If there’s one thing I love, it’s the countryside. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me, there’s nothing better than being surrounded by nature. The peace, the open space, and the freedom of living away from the constant noise—it just feels right. I dream of a life in my own little big town, tucked away from the world, with a farm, a horse stable, cows, goats, elephants—yes, elephants—and all the joys of country farm life.
So, when we visited Pitlochry as part of our pre-Valentine's adventure, I was excited. The drive there was just as enjoyable as exploring the city itself. Pitlochry has its fair share of attractions, but what truly captured my heart was the quiet, the vast green landscapes, and, of course, the animals. It felt like a perfect escape.
Pitlochry is a charming town located in Perthshire, Scotland.
First Stop: Pitlochry Kinnaird
Our journey began at Kinnaird, a charming village in Perthshire, Scotland, known for its deep history and breathtaking scenery. The name “Kinnaird” comes from the Scottish Gaelic words ceann ard, meaning "high headland"—which makes sense once you see the views.
One of its gems is the 15th-century Kinnaird Castle, a four-story stronghold once home to the Threiplands of Fingask, a Jacobite family. It was impossible not to stop and take countless photos—the landscape was like something out of a postcard. The fresh air, the rolling hills, and the sense of history all made for a moment worth capturing.
Second Stop: Pitlochry Moulin
Not too far from Kinnaird, we arrived at Moulin, where we made sure to snap a picture with the famous signpost that welcomes visitors with a burst of flowers. Pitlochry is known for its Pitlochry in Bloom initiative, and you can tell they take pride in their floral displays. Every corner felt like a painting, with colors that popped against the green countryside.
Not too far from Kinnaird, we arrived at Moulin, where we made sure to snap a picture with the famous signpost that welcomes visitors with a burst of flowers. Pitlochry is known for its Pitlochry in Bloom initiative, and you can tell they take pride in their floral displays. Every corner felt like a painting, with colors that popped against the green countryside.
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Provand’s Lordship is said to be the oldest house in Scotland, dating back to 1471! It’s had a recent £1.6 million restoration, though, to be honest, the renovations don’t exactly give off that ‘£1.6 million’ vibe, it gives way less. But that’s okay! The house is solid, built to last through centuries. Some of these old buildings are actually sturdier than many modern structures. Plus, Provand’s Lordship is one of only four surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow, so it’s a true piece of history! The nearby Cathedral, also the oldest in Glasgow, holds the crown as the city’s oldest building.
The house was originally constructed by Andrew Muirhead, the Bishop of Glasgow, as part of St Nicholas's Hospital in 1471. The ‘front’ of the house probably faced west, and the area where St Mungo Museum now stands used to be part of the grand Bishop's Castle, which was the center of medieval Glasgow.
Although the house may have been built for the Master of the hospital, it later became part of the accommodation for the 32 canons of Glasgow Cathedral. Each canon was tied to a specific area of the city, known as a prebend. Fast forward to the 1800s, and it’s said to have been home to a canon supported by income from the Prebend of Barlanark.
One thing to note is that to preserve the original oak floor beams, some false floors were added to the upper levels. This does change the dimensions of the rooms and can make the fireplaces look a bit off, but it’s all part of making sure the building lasts for future generations.
Oh, and don’t miss the lovely St Nicholas Garden out back! It’s a peaceful little spot, perfect for a moment of reflection.
In my opinion, the best time to visit is during the summer, when the weather in Glasgow is typically milder, and you can enjoy the garden in full bloom. However, I must say it was quite warm inside during my visit, especially towards the end. The building traps heat, making it feel a bit stuffy, but the rich history inside more than makes up for it!
But here’s the thing—I have to admit, I’m a bit claustrophobic, and the ground floor gave me some of those ‘close quarters’ vibes at first. I felt a bit off, but after a moment, I got over it. The history in that building is so captivating.
If you’re headed there, the address is 3 Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0RB. Enjoy!
It’s been a while since I posted a travel update—or has it really been that long? I’m not so sure. Either way, on October 10, 2024, I found myself ready to explore a part of the city I’d overlooked for too long: the Glasgow City Chambers, right in the heart of George Square.
The building had always intrigued me, so I decided to step inside. A friendly receptionist greeted me and, sensing my curiosity, mentioned that a tour was about to begin. He handed me a pass and invited me to join, a golden opportunity to see the inner workings of this historic building.
Each space showcased architectural splendor that seemed timeless yet perfectly in the bustling city center.
The City Chambers, or the Municipal Buildings, as they’re also known, have been at the heart of Glasgow's government since 1889. Designed to reflect the city’s civic pride, this Category A listed building has served as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council since 1996, standing proudly on George Square’s eastern side, a landmark to locals and visitors alike.
The tour itself was a delight. Our guide had a wonderful sense of humor, mixing fun facts with a genuine passion for Glasgow’s history. It was clear he enjoyed sharing these stories, and his enthusiasm pulled us all in.
As we explored further, I learned how the need for a grand city chamber had been growing for over a century. By the 18th century, the old Glasgow Tolbooth at Glasgow Cross was struggling to keep up with the city’s expanding governance needs. In 1814, the council moved to public buildings near Saltmarket and later, in 1844, to the City and County Buildings between Wilson Street and Ingram Street.
However, City Architect John Carrick didn't find a suitable, purpose-built location for Glasgow's civic operations until the early 1880s. Carrick ultimately chose George Square’s east side, and the rest is history—one that lives on vividly in the intricate details of this building.
The tour left me with a renewed appreciation for the city and its layered past. The Glasgow City Chambers isn’t just a building; it’s a storyteller, keeping the legacy of Glasgow’s transformation from a bustling town to a proud metropolis alive.
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 afterwards, 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 a few days off.
Due to his brief illness, we started our trip later than planned, and we were worried 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.
Do you remember when I shared a post about the Govan Stones? Well, before our visit, we made an unexpected stop at a nearby church. We were actually on our way to buy sanitizer before the Govan Stones tour when we noticed this beautiful church right across from where we parked. It’s just a 1-minute walk from the Govan Stones, and we couldn’t resist checking it out!
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.
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.
Hey friends!
As I sit down to write this post, I'm feeling so refreshed and full of self-love. My mental health is in such a good place, and Honestly, I haven't felt this light and joyful in a while. This is the energy I want to stay in forever!
So, last Sunday after church, we decided to visit this place I'd been seeing everywhere—it kept popping up every time I searched for cool spots to check out in Glasgow. And Honestly? We loved it. We spent the afternoon wandering through the Hunterian Art Gallary , taking in artwork from centuries past, created by some truly talented hands. Each piece had its own unique touch, but one artist really stood out to me: James Whistler. His work is bold, striking, and has a style that feels so confident. I could feel his personality come through in every brushstroke—it's like the painting was speaking for him.
Before I go into sharing all the photos I snapped, let me give you a little background on the Hunterian Museum itself. It's actually the oldest public museum in Scotland, and it houses an incredible collection spanning art, science, and the humanities. This collection is located at the University of Glasgow.
While I was poking around the website before writing this post, I came across this description that perfectly sums up what the Hunterian is all about: it's a space for exploration and experimentation, for enjoyment and reflection, and a hub for fostering equity, justice, and diversity in society. I love that this place is not just a museum but a community of ideas. They also offer learning opportunities for students at the University of Glasgow, which is pretty awesome.
What can you expect to see here?
You'll find works by some big names like Whistler, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Mackintosh, as well as newer pieces by contemporary artists. Some of the highlights include Chardin's A Lady Taking Tea , Rembrandt's The Entombment , and Gavin Hamilton's Hector's Farewell to Andromache . I love that they're also featuring a lot of women artists and other underrepresented voices.
The Hunterian Art Gallery also has one of Scotland's largest print collections, a sculpture courtyard, the Mackintosh House (which is a whole experience in itself), and they always have some contemporary art exhibitions on display. Admission charge for the Mackintosh House is (£10/£6) - last admission 4.15pm.
Here are the details you need if you want to visit:
- Entry: Free!
- Opening times: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
- Getting there: It's part of the University of Glasgow campus, which is about 3km west of the city centre. You can hop on the subway to Hillhead Station or take buses 4 and 4A from the city center to University Avenue. There's also bike parking if you're cycling in!
- Address:University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Quick history lesson!
The Hunterian dates back to 1807, thanks to a bequest from Dr. William Hunter an Anatomist, who left his vast collections to the University of Glasgow. Originally, everything was housed together, but over time, different sections moved around campus. Now, the zoology collections are in the Hunterian Zoology Museum, the art collections are in the Art Gallery, and books and manuscripts are in the University Library. It's all part of this rich, sprawling collection that's worth exploring!
Honestly, this place has so much to offer, and I highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in Glasgow. It's more than just a museum—it's a whole experience that makes you think about art, culture, and the world in a new way.
These photos were taken on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, between 12:02 to 12:39 PM.
Time to share some photos with you all!
Oh my gosh, I just love going for walks around here! You wouldn’t believe how close Pinkston Watersports is—like, five steps from the Sighthill neighborhood! I walk by all the time, and it's just the best watching people at the water. There’s always something fun going on, whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, or even white water tubing! It’s so cool because Pinkston is actually home to Scotland’s only artificial whitewater course, and the water is so clean, it’s even good enough for swimming!
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!
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!
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
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’m bubbling with joy as I write this, and I can’t wait to share why! 😊
Let me start by saying I’m absolutely head over heels in love with nature—especially on those glorious sunny days when everything seems to sparkle with happiness. Being surrounded by trees and greenery just makes my heart sing! This Scottish summer, with its crisp, cool air, was a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to have spent it exploring with my special someone.
When we decided to venture out and discover more of Scotland, I took on the role of finding charming spots, and boy, did we hit the jackpot with Loch Lomond!
Oh my gosh, imagine this! So, I was walking around Sighthill Cemetery, all by myself, right? And suddenly, I see this guy with his whole face covered, wearing a full face mask, and he's riding a bicycle, right towards me. At first, I was like, "Wait a minute, I'm the only one here! What if he tries to snatch my phone?" I started thinking, "Okay, maybe I should put my phone inside my bag and get ready to run." But then I thought, "No, just walk; you’re fine." And guess what? I was totally fine!
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?
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!
So what is the Sighthill cemetery in Glasgow about?
Sighthill Cemetery is a super old cemetery right in the middle of Glasgow. It’s been around since 1840; can you believe that? It remains active, indicating that people continue to use it for various purposes. There's even a working crematorium there. It’s located in the Sighthill neighborhood, right on the A803 Springburn Road. It’s kind of between Cowlairs Park and Petershill Park, just north of the city center. And to the north, it’s bordered by Keppochhill Road.
The gates are totally gorgeous and were designed by John Stephen of Scott, Stephen & Gale back in 1839. They have this super fancy Greek style. The cemetery itself opened in 1840, and the very first burial happened on April 24th of that year.
The cemetery has some pretty famous people buried there too! There's Andrew White, John Baird, and Andrew Hardie, who were all involved in the "Radical Rising" of 1820. They were executed for treason, which is so intense. Originally, they were buried in paupers' graves in Stirling, but in 1847, their remains were brought back to Glasgow and reburied at Sighthill. Andrew White was actually one of the nineteen people whose death sentences were commuted. He was sent to Australia but came back to Scotland years later and passed away in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1872.
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?
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