Attractions

Glasgow is a vibrant city with a fabulous nightlife and a fantastic choice of restaurants, pubs, wine bars, clubs and cafes, not to mention the particularly energetic arts scene.

Many of the city's numerous parks, gardens, museums and galleries offer free admission, making Glasgow a great destination for family days out. The city has an excellent transport network of trains, buses and the underground, so finding your way around couldn't be easier.

It would be impossible to compile a full list of what there is to see and do in Glasgow and some say it would take a life time to manage to do it all. Luckily, the Glasgow youth Hostel is within 20 minutes walk of several of the main attractions.

Below is what you can choose to do while staying with us.

Architecture, Museums, Art Galleries & Attractions

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow - free entry

Open Mon-Thurs & Sat 10am to 5pm and Fri & Sun 11am to 5pm

Only a few minutes walk from Glasgow Youth Hostel you will find Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, one of the most-visited museums in the UK. Among well-loved exhibits on display are Rembrandt's Man in Armour; as well as masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Whistler and Botticelli plus its unique arms and armour collection and Ancient Egyptian artefacts. Other galleries to name but a few include Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style, Creatures of the Past, Environment Discovery Centre and Scotland's Wildlife.

Museum of Transport, 1 Bunhouse Road, Glasgow - free entry

Open Mon-Thurs & Sat 10am to 5pm, Fri & Sun 11am to 5pm

Across the road from Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the Museum of Transport, one of the most popular museums of transport in the UK, attracting half a million visitors a year.

The collection is very impressive, featuring all forms of transport from horse-drawn vehicles to fire engines, trams and motorcycles to caravans. You will even find the oldest surviving pedal cycle and the finest collection in the world of Scottish-built cars. Toy cars and prams are also included and in the Clyde Room are some 250 fascinating ship models. It has something for all ages and the kids will love it.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow - free entry

Daily 7am to dusk (Tel. 0141 334 2422)

One of the largest glasshouses in the UK, the Botanic Gardens are a major tourist attraction as well as a centre of education, conservation and research. The main glasshouse range contains a collection of tropical plants including cacti, orchids, begonias, ferns and tropical fruit.

Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific Quay, Glasgow

Open (Apr-Oct, Mon-Sun 10am to 6pm) (Nov-March, Tues-Sun 10am to 6pm)
Entry (depending on attraction) Adult £6.95-£9.95 Concession/Child £4.95- £7.95 Groups 4+ 10% discount on admission

One of Scotland's must-see attractions, Glasgow Science Centre has over 300 interactive exhibits, the ScottishPower Planetarium, the 127m Glasgow Tower and Scotland's only IMAX cinema. Learn more about the world of science and technology in new, fun and exciting ways.

The Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, Glasgow

Open Monday-Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm. Free admission. www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk

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Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh, architect, designer and artist is celebrated around the world as one of the most creative figures of the early 20th century. He was born one of eleven children in the Townhead area of Glasgow, close to Glasgow Cathedral and took his inspiration for his designs from Scottish traditions blended with Art Nouveau and the simplicity of Japanese forms. He has become one of the most celebrated architects of his generation.

Some of his work can be admired in the following places of interest throughout the city:

Glasgow School of Art, 167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow

Entry £6.50 (£4.50 concession)

Tour Times (Apr-Sept, Mon-Sun) 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm

(Oct-March, closed Sun) 11am and 2pm

The history of the Glasgow School of Art is inextricably linked to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A graduate of the School, Mackintosh's 1896 design for a new School of Art building heralded the birth of a new style in 20th Century European architecture and remains at the centre of the campus.

Still a working art school, the guided tour takes you along the corridors of the school, through the gallery to the Mackintosh Room, and finishing in one of Mackintosh's most celebrated interiors, the Library. Along the way you will learn about Mackintosh's life and the history of The Glasgow School of Art. You will be able to admire Mackintosh's design and see his inspired transformation of everyday objects, such as chairs, tables and even doors into works of art.

The Willow Tearooms, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

In this unique tearoom, relax and enjoy a coffee, tea (29 loose leaf varieties!) or light meal whilst admiring the fine interiors which feature many of Mackintosh's original fittings, even down to the teaspoons!

The Mackintosh House, University of Glasgow, Glasgow

Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm. Admission cost is £3/£2(concession). Free on Wednesday afternoons after 2pm. www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk

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Activities & Entertainment

The Glasgow Youth Hostel is within 10 min walk of the party bit of Sauchiehall Street. This stretch of of one of the longest streets in Glasgow is packed with clubs, pubs, restaurants and take-aways.

The hostel is also within 15 min walk from Byres Road in the West End and most importantly from the famous Ashton Lane. This attractive small cobbled street contains pubs like the Ubiquitous Chip, Brel, the Loft and Vodka Wodka among others. It also harbors the Grosvenor Cinema which was recently refurbished and shows a selection of the latest releases as well as classic films.

The Stand Comedy Club, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow

Open 7 nights a week, all year long. www.thestand.co.uk

Jongleurs, UGC Development Buildings, Renfrew Street, Glasgow

Open Thurs, Fri & Sat

www.jongleurs.com

Comedy club with food served till 8.30pm on show nights and licensed till 3am.

City Sightseeing Glasgow Ltd, 153 Queen Street, Glasgow

Tickets Adult £9 Student/Snr Citizen £7 Child £3 Under 5's free Family (2+ up to four children) £20

www.scotguide.com

City Sightseeing Glasgow Tour is the best way to see the city! Starting at George Square hop on an open top bus for a full guided tour around all the main sights of Glasgow. Tour lasts over 1 hour but you can use this frequent service for the rest of the day, getting on and off to visit places of interest. Buy a day ticket, travel the next day free. Save £1 each ticket by booking online.

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Shopping

Glasgow is the second largest shopping centre in the UK so Glasgow is the place to be for shopaholics!

The main shopping area can be found along Sauchiehall Street where you will find The Buchanan Galleries. The stylish Princes Square can be found in the popular Buchanan Street which equally has lots of shopping facilities such as Borders Books, Starbucks, Zavvi, to name but a few! In the contemporary Merchant City area of the city you will find the stunning Italian Centre and various other designer boutiques. Braehead Shopping Centre with over 100 shops and its own ice-skating arena is only 5 miles from Glasgow's city centre.

Buchanan Galleries, 220 Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Located in the centre of Glasgow this is the first stop for serious shopping! Buchanan Galleries has over 80 of the best high street shops.

Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Set within a magnificent listed building, Glasgow's Princes Square is full of designer boutiques, bars and restaurants.

The Italian Centre, 7 John Street, Glasgow

Set within the Merchant City area of the city, The Italian Centre offers luxury stores with designer clothing, trendy bars cafes and restaurants. (about 30 min from the hostel on foot)

Braehead Shopping Centre, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow

5 miles from the city centre you can find this huge shopping complex which has over 100 shops and its very own arena. Accessible by bus or by car in about 15/20 min.

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Cinemas, Theatres, Concert Venues and Nightclubs

Glasgow is full of venues hosting live music, rock concerts, films, plays, clubbing etc. To check out your scene buy The List a fortnightly events guide available from newsagents and bookshops, pick up a copy of the Gig Guide available free in most pubs and venues or www.gigguide.co.uk or visit the venues website (see below). Here are a few of Glasgow's finest situated walking distance of our hostel:

For a day out of Glasgow

M&D's Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell

Open (Sept-Oct Sat & Sun 11am to 6pm)
(March-Aug weekdays 11am to 6pm, weekends 11am to 8pm)
Entry (Day Ticket) Persons Over 1.35m £14.50 Under 1.35m £10.50
Family (any 4 people) £42

12 miles from our hostel, Scotland's Theme Park, M&D's is bursting with family favourites as well as a large collection of thrill rides, including Scotland's largest ever roller coaster 'Tornado'. There is also an Indoor Complex with restaurants, bowling and so much more for all the family. For ticket savings buy direct online at www.scotlandsthemepark.com.

David Livingstone Centre, 165 Station Road, Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Open 1 April to 24 December Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm and Sun 12.30 to 5pm
Entry Adults £5, Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £14, 1 Parent (1 adult and up to 4 children) £10 and Concession (children, snr citizens, NUS etc) £4

Only 11 miles from Glasgow Youth Hostel, you can visit the home of Scotland's more famous explorer, Dr David Livingstone. He was born here in a single-room tenement in 1813 and it's now part of a museum showing his extraordinary achievements. Find out how he grew from a lowly factory boy to become an African explorer and a hero of the Victorian age.

Many of Livingstone's personal belongings are on display including journals, and navigational and medical equipment. This is an engaging story for all ages and for youngsters there's plenty to do - including quizzes, dressing up, and even a lion hunt.

The Centre is also an ideal starting point for walks towards Bothwell Castle along the picturesque and wildlife-rich Clyde Walkway.

Images courtesy of www.seeglasgow.com

The Isle of Arran

From Glasgow, take the train from Glasgow Central railway station to the port of Ardrossan, where the ferry departs for Brodick, the main town on the Isle of Arran. The ferry journey lasts around 40 minutes, taking you from the most populated part of Scotland into the heart of rural island life. Arran has been described as 'Scotland in Miniature' - the north of the island is made up of rugged hills while gentle farmland and sandy beaches are found to the south.

If you are feeling energetic on arrival in Brodick, the walk up Goatfell, Arran's highest peak, begins in the grounds of Brodick Castle. On a clear day, you will enjoy fabulous views of the Central Belt to the east and the Mull of Kintyre to the west. Take sturdy footwear, waterproofs and plenty to eat and drink!

If trekking up mountains isn't for you, Brodick itself offers a number of attractions, including Brodick Castle and Country Park, where a number of gentler woodland walks can be found. You can also hire bicycles in Brodick - ask at the hire shops for routes around the island.

For the more sedate, the village of Lochranza at the north of the island is well worth a visit and is easily accessible by bus from Brodick. Lochranza boasts a beautiful coastal location and an impressive ruined castle.

If you have time, catch the bus along the west coast of the island from Lochranza, stopping at the standing stones at Machrie Moor and the stunning beach at Blackwaterfoot. On the east coast of the island, catch a ferry from Lamlash to remote Holy Island, home to a Buddhist monastery.

If you want to spend more than one day on Arran (and who could blame you?!), lovely Lochranza Youth Hostel provides and excellent base for visiting the various attractions on the island. You can also catch the ferry from here to the neighbouring Mull of Kintyre in summer.

Ask at reception for ferry timetables and bookings at Lochranza Youth Hostel!

City of Edinburgh

Scotland's capital city is a short bus or train journey from Glasgow - just head for Buchanan Street Bus Station or Queen Street railway station.

The wonders of Edinburgh are really best discovered on foot. Princes Street, the capital's main thoroughfare, is unlike the centre of any other city in Europe. Bordered on one side by shops and on the other by Princes Street Gardens, the street is dominated by the view of Edinburgh Castle, towering on its rock. The castle was one of the most strategically important in Scotland and is well worth a visit.

Edinburgh's attractions are too numerous to mention all of them - it is best really to wander along Princes Street, up the Mound and along the Royal Mile and take in the atmosphere of the city before deciding what takes your fancy! The Edinburgh Dungeon, adjoining Waverley railway station, is an entertaining trip, as is the Scottish Whisky Centre on the Royal Mile. Head under the modern streets for a taste of old Edinburgh at Mary King's Close, or get up into the skies at the Camera Obscura.

For the energetic, the slopes of Arthur's Seat, the volcanic plug around which Edinburgh began, await you! Take the path along the historic Salisbury Crags and up the extinct volcano for the one of the best aerial city views in Europe. For an alternative view of the city, wander up Calton Hill.

If you want to spend longer than a day here, you can stay at our newest hostel, Edinburgh Central. Alternatively, during the busy Edinburgh Festival in the summer, it is possible to stay in our seasonal hostel, Edinburgh Metro. Ask at reception for details!

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of any loch in Scotland and is located at the southern tip of the Scottish Highlands. From Glasgow, catch a bus from Buchanan Bus Station or a low level train from Queen Street, Central or Charing Cross railway station to Balloch, at the south end of Loch Lomond.

From Balloch, a number of woodland walks offer excellent views of the loch and Ben Lomond, the most southerly of all the Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) in Scotland. You can also take a cruise up the loch from Balloch, one of the best ways to appreciate its size!

Spend longer at Loch Lomond at our Loch Lomond Youth Hostel, near the village of Arden, or catch a ferry from Inverbeg to remote Rowardennan Youth Hostel, an excellent base from which to tackle the climb up Ben Lomond, an arduous hike of 6-8 hours.

City of Stirling

Stirling, located at the narrowest part of the Scottish mainland, was once one of Scotland's most important towns. During the many turbulent wars that make up Scottish history, travelling armies had no choice but to pass via Stirling to go north, south, east or west. They would have been greeted by the formidable sight of Stirling Castle, high on its rock above the town, which changed hands more than any other Scottish Castle in the course of the 14th century Scottish Wars of Independence - most notably at the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Stirling can be reached from Glasgow by bus from Buchanan Bus Station or by train from Queen Street railway station. Like Edinburgh, Stirling is best discovered on foot. The castle, run by Historic Scotland, is a must visit location and offers an insight into the history of this strategically fundamental city. It is also worth visiting site of the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn, where King Robert the Bruce staged and won one of the only pitched battles of his reign. Although Scottish independence was not firmly established until many years after Bannockburn, 1314 has become a date associated in history with resistance against the English forces led by Kings Edward I, II and III in Scotland.

Just out of town is the distinctive Wallace monument. This is actually a Victorian creation, but provides an interesting memorial to Scottish hero William Wallace nonetheless. Wallace has shot to prominence following the making of the film 'Braveheart'. Although this rise in fame has been to the neglect of Andrew Murray, Wallace's fellow leader at Stirling Bridge, the study of his life does make for an interesting insight into the Wars of Independence and their cause.

If you want to spend longer in Stirling, which acts as an excellent gateway to the Scottish Highlands, you can stay in Stirling Youth Hostel, an impressive former jail. Ask at reception for details!

The Isle of Cumbrae

Travel to Largs by bus or train then take the short ten minute ferry ride to one of the smallest of the Clyde islands. Hire a bike in Millport and take in the ten mile circumference of this delightful island on two wheels.

The Isle of Bute

Travel to Wemyss Bay by bus or train and catch the ferry to Rothesay, the main town on Bute. Wander down the seafront or explore historic Rothesay Castle.

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

The jewel in Ayrshire's crown! Culzean Castle is run by the National Trust for Scotland and offers an excellent day trip. If you don't fancy going round the castle itself, head into the Country Park for some beautiful coastal and woodland walks.

New Lanark World Heritage Site

Catch the bus or train south to Lanark to see this World Heritage mill site, located just minutes walk from the scenic Falls of Clyde. Excellent walks and a state of the art visitor centre make this a fabulous place to spend the day.

Dean Castle and Country Park

Dean Castle is the 14th century ancestral home of the Boyd family and is located just north of Kilmarnock, easily accessible by bus or train from Glasgow.