Glasgow West End
Glasgow West End
The West End of Glasgow has a distinctive character that sets it apart from the rest of the sprawling metropolis. Situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest city, the area is a captivating blend of both the old and the new, where urban buildings and wild green spaces coexist in harmony.
The River Clyde and the River Kelvin divide the West End, which is a sizable portion of the city west and northwest of the M8. The area is known for its Victorian architecture and public parks which offer a quieter, more relaxed environment than the bustling city centre.
One of the most notable landmarks in the West End is the University of Glasgow. Founded in 1451, it’s one of the oldest universities in Britain and is famous for its Gothic architecture as well as the Hunterian Museum which houses a plethora of exhibits, from archaeological artefacts to anatomical items.
Near the university is Kelvingrove Park, a beautifully landscaped 85-acre green space with the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on its southern edge. The museum, one of the most-visited attractions in Scotland, houses an impressive collection of art including works by renowned artists like Monet and Renoir.
Just a stone’s throw away is the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, a lush green oasis housing a variety of plant species from around the world. The gardens are home to the Kibble Palace, an enormous Victorian glasshouse filled with tropical plantsas well as the national collection of ferns. Nearby, visitors can wander around an arboretum and another, even larger greenhouse before enjoying a leisurely walk along the Kelvin Walkway.
When it comes to family attractions, the West End never fails to amaze thanks to top attractions like the Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship – both of which are completely free to enter.
The West End is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene. Streets like Byres Road and Ashton Lane are lined with cosy cafes, trendy bars, and a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Scottish food to Italian and Chinese cuisines.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The ever-popular Glasgow Botanic Gardens are a green oasis of plant life from across the globe located right in the heart of the city on Great Western Road. There are several attractions in the gardens including a Victorian glasshouse, a large tropical greenhouse, a café, lawns, and a maze of paths through trees and flowerbeds.…
Glasgow Science Centre
The Glasgow Science Centre is situated on the River Clyde waterfront in Glasgow. The family-friendly attraction features a science mall, a 127-metre viewing tower and an IMAX cinema. Discover one of Glasgow’s top tourist attractions with this guide which features an overview and useful visiting advice.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the highlight of Kelvingrove Park, the 84-acre green area in the centre of the city. The museum features a vast number of exhibits sourced from around the world in a series of themed exhibition spaces. Discover this fascinating attraction with this complete guide which features an overview, visiting…
Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park is located in the West End of Glasgow. The public park features Kelvingrove Museum, the River Kelvin, and the Stewart Fountain. Visitors can enjoy 85 acres of parkland that feature an array of flowerbeds, wide expanses of lawn, historic monuments, children’s play parks, ponds and sports venues. Discover Kelvingrove Park with this complete…
Riverside Museum of Transport, Glasgow
The Riverside Museum of Transport showcases transport memorabilia from across the globe. It is located next to The Tall Ship on the River Clyde at Pointhouse Place in Glasgow. Visitors can view exhibits including steam trains, historic cars, trams, motorbikes and much more. Entry is free. Discover Glasgow’s Riverside Museum of Transport with this visitor…
Scottish Event Campus Centre
The Glasgow SECC is Scotland’s largest exhibition arena. It is located close to the banks of the River Clyde in the centre of Glasgow and is easily reached via the city’s subway stations and bus stops. The SECC has three main buildings – the Armadillo, the Hydro, and the SEC Centre. Discover the SECC with…
The Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum, located in the University of Glasgow, features a collection of exhibits from the fields of zoology, geology, archaeology, and more. The museum is a popular free attraction that’s often overlooked by visiting tourists as it is located within the city’s university complex. Discover the Hunterian Museum with this complete visitor guide.
The Tall Ship, Glasgow
The Tall Ship is a 19th-century fully-restored sailing ship and museum moored up at Pointhouse Quay next to The Riverside Transport Museum in Glasgow. The floating museum features a restored interior with authentic displays of life at sea in the Victorian era. The attraction also houses a shop and a café. It is currently free…
The University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the UK. It has more listed buildings inside the complex than any other university in Britain. A visit allows tourists to explore the superb Hunterian Museum and Hunterian Art Gallery as well as the university grounds.
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