Categories > Guides and Tips
Want something magical? Get ready to see Glasgow’s sunrise!
You know that feeling when you wake up early to watch the sunrise, but you find yourself on the wrong side of town. You end up staring at the side of a dreary building and the sun obscured—we’ve all been there!
But in this case, that won’t happen, because I’ve already listed the perfect viewing spots in Glasgow. You can forget those sunrise fail stories (yes, even the one I told earlier) because here you’ll have Insta-worthy photos, so read on!
Glasgow Green
Media credit: irenechang15
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/glasgowgreen
Address: Greendyke St, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 276 0680
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Glasgow Green is this huge, historic park right in the city’s heart, and honestly, it’s a stellar spot for sunrise watchers. You’ve got wide-open spaces here, meaning you can always find a perfect view of the sky’s changing colours.
Plus, the River Clyde adds a reflective touch to the whole experience, making it doubly impressive.
Pro tip: There’s always something happening in Glasgow Green, from music festivals to fun runs, so check out what might be on schedule after your early morning excursion.
Queen’s Park
Media credit: bluellabelle
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
Queen’s Park is not the biggest of Glasgow’s parks, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in views.
It offers an elevated viewpoint, and from here, you can watch the sun come up over the city, with views stretching out towards the Campsie Fells in the distance.
It’s a bit of a climb to get to the top but believe me, it’s worth every step. This park is a mix of well-kept gardens, sports areas, and a bit of wilderness, giving it an eclectic vibe that’s just so Glasgow.
Pro tip: For the best sunrise view, make your way to the flagpole at the highest point of the park. Also, Queen’s Park is home to a quirky little reptile house and a boating pond that’s quite the scene when the morning light hits it.
The Necropolis
Media credit: alanjlogan
Website: http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/
Address: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 5064
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 4:30 PM
A cemetery might not be everyone’s first choice for a sunrise spot, but the Necropolis is something else. It’s this Victorian garden cemetery sitting on a hill overlooking the city.
The top spot for your sunrise viewing here is near the John Knox Monument, the highest point of the cemetery. Moreover, the sheer quiet of the morning makes it a reflective, almost meditative experience.
Pro tip: Make sure you stick around after sunrise, and you might get a guided tour, which reveals the rich history of the place. Just respect the tranquillity of the space, especially in the early hours.
Linn Park
Media credit: manuelascotland
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
If you’re more into the untamed side of nature, Linn Park is your sunrise destination. It’s the second-largest park in the city, and, trust me, it’s an absolute winner for a sunrise experience like no other.
Despite being in the city, Linn Park gives off major countryside vibes. Aside from being a spot to watch the sunrise, it’s also a goldmine for people who enjoy a bit of peace in the mornings.
The waterfalls, the wooded valley, the wildlife—the park is buzzing with a serene kind of energy that’s perfectly paired with a sunrise.
Pro tip: Remember to venture out to the waterfall for a fantastic view of the sunrise; the way the light catches the water is worth the early start.
And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, Linn Park is crisscrossed with trails that are begging to be explored post-sunrise.
Cathkin Braes
Media credit: micra_love
Website: http://glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16581
Address: 39A Cathkin Rd, Glasgow G42 9UJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 287 5064
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cathkin Braes offers panoramic views that are hard to top. Being the highest point in Glasgow, you get an uninterrupted view of the sunrise and, on clear days, can even see beyond the city.
It’s a bit more of a trek to get up there, but it’s the kind of place where you can spread out a blanket, have a picnic, and just enjoy the moment.
Pro tip: Make sure you aim for the mountain bike trail area for a fantastic eastward view. Plus, the area is known for its biodiversity, so keep an eye out for some wildlife spotting as the day warms up.
Kelvingrove Park
Media credit: elizabethsescapes
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
Located between the city centre and the West End, Kelvingrove Park is the perfect spot if you’re looking for easy access without compromising views.
This park has a bit of everything: landscaped gardens, woodland paths, and the tranquil River Kelvin flowing right through it.
Here, you’ll come across dog walkers, joggers, and early-morning picnic folks sharing the dawn.
Pro tip: For the best view, try to reach the top of the hill near Park Circus. The slightly higher vantage point makes for a great panorama of the sunrise.
Pollok Country Park
Media credit: quiltedsheikhjinx
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 Country Park is the largest park in Glasgow and, hands down, one of the most beautiful. It’s a network of walking paths weaving through expansive woodland areas.
You’ll also find here the Pollok House, a grand Edwardian mansion, and the Burrell Collection, one of the largest collections of artwork in Scotland. Sunrise or not, this place is pretty much a must-visit if you’re in Glasgow.
Pro tip: Try to plan your sunrise adventure around the early morning, and you might just catch sight of the park’s resident Highland Cows.
Ruchill Park
Media credit: jane.unotresuno
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16594
Address: Glasgow G20 9NY, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Ruchill Park might be a bit lesser-known, but it’s a gem of a place to catch the sunrise. The park is located to the northwest of the city centre, offering a great view over the north of the city.
And that view gets ten times better at sunrise. What’s more, this park has a rich history, and the highlight is the Ruchill Park flagpole and its panoramic views of the city.
Pro tip: Make your way to the panoramic viewpoint at the flagpole for an unbeatable sunrise experience. The rest of the park begs to be explored afterwards, with plenty of interesting historical features to keep you occupied.
The Campsie Fells
Media credit: adventurediaries_
Website: http://www.thecampsies.co.uk/
The Campsie Fells are not in Glasgow, but they’re just a stone’s throw away and too good to miss out on. These hills provide a fantastic vantage point for sunrise watching.
These hills border the city and are a favourite hiking and picnic spot among locals. Rising early for sunrise here sets the tone for a great day, be it hiking or exploring the nearby villages.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out Cort-Ma Law, the highest point in the Campsie Fells. The walk-up is rewarding, with stunning sunrise views.
Rouken Glen Park
Media credit: danielle_g89x
Nestled in Glasgow’s Southside, Rouken Glen is a union of fantastic landscaped gardens, wooded areas, and the standout feature—a rippling waterfall.
It’s a place of many exciting spots, the waterfall, the boating lake, and a refurbished Victorian-era boathouse. With its many features, you’re sure to find a tranquil spot to enjoy the break of the day.
Pro tip: When you’re done basking in the early morning sun, you can venture over to the boating lake, feed the ducks, rent a pedal boat, or just park yourself at the boathouse for a relaxed morning.
Glasgow University
Media credit: allenomis
Website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/
Address: Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 330 2000
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the University of Glasgow’s main building is one of the city’s most famously recognised and well-loved structures.
The tower itself provides a stunning silhouette against the morning sky, making it a photographer’s dream. Plus, the university grounds are quiet in the early hours, giving you a peaceful moment in an otherwise bustling city.
Pro tip: The Tower is often off-limits to the public, but for a special view, plan your sunrise visit during the university’s open days. It’s worth it, and while you’re there, check out the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery on campus too.
Mugdock Country Park
Media credit: alba_in_pictures_photography
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
A bit on the outskirts, but worth the trek, Mugdock Country Park is a breath of fresh air (literally) for nature lovers and sunrise chasers alike. Here, you’ll see open spaces, tranquil reservoirs, and even spot some wildlife roaming around.
The park’s varied landscape means you get a different experience each time you visit, depending on where you decide to set up camp for your sunrise watching.
Pro tip: Try to reach the loch for a majestic view of the sunrise casting its glow on the water. The park opens at dawn, so after sunrise, you can explore the trails or visit the ruins of Mugdock Castle.
Alexandra Park
Media credit: daniella_basia
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16578
Nestled in the East End, Alexandra Park is known for its fantastic vantage point over the city. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the break of the day, and you can relax at the pond.
Apart from the charming views, Alexandra Park has an interesting history. It’s named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark and has been a key spot in Glasgow’s community for over a century.
Pro tip: If you’re a fan of morning jogs, the park’s pathways offer a scenic route. The boathouse provides a pretty cool backdrop for photos, too.
King’s Park
Media credit: biker_neil
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16590
King’s Park is for those who want a hilltop view without the trek. It offers panoramic vistas reaching as far as the Cathkin Braes.
Moreover, the park has a great blend of active and calming pastimes. Playground for the kids, tennis courts for the sporty, and quiet gardens for the peaceful moments—there’s something for everyone here.
Pro tip: For a great glimpse of the sunrise, aim for the hill overlooking Cathcart Road. Also, you can take a walk around the park or head over to the nearby golf course and café for some hot breakfast.
Hogganfield Loch
Media credit: hillwalkerscotland
Hogganfield Loch is a local nature reserve nestled in the northeastern part of the city. It’s got this massive loch right in the middle, and the sun rises straight over it.
And because it’s a bit off the usual tourist track, you won’t have to elbow your way through crowds to snag the best view. Moreover, it kicks everything up a notch with a bunch of wildlife milling around, especially the birds.
So, birdwatchers, you’ll want your binoculars because you can catch a glimpse of all sorts, from swans to rare migrants that stop by the loch.
Pro tip: If you’re a jogger, you’ll love the path around the loch. Just remember, Glasgow weather can be a bit unpredictable; dress in layers so you can stay comfy whether it’s unexpectedly chilly or nice and warm.
