Every two weeks I will be exploring the top 10 activities you can do for free in your city, because let’s be honest, when you’re a student anything you can do for free gets a thumbs up! The first city in the series is Glasgow. Jam packed with with museums and historical sites, it isn’t hard to find fun activities which don’t cost a penny. Here are my top 10…
The GOMA
Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art is one of the city’s many free museums and Scotland’s most visited modern art gallery. Not only is it located in a beautiful building behind the famous Duke of Wellington statue (who wears a traffic cone as a hat) but it’s full of fascinating and ever-changing exhibits. Currently on display is Ballet of the Palette, an exhibition of 20th century paintings from Glasgow Museums’ collection and Anne Colvin’s Ripples on the Pond. Find out more here
The Necropolis
Containing the tombstones of almost every eminent Glaswegian of Victorian times and situated behind Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis boasts some of the best views of the city and is a perfect picnic spot for when we get the occasional hour of sun. With its eerie feel and spooky monuments it’s the perfect place for a walk at dusk this Halloween. Find out more here
The Lighthouse
Filled with galleries, Glasgow’s Lighthouse was the first public building to be commissioned by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. Perhaps not the perfect day out for those with a fear of heights, the Lighthouse has a viewing room with breathtaking views of the city and invites daredevils to venture even higher by climbing a spiral staircase to the Mackintosh tower. Find out more here
The Riverside Museum
Located on the banks of the River Clyde just across from Glasgow’s old ship-building capital Govan, the Riverside Museum is the perfect day out. Home to over 3,000 objects from Glasgow’s past ranging from motorcycles to prams and the majestic Tall Ship, the newly house transport museum really does have something for everyone. Find out more here
Glasgow Cathedral
Built in 1197, Glasgow Cathedral is the best preserved example of a large, grand church from the Medieval period in Scotland. The Cathedral still has a regular congregation and one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain. Find out more here
Glasgow City Chambers
Although this might not be the first tourist spot that springs to mind, Glasgow City Chambers contains what could possibly be the world’s largest marble staircase – they say the Chambers are home to more marble than the Vatican! You can scale this incredible feat of architecture at your leisure, however sliding down the banister is off limits! Used in many movies and dating back to the 19th century, the Chambers are open to the public with free guided tours available twice a day. Find out more here
Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens
Whether it’s the Winter Gardens at Glasgow Green or the Botanics in the West End, Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens showcase stunning seasonal flowers and foliage all year round. And since they’re covered, they’re an ideal visitor attraction whatever the weather is doing! Find out more here
Glasgow’s parks
Glasgow means ‘dear green place’ in Gaelic owing to its abundance of pleasant green public spaces. Anyone who’s been in Glasgow on a sunny day will be familiar with the sight of herds of pasty Glaswegian men basking in the sun with their ‘taps aff’. Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove, Victoria Park and Queen’s park are just a few examples of beautifully landscapes parks, perfect for strolling, cycling or admiring wildlife such as ducks and squirrels. Find out more here
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Not only does the Kelvingrove area contain a fantastic public park, it is also home to an Art Gallery with 22 fascinating themed exhibitions. Why not count the hanging heads in the atrium or visit the Ancient Egyptian exhibit next time you’re looking for an activity in the city? Find out more here
Burrell Collection
Last but not least is the Burrell Collection. Located in a building famed for its quirky modern architecture and surrounded by trees in the middle of Pollock Park, the gallery showcases a medieval collection left to the city by Sir William and Lady Burrell consisting of more than 9,000 antiques, paintings and tapestries. Find out more here
