9 must see parks in Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural capital brimming with cultural activity, history, impressive architecture, and scenic beauty. Just beyond the city lies some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, from ancient castles and rugged peaks to lush glens and miles of glorious coastline.

It’s hard to stay indoors with so much to do and places to see in this gorgeous Scottish city. Whether you live here and want to get to know the city better or are visiting for the first time, you shouldn’t miss the chance to spend at least a few hours in one of the gardens and parks. With more than ninety parks and picturesque green spaces, you’ll never have to struggle to find a place for fresh air and get mental peace in a tranquil environment.

Pack your picnic lunch and prepare for a relaxing and fun nature adventure in one of the best parks in Glasgow. If you want to participate in activities like hiking, biking, or boating, leave your picnic basket and other items in a luggage storage location. Download the Bounce app to find the most convenient luggage storage location in Glasgow. Save your energy for trekking the trails in gorgeous Glasgow parks.

Victoria Park

Opened in 1887, Victoria Park is a beloved park in Glasgow’s West End. It has an area of around twenty-two hectares, including a large pond famous for boating and fishing. It was named for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, featuring an ancient forest, colorful flowers, plenty of green spaces, and walking paths for quiet strolls.

A west end park with the main gates on Victoria Park Drive North, Victoria Park has numerous parts and features, so you can pick an area that best suits you. Some are secluded and quiet places that offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city, while others are full of life and activity. Its most remarkable feature is the Fossil Grove, a series of fossilized tree trumps with partial roots and trunks. They were discovered in the 19th century but were believed to have grown over 330 million years ago.

Victoria Park also boasts a glasshouse, which is home to a range of exotic plants you’ll see in various parts of the world. Admission here is free, and it’s open year-round. Other park features include sports facilities, like a bowling green, a football pitch, and tennis courts, a skate park for BMX riders and skateboarders, a miniature railway and a large play area for kids, and a small café serving refreshments.

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green is one of the oldest parks in Glasgow and obtained its Green Flag status in 2011, which is the national benchmark standard for quality green spaces and parks. It’s within walking distance of the Glasgow City Centre, east of the Saltmarket, so you won’t be too far from all the city thrills and action. Several popular events take place here every year, including the World Pipe Band Championships and the TRNSMT music festival, bringing thousands of eventgoers and visitors to the area.

There are some points of interest in this Glasgow park you shouldn’t miss when visiting, including the People’s Palace social history museum, which tells the city’s story and its people from the mid-18th century to the present day through a wealth of artifacts, films, interactive computer displays, paintings, photographs, and films.

But before you enter the museum, you’ll immediately notice the impressive Doulton Fountain. It was first erected in Kelvingrove Park and used as a focal point in the 1888 International Exhibition, which attracted six million visitors. However, it was moved to its current location outside the museum’s front entrance. It stands majestically at 46 feet, built around a terracotta iron frame and a column in the middle.

Although the People’s Palace will likely take up most of your time in the park, Glasgow Green has many other attractions. These include the McLennan Arch, Collins Fountain, Nelson Column, and the Children’s Play Village, with lots of metal and wood structures for kids.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Also located in the city’s trendy West End is a botanical garden by the River Kelvin filled with diverse plant life, woodland walks, and scenic riverside walks. In 2017, Glasgow Botanic Gardens celebrated its 200 years of growth, having been founded in 1817 with the support of the University of Glasgow and local dignitaries.

One of Glasgow's prettiest parks, Glasgow Botanical Gardens offers a welcoming respite from your hectic life, where you can stroll along the river and woodlands. Amongst the pretty garden grounds, it also has two glasshouses, including a Palm House and the famous Kibble Palace, designed by John Kibble. This historic glasshouse houses a tree fern collection planted in the 1880s and now forms a National Collection. There’s also a play area for younger visitors and a tearoom in the former curator’s house close to Kibble Palace.

Auchinlea Park

At the end of Easterhouse, about six miles east of the city centre, is a serene oasis covering an area of more than 20 acres. You'll find a tranquil woodland known to be a special leisure space and a popular visitor attraction. Auchinlea Park is a beloved destination on the outskirts of Glasgow for tourists and locals looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy several highlights.

Families with children are a common sight at the park, especially on holidays and weekends, thanks to its vast play area. It offers different activities for children of every age, like zip lining, climbing, and running, while older visitors can take advantage of a range of sports facilities, such as a skate park, a basketball court, and a football pitch.

Besides serving as a play park, Auchinlea Park is also a perfect spot to unwind and rest in one of the picnic areas, walk around the pond, and soak in the park’s natural beauty. Watch out for squirrels, birds, and even foxes as you stroll. If you’re not here for relaxation, you might want to come for seasonal events like the Halloween festival and the Christmas Light Show. It also regularly hosts workshops and educational events perfect for school groups and families.

You can’t leave the park without visiting at least one of the two A-listed buildings found here: the Provanhall House and Blochairn House. Auchinlea Park was originally 74 acres in size but was reduced to twenty hectares due to the establishment of the Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre.

Linn Park

Immerse yourself in nature at Linn Park, offering 200 acres of extensive green spaces and a deep valley where you’ll experience immense calmness and peace away from the city noise. Linn Park and Local Nature Reserve is the second-largest park in Glasgow, with various facilities to suit all ages. It includes river and woodland walks, an orienteering course, a golf course, and two playgrounds with indoor and outdoor features for younger and older children.

Linn Park is open year-round and offers wonderful activities on its vast grounds, regardless of season. It’s located on the city’s South Side, boasting an outstanding diversity of flora and fauna, making it a favored destination for nature lovers, walkers, and bird watchers. It’s also not far from the City Centre, so you’ll remain close to all modern conveniences but still feel isolated from the chaos of the world.

Mugdock Country Park

See what life is like in the countryside at Mugdock Country Park, a 270-hectare park approximately ten miles from Glasgow. With 5,000 years of Scottish history, Mugdock Country Park offers extraordinary experiences to residents and international tourists. It covers acres of vast woodlands, heathlands, and moorlands connected by a network of trails, so you’ll never run out of places to explore.

The Mugdock Visitor Centre should be your first stop, which serves as the park’s information hub and a gift shop for unique items and souvenirs. Don’t forget to grab a free map to guide your tour and inform you of all upcoming activities and events. The friendly staff will also assist you in booking an event and finding the best walking trails or a BBQ site.

Dedicate an entire day to exploring Mugdock Country Park because there are multiple sites to see, and a few hours are just not enough to take it all in. At the heart of the park lies the historic Mugdock Castle set on a rocky outcrop. It dates back to at least 1372 and served as the administrative center for the lands of Murdock. Other must-visit attractions include the Craigend Castle, walled gardens, stables, gallows, ponds, an anti-aircraft gun site from World War II, and mansions that shaped the area’s history.

Kelvingrove Park

What used to be an empty woodland estate is now a famous public park in Glasgow’s hip West End area. Part of its popularity is due to the renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a firm favorite among locals and tourists due to its family-friendly atmosphere, spectacular architecture, and great exhibits.

This 34-hectare Victorian Park was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and established in 1852, right next to the University of Glasgow. There are also several unique pubs, restaurants, and cafes in the area, so you can quickly buy snacks and refreshments and chill at the park.

The park’s design and location on the banks of the River Kelvin further enhance and complement the magnificent buildings and monuments featured within it. Besides the Art Gallery and Museum, it also has interesting monuments, an amphitheater, a bowling green, a skate park, and an open-air arts venue.

Seven Lochs Wetland Park

The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is the nation’s largest urban heritage and nature park, comprising over 16 square kilometers of woodland walks, ancient lochs, a wealth of wildlife, and human history. It’s about four miles from central Glasgow, with nearly 50 kilometers of paths for discovering the park on foot or by bike. It has short and easy nature walks for beginners and families, while the longer bike rides and trails are ideal for those who want to explore further.

The Activity Park is also a preferred destination, especially for visitors with kids. It features ten nature play activities to help them enjoy nature. The Iron Age-themed dwelling with carved animals is often filled with laughter as children swing, slide, and climb through time.

Take your time exploring, and it won’t take long until you discover its bustling birdlife. Soaring over the trees are buzzards, kingfishers, and brightly colored goldfinch and bullfinch. You may spot a roe deer at Bishop Loch and fast-flying dragonflies at the local nature reserve. So don’t forget to bring your camera, whether you’re an avid dog watcher or a hobbyist photographer.

Rouken Glen Park

You’ll have to drive around 20-30 minutes to get to Rouken Glen Park from the central city, but it’s worth the trip, especially if you’re looking for quiet contemplation. It has picturesque wood areas, gardens, an enormous boating lake, and impressive waterfalls, making it a preferred spot to cool off and escape the summer heat.

For those with an active lifestyle, you’ll enjoy the park’s outdoor gym equipment with training and group exercise. There are also several cycling and walking trails, as well as a café serving drinks and food and a play area. Every week, Rouken Glen Park hosts a Parkrun event on Saturday mornings. Whether you’re looking for wildlife watching, outdoor recreation, or a serene place to relax and admire the scenery, this park is the place to go.

Spend time at your favorite Glasgow park

Scotland’s largest city is known to many for its architecture, art, and culture, with numerous museums and galleries attracting millions of visitors each year. Glasgow Central Station is worth seeing as is Queen Street Station if you're out and about in town. But if you want to refresh your mind and see the city in a different light, head to your favorite park in Glasgow and invite your family and friends for a picnic or a stroll.

If you want to take your nature adventure to the next level, our guide on the 8 best hikes in Glasgow highlights the best hiking and trekking trails around. We also have information on the top 6 beaches near Glasgow for those who enjoy the sun and sand. Situated on the River Clyde, Glasgow is blessed with one gorgeous green space after another.