Why go?

Once described by Daniel Defoe as ‘the beautifullest little city in Britain’, Glasgow is steeped in history dating back to the Stone Age. Recently, Scotland’s largest city has undergone a remarkable regeneration and now boasts an intriguing blend of old and new, with bygones from its industrial past mixing with spectacular Victorian architecture, a Gothic cathedral, a string of fascinating museums and a buzzy art scene.

What to do

Glasgow’s imposing cathedral is a good place to start. This historic Gothic building is dedicated to the city’s patron saint St Mungo. Climb the neighbouring hill to reach the extraordinary Glasgow Necropolis. This Victorian cemetery has an estimated 3,500 tombs and a number of ornate monuments dedicated to those buried here. Get acquainted with the cultural, fashion and food quarter known as Merchant City. This area is bursting with restaurants, shops and theatres, and leads into the city’s central shopping district located on Buchanan Street. Glasgow is also the birthplace of the famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh whose iconic work can be seen in the nearby Lighthouse. Head south to Pollok Country Park to see the vast Burrell Collection – an impressive display of art and artefacts gathered from all over the world – before exploring the Clyde Waterfront. The regeneration of this area has transformed a once-redundant dockland site into a thriving city district. Here, you can visit the Glasgow Science Centre – home to a variety of interactive exhibitions, the Science Mall and Scotland’s tallest building, the Glasgow Tower. Hop on the lift (open March to October) to reach the top where you can enjoy views of the city and River Clyde below. Don’t leave without visiting the city’s hip and historic West End and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a magnificent red sandstone building where you can see a World War Two Spitfire suspended from the roof. Finish your day by exploring the grounds of Glasgow University where you’ll find a number of listed buildings and architectural wonders.

Where to stay

The Blythswood Square hotel (0141 248 8888, townhousecompany.com) is located in a lovely, green space in the city centre. The building dates back to 1823 and rooms come with contemporary features. If the bright lights of the West End are beckoning, stay at the Hotel du Vin (0141 339 2001; hotelduvin.com). This 49-bedroom hotel is spread over five luxury sandstone townhouses located in a quiet tree-lined terrace. Spoil yourself and book a classic room featuring an antique four-poster bed – and some fine wines.

Where to eat and drink

No trip to Glasgow would be complete without visiting one of the two famous Willow Tea Rooms (0141 332 0521) designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Plan your day over a cup of Willow Tea Room blend and sample some Scottish savouries. The city’s oldest restaurant Rogano (0141 248 4055) opened in 1935 and still does a roaring trade serving fine Scottish fish and seafood. If you’re after something informal and light but don’t want to miss out on the atmosphere, grab a seat at the lively oyster bar. Cail Bruich West (0141 334 6265) attracts customers with Scottish dishes infused with French touches and techniques. Brothers Chris and Paul Charalambous serve up satisfying combinations such as Shetland halibut with artichoke, fennel and a mustard beurre blanc, washed down with a carefully selected glass of wine. Lastly, pick up some Scottish cheeses at IJ Mellis Cheesemonger (mellischeese.com) in Great Western Road.

Time running out?

See the city illuminated at night while cruising along the River Clyde (clydecruises.com).

Travel Information

Travel Information

Glasgow is a four hour and 30-minute train journey or a one hour and 20-minute flight from London.

Getting There

EasyJet (easyjet.com) operates flights to Glasgow from London Gatwick and Luton.
Virgin Trains (08719 774 222, virgintrains.co.uk) depart regularly from London to Glasgow Central station.

Resources

See Glasgow (0141 566 0800, seeglasgow.com) provides extensive resources for planning your visit to Glasgow.
Glasgow Life (glasgowlife.org.uk) has information and opening times for the city’s museums, cultural attractions and arts events.
Glasgow’s Leading Attractions (glasgowsleadingattractions.com) provides detailed information on upcoming events as well as a handy map to download and help find your way around.