The best parks in Glasgow

Our 8 favourite parks in Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, may be known for its vibrant arts scene, historical architecture, and bustling streets, but it also boasts an impressive array of parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces. For a city so urban in nature, it’s amazing how much green space it offers to residents and visitors alike. From expansive parks that stretch for miles to hidden gardens that offer a peaceful retreat, Glasgow's green spaces reflect the city’s rich history, love of nature, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic, or simply take in the beauty of nature, here’s a guide to the best parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces in Glasgow.

Here are some of our favourite parks that we have visited over the years.

1. Glasgow Green

As Glasgow’s oldest park, Glasgow Green has been a central part of the city’s history since 1450. Located near the River Clyde, it’s a massive 136-acre park that has served as a gathering space for everything from political protests to public celebrations. Today, Glasgow Green is a thriving outdoor space where visitors can explore several historical landmarks and monuments, including the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens and the Nelson Monument, a tribute to the British naval hero Admiral Lord Nelson.

The People’s Palace, which houses a museum dedicated to the social history of Glasgow, is one of the park’s highlights. Adjacent to it, the Winter Gardens is a large Victorian glasshouse filled with exotic plants and offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great spot for an afternoon walk or a leisurely break with a cup of tea.

In addition to its historical significance, Glasgow Green is a popular spot for outdoor sports, offering tennis courts, football pitches, and cycling paths. The park is also known for hosting large-scale events such as the annual TRNSMT music festival, which attracts thousands of visitors.

2. Kelvingrove Park

No list of Glasgow’s green spaces would be complete without Kelvingrove Park, one of the city’s most iconic parks. Located in the West End, this Victorian-era park stretches along the River Kelvin and is home to a wealth of attractions, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in 1852, Kelvingrove Park was built during the height of the Industrial Revolution as a green retreat for Glasgow’s residents.

The park’s 85 acres are filled with beautiful tree-lined walkways, ornate fountains, and plenty of open spaces for picnics. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning Stewart Memorial Fountain, which was built in honour of Lord Provost Robert Stewart, who was instrumental in bringing clean water to Glasgow from Loch Katrine.

The park is a great spot for families, joggers, and nature lovers, with its mix of formal gardens, scenic riverside paths, and diverse wildlife. In the summer, you’ll often find locals lounging on the grass or enjoying outdoor events, from music performances to festivals.

3. Pollok Country Park

For those looking to escape the city without venturing too far, Pollok Country Park is the ideal destination. Located just south of the city centre, this vast park offers 360 acres of stunning landscapes, woodlands, and riverside walks. Pollok Park is also home to the Pollok House, a grand Georgian mansion that was once the ancestral home of the Maxwell family. The house is open to the public and boasts an impressive collection of Spanish art, including works by El Greco and Goya. One of my favourite times to visit is at Christmas where there is a wonderful “Meet Mrs Claus” event on every year. Magical for families.

Pollok Park is perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or horse riding, with its miles of trails winding through woodland and open meadows. For animal lovers, the park’s Highland cattle, which roam freely, are a major attraction. These majestic, long-haired cows are an iconic symbol of Scotland and can often be seen grazing in the fields.

Another highlight of Pollok Park is the Burrell Collection, a renowned museum housing over 9,000 pieces of art collected by Sir William Burrell. After being closed for refurbishment for several years, the Burrell Collection is once again open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Glasgow’s most treasured cultural institutions.

4. Botanic Gardens

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of the West End, is one of the city’s most beautiful and tranquil spots. Originally founded in 1817, the gardens cover over 27 acres and offer a wide variety of plant species, from native Scottish flora to rare tropical plants. The centrepiece of the Botanic Gardens is the Kibble Palace, a striking Victorian glasshouse that was designed in 1873. Inside, you’ll find an array of exotic plants, including tree ferns, orchids, and palms, as well as a collection of marble statues.

The Botanic Gardens are a haven for those who enjoy gardening or simply appreciate the beauty of nature. Visitors can explore a series of themed gardens, including the Herb Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Woodland Garden, each offering a different perspective on Glasgow’s green spaces. There’s also a charming café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea after a stroll through the gardens.

5. Queen’s Park

Nestled in the Southside of Glasgow, Queen’s Park is a hidden gem that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the same architect behind Kelvingrove Park, Queen’s Park was opened in 1862 and named in honour of Mary, Queen of Scots. The park’s elevated position makes it one of the best spots in Glasgow for enjoying sweeping views, with the distant Ben Lomond visible on a clear day.

Queen’s Park is a perfect destination for families, with its mix of play areas, picnic spots, and walking trails. The Queen’s Park Glasshouse is another highlight, home to a range of tropical plants, as well as terrariums housing reptiles and amphibians. The park also hosts a farmers' market twice a month, where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods from around the region.

6. Victoria Park

Located in the West End, Victoria Park is often considered one of Glasgow’s prettiest parks. It’s a peaceful green space with a mix of formal gardens, a boating pond, and open lawns, making it perfect for a relaxing day out. Victoria Park is also home to one of Glasgow’s most unique attractions—the Fossil Grove, a collection of fossilized tree stumps that date back over 330 million years. The Fossil Grove is the remnants of an ancient forest that once covered the area and offers visitors a rare glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric past.

In addition to its natural beauty, Victoria Park is a popular spot for family outings, with a play area, tennis courts, and sports facilities. The park’s charming pond is also a great place to feed the ducks or enjoy a leisurely boat ride.

7. Rouken Glen Park

Just a short drive from the city centre, Rouken Glen Park is one of Glasgow’s most beautiful and varied outdoor spaces. This park was my local for 7 years and I was so lucky to have it on my doorstep. It’s definitely my favourite park and a popular one for dog walkers too.

With its rolling meadows, woodlands, waterfalls, and gardens, the park offers something for everyone. Rouken Glen is particularly popular with families, thanks to its large play areas, duck pond, and miniature golf course. The park is also home to a café and the Boathouse, where you can enjoy a coffee or lunch while taking in views of the water.
Rouken Glen’s waterfall walk is one of the park’s highlights, providing a scenic route along the river that leads to a cascading waterfall. The park also has a walled garden and arboretum, which are perfect for quiet reflection or a peaceful stroll.

Most recently, this park has been used for Scotland’s newest Scottish Festival, ‘The Reeling’.

8. Linn Park

As the second-largest park in Glasgow, Linn Park offers over 200 acres of scenic beauty and is a favorite for nature lovers. Located in the Southside of the city, Linn Park is named after Linn House, an 18th-century mansion that now serves as a community centre. The park is known for its waterfall on the White Cart Water, which runs through the park, providing a picturesque backdrop for walkers and photographers alike.

Linn Park is perfect for those who love the outdoors, offering a mix of wooded areas, open fields, and riverside paths. It’s also home to an 18-hole golf course, horse riding trails, and plenty of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.