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Your Ultimate Guide to Glasgow’s Parks and Gardens
Glasgow isn’t just known for its historic architecture or deep-fried Mars Bars; it’s also gloriously drenched in green. Think pretty parks for escape-the-city strolls and sunny picnic spots with that open-air freedom.
Stick around and follow us as we explore the very best parks in Glasgow. The grass is greener on this side of Scotland, so read on!
Kelvingrove Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16589
Address: Park Terrace, Glasgow G3 6BY, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 334 6363
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Scottish folks, let me present you with Glasgow’s favourite: Kelvingrove Park. This place is an urban jungle in the purest sense, full of winding paths, epic statues, and a whole river.
Plus, it has its bandstand and amphitheatre, so you can imagine it’s the hot spot for outdoor concerts (when the rain gives it a rest). You can even get a postcard-perfect glimpse of the University of Glasgow from here.
| Pro tip: Be sure to catch one of the summer concerts on Kelvingrove’s Bandstand. There’s nothing like it. |
Victoria Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16597
Address: Glasgow G14 9NW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 959 9087
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Strap on your trainers; Victoria Park is next on our list. You never know what you’ll stumble upon in this park; it’s like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened: curated flower gardens, duck ponds, perfect picnic spots—and that’s only the start.
The park’s got a hidden gem: Fossil Grove, a site that houses 330 million-year-old fossils. And the colours, people: in autumn, the trees turn into flames of red and orange, and in spring, the flowers spill over with vibrant hues.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of the Fossil Grove; it’s like a quick trip back in time! |
Pollok Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/?articleid=16592
Address: 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 5064
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Pollok Park is home to Pollok House, a grand country residence turned museum, and the world-famous Burrell Collection. You could spend hours exploring the house, the scenic trails or seeking out the park’s resident Highland cows.
Yep, there are actual cattle in the city; just respect them, as they’re like gentle giants. But even without the museum or the cows, Pollok Park is a gem in its own right due to its vast open spaces, thick woodlands, and charming riverside paths.
| Pro tip: The Highland cows are friendly, but remember to respect their space. |
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Website: https://www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com/
Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 276 1614
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4:15 PM
It’s time to switch gears and talk about an unmissable stop in Glasgow: the Botanic Gardens. The countless species of plants here and the iconic Kibble Palace glasshouse are breathtaking.
And if you want to geek out about plants, the gardens are a goldmine of botanical facts and history. There’s also a little tea room within the gardens, so you can enjoy sightseeing with a cup of tea.
| Pro tip: Try to visit at different times of the year to see the various plants blooming. |
Queen’s Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16593
Address: Langside Rd, Glasgow G42 9QL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 276 1476
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Sitting on a hill in the city’s South Side, Queen’s Park is where you can lose hours just wandering around. It’s chock-full of history (named after Queen Victoria herself), flower gardens, wildlife, you name it.
The paths around the park make for some of the best city walks, and if you climb to the flagpole at the top, you can see right over Glasgow. Did we mention that Queen’s Park is home to a boating pond and a reptile house, too? Yep!
| Pro tip: Don’t miss climbing to the flagpole for a view that will knock your socks off. |
Linn Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/16591/Linn-Park-and-Local-Nature-Reserve
Address: Glasgow G44 5TA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 2000
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Alright, you’ve seen Glasgow’s city parks, but are you ready for the largest, Linn Park? What’s special about here is its 82 staggering hectares of woodland, riverside, and open parkland!
There’s also an amazing waterfall (yes, a waterfall in the city!) that will make you forget you’re even in Glasgow. Besides, the park is full of historical buildings for you to explore, like the imposing Linn House or the old snuff mill beside the river.
| Pro tip: Take the time to explore all the different paths; you never know what hidden gem you might find! |
Mugdock Country Park
Website: http://www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk/
Address: Milngavie, Mugdock, Glasgow G62 8EL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 956 6100
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Next, we’ll get wilder with the Mugdock Country Park, located just outside Glasgow, an absolute must for nature and history lovers alike. At the park’s heart, you’ll find Mugdock Castle, a ruined medieval fortress that’s seen more years than any of us ever will.
Plus, there’s a walled garden, a duck-filled loch, and not to mention the WWII-era gun sites (for you history buffs out there). Its open spaces make outdoor activities perfect for hiking, cycling, or leisurely picnics on a sunny day.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the historical tours of Mugdock Castle—they’re fascinating! |
Loch Lomond
Website: https://loch-lomond.net/
Strictly speaking, Loch Lomond’s not in Glasgow, but it’s just a short drive away. Picture this: miles of crystal-clear waters framed perfectly by towering mountains, with the daintiest towns and villages scattered here and there.
If it sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale, that’s because it is. Whether you’re into sailing, hiking, camping, or just soaking up jaw-dropping views, this place’s got it all in spades.
| Pro tip: If hiking’s your thing, take the chance to tackle Ben Lomond; the views are incredible. |
Rouken Glen Park
Website: https://www.roukenglenpark.co.uk/
Address: Glasgow G46 7LA, United Kingdom
Contact details: https://www.roukenglenpark.co.uk/contact-us
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Rouken Glen Park is a favourite among locals, and it’s not hard to see why. For one, it offers many things to see and do, and the park boasts an extensive woodland area perfect for a leisurely walk.
Then, there’s a cracking boating pond, a delightful waterfall, and even a little walled garden brimming with flowers during the warmer months.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the waterfall in the heart of the woodland—it’s a real hidden gem. |
Hogganfield Loch
Hogganfield Loch is an often overlooked tranquil spot on the city’s east side. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or are into birdwatching, there’s no better place.
This park is a designated local nature reserve, and its loch is always filled with various birds, including the cute ‘Nessie ‘-loch ducks. Besides, the park offers a gorgeous circular walk around the loch and a lovely café nearby.
| Pro tip: Early morning or late evening strolls promise the best chance of spotting various birds. |
Alexandra Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16578
Alexandra Park is a true East End classic and sprawls over 104 hectares, so this place is like a proper oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era layout adds a touch of old-world charm you would want to experience.
The ornamental lake is an absolute beauty, where you can spot various water birds casually gliding about. But remember that from the highest point of the park, you can catch glimpses of Ben Lomond!
| Pro tip: Be sure to walk up to the flagpole. On a clear day, you might see all the way out to Ben Lomond! |
Bellahouston Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16580
Address: 16 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5BW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 9700
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Bellahouston Park isn’t your ordinary green space! The mix of classic parkland, modern art, and a bit of Glasgow history sets Bellahouston apart from the rest.
And let’s not ignore the giant elephant in the room—well, not exactly an elephant, but the iconic House for an Art Lover, designed by legendary Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
| Pro tip: Visit the House for an Art Lover—even if you’re not into art, the building is worth visiting. |
Tollcross Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16596
Address: 254B Wellshot Rd, Glasgow G32 7AX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 5064
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Tollcross Park might not get as much love as some of the bigger parks in town, but it deserves it! This park is a splendid mix of everything we love about Glasgow’s green spaces, from leafy woodlands to perfectly manicured gardens.
The Courtyard, the focal point of the park, is something straight out of a dream with its vibrant flower displays. The park is also home to an international rose garden and a top-notch visitor centre where you can learn all about the park’s fascinating history.
| Pro tip: The rose garden is an absolute must, especially when the roses are in full bloom. |
Auchinlea Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16579
Address: Auchinlea Rd, Glasgow G34 9PQ, United Kingdom
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Up next, it’s high time we showed some love for Auchinlea Park. This park stands out with an idyllic pond in the middle of the park, a magnet for local wildlife.
A stunning collection of beautiful flower beds adds colour to the already charming setting. On top of that, if you’re toting wee ones along, you’ll love this: the park also features an adventure playground.
| Pro tip: The park shines in spring and summer when the flower beds fully bloom. |
Springburn Park
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16595
Address: Glasgow G21, United Kingdom
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
To wrap up our park tour, let’s talk about Springburn Park, which has 20 hectares of greenery, providing Glasgow folks with a peaceful haven since 1892. Not that old, eh?
One of the standout features is the incredible rockery. Imagine rocks, plants, and a wee waterfall blending into a little oasis in the city. Don’t ignore the Winter Gardens at the heart of the park—the glasshouse skeleton is a reminder of the park’s Victorian heyday.
| Pro tip: The park’s rockery is a surprise—a different landscape within the city landscape. |
