Travelore Tips: 5 Free Things To Do In Glasgow, From Gardens To Museums

Contributed by Paul Kelbie, AP.

This undated photo shows a statue of the Duke of Wellington in Glasgow, Scotland. The statue is rarely seen without a traffic cone on its head. It started as a joke by students decades ago but is now an almost permanent symbol of local humor. Visiting the famous monument with its cones is one of a number of free things to see and do in Glasgow. (AP Photo/ Stewart Cunningham)

 The image of Scotland's largest city as a hard and dirty industrial center is long gone. Instead, this former European Capital of Culture is now widely regarded as one of Britain's most lively and stylish urban destinations. It boasts the best shopping experience in the U.K. outside of London and is home to a variety of annual festivals celebrating everything from rock music and comedy to literature and the arts.

Once regarded as "The Second City of the British Empire," it remains a well-preserved example of Victorian excess and enlightenment, offering numerous museums and art galleries, of which more than 20 are free to visit.

The city is easy to get around. Many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other or can be reached by the city's unique subway system known fondly as the Clockwork Orange. Opened in 1896, it is the third oldest metro system in the world after London and Budapest, and has only one circle line serving 15 stations with a train every four minutes at peak times.

CITY CENTER

The streets of this 800-year-old city are paved with history built upon the profits of shipbuilding, Caribbean sugar and American tobacco and cotton.

Glasgow was designated U.K. City of Architecture and Design in 1999 and even a brief walk through its streets will reveal the legacy of renowned architects and designers, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander "Greek" Thomson among others.

There are numerous monuments and statues to leading scientists, inventors, poets, politicians and war heroes throughout the city. The most popular is that of the Duke of Wellington outside the Gallery of Modern Art but the statue is rarely seen without a traffic cone on its head. What started as a joke by students more than 40 years ago is now an almost permanent symbol of Glaswegian humor. When the city council tried to raise the statue higher to stop the prank, there was a public protest which attracted tens of thousands of supporters calling for the cone to stay.

RIVERSIDE MUSEUM

One of the most modern city attractions is the Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde.

Designed by Zaha Hadid, this iconic building, which was voted 2013 European Museum of the Year, has more than 3,000 exhibits showcasing a variety of "Clyde-built" trams, trains and cars - built when the waterfront was home to a major industrial center. The museum also includes three reconstructed streets showing Glasgow as it would have been between 1895 and 1930.

Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard many of the exhibits, including the U.K.'s only floating Clyde-built sailing ship, which is permanently moored outside the museum.

HUNTERIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Glasgow is the oldest museum in Scotland, dating back more than 200 years.

Used extensively for academic research but also open to the public, the collection features a wide range of artifacts ranging from an entire section of the wall built by Romans in Scotland in the 2nd century to scientific instruments used by some of the world's greatest scientists and objects from Captain Cook's voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

The Art Gallery is home to one of the world's greatest collections of work by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, including the reassembled interior of his former Glasgow home. It also houses paintings by famous artists such as George Stubbs and James McNeill Whistler.

NECROPOLIS

If you don't mind something a little more macabre, the Necropolis is well worth a wander.

Regarded as one of the most significant cemeteries in Europe, the immense Victorian monument garden of 37 acres is overlooked by Glasgow Cathedral and provides a stunning elevated view of the city. As the final resting place of more than 50,000 people, many of them notable, it is full of amazing stories and gothic monuments. There are regular free walking tours from extremely well-informed volunteer guides but visitors may also explore on their own.

BOTANIC GARDENS

Founded initially in 1817, the internationally renowned Botanic Gardens in the heart of the West End of Glasgow provide an oasis of calm and respite.

There are more than 50 acres of formal gardens, woodland walks and architecturally impressive glasshouses filled with an extensive array of temperate and tropical plants from around the world to explore. Open from 7 a.m. to dusk every day, the gardens are within a short walking distance of Byers Road, one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas of the city, filled with a range of cafes, bars and some of Glasgow's most popular restaurants

10 Castles In Britain Where You Can Spend The Night And Be Treated Like Royalty

Historic castles are scattered all over Britain: from fortalices in the Scottish Highlands to battle-beaten castles in Northern Ireland, these regal bolt-holes were built over hundreds of years to defend borders and manage vast estates.

Today, visitors can enjoy a luxurious window into Britain’s past by sleeping amid romantic ruins and historic hallways like a Lord or Lady for the night.

Ruthin Castle, Denbighshire, North Wales

Originally known as The Red Castle in the Great Marsh, Ruthin was constructed in the late 13th century by Dafydd, the brother of Prince Llywelyn. Its gory history means the castle has its own dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool. Luckily those days are long gone, and the castle is now a romantic hotel that holds medieval banquets where you can feast like Henry VIII, who once called this castle his own. Located in acres of parkland near the medieval town of Ruthin, approx an hour via train from Manchester in the North West of England, rooms start from £65 a night.

Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey, North Wales

Built in 1849 by the Baronet of Bodelwyddan and his wife, Chateau Rhianfa was inspired by Loire Valley French Chateaus and retains the style today. Now a grade II listed luxury 21-bedroom masterpiece, the chateau has turrets, wine caves and a grand banqueting hall as well as stunning views over the Menai Strait. One night exclusive use of The Château (sleeps 32) starts at £7,000. The castle is 3.5 hours via train from London, or arrive in style via helicopter, which can land in the castle grounds.

The Fortalice, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Originally built in 1560 as a fortified house to protect the Ogilvys of Airlie from marauders fighting religious battles, today The Fortalice offers luxury rooms complete with four-poster beds, and a ‘Great Hall’, which is dominated by a vast log fire and exquisite hand painted ceiling. With six bedrooms, the castle sleeps 12 with prices starting from £3950 per week. Set against a stunning backdrop of rugged Perthshire countryside, it is 2.5 hours via car from Edinburgh airport.

Aldourie Castle, Inverness, Scotland

The historic Aldourie Castle is of Scottish Baronial style and the only habitable castle on the southern shores of the famous Loch Ness. With turrets and towers, hidden doors, old family portraits and vast fireplaces, Aldourie is a medieval castle to the core. Impressively, the Estate belonged to the same family for 250 years and is now available to rent, with guests taking exclusive use of the 15-bed castle. Set within a 500 acre private estate, Aldourie is five miles from the city of Inverness and 30 minutes via car from Inverness airport.

Tulloch Castle Hotel, Ross-shire, Scotland

Dating from the 12th century, when only the Laird or Chief of the Clan could enjoy a stay in a Scottish highland castle, Tulloch retains many of its period features, including a 250-year old panelled Great Hall, restored original fireplaces and ceilings, and even a friendly ghost! A beautiful hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms, Tulloch offers an affordable option for those without a King’s budget, with rooms from approx £65 per night. 45 minutes via car from Inverness Airport in the Scottish Highlands.

Crom Castle, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Set in rolling parkland where Jacobite battles once raged, the Crom Estate in County Fermanagh enjoys an unrivaled location in Northern Ireland’s Lake District. The historic seat of the Earls of Erne for over 350 years, the castle was designed by the English architect who was responsible for sections of Buckingham Palace. Today, up to 12 guests can stay in the 6-bedroomed West Wing of the castle and dine in the utmost splendour beneath the spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling in the former Billiard room. Exclusive rental is from £4000 per week and the castle is approx 2 hours via car from Dublin and Belfast Airports.

Dungiven Castle, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Once the ancestral home of the O’Cahan clan, who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th Century, Dungiven Castle is steeped in history. The world famous song ‘Danny Boy’ is taken from a melody lamenting the passing of the last in the long line of O’Cahan chiefs; Chief Cooey-na-Gall, who is buried in the Old Priory just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Today it is a family-run 4-star guest house and considered one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems. Dungiven is 1 hour from Belfast and 20 minutes from Londonderry via car.

Thornbury Castle, Cotswolds, West-Central England

Enjoy regal dreams in the widest four-poster bed in England or spend the night in the Duke’s Bedchamber where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept 500 years ago. Ornate Tudor architecture, sumptuous bedchambers with hanging tapestries, and historic walled gardens complete the majesty of Thornbury Castle, where rooms start at £175 per night. The castle sits at the edge of the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, approx 1.5 hours via car from London Heathrow airport.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex, Southern England

Hidden away for 900 years in the South Downs, Amberley Castle began life as a hunting lodge for the Bishops of Chichester. Today guests can follow in the footsteps of royalty beneath the original portcullis and 18-meter walls, the same walked by one-time owner Queen Elizabeth I, who held the lease from 1588 to 1603. With its stunning medieval architecture, the castle is steeped in history, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the 19 luxurious rooms, many with four-poster beds and whirlpool bathrooms. Be cosseted like royalty with rooms from £230 a night. 1.5 hours via train from London.

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, North East England

Since its construction in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, Langley Castle has been associated with the turbulent history of the Kingdom. During the 17th century the estate became the property of the Earls of Derwentwater, who took part in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and were executed at the Tower of London. Now a luxurious hotel nestled in its own ten acre woodland estate, the castle has retained its architectural integrity while allowing guests to enjoy four-poster beds and window seats set in the 7ft thick castle walls. The castle is approx 3.5 hours via train from London and rooms start from £77.50 per night.

Article from visitbritain

100 Days to Go To Commonwealth Games; The Perfect Opportunity To Explore Scotland From Beautiful Landscapes … To natural Wonders … To Historic Sites, Festivals And Cultural Events…

 

Today, Monday 14 April, marks exactly 100 days to go to the XX Commonwealth Games*.  To celebrate the occasion, VisitScotland, the national tourism body for Scotland, has unveiled a list of the 100 Brilliant Things to do in Scotland that everyone must experience whilst in the country during this amazing year.
With so much excitement building around the big event in Glasgow, the city offers the perfect gateway to exploring the rest of Scotland during 2014.  Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon spent walking on a deserted beach in the Highlands or one of Scotland’s Islands; an adventurous journey on a bike around the south of Scotland or by water-ski in Loch Lomond or Perthshire; a step back in time during a visit to one of Scotland’s many historic sites; or a visit to one of the many cultural events taking place during Homecoming Scotland 2014.  The world is your oyster! (Or should that be a fresh langoustine from Scotland’s Seafood Trail?!)

Brilliant Moments…
Brilliant moments are to be made whilst enjoying experiences that are exclusive to Scotland.  Visitors can find their own piece of the country whilst exploring the stunning Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha, or the remote beach at Achemelvich in Sutherland.   There are also unique sights to behold such as Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa (said to have inspired  Mendelssohn's ‘Hebridean Overture’), not to mention the Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights.  The Caithness coast, Orkney Islands, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are among the best places to see them.

Only in 2014…
Along with the Commonwealth Games, Scotland will welcome visitors to a variety of other once-in-a-lifetime events in 2014.  Gleneagles in Perthshire will see the world’s golfing elite take over the Hotel and Golf Resort during September 2014, not to mention hundreds of golfing fans.  There are more than 700 events in the Homecoming Scotland 2014 calendar including the World Sheepdog  Trials in Tain, and the slightly more toothy Coll of the Sharks Festival at the Isle of Coll.  For anyone who has ever wanted to know if it’s how high, how far or how straight the caber lands is important in a caber toss** there is the Highland Homecoming in Inverness.   There is also the chance to see the unique Kelpie sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, part of the John Muir Festival at the Helix Park in Falkirk.

Great landscapes and breathtaking views…
Scotland is home to some of the most amazing views and stunning scenery in the world, which have inspired artists and poets, as well as becoming the film sets for blockbuster films.  Visitors can travel to the Falls of Lora at the end of Loch Etive and be in good company:  filmmakers were so inspired by the views that the James Bond film Skyfall was filmed not far from away by Glen Etive.  Words cannot do justice to other views in Scotland; from the panoramic views around Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness, to the sights when driving up the Pass of the Castle (Bealach na Ba) to Applecross, not forgetting the view of the Old Man of Hoy when on a scenic tour around the Orkney Islands. 

Journey to the past…
From bustling cosmopolitan cities to fascinating historic locations - visitors to Scotland won’t have to travel far to come across a location with a fascinating past. For example, just a short drive from Edinburgh is Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, in the Scottish Borders.  Also not too far from Scotland’s capital city is Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian.  Used as a location for the film The Da Vinci Code it is rumoured to be the final resting place of the Holy Grail. Go further afield to visit other historic sites, such as Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries & Galloway (one of Scotland’s greatest medieval fortresses and the UK’s only triangular shaped castle); follow Scotland’s Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire; visit Glamis Castle in Angus (rumoured to be one of the most haunted locations in Scotland); as well as take a trip to Orkney, which is home to the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae Prehistoric Village and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle.

A taste of Scotland…
It’s not just the sights and sounds that need to be experienced on a trip to Scotland, but also the unique tastes.  Scotland is renowned for its fresh produce, unique whisky and natural larder. From Michelin-starred restaurants such as those in Leith in Edinburgh, to enjoying fish & chips sitting at Crail Harbour in the East Neuk in Fife, each meal eaten in Scotland is unique and memorable. Visitors can also get a taste for the ‘water of life’ at one of Islay’s many distilleries on the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside and perhaps combine it with haggis, neeps and tatties anytime during the year (not just on Burns Night!)
 
The full list of 100 things to do in Scotland is available to download at www.visitscotland.com 
For more information on visitor attractions and places to stay in Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com  
For full details on the programme of events for Homecoming Scotland 2014, visitwww.homecomingscotland.com