Exploring Glasgow and beyond

Glasgow is a lively city with beautiful architecture, art galleries and museums. Once known for it's shipbuilding and marine engineering on the River Clyde, Glasgow has evolved to become a metropolitan city with trendy shops, bars, food and nightlife.

Glasgow Cathedral  

This medieval cathedral is dedicated to King David I in 1136 and has been a Christian place of worship ever since. It is one of the few cathedrals to survive the reformation. The Cathedral is thought to be built on the burial site of St Kentigern (St Mungo), a missionary who built the original church, and his shrine lies in the lower church. Inside, the architecture is beautiful with its medieval pulpitum, post-war stained glass windows, carved stone bosses in the Blackadder Aisle, vaulted crypt and stained glass; Millennium Window commissioned by three schools in Glasgow. Entry is free, though a donation is welcome. There is a payable audio guide which gives you more insight into the cathedral and noticeable features in the cathedral. 

The Necropolis 

A Victorian park and arboretum with sculptures, memorials and stories. It is estimated over 50,000 people were buried in the Glasgow Necropolis with many prominent figures. On top of the hill is a monument of John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation, erected in 1825. There are also panoramic views of the cathedral and city. We spotted a walking tour which might be good to do if you want to learn more about the history of the Necropolis.

People's Palace

This museum highlights the social and cultural history of Glasgow. It tells the story of Glasgow and its people from the 1750's to the present day. There are lots of historic artefacts, paintings and photographs showing how people lived through the years. There is a recreation of a one-room tenement flat. With most of the museums in Glasgow, admission is free, however its always good to give a donation to help support these local attractions. 

The Lighthouse

The Centre for Design and Architecture, the Lighthouse showcases regular exhibitions and events. The building was formerly The Glasgow Herald and was the first public commission by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a famous architect in Glasgow and designed numerous buildings and interiors around the city. There is an exhibition detailing the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald through a series of videos, photographs, sketches and models. You can learn more about his work on the Glasgow School of Art, the Hill House, the Willow Tearoom and Derngate. There are also two viewing platforms at The Lighthouse where you can see views of the city. On level three, there is a helical staircase that leads to an outdoor viewing platform or take the lift to level six for the indoor viewing platform.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

This museum is huge and combines natural history, armoury, Ancient Egypt, art collections from different periods including the Salvador Dali masterpiece 'Christ of St John of the Cross', the Glasgow Boys and much more. It's great for kids as there are lot of interactive displays and child friendly activities. Each day, they have an organ recital at 1pm. Definitely a must place to visit in Glasgow and its free to enter. 

The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, the Riverside museum has an extensive collection of locomotives, vintage cars, buses, motorcycles, trams, fire engines and all sorts of modes of transport. You can even climb on board some of the vehicles and walk through an old cobbled Glasgow street complete with shops dating from 1895 to the 1980's. Walk outside the museum and you will find the Tall Ship; Glenlee, a sailing ship where you can explore the different cabins including the engine room and find out more about life onboard the vessel.

Beyond Glasgow 

Loch Lomond

Just over one hour's drive is Loch Lomond, a national park with the largest lake by surface area in Great Britain. It is a popular leisure destination with many people travelling here for watersports and boating. The Loch is also featured in the well-known song "The Bonnie Banks o'Loch Lomond".

Glencoe - The Three Sisters

Glencoe is one of the most beautiful and scenic Highland Glens in Scotland, with its rolling hills and waterfalls. Glencoe was also the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 where the MacDonald clan was murdered by King William. The Three Sisters of Glen Coe are three mountains; Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh that sit along the River Coe. It's a popular hiking trail and photo spot.

Fort William

The gateway to Ben Nevis, Fort William is the second largest town in the Highlands after Inverness. There are plenty of outdoor shops, cafes and restaurants. You can also see the remains of the fort. 

Neptune's Staircase 

Consisting of eight gates, Neptune's Staircase is the longest staircase of locks in the UK at 55 metres. 

Glenfinnan 

Loch Shiel 

A freshwater loch surrounded by picturesque Glens. Loch Shiel was the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart) had called for local clansmen to assemble and raised his standard proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to rightfully belong to his family, the Stuarts in August 1745. This was historically known as the Jacobite Rising. 

Loch Shiel is a beautiful place and the surrounding area is home to many birdlife. There is a monument dedicated to the Jacobite clansman who fought and died for the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie. For Harry Potter fans, Loch Shiel was the location for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

Glenfinnan Church 

The Church of St Mary and St Finnan was built between 1870 and 1872. Overlooking Loch Shiel, the church is a memorial chapel to the MacDonalds of Glenaladale, the family with whom Bonnie Prince had stayed with in Glenfinnan. It is a pretty church with a beautiful stained glass window and was one of the few Christian churches of its time in the area.

Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Built in 1897-1901 by Sir Robert McAlpine, the Glenfinnan viaduct has 21 arches reaching 30m high and is an impressive architectural structure. It has appeared in many films including Harry Potter and Maid of Honour. There are several viewing points of the viaduct on the hill and if you are lucky, you may even be able to catch the Jacobite steam train known as the Hogwarts Express train.

 

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