A wee bit in love with Glasgow? You soon will be.
Edinburgh may get the attention from tourists visiting this fair country of ours, but we’re here to set the record straight and show off the lesser-visited city’s best sides.
From Gothic spires to a Scotch pie heaven, the city’s answer to the Sistine Chapel to tea off the beaten track – here are some stunning pictures of the places guaranteed to make you fall in love with Glasgow.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
1. Glasgow University
Not a fan of Gothic architecture? Then exit quietly via Central Station, if you please – some of us came here to learn. Glasgow University is the fourth oldest uni in the English-speaking world, and it still ranks rather high on worldwide academic tables. And it looks like Hogwarts, so there’s that. Whether you’re in search of an education or just visiting for the day, we defy you not to fall in love with the cloisters, the old-world vibe of University Avenue and, of course, that towering spire.
2. Queen’s Park hill
Flickr/Mark O’Rourke
It’s a lesser known place – but find it, and you’ll be penning love poems to the dear, green place before you know it. There are few scenic spots which offer an all-encompassing view of Glasgow, but the Queen’s Park flagpole is a rare find. Head southside and prepare to be WOWed (sorry).
3. Springburn Winter Gardens
Have a peek now – it might not look like this for much longer. Once Springburn Park’s jewel in the crown, the Winter Gardens has been crumbling for years now. There areplans afoot to restore it to glory – but there’s also something to be said for the current ruin. Urban explorers will love peeking over the fence and through those curving windows – and while we couldn’t possibly condone it, some even venture inside. If this is how we feel about the shell, just imagine what any attempt at restoration will do to us.
4. The Templeton Building and West Brewery
It’s a beauty all right – so it’s hard to believe that it was once a carpet factory. Talk about setting your stall out for all to see – the grandeur of the Templeton building is a top lesson in advertising. And what do we use it for nowadays? What else but beer – foamy, delicious beer. It’s home to the West Brewery, providing Glasgow punters with the beer garden to end all beer gardens. We win.
5. Ashton Lane
You cannot resist the call of the fairy lights. And even if you can, the booze, the top-notch grub, beer garden and boutique cinema will get you. The lure of the lanes of the west end is well-documented, but Ashton Lane shines that little bit brighter – perhaps, admittedly, because of the alcohol. This place is date night central – if you’re not too busy falling in love with our pretty city, that is.
6. The Barras Market
Flickr/Greg Neate
This historic market is Glasgow, in a nutshell; socks ‘two for a poun!’ sold on one side of the street and super-hip clothes by up-and-coming fashion designers on the other side. Head there on a weekend and you’re in for a treat – and perhaps a bag of hot, sugary doughnuts (just try and resist that smell). This one’s less about the sights and scenes, more about the Glesga patter – but you’ll love it, if you’ve any taste at all.
7. The Barrowland Ballroom
Need we say more? We’ve already covered why the Barrowlands is the best live music venue in Glasgow. Your mum probably went there. Your granny definitely attended the ballroom. And whether your memories are attached to a gentle waltz or a full-on mosh under those famous ceiling stars, just one look at the neon glow is enough to warm a big Glaswegian heart. Visitors, you need to experience the Barras atmosphere at least once.
8. House for an Art Lover
If the architectural designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh sum up Glasgow then theHouse for an Art Lover has to be the city’s calling card. Surrounded by beautiful parkland and boasting stunning interiors alternating light and dark, you really can’t argue with the CRM effect on the city. Have a gander and you’ll be buying a knock-off high-backed chair before you know it.
9. Kelvingrove Bandstand
Remember when this place was an empty shell? Neither can we – it’s become so engrained in the wonder that is Kelvingrove Park, and what passes for summer in Glasgow. Whether it’s open air gigging or a big community do, it’s hard to imagine west end life without that sweeping amphitheatre, those colourful lights and the sheer delight that we can do outdoor events after all (rain? pah!) Bandstand, never go away again.
10. Oran Mor
The wedding venue of dreams for many a Glasgow bride and groom, this west end church turned bar, restaurant and nightclub boasts more than a pretty exterior (although, how many pubs do you know with a spire?). Head inside and you’ll find Glasgow’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, painted by the city’s own Alasdair Gray. Oran Mor‘s murals will mesmerise you for hours – and with plenty of good food and wine to keep you going.
11. The Duke of Wellington statue
Wellingtons' statue in Glasgow with the traffic cone hat as usual
Okay, so we’ve slipped this one in with a caveat. On the one hand, anyone of a Glaswegian persuasion will fine a tear in their eye at the sight of this fine gentleman. On the other, people from outside the city don’t really *get* the Duke and his now-famous cone-heided status. Still, it’s a fine example of the Glasgow sense of humour – we know what we’re on about, at least.
12. The Hidden Lane Tearoom
‘A tearoom?’ you scoff, wondering why where the next tourist hotspot is. Well, it’s not just any tearoom – it’s a hidden tearoom. Glasgow has as much vintage charm and hipster cool these days as it does a reputation for being a hard-living city. The Hidden Lane brings it all together, matching doilies and teapots your granny would have been proud of with one of the best afternoon tea spreads you’ll find in the city. Oh, and you can bring your own booze too – so perhaps that hard-drinking thing stands, after all.
13. The Necropolis
Flickr/Tim Kirman
Ever hear of a romantic stroll through the graveyard? No? Then you’ve clearly never visited Glasgow’s City of the Dead. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and tackle the winding hill to the top to this cemetery and you’ll wonder where the rest of the city went. Peaceful, historic and uniquely pretty – trust us, you’ll be dying to go back (sorry again).
14. The Horseshoe Bar
The Horseshoe is one of our favourite traditional Glasgow pubs. A well kent secret among city folk from all walks of life, the Victorian bar caters to karaoke fans, good old fashioned boozer enthusiasts and…well, the skint, thanks to a three courses for under a fiver lunchtime deal. It’s not breathtakingly beautiful but it’s very Glasgow – embrace it with a plate of signature pie and beans and you’ll be one with the city in no time.
15. Govanhill Baths
There are two reasons to fall in love with Govanhill Baths and, by extension, the fair city of Glasgow. The first is that beautiful Edwardian swimming pool building, all ornate tiles and faded bunting. The second is the history of the place, from community pool to community project, as the Baths were the subject of the longest continuous occupation in British history. Nowadays you’ll find plays, fashion shows and even weddings taking place there, all in the hope of restoring it to former glory. But whether it’s wet or dry, it’s hard not to fall for its echo-y charms.
16. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A picture conveys a thousand words here – who knew that Glasgow could boast such splendour, such grandiose surrounds, and with free entry too? Add in a masterpiece like Dali’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ and a stuffed elephant and it’s a party atKelvingrove. A very educational, and extremely beautiful party.
17. Royal Exchange Square
Those lights are up all year round – no Christmas only deals for this city, no sir. Another moonlit lovers walk hotspot, this square puts Glasgow’s architecture front and centre, with the added bonus of twinkly lights. Art Gallery? Check. Top bars and restaurants? Check and check. Have a seat, stranger – it’s time to watch lovely Glasgow go by.
18. The River Clyde
Whether you’re in Dalmarnock or sunny Govan, there’s always time to stop and have a wee gander doon the waater. It’s hard not to be impressed by the Clyde, whether you’re looking at the city that once was (those towering shipyard cranes) or the city Glasgow is trying hard to be (hello the Hydro spaceship). And any Glaswegian worth their salt will tell you that crossing the Kingston Bridge (or the squinty one, for that matter) and gazing up river will bring a lump to your throat every time.
ource: wow247.co.uk
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