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United Kingdom
It's maybe not an obvious destination but the stunning range of colours in Kelvingrove Park, Maxwell Park, Queen's Park and Pollok Country Park is well worth an autumnal visit. Spend some time at the Glasgow University cloisters, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or, if you head south, at the Burrell Collection. When it gets darker and chillier make sure you find yourself a wee table at cosy Kember & Jones on Byres Road - their coffee and cakes are to die for!
www.kemberandjones.co.uk/
134 Byres road, Glasgow, G12 8TD
+44(0)141 337 3851
Google map: bit.ly/QODgQ4
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/
The Burrell, Kelvingrove, Mackintosh, lots more free galleries/museums, amazing architecture, sensational shopping, vibrant culture and cafes and a suburban transport network that takes you to the shores of Loch Lomond and the slopes of the Arrochar Alps - where else but Glasgow?
www.seeglasgow.com/
Google map: bit.ly/SXDwbQ
Theatre of kinetic sculptures by Eduard Bersudsky. The models are made up of carved figures and pieces of old scrap which mechanically move to music in a short 35-minute show accompanied by classical and Scottish celtic music. Grotesque, Tim Burton-like figures and animals toil in their ceaseless lives. Quirky and unique, the joy is in identifying the "junk" - old typewriters, sewing machines, bottle openers - and watching the imprisoned mechanical mice, ever struggling. Children go free when accompanied by an adult.
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
+44 (0)141 552 7080
www.sharmanka.com
City sightseeing tour with live guide or multi-lingual commentary. It is amazing! Takes you on a huge sightseeing tour of the city and we hopped off at the People's Palace and Mitchell Library which were superb. Recommend also visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, University West End area of Byres Road. Fantastic value for money. Interesting. Breathtaking architecture. Your ticket is valid for two consecutive days.
www.citysightseeingglasgow.com or Tourist Information, George Square also Buchanan Bus Station. You may also pay as you get on the bus.
1- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove is the most visited museum in Scotland and the most visited in the UK outside of London. It recently underwent a massive refurbishment which has added new collections to its already impressive invitory.
2- Museum Of Transport
Everything from a horse and carriage to vintage steam trains are available here. A great place for kids or for a family day out, plenty to see.
3- Glasgow Cathedral
Worthwhile just to see the building itself, it is hundreds of years old and still looks magnificent, not bad inside either.
4- Burrell Collection
Located opposite the Kelvingrove Museum and well worth doing along with its more popular neighbor. Plenty to see from Ancient Egypt to information on Sir William Burrell who donated the collection.
No visit to Glasgow is complete without a viewing of Dali's Crucifixtion 'Christ of St John of the Cross' controversial for its view of Christ from above, all depictions before this had been from the point of view of an observer looking up at Christ. The work is housed in the newly renovated and re-opened Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery.
Also, if you have time, take a walk in the park next to the Museum. The park is a great spot for Glasgow people watching and a magnet for skateboarders, rollerbladers and stunt bike riders. You cannot not fail to bump into some Glasgow life in Kelvingrove park and like the painting it will be an alternative view.
The park and Museum do Glasgow proud, both a must visit.
It's a big, accessible green space with good paths largely through mixed woodland which also features an early ringwork if you're in to archaeology. There are also gardens. Look out for kingfishers along the White Cart Water. There's a programme of family events and the kids will like the heavy horses and the highland cattle herd. There are also mountain bike courses through the woods for beginners to advanced level.
And if it rains, the Burrell Collection is on site - marvellous antiquities and art and entry is free. Or you could visit Pollok House, an 18th century mansion house in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Both venues have restaurants.
If going by car, park by Pollok House rather than by the Burrell if you want to avoid parking fees.
Pollok Country Park
2060 Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow
G43
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/pollokcountrypark.htm
Nearest train station Pollokshaws West
Buses 45, 47, 48, 57
This is a modern recreation of one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's competition designs and it's simply stunning. It's been meticulously matched to the drawings he provided and extra design features from his wife Margaret MacDonald and is a great example of his vision for family living. There's also a great restaurant in the basement!
www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/
Nearest underground - Ibrox
Nearest overground rail - Dumbreck Road
It's a small, purpose built museum depicting the religious history of Glasgow. It's most famous work is Dali's 'Christ of St John of the Cross' a stunning,awe inspiring and mesmerising painting that never fails to fascinate. You can look at it for hours and it still holds your attention. It was purchased by the City Fathers in the early 50s amid much controversy but is now one of the City's most prized possessions.
Near to Strathclyde University and about a 10-15 minute walk from the City Centre.
Whether you’re a Cultural Philistine or an Art Buff, go. A most intriguing mobile based on an ancient bicycle, which would appear to have been conceived by Heath Robinson sits on the ground floor. A circular border of about twenty metres surrounds the exhibit and keeps the curious away. Every half hour this unbelievable construction starts up. Various motors power the intriguing levers that power the variety of movements. The joy of watching this repetition is unparalled. This is a modern art gallery which everyone can enjoy, even those who would not normally consider themselves "arty." The art which has been acquired for this gallery has been produced by living artists, often with a Glasgow link.
While it may take a Glaswegian to see some of the subtler humour, it is definitely a gallery which will entertain. While the sculpture of the Queen in carpet slippers, bringing in the milk and papers from the doorstep of Buckingham Palace may not always be on display - there are plenty of others to raise a grin.
Off Buchanan Street
Just reopened after a great job of renovation. There is plenty to see for children of any age and the layout allows a space where younger children can run around while browsing. The park is large and on the other side of Argyle Steet there are a couple of pubs that serve reasonable food at midday. My kids - aged 6 and 9 - loved it. Taking the Glasgow underground (if you never have) is an event in itself. Across the road is the Transport Museum which is also a good free visit, and the ice cream van outside is a must.
Kelvingrover Art Gallery and Museum: Argyll Street, Glasgow;
tel: 0141 276 9515;
Museum of Transport: 1 Bunhouse St, Glasgow;
tel: 0141 287 2720;
www.glasgowmuseums.com;
Directions: Get off at Kelvingrove underground after Partick train station or direct from Buchanan St underground
The People's Palace is Glasgow's social history museum. It tells the story of the city through its people, and not just the great and good. You can listen to examples of Glasgow speech, and see a reconstructed tenement 'single-end'. It's also free, like all of the City of Glasgow's 13 museums. Unmissable if you're a resident or expat Glaswegian, and still good even if you're not.
Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT; Tel: 0141 271 2951; www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=9
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