Glasgow City Breaks

A guide to Glasgow

Ever since its year in the spotlight as the European Capital of Culture in 1990, Glasgow has enjoyed a tremendous upturn in its fortunes and has seen wide scale regeneration. In fact it is the UK's most vibrant provincial city in terms of art and entertainment, and visitors will see an eclectic mix of avant garde art exhibitions and cultured high brow performances of the highest quality. Although a modern, forward-thinking city, Glasgow is proud of its famous industrial and shipbuilding heritage, with numerous historic buildings and landmarks worth visiting. The elegant neo-classical Trades Hall and Hutcheson Building are filled with eccentric design features, while the enigmatic Bothwell Castle and UNESCO World Heritage village of New Lanark Mills are extremely popular haunts for history lovers.

A cutting edge arts scene

Art is one area where Glasgow really excels and it truly buzzes with the most vibrant arts scene in the land. The Merchant City district is a highlight for contemporary art lovers, with dozens of galleries, pavement artists and a renowned annual arts festival. Traditionalists will relish the renaissance art at the Burrell Collection, and modern architecture and design is celebrated at the imaginative Lighthouse Centre. The River Clyde has changed dramatically from its heyday as the world's busiest shipyard. Nowadays, pleasant leisurely strolls along its waterfront walkways will encounter charming cafes, elegant tall ships in dock and picturesque parkland, and you can even enjoy an exhilarating ride along the mighty river onboard a super fast powerboat.

Great for both days out and shopping

You'll find intuitive days out at the city Planetarium, Science Centre or Fossil Grove theme park, all offering the right mix of fun and games and education for a range of ages, and children will be aching to see the exotic wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Shopping is first-rate, as the city boasts the finest selection of fancy boutiques and department stores outside London.