Hidden Alley (Erin Henderson)
Glasgow may not receive the accolades that the nearby capital, Edinburgh, receives, but there is plenty to see and enjoy in the largest city in Scotland. In just two days, you can experience some of Glasgow’s highlights!
First on the agenda is Pollok Country Park. Pollok is Glasgow’s largest park, and one of the main attractions is the myriad of highland cattle roaming around, known as the Pollok fold. They were brought in 200 years ago to graze the land because it consisted of tough red clay, which made growing crops difficult. We visited in June, towards the end of the calving season, and spotted several furry babies running around, much to our children’s (okay, and my) delight.
Additionally on site is the Old Stable and Sawmill, a large playground area, the historic Pollok House (currently closed for two years while it is undergoing restorations, though you can still walk the outside perimeter), and the recently reopened Burrell Collection, which houses over 9,000 pieces of art, many from Sir William Burrell’s art collection which he gifted to the city of Glasgow in 1944. Pollok Country Park is the perfect spot to pack a picnic and enjoy several hours outdoors, should the weather allow.
The afternoon brought us to Ashton Lane, Hidden Alley, and the Necropolis (the Cathedral is also nearby but under renovation). Ashton Lane is a cobblestone street hidden in West Glasgow with a thriving arts and food scene. At night, twinkle lights illuminate the street, adding to its charm. Hidden Alley is another unique street tucked away and is home to brightly colored doors, eclectic art galleries, and shops.
Ashton Lane (Erin Henderson)
We finished the late afternoon walking the grounds of the Glasgow Necropolis and enjoying views of the Glasgow Cathedral. Though there are only 3,500 memorials on-site at the Necropolis, locals say up to 50,000 people are buried there without markers. One of the most notable people buried on site is John Knox, a Scottish theologian, writer, and leader of the Scottish Reformation who died in 1572.
If you still need to set dinner plans, located five minutes from the Necropolis is Drygate Brewery, a trendy spot serving 23 beers on tap. You can also enjoy dinner here, but I made other plans this evening.
After getting our two children home and in bed, we snuck out for a date night. Don’t worry; we had a friend traveling with us who stayed with the kids. I made reservations at The Buttery, Glasgow’s oldest dining establishment, based purely on reviews and images I saw online. When booking, I didn’t realize it dated back to 1870!
My husband enjoyed the West Coast scallops served with cauliflower puree and florets as an appetizer. For the main course, I ordered the pan-fried halibut, served with potatoes, lobster sauce, creamed spinach, and lump-fish caviar and my husband had the highland venison. I paired my halibut with the Rioja Bordon Blanca, a crisp white wine from Spain, and my husband paired his meal with the scotch, Highland Park 15. Both meals were exquisite, and we finished the evening sharing the chocolate gateaux, a decadent yet light mousse cake served with ice cream and chocolate sauce. The food was phenomenal, and I cannot recommend this fine dining experience enough. We both slept soundly after a day of exploring and delicious Scottish fare.
Highland calves at Pollok Park (Erin Henderson)
For day two in Glasgow, the city offers a diverse range of attractions to suit your preferences. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a free attraction, features 22 themed galleries and is home to the famous painting “Christ of St John of the Cross” by Salvador Dali. The Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a mile north of the Kelvingrove and was founded in 1817 by distinguished Glasgow botanist Thomas Hopkirk. The gardens and glasshouses are all free to enter. Other popular free attractions include the Glasgow Science Center, People’s Palace, and the Hunterian Art Gallery, the oldest public museum in Scotland.
If you prefer to immerse yourself in the local history, I recommend taking a guided walking tour. There are several online options, but you can book through www.freetourglasgow.com; the tours last two hours. If the walking tour you choose doesn’t take you by the murals on High Street, add that to your later afternoon must-see.
Glasgow, with its rich industrial history, vibrant arts scene and beautiful Victorian architecture, is a must-visit on any Scotland itinerary. The city’s unique attractions and diverse experiences make it a destination not to be missed.
Erin Henderson is a professional freelance photographer and writer whose work has been featured in a variety of publications. She is also a mother of two and a Marine Corps spouse living in Germany. You can find more of her work at erinhendersonmedia.com or follow her travels on Instagram @erinhendrsn.
