Free things to do in Glasgow and the West this summer
There are plenty of places to explore!
Last updated 1st Jul 2022
With the summer holidays stretching ahead of us, you may be trying to think of ways to keep the kids entertained, or simply be looking for something different to do at the weekend. Luckily, there are lots of places to visit in Glasgow's city centre, west end and just outside of the city.
From day trips to some of the best local parks and must-see museums, we've put together a list of some of our favourite free and inexpensive things to do in and around Glasgow.
Free things to do in Glasgow:
Kelvingrove Art Galleries
Not only is the Kelvingrove Art Galleries an impressive building to look at, it also hosts a huge collection of natural history and art inside.
The gallery is child friendly, and includes an interactive room for them to explore. It is open seven days a week and admission is free.
Riverside Museum
The award-winning transport museum is located on the River Clyde and has over 3,000 objects on display.
It is full of transport from history, with vintage cars, trams, trains and buses on display, as well as interactive displays and an old Glasgow street you can walk down.
It is easily accessible by public transport, and there is also a car park.
Loch Lomond
You can take in the incredible views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding area from multiple points and towns including Luss and Balmaha.
There are some little shops and cafes you can grab an ice-cream from and enjoy the sun, but be warned the roads get very busy during the summer!
The Kelpies
The Kelpies are a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city-centre and make a great day trip. Take in the incredible 30-metre-tall sculptures and walk or cycle around The Helix parkland.
This is also the sight of the Falkirk Wheel, however, there is an admission fee to go on the boat lift.
People's Palace
People's Palace is a museum that explores the history of Glasgow and how people used to live through objects, photos and film. The musuem is typically open every day, however it does close from time to time for events so check opening times before you go.
The museum is located in the vast Glasgow Green, which is an amazing park to walk around and there are several playparks too.
Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for a walk when the weather is nice, and there are plenty of flowerbeds to admire and a playpark for kids. The Kibble Palace and glasshouses are a must-see and are great to visit when the weather isn't so nice.
Largs
If you're planning a day trip, Largs is a lovely little seaside town located on the Firth of Clyde in the West of Scotland.
Gallery of Modern Art
All of the exhibits in the Gallery of Modern Art are free and showcase artworks from around the world.
It's also where you'll find the iconic Duke of Wellington statue which is normally wearing a cone on his head.
The Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery
Take a trip to the oldest public museum in Scotland, which hosts a variety of artefacts including the Romans in Scotland, geology, and Ancient Egypt.
Located in the west end of Glasgow, it is part of the University of Glasgow, and exhibits in the Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery are free to visit.
Mugdock Country Park
Located 10 miles from the city centre, Mugdock is the perfect park for a day trip, especially if you have dogs or kids! The huge park has lots of trails of varying lengths and difficulties, as well as castle ruins, a playpark, and an adventure course.
Millport
Millport is located on the Isle of Great Cumbrae, off the coast of Ayrshire. Ferries to the island are regular and once you get there, you'll find plenty of things to keep you entertained.
Choose to relax on the beach or wander around the local shops, and you can take in more of the island by hiring a bike and cycling the 10 mile road that goes around the island.
Ayr Beach
Take a trip to Ayr beach and enjoy everything the seaside town has to offer. If you're looking for more of an adventure, you can walk along the beach to explore the ruins of 16th-century Greenan Castle.
Glasgow Mural Trail
The Mural Trail takes you all over the city centre, so you can pace yourself and take in all of the street art at your leisure. The project was started to add a splash of colour and life to the streets of Glasgow and features a diverse collection of art by local artists.
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral is a stunning medieval building in the city centre, which you can appreciate from the outside as well as the inside. While you're there you can wander around the Victorian Necropolis which is right next to the cathedral.
You might also have seen the landmarks in TV shows and films, as the cathedral was used for scenes in Outlander, and The Batman with Robert Pattinson used the Necropolis for some scenes.
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