14-Day Family-Friendly Glasgow Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
    10 minutes (2.2 miles) from Glasgow City Centre

    Start your Glasgow adventure at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Scotland's most popular attractions. This grand museum showcases art and artifacts from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and a Spitfire airplane. Admission is free, and visitors of all ages will enjoy the interactive exhibits.

  • Day 2: Glasgow Science Centre
    10 minutes (2.7 miles) from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

    Learn through play at Glasgow Science Centre, a fun and educational destination for families. With interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and even a science-themed arcade, there's something for everyone here. The Glasgow Tower offers stunning views across the city, and the IMAX cinema always has exciting new movies to watch.

  • Day 3: Pollok Country Park
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Glasgow Science Centre

    Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow city with a visit to Pollok Country Park. This beautiful park is home to the Burrell Collection, a museum with a diverse collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The park is also a great place for a picnic or a family-friendly hike.

  • Day 4: The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
    20 minutes (6.8 miles) from Pollok Country Park

    Explore the history of transportation at The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel. This fascinating museum has over 3000 vehicles, ranging from skateboards to steam locomotives. You can even board a Tall Ship and visit the Victorian street exhibit for a unique experience.

  • Day 5: Glasgow Botanic Gardens
    10 minutes (3.3 miles) from The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel

    Relax and enjoy nature at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This oasis in the city has a variety of plants from around the world, including a beautiful collection of orchids. The Kibble Palace, a restored 19th-century glasshouse, is a highlight of the gardens.

  • Day 6: Glasgow Green
    10 minutes (2.6 miles) from Glasgow Botanic Gardens

    Explore one of Glasgow's oldest parks at Glasgow Green. This expansive park has something for everyone, including a boating pond, a play area for kids, and beautiful monuments and statues. A stroll along the River Clyde is a must-do activity here.

  • Day 7: Loch Lomond
    45 minutes (24.6 miles) from Glasgow Green

    Take a day trip to Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest loch. With stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes, it's a great place for a hike or a boat ride. The Loch Lomond Shores shopping centre also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including an aquarium and outdoor adventure park.

  • Day 8: People's Palace and Winter Gardens
    25 minutes (11.5 miles) from Loch Lomond

    Learn about Glasgow's social and cultural history at the People's Palace and Winter Gardens. This museum and glasshouse focuses on everyday life in Glasgow, from the working-class residents to the wealthy Victorian elite. You'll gain a deeper understanding of Glasgow's history and culture here.

  • Day 9: Glasgow Cathedral
    15 minutes (6.4 miles) from People's Palace and Winter Gardens

    Step back in time at Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland's oldest buildings. This stunning medieval cathedral has a rich history, including connections to Saint Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework, and learn about the cathedral's role in Glasgow's past.

  • Day 10: The Necropolis
    5 minutes (0.9 miles) from Glasgow Cathedral

    Get a bird's eye view of Glasgow at The Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery located on a hill overlooking the city. This atmospheric attraction has over 50,000 graves and tombstones, as well as impressive monuments and memorials. It's also a great place for a peaceful walk and some stunning photo opportunities.

  • Day 11: Gallery of Modern Art
    25 minutes (2.6 miles) from The Necropolis

    Discover contemporary art at the Gallery of Modern Art, located in the heart of Glasgow. This museum has a range of exhibits, from the cutting-edge to the classic. The gift shop is also worth a visit, with plenty of unique souvenirs and gifts.

  • Day 12: Tenement House
    10 minutes (1.6 miles) from Gallery of Modern Art

    Step into Glasgow's past at the Tenement House, a perfectly-preserved 19th-century home. This tiny museum provides a window into the everyday lives of working-class Glaswegians in the early 20th century, with authentic furniture and decor. It's a fascinating glimpse into Glasgow's social history.

  • Day 13: The Willow Tea Rooms
    20 minutes (2.3 miles) from Tenement House

    Treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms, a Glasgow institution since 1903. This beautiful tearoom is designed by the famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and is a must-see for architecture and design fans. The delicious scones and cakes are an added bonus!

  • Day 14: The Clydeside Distillery
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from The Willow Tea Rooms

    End your Glasgow trip with a whiskey tasting at The Clydeside Distillery, located on the banks of the River Clyde. This family-friendly distillery tour includes a tasting of three different whiskeys, as well as a chance to learn about the history of Glasgow's whiskey industry. It's a perfect way to toast to a fantastic trip!

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (2-3 hours, free)
  • Glasgow Science Centre (3-4 hours, £12 per adult and £9 per child)
  • Pollok Country Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel (2-3 hours, free)
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens (1-2 hours, free)
  • Glasgow Green (1-2 hours, free)
  • Loch Lomond (5-6 hours, £5 parking fee)
  • People's Palace and Winter Gardens (2-3 hours, free)
  • Glasgow Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
  • The Necropolis (1-2 hours, free)
  • Gallery of Modern Art (2-3 hours, free)
  • Tenement House (1-2 hours, £8 per adult and £6 per child)
  • The Willow Tea Rooms (1-2 hours, £15-25 per person)
  • The Clydeside Distillery (1-2 hours, £15 per person)

  • Total Estimated Costs: £110-£130 per person

Transportation

It's easy to get around Glasgow using public transportation, including buses and trains. The subway system, known as the "Clockwork Orange," is also a fun and convenient option. Taxis and ride-shares are widely available, and renting a car is a good idea if you plan to take day trips outside of the city. Expect to spend around £15-20 per day on transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the Isle of Arran or the historic city of Stirling. If you have less time, some of the attractions on this itinerary can be combined into one day. Make sure to check opening and closing times before you go, as some attractions have seasonal hours.

Airports

Glasgow is served by Glasgow International Airport (GLA), located 8 miles west of the city centre. From the airport, you can take the Glasgow Shuttle bus or the Glasgow Airport Express bus into the city centre. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs £7-£10 per person. Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) is a smaller airport located 32 miles southwest of Glasgow.

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