Things to do in Glasgow
Although Edinburgh is Scotland’s celebrated cultural capital, Glasgow is larger, more populous, and arguably livelier than its eastern rival. With plenty of parks, museums, theatres and cultural history of its own, Glasgow is well worth a visit if you’re staying at Craig Tara, which is around an hour's drive away.
In fact, there’s so much going on in the city that a day will only offer a taster of all it has to offer. Here is our pick of the best sights and activities available in Scotland’s buzziest city.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
One of Scotland’s most important (and largest) collections of art and antiquities, the Kelvingrove is an essential part of any visit to Glasgow. Situated in extensive gardens by the side of the River Kelvin, the museum houses 22 galleries ranging from natural history to art.
The gallery celebrates local artists as well as international stars, including the Glasgow Boys and architect, artist and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are loads of tours, talks and events too. You could easily spend a day here alone without scratching the surface of their collections.
George Square and Buchanan Street
Like any major city, it’s worth spending some time exploring on foot. George Square is Glasgow’s central hub, created at the end of the 18th century in the Georgian era, with the station of the same name adjacent. Walk west along St Vincent Place and turn onto Buchanan Street to see some of the city’s most impressive tenement buildings, as well as its liveliest shops and eateries.
Expect to see street performers in the summer months, business people grabbing lunch, and lots of tourists. On the other side of George Square, to the southeast, wind your way to Merchant City and Café Gandolfi, one of the city’s most historic and celebrated restaurants, where you may spot a local celebrity or two.
Glengoyne Distillery
You might expect to have to journey to the Highlands and Islands to visit a whisky distillery. Not so: Glengoyne lies just 10 miles northwest of the city in the Trossachs National Park. The drive alone is worthwhile in good weather for the stunning scenery, but the destination will not disappoint lovers of the “water of life.”
As well as producing delicious whisky, Glengoyne was awarded Sustainable Distillery of the Year in 2022. You can taste their offerings and tour the premises, learning all about the complex variables involved in producing an outstanding malt. A range of tours and tastings is available, from beginners’ tours to masterclasses. Needless to say, there’s a shop on site offering rare batches and gift sets.
The Burrell Collection
Glasgow’s other famous art collection is the Burrell, donated by shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance. The collection is huge, with over 9000 items ranging from stained glass windows to medieval weaponry, tapestries and Impressionist art by Cezanne and Degas. The museum contains pieces almost 6000 years old, including extensive collections of Chinese, Islamic and medieval art.
Situated in Pollok Park in Bellahouston, this is another venue you could spend a day touring. The grounds contain numerous delights too, including Pollok House and several miles of trail suitable for walking or bike riding. Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads.
Glasgow Botanical Gardens
The sometimes-dour tenements of Glasgow’s city centre contrast vividly with this 25-acre site in Kelvinside. Opened in 1817, the Gardens are a green oasis in the heart of the city, with plenty to see. Best of all, it's free, apart from a small charge to enter the dramatic Kibble Glasshouses, where the tropical and temperate species thrive.
Highlights include a tree trail, rose garden, herb garden, woodland walks, and a children’s garden with its magical Red House. Allow at least two hours for a visit to this lovely and well-maintained oasis.
Glasgow Science Centre
The fascinating discoveries and revolutions of science are celebrated in this domed, riverside facility located at Pacific Key on the Clyde. The futuristic exterior was designed to pay homage to the large seagoing vessels which once visited the city’s port in its heyday.
Inside you’ll find a planetarium and the Explore! exhibit, where kids and adults alike can enjoy 50 different interactive experiences. There’s also an IMAX cinema on site and an outdoor discovery area including sound, light and motion exhibits. There’s something to inspire bright minds during daytime, or after dark, as well as an extensive program of events, so do browse their website before you go.
Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
Glasgow once boasted one of the world’s busiest seaports and dockyards. Its history is commemorated, alongside transport and travel of all varieties, in this justly celebrated museum. Designed by celebrated architect Dame Zaha Hadid, the glass-fronted building contains more than 3000 objects exploring how humans have travelled on water, road and air.
Fittingly located at the junction of the Kelvin and Clyde Rivers, this impressively modern museum is one of the newest additions to Glasgow’s cultural heritage and is full of interactive exhibits and surprises. The tall ship, Glenlee - a restored Victorian cargo vessel - is docked outside the museum and can also be toured.
House for an Art Lover
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was probably Scotland’s most brilliant architect and renaissance man, and many of his finest works can be found in or around Glasgow. This architectural highlight was designed for a competition in 1901 but never realised until 1996, 68 years after Mackintosh’s death.
As its name suggests, the elegant and unique whitewashed home was designed to incorporate brilliance in design in every aspect from light fittings to tapestries to doorknobs. The House is unique and beautiful inside and out and has become a much sought-after wedding venue.
There’s a tearoom and shop on site with the peace and quiet of the grounds, situated in Bellahouston Park, sometimes joined by the cheers from supporters at the nearby Ibrox Stadium, home of Rangers FC.
Pollok Country Park
Relax and unwind with a stroll or bike ride around Glasgow’s prettiest park. Roam over 360 acres of woodland and riverside walks, and visit Pollok House, a Scottish National Trust property built in the 18th century, which was also the location of the Trust’s founding in 1931.
The House boasts a beautifully ornate garden, a dog-friendly tearoom, and a fine collection of Spanish art, collected by its previous owner, Sir William Stirling Maxwell. Elsewhere in the park, you’ll find woodland trails, walled gardens, a wildlife garden, and children’s play park. Look out for the herds of majestic Highland cattle roaming the meadows.
Mackintosh’s Willow Tearooms
Head to the Willow Tearooms at 217 Sauchiehall Street, where you can book a high tea in the unmistakable elegance of a Mackintosh interior. Ring a bell to summon your waiter, as you would have in the tearoom’s heyday in 1903.
Mackintosh’s client, the proprietor Miss Cranston, eventually operated four such tearooms. Another Willow Tearoom with its original Art Nouveau interior can be found at 97 Buchanan Street, which also boasts an extensive gift shop. Advance booking for both venues is essential!
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.