Hi everyone! I am so excited to share this travel post with you. Let me begin by telling you how it all started. My partner and I are always looking forward to our next trip. We get thrilled about riding together and exploring amazing views.
On the morning of this trip, my partner was feeling sick, which upset me. He went to the pharmacy to get some medication, and afterward, he insisted that we should still go out because we had been looking forward to this trip for a while, especially since I had been working a lot and finally had some days off.
Due to his brief illness, we started our trip later than planned, and we were concerned that we might not have as much fun as we could have on a sunny day. Initially, we wanted to visit the Devil's Pulpit in Glasgow, but since that location is a cave, it was already late, and it would be better to visit on a sunny day.
Instead, he took me to a surprise location. I had no idea where we were going; I just tagged along. But when we arrived, the first thing I saw was a huge rock. Oh my, I was so happy! We saw cars parked nearby, but there weren’t many people visiting at the same time, probably because the weather looked like it was going to rain, which it didn’t until the end of our climb.
We visited Dumbarton Castle, located in Dumbarton, a town in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church
Address: Govan Rd., Govan, Glasgow G51
When you're visiting Glasgow, a must-see historical church is St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, located in the heart of Govan. This architectural masterpiece, designed by John Honeyman in 1877-8, combines intricate Byzantine and Romanesque styles, creating a stunning visual experience for anyone who steps through its doors.
The church’s exterior showcases beautiful red ashlar bands and coursed rubble, lending it a distinctive look. A striking round-headed doorway with delicate dogtooth molding greets you as you approach. Look up, and you’ll spot a magnificent rose window framed by blind arches, adding an element of grandeur. The square tower to the side, complete with its copper-topped pyramidal roof, stands as a prominent feature of the skyline, offering a snapshot of 19th-century architectural ingenuity.
As you step inside, the spacious nave with its wide wooden roof immediately draws your eye. The highlight, however, is the chancel, which boasts a semi-circular domed apse lined with colorful marble panels and intricate stencil decorations. The church also features striking stained glass windows that fill the space with soft light, including simpler designs on the side windows and more elaborate artistry in the chancel’s lancets. For organ lovers, the historic pipe organ, originally installed in 1952, adds an auditory layer to your experience, especially after its refurbishment in 1976.
For a peaceful visit, attend one of the regular Mass services, held every day of the week, with special Vigil Masses on Sundays. St. Anthony's Church isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a journey through Glasgow’s rich history, a living monument to Gothic and Byzantine design, all nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Govan. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet moment of reflection, St. Anthony’s is a hidden treasure that offers something for everyone.
What’s really special is that Pinkston Watersports isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that!); it’s part of the Glasgow 2014 Legacy and run by volunteers, which makes it feel super community-focused. They want everyone to get involved in watersports, and there are clubs, events, and coaching for all levels. So if you’re experienced, you can just pop in for a “Park and Play” session, but if you’re new, there are these white water taster sessions that are perfect for getting started. And if you get hooked (which I bet you will), you can even do progression lessons! It sounds intense, but I think it could be so rewarding.
Oh, and it’s not just about the water! There are also land activities like archery, team games, and bushcraft, which sound like such a blast. It’s like the perfect place for groups, whether you’re into watersports or just want to have some outdoor fun. I always feel like there’s something new to see or try when I walk by. It’s just such a cool vibe, and I totally recommend checking it out!
Sighthill is a neighborhood located in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Positioned north of the River Clyde, it forms part of the larger Springburn area in the northern part of the city.
This neighborhood is still under development, so there’s a lot of open space. It's rarely crowded, making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and watch the birds or ducks at the nearby ponds. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Pinkston Water Park, and the two spots complement each other beautifully.
What I Love About Sighthill
Sighthill is peaceful and calm, with plenty of outdoor space that feels perfect for both kids and adults. I’m not sure what the future holds for the remaining open areas – whether they’ll be developed into more housing – but I personally hope they keep some of the natural beauty that makes this place feel so special.
The ponds here add a perfect touch of nature to the neighborhood, creating a balanced blend of modern living and outdoor tranquility. And because they’re set a little away from the housing areas, they offer a quiet retreat without feeling too far from home.
There’s a school and a church nearby, and I’ve noticed they’re selling houses in the area. One thing I’ve observed is that the front yards are quite small, almost right on the street, but even so, the overall feel of the neighborhood remains green, quiet, and inviting.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think of this neighborhood? Could you imagine yourself living in a place like this?
Hey everyone! Last Sunday, after church, my partner and I decided to visit Springburn Park for a chill day out and to snap some fab pics of my lime green outfit.
Springburn Park is located in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. It’s about 2.8 miles from the city center and spans a whopping 31 hectares (or 77 acres!). This park is not just huge but also super pretty with its extensive spring and summer bedding, vibrant bulbs, wallflowers, and polyanthus. If you’re into plants and flowers, it’s definitely a must-visit!
The park has loads of facilities catering to everyone. Whether you're into sports or just looking to relax, you’ve got options like a synthetic football pitch with floodlights, a juvenile football pitch, a multi-purpose games court, three bowling greens, a cricket pitch, and even an orienteering course!
One cool feature is the Glasgow City Health Walks, which happen here. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get into walking as a gentle exercise. The routes are short, ranging from half a mile to two miles, and they’re mainly on flat ground, making them ideal for beginners. For more info on these walks, visit Glasgow city council.
Public toilets are available at the Bowling Pavilion (May to September), Stobhill Hospital, and Springburn Leisure Centre.
Fun fact: The park was first acquired by Glasgow Corporation in 1892. Back then, it was just agricultural land with an old ironstone pit and quarry. It was developed with contributions from Sir James Reid and his family, and even had a Winter Gardens built, thanks to a generous donation. Although the Winter Gardens are currently closed due to structural issues, there are plans to restore them.
The winter gardens at Springburn park
I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!
And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?
The Old Swinger swing bridge is located on the Glasgow branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal at North Canal Bank Street in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
This is a decommissioned single-track swing bridge that once carried the Port Dundas Branch (Caledonian Railway) over the Forth and Clyde Canal from north Port Dundas Mid Wharf over the canal to North Spiers Wharf. The span swung from its south end.
There was a small goods shed on the north wharf Port Dundas Goods [CR] immediately to the north that was rail served.
There was a short siding at the southeast end of the bridge, approached from the southeast and on the north side of the line. This was to serve an oil store.
The bridge remained closed after falling into disuse as the canal was also out of use. It is now fixed open, having been restored in the 2000s.
The base of a signal post remains nearby on the north bank of the canal.
A double lifting road bridge is just to the east. Nearby is a beached barge that was recovered from the basin.
- Observe the aquatic action or cheer on your favorite athletes from our 600-seat spectator area.
- The Sauna & Steam Room, or Exercise Studio are ideal places to unwind after a rigorous workout.
- Our on-site cafe offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger.
I also had to look up some information about the building, its status, and the university as a whole. It was an interesting find, and I learned a lot about the history of the university.
From either Queen Street or Broad Street, Marischal College is reachable by bus. College Bounds or King Street are both ways to access the main body of the campus, which includes King's College. – It's a 20-minute walk from Marischal College and the city center. The availability of parking and buses is relatively high.
The University of Aberdeen was established in 1495, making it the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of Scotland's ancient universities. It has maintained its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.
The University of Aberdeen has an extensive history, dating back to the mid-12th century when it is thought that a centre of learning was established at the See of Aberdeen. However, it was not until February 1494 that the university was officially founded by Papal Bull, following a request from King James IV of Scotland to Pope Alexander VI. The primary motivation for this request was said to be King James' desire to correct the ignorance of the people in northern Scotland so that they could better fill clerical offices.
Marischal College was founded by the 5th Earl of Marischal in 1593, located in the commercial heart of the city. As they became more integrated with city life, the two colleges clashed both in court and in brawls. Frequent merger attempts were often unsuccessful. During Oliver Cromwell's interregnum, a brief attempt was made to reunite the two colleges, but it was again dissolved after the Restoration. The union was only actually formally completed in 1860, which also created a new medical school for Marischal College.
All faculties were permitted to admit women by 1892, and two years later, a group of 20 women matriculated at the university. The quadrangle at Marischal College was completed in 1906 and opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The city hosted some of the most lavish celebrations ever seen, including banquets, fireworks, and the bestowing of hundreds of honorary degrees to individuals from all over the world.
New buildings were constructed by King's and Marischal Colleges in both traditional and contemporary brutalist styles as both continued to expand throughout the 20th century.
I have been enjoying exploring Glasgow, and one thing I always enjoy is the bus routes and being able to make quick decisions about the next stop or the journey towards my destination. I never used to trust myself with reading maps, but thanks to God and GPS, I have improved significantly in navigating with maps since arriving in the UK.
I took a bus to Buchanan Bus Station, and upon arriving there, I saw a bus headed to Glasgow Central Station. The driver asked if I had a train ticket. I replied no, and he let me in. He was such a kind person to me. I got to the train station, bought a round-trip ticket for £6.50, and was directed to platform 16.
Upon reaching the platform, I remembered I had been there before and didn’t like it. The smell was bad, and there was the sound of rushing water. From the look of things, it’s an old railway station. Nevertheless, I got on the right train when it arrived, and wow, I had a great time riding it.
I was happy when the train left the Glasgow Central underground station. By the way, I haven’t mentioned that I looked so lovely and was causing a bit of a stir. If you’re in doubt, you can view my outfit here.
The internet wasn’t working underground, so I just stared at the empty train seats and kept writing.
My destination was Chatelherault Country Park, but I needed to first stop at the Chatelherault train station and then walk 12 minutes, which I did using Google Live View directions. It was morning, and at the time I was writing, it was 9:54 AM, and I hadn’t eaten anything, so I was also thinking of what to have for breakfast. I ended up buying tea for £3 and a slice red velvet cake at 3.50 pounds at a pricey place in the park, which wasn’t funny, lol.
I stumbled upon a bicycle competition, something I always wanted to see in person. There were different teams competing, including juniors and kids. The highlight of my day was that it was a sunny day, and I walked around the area following the trails, which led me to a water area with lots of beautiful stones. I love stones and trees, and it was one of the most beautiful natural places in Scotland I have visited. I followed the trail and went to see the old Avon Bridge, which was also lovely. Walking back to the competition area involved climbing up hilly roads, but I felt good seeing it as part of my exercise. I also enjoyed my time in the green area, which was a well-trimmed grass field, perfect for picnics and sunny dates.
Embracing the Magic of Kelvingrove in Winter
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: A Must-Visit in Glasgow
Last winter, I had the pleasure of visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow with my partner. As a travel blogger, I've been meaning to share this incredible experience, and now is the perfect time! Whether you're planning a trip to Scotland or simply looking for things to do in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit destination.
A Winter Wonderland in Glasgow
Visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum during winter added a magical touch to our experience. Bundled up in my warm jacket, we braved the chilly weather and made our way to this iconic museum, located in the beautiful Kelvingrove Park in the West End of Glasgow, adjacent to Argyle Street. The stunning architecture of the building alone is worth the visit, but what awaits inside is even more spectacular.
A Treasure Trove of Art and History
Kelvingrove is renowned for its impressive collection of high-end art and historical artifacts. With over 8,000 objects on display, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From ancient Egyptian relics to modern art masterpieces, the museum's diverse collections are truly awe-inspiring. My personal favorite was the vast array of artwork, featuring pieces from renowned artists that left me utterly captivated.
One of the highlights of our visit was the daily organ recital. The magnificent sound of the organ filled the grand hall, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. These recitals take place every day, Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 1:30pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 3:45pm. If you visit, make sure not to miss this enchanting performance.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is one of Scotland's most popular free visitor attractions, and for good reason. It is free to enter, though leaving a donation is greatly appreciated to help maintain this wonderful institution. The regular opening hours are as follows:
- Monday - Thursday and Saturday:10am - 5pm
- Friday and Sunday: 1am - 5pm
Since the museum closes at 5pm, I recommend arriving early to make the most of your visit. We didn't manage to see everything during our first trip due to the vast amount of exhibits, but we had so much fun that we returned with a friend from Germany who was equally impressed.
Discover the Enchantment of Glasgow Botanic Gardens: A Must-Visit Destination
Introduction:
Location and Opening Hours:
The Barras is a major street and indoor weekend market located in the East End of Glasgow, Scotland. The name "Barras" comes from the Glaswegian word "barrow," reflecting the market's early days when traders sold their goods from handcarts. At the famous Barras, you'll meet traders from families with a long history of trading, often spanning three or four generations. The market is filled with interesting characters who are always happy to welcome you. You can find just about anything for sale here, from a needle to an anchor, making it a must-visit spot in Glasgow.
It was a rainy day, which might be why I didn't fully enjoy my visit. The market had a lot of items, but they were packed tightly in some stores, making it hard to browse. Despite that, I appreciated the market's old-fashioned charm, with its open-air setup and the experience of walking from one vendor to another. I couldn't take many photos because one store had a "no photos" sign, so I decided to write about it instead.
The Barras market offers new items too, but it's mostly known for its old and vintage goods. I'm considering going back to see if I can find a vintage record player. I've seen some modern ones, but I'm really looking for an old, vintage record player with great sound.
MondayClosed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–4 pm
Sunday 10 am–4 pm
Have you visited the Barras market? If not, it’s worth checking out for its unique atmosphere and potential hidden gems!
I went to church today, and while I was at home, I hadn’t yet decided where I was going to visit in Glasgow. I was still trying to check for locations when I got to church. I browsed different museums in Glasgow and got a long list, which included the Glasgow Police Museum. I was looking for a place with free entry.
I also checked the opening times, which showed on Google:
Sunday 12–4:30 pmMonday 10 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am–4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am–4:30 pm
Friday 10 am–4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–4:30 pm
Let me give you a little history about my bus trip. When I finished at church, it was drizzling a bit, so I used my umbrella. I don't like rainy days, but I was determined to go to the museum. While trying to get my map app working, I saw a bus with the same number as the one on my map. I didn’t check if it was going in the right direction, I just hopped on, and luckily, it was going the right way.
Since I was a few minutes early, arriving in the area around 11:35, I walked towards a mall, purchased sunglasses from H&M that matched my outfit, then headed to the restaurant area to eat. I finished my meal and began walking towards the museum.
When I reached the museum, I was a bit confused because it didn’t look like a regular museum building. However, I followed the instructions on the door: pressed a button and rang the bell. The door opened, and I went to the first floor.
Upon arriving, I was welcomed by a lovely man who turned out to be a retired teacher. The way he introduced me to the first part of the museum was wonderful. He made the police museum come to life. He is an amazing storyteller with a lot of information to share. He walked around, attended to different people, and ensured everything was okay. I loved how organized everything was and must say this museum deserves a bigger space.
I read about the beginnings of the police force in Scotland and police forces worldwide. Some highlights included real fingerprints from crime stories, and the police officers who solved these crimes were also featured in the museum. The evolution of the Glasgow police uniform was displayed, along with different police medals from all over the world. The variety of police uniforms from different countries was impressive. My favorites were the Indian and Belgian police uniforms. I've always loved the Indian police uniform, especially from movies.
I love this place and think everyone who visits Glasgow should go to the Glasgow Police Museum. You get to learn more about the police force, which deserves even more recognition, and a more fitting museum would be a good start.
I also met a retired policeman who was very tall, handsome, and well-spoken. He told me more about the museum and its findings. I bought two souvenirs: a police badge and the museum badge. My Sunday couldn’t have been better. Have you visited a police museum before? If yes, which one?
1. Rich Historical Insight: The museum offers an in-depth look into the beginnings of the police force in Scotland, providing valuable historical context and understanding.
2. Global Perspective: Visitors can learn about police forces worldwide, making it a comprehensive educational experience.
3. Authentic Artifacts: The museum features real fingerprints from crime stories and memorabilia from officers who solved these crimes, giving a tangible connection to historical events.
4. Evolution of Uniforms: The exhibit on the evolution of the Glasgow police uniform, as well as police uniforms from various countries, is both fascinating and visually engaging.
5. Impressive Medals Collection: The museum showcases different police medals from all over the world, highlighting the international recognition of bravery and service.
6. Engaging Storytelling: The guides, including retired professionals, bring the exhibits to life with their storytelling, making the visit more engaging and memorable.
7. Personal Interaction: Visitors can interact with knowledgeable guides, who provide detailed and interesting information, enhancing the overall experience.
8. Unique Souvenirs: The museum shop offers unique souvenirs, such as police badges and museum badges, which make great keepsakes or gifts.
9. Free Entry: The museum offers free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly activity for everyone.
10. Community and Recognition: Visiting the museum supports the recognition of the police force's role in society and underscores the importance of preserving and honoring their history.