If the darker months have you missing the great outdoors, why not get out and explore the wonder and beauty of the best of Glasgow’s parks. We have everything from historic sites to local and community green spaces, each with something unique to offer. Many of our local parks are picture-perfect, ideal to practice your photography or just to make the most of the fresh air. Most of the best parks in Glasgow are within a few minutes’ walk of Glasgow George Square.
1. Glasgow Green – 25-minute walk
Glasgow Green is located in the east end of Glasgow, on the bank of the River Clyde and is about a 25-minute walk away. It is the oldest public park in Glasgow and has some of the most impressive architecture and beauty in the city. Here you can visit The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens to learn about the history of Glasgow and its people. On your way in, take note of the McLennan Arch which offers a beautiful entrance into the historic gardens and frames the High Court from one direction and Nelson’s Monument the other. It is an especially impressive park in Springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
2. Kelvingrove Park – 30-minute walk
Arguably the best and most beautiful park in all of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park makes up the gardens of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which sits serenely among the greenery. The sight of the iconic red sandstone building with springtime tulips to the front is one of the most photographed and visited parts of the city. After a trip to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, make sure to walk along the Kelvin River and enjoy some of the stunning Victorian architecture of the nearby Park Circus. It’s a perfectly picturesque way to end a day of exploring in Glasgow.
3. Botanic Gardens 40-minute walk, 10-minute drive
Botanic Gardens, although it is not a public park as we know it, it is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Glasgow. There is a blend of serene greenery and woodland walks. It has a variety of plant collections, woodland and forest areas and of course, the beautiful Kibble Palace. Kibble Palace opened in 1873 and is a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble. It houses the national collection of tree ferns as well as tropical plants and sculptures. Plants from tropical rainforests grow in the palm house and it is a unique chance to see this beautiful plant life in person. Nothing marks the beginning of spring like a walk in the Botanic Gardens to see the springtime flowerbeds in full bloom and stopping for a spot of lunch in the Botanic Tearooms.
4. Pollok Country Park – 15-minute drive
You could spend an entire day exploring Glasgow’s largest Park, Pollok Country Park. From stately homes to woodland trails to quaint bridges over the White Cart water – there are many lovely places to see and pictures you could take in the country park. Glasgow’s very own herd of Highland Cows can also be found within and if you visit in springtime, you might even catch a glimpse of their brand new fluffy calves. Within the grounds, you can also visit Pollok House, a grand Edwardian manor which was once the home of the Maxwell family, a 13th-Century clan who were members of the Scottish nobility. The house has its original furnishings and a world-class selection of art documenting the life of the Spanish royal family.
There are more than 90 parks to choose from so you won’t run out of places to explore in Glasgow! The People’s Palace, Winter Gardens, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery are free to visit and open all year round.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for PREMIER SUITES Glasgow George Square, a modern and stylish serviced apartment that provides business and leisure travelers the perfect place to stay in Glasgow UK. When she’s not petting her cat, you can see this free-spirited blogger writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. ]
