Glasgow
People make Glasgow – so the saying goes. And it͛s true, you'll struggle to find a warmer welcome.
But Glasgow is also home to exquisite architecture, fascinating museums and a pulsating nightlife. With a live music and festival scene to rival any in the UK and the country's great wilderness on its doorstep, Glasgow has serious character.
Arriving at Glasgow Airport
Step off the plane and within 20 minutes you could be settling down to a pie and pint in one of Glasgow’s many city centre pubs.
Glasgow Airport is around eight miles (13km) from town. Take First Glasgow’s Express 500 bus to the busy Buchanan Bus Station where there are connections to dozens of onward routes. Buy your tickets in advance, use the First Bus mTickets app, or pay on the bus using contactless, cash or card.
If you're off to the Hebrides, you can travel over the sea to Skye direct from the terminal; the Citylink 915 bus goes all the way to Uig on Skye. Look out for the Stagecoach Express JET service if you want to head east to Fife.
The nearest train station is in nearby Paisley, around 10 minutes by bus. Take McGills’ 757 bus from the terminal bus stance.
Taxis line up right outside the terminal. Beware if you’re heading into town – traffic can be busy at peak times.
Heading off under your own steam? Book your car with LCY before your trip, and arrive stress-free, ready to roll.
Getting Active
Go for a spin
There are 400 Next Bikes to hire at more than 30 locations. Faster? The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is open to anyone who fancies a spin. Cathkin Braes was home to the mountain bike circuit for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Take a dip
North Woodside swimming pool (Braid Square) is one of the oldest working public baths in Britain. Restored to Victorian glory, its 20m pool is bathed in natural light from the huge arched windows.
Run it off
Glasgow has more than 90 parks and gardens, ideal for a morning jog. Follow the River Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre to Glasgow Green, crossing its bridges on the way, or join the runners in Kelvingrove Park.
Swing it
It’s Scotland – there’s bound to be golf. Glasgow has six municipal golf courses. Head 20 minutes from Glasgow Airport and enjoy Loch Lomond’s scenery at the Carrick championship course at Cameron House.
Kick it
An Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers is a fierce, passionate football affair. Tour the stadiums or head to the national stadium at Hampden Park for the Scottish Football Museum.
Excursions
Glasgow is the gateway to some of Scotland’s most breath-taking scenery, with stunning wilderness and coastline a short journey from the city.
Go steaming
Heading ‘doon the watter’ has been a Glasgow tradition for generations. Join the PS Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle-steamer, for a day trip on the Clyde to the Isle of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae.
Visit the capital
Edinburgh is under an hour away by train, and its stunning castle is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the train station. Plenty of time to explore the city’s fascinating Old Town before catching the train home.
Rewind time
New Lanark village was built in the 18th century to serve a nearby cotton mill by its socially aware owner who, unusually for the times, provided fair wages and good conditions for his workers. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s just 45 minutes from Glasgow by car.
Take the high road
The banks of Loch Lomond are under an hour’s drive away, or take the train from Glasgow’s Queen Street Station. Take a boat trip on the loch, or go horse-riding on its bonnie banks.
Follow the canal
Cycle the 32 miles from Bell’s Bridge, along the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift. Have lunch there and get the train home.