from the east, such as Edinburgh. Trains run regularly and are usually on time! It's only a 45 minute train ride to Edinburgh, by the way. Local trains go through Queen Street too. My mother catches the train at Alexandra Parade and arrives in Queen Street in about ten minutes. Smashing. She's 86 and loves her jaunts "into the town". Adjacent to the station is the subway, another way to travel around the city. Lots of buses are also available with service throughout Glasgow. The airport bus can be found a few blocks away at Buchanan Street Bus Station. If you're interested in taking a tour of the city step outside the station onto George Square where you will find the tour buses.
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[edit] Getting there
If you’re coming to Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley you can enjoy some fantastic travel fares. You might want to fly or take a ferry, or maybe you’d prefer to let the train take the strain. Glasgow International Airport is a twenty minute bus or taxi ride from the city centre, while Glasgow Prestwick Airport is only 45 minutes by rail or road.
[edit] Where to stay
[edit] Sights
Gallery of Modern Art GoMA is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London, offering a thought-provoking programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. GoMA displays work by local and international artists as well as addressing contemporary social issues through its major biannual projects.
Royal Exchange Square Queen Street Glasgow G1 3AH
Tel +44 (0) 141 229 1996
The Lighthouse The Lighthouse, Scotland's first, dedicated, national centre for architecture and design, was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth in July 1999. The Lighthouse is the renamed £13 million ($20 million) conversion of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's 1895 Glasgow Herald newspaper office. The centre's vision is to develop the links between art, design and architecture, seeing these as interconnected social, educational, economic and cultural issues of concern to everyone. Since opening, the centre has welcomed over 700,000 visitors.
11 Mitchell Lane Glasgow G1 3LX
Tel +44 (0) 141 221 6362
MacLellan Galleries Built in 1856, the Galleries are named after their builder, Archibald McLellan. Following his death, Glasgow City Corporation bought the building, and it was used as an exhibition space. In the 1980s the Galleries were ravaged by fire, but re-opened in 1990, following a £3 million restoration.
270 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3EH
Tel +44 (0) 141 565 4137
The Burrell Collection When Sir William Burrell and his wife, Constance, Lady Burrell, gifted his collection of over 9,000 works of art to Glasgow, the city acquired one of the greatest collections created by one person. William Burrell had been an art collector since his teens, and the collection is made up of a vast array of works of all periods and from all over the world.
2060 Pollokshaws Road Glasgow G43 1AT
Tel +44 (0) 141 353 9108 or +44 (0) 141 9148 or 9026
The Museum of Transport The Museum of Transport in the Kelvin Hall is one of the most popular museums of transport in the British Isles, attracting half a million visitors a year. Founded in 1964, it houses many exhibits of national and international importance. The museum uses its collections of vehicles and models to tell the story of transport by land and sea, with a unique Glasgow flavour.
1 Bunhouse Road Glasgow G3 8DP
Tel +44 (0) 141 287 2720
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art This unique museum explores the importance of religion in people's lives across the world and across time. The building, which stands on the site of the medieval Bishop's Castle, was opened in April 1993. The aim of the museum is to promote understanding and respect between people of different faiths and none.
2 Castle Street Glasgow G4 0RH
Tel +44 (0) 141 553 2557
Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Theatre Glasgow Science Centre is one of the most exciting and challenging projects in Scotland in recent years. The Centre aims to promote public awareness of the importance of science and technology - and we can only succeed through the efforts and expertise of our dedicated staff.
50 Pacific Quay Glasgow G51 1EA
Tel +44 (0) 141 420 5000
People's Palace and Winter Gardens The People's Palace is Glasgow's social history museum and a chance to see the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the present. You can see paintings, prints and photographs displayed alongside a wealth of historic artefacts, film and computer interactives. On the top floor is the Glasgow history painting series made by artist Ken Currie in 1987.
Glasgow Green Glasgow G40 1AT
Tel +44 (0) 554 0223
Pollok House and Country Park Pollok Estate has been the home of the Maxwell family since the mid-13th century. The current house is an impressive 18th century mansion, filled with wonderful collections of Spanish art, antique furniture, silverware and ceramics, and an impressive library. A visit to Pollok House offers a snapshot of life in a country house, yet only minutes away from the city.
Pollok Country Park 2060 Pollokshaws Road Glasgow G43 1AT
Tel +44 (0) 141 616 6410
The Scottish Maritime Museum The River Clyde runs through three hundred years of history at Clydebuilt. This dynamic new attraction on the River Clyde brings to life the story of Glasgow's development from the tobacco lords in the 1700's right up to the 21st century. Kids steer your own ship in the virtual world of the river pilot. Learn to make a fortune as an ocean trader. Take control of a real steam engine. Go aboard the oldest Clydebuilt vessel still afloat.
King's Inch Road Braehead Glasgow G51 4BN
Tel +44 (0) 141 886 1013
Provand's Lordship At Provand's Lordship you can step back into Glasgow's past in the only house to survive from the medieval city. Now open to the public, Provand's Lordship has been extensively restored to give a real flavour of life in medieval Glasgow. The house was built in 1471 as part of St Nicholas's Hospital by Andrew Muirhead, Bishop of Glasgow, and you can still see the bishop's coat of arms on the eastern side of the south gable.
3 Castle Street Glasgow G4 0RB
Tel +44 (0) 141 552 8819
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum One of the finest civic collections in Europe is housed within this Glasgow landmark. Here you can explore collections that include everything from fine and decorative arts to archaeology and the natural world. The number of individual items in the natural history department alone is vast.
Argyle Street Glasgow G3 8AG
Tel +44 (0) 141 287 2699
Scotland Street School Museum Scotland Street School Museum presents the history of education in Scotland as a genuine school experience. The museum, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh between 1903 and 1906, is also an essential destination for Mackintosh enthusiasts and all those interested in the history of design. At the museum you can learn the story of Scotland Street Public School and the developments in education in Scotland.
225 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8QB
Tel +44 (0) 141 287 0500
Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery In 1783 William Hunter bequeathed his substantial and varied collections to the University of Glasgow. They were 'to be well and carefully packed up and safely conveyed to Glasgow and delivered to the Principal and Faculty of the College of Glasgow to whom I give and bequeath the same to be kept and preserved by them and their successors for ever.... in such sort, way, manner and form as .... shall seem most fit and most conducive to the improvement of the students of the said University of Glasgow'.
University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel +44 (0) 141 330 4221 or +44 (0) 141 330 5431
[edit] Tours
Glasgow is a city with a long history and great culture. So while you are here, why not devote a day towards visiting all the major attractions the city has to offer. Here are some of the tours we recommend:
City Sightseeing Glasgow is a great way to enjoy all the sights and sounds of Glasgow. Your ticket is valid for an entire day and you can hop-on and hop-off when ever a place catches your eye. The buses are open-roof double deckers, so if you prefer to, you can always stay on board and drive around the city.
Maxwells Heartland Tours are also highly recommended. The company operates one-day and three-day tours through various parts of Scotland. An expert tour guide will share all the history and folklore of the area you visit.
Haggis Tours is the longest running backpacker tour company in the UK. You can enjoy anything from 3 days to 8 days exploring the Scottish Highlands and Islands. They also run day tours to Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. All tours leave from Edinburgh, which is just a short train or bus ride from Glasgow.
Spirit of Glasgow Walking Tours. The Euro Hostel in Glasgow has recently teamed up with Spirit of Glasgow Walking Tours to offer visitors a unique way of getting to know the city. Tours cost £7 and include walks into the Medieval, Victorian and even the gruesome history of Glasgow. Just ask our reception staff about times and locations and they will be happy to assist you.