My Top 5 Free Attractions in Glasgow, Scotland.
Going to Glasgow but looking for a cheaper couple of days? Here’s some suggestions.
I’ll admit that Glasgow isn’t my favourite city in Scotland. For many though it is and for a number of reasons. Glasgow is absolutely a city defined by its people in a way that few other cities are. Most cities, particularly large cities, are more defined by the movements of people in and out. Some are defined by history, architecture or other cultural interests. Glasgow is its people and somehow it manages to make virtually everyone that moves there Glaswegian, no matter where they’re from. There is a friendliness to Glasgow that often belies some of its reputation. A sense of humour that is self deprecating and infectious. Most of all there’s something of an eccentric quirkiness to match the cosmopolitan environment. There’s a lot to see and enjoy in Glasgow, so here are my top 5 free attractions in reverse order:
5: The Lighthouse.
In the midst of the city centre and not far from Merchant City is something of a hidden gem, The Lighthouse. Down an alley, just off Buchanan Street, you’ll find this Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed exhibition space. The Lighthouse generally specialises in Architecture and design, exhibiting work by some of the best in the world and showcasing the most promising up and coming talent. Being oriented towards design and architecture rather than art in a traditional sense, this can be quite an intriguing place to visit. There’s a permanent display of Rennie Mackintosh work and archive material to be seen. One of the most compelling reasons to visit though is the tower. A glorious and often Instagrammed spiral staircase takes you from the Rennie Mackintosh permanent exhibition to the top of a tower that provides some impressive views over the city. Beware though that this is not for the faint of heart. The viewing point is outside and a very narrow walkway. There is, however, an easier to access indoor viewing station.
4: GOMA.
The Gallery of Modern Art isn’t too far from The Lighthouse, less than a five minute walk. Within the centre of Glasgow you will be walking, much of it is pedestrian access only and the rest of it is simply horrific to drive around. GOMA is a fairly standard gallery affair that does attract some interesting exhibits whilst having a compelling permanent collection that’s reflective of Glasgow culture. The gallery is housed in an old mansion that is one of the most iconic spots in Glasgow city centre, mostly due to the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside who is almost permanently sporting a traffic cone for a hat. There is almost nothing more Glaswegian.
3: Riverside Museum.
A little way out of the city centre, but with ample parking and good public transport links, you’ll find the Riverside Transport Museum. This is a particularly good option if you’re a family with kids interested in steam trains, motor vehicles and ships. The building is a purpose built architectural gem by the River Clyde. The main hall is a cavernous space filled with old trams, busses, trains and cars. There are cars and motorcycles stacked up the walls even. It can be a good afternoon and the large sailing merchant ship, sat by the quay outside the back, is definitely worth a look around and contains a unique kids play area.
2: The Hunterian Museum and Glasgow University New Campus.
At the top of Gilmorehill and what is now Kelvingrove park, overlooking the somewhat distant city centre, is the statuesque beauty of Glasgow University’s new campus. Still very much the centre of the university this grand Gothic Revival building was designed and built 1866–70. The design was by George Gilbert Scott, the English architect who also designed the Midland Grand Hotel at St. Pancras Station in London, amongst many other buildings. This is one of the many spots utilised in the filming of Harry Potter and is probably one of the most Instagrammed parts of Glasgow. It is absolutely worth the visit though. The towering 19th century building is quite impressive but within its red stone walls are little gems like the Hunterian Museum. Not much more than a couple of rooms really, these university collections are still interesting, covering everything from fossil finds and surgery, to roman remains from the Antonine and Hadrian’s Wall.
1: Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery.
Yes, this is by far my number one free attraction in Glasgow. Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery. I’m not sure that there’s anything spectacular within the collections of Kelvingrove. There are substantially better offerings for art, technology and science in Edinburgh for sure, but there is no place quite like Kelvingrove. To put it simply this museum has bits of everything for everyone but not necessarily where you might expect it. A stuffed dingo atop a case housing samurai armour? you betcha. A spitfire, WWII fighter plane, hanging over a natural history exhibit? Well, where else would you place it. To put it simply Kelvingrove is wonderfully, delightfully, nuts. A crazy collection in a crazy organisation that only Glasgow could be responsible for. To top it off, make sure you’re around for a spot of lunch in the main hall around 12:30pm where you’ll be treated to the daily pipe organ recital. Like I said, wonderfully nuts.
Before you go I’d like to offer some quick honourable mentions. The Burrell Collection didn’t make this list because it’s currently closed for refurbishment but this is actually one of my favourite places in Glasgow. The Burrell also sits within Pollock Park which is the old grounds of Pollock House, a National Trust for Scotland property. The People’s Palace to the east of the city is also worth a visit but I haven’t spent much time there so I’m less keen on suggesting it. A spot I do like and I think is another good option for families is the Botanical Gardens in the West End of Glasgow. Unlike most, these Botanical Gardens are owned by the city and are, of course, free to visit. The grounds and glass houses are generally kept to a very high standard and it can be a good family day out with plenty of food options etc. close by.
