Looking for fun things to do in and around Glasgow? You're in for a treat! Whether you're up for a peaceful stroll through beautiful parks, soaking in some history at iconic museums, or just exploring the city's unique vibe, Glasgow's got something for everyone.

Parks Museums Exhibitions Outdoor Attractions


Parks

Bellahouston Park

This much-loved park is full of reasons to visit. Wander through formal gardens, stretch out on open parkland with views across the city, or slow down at the House for an Art Lover. If you’re after something more energetic, the wide range of sports facilities will keep you moving.

Hop on Service: 9, 9A, 10, 34

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Botanic gardens entrance

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens is a world of discovery, famous for its beautiful glasshouses and plant collections from around the globe. At its heart, the Victorian Kibble Palace is home to towering tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, alongside plants from Africa, the Americas and the Far East.

Elsewhere, eleven more glasshouses showcase everything from spiky cacti to delicate orchids.

Hop on Service: 6, 6A, 8, 90

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Calderglen Country Park Green Space

Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride is packed with things to see and do for all ages. Wander along nature trails, explore the Calderglen Conservatory, or enjoy the ornamental gardens. Kids will love the play area and the children’s zoo, making it a great day out for the whole family.

Hop on Service: 21

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Highland cows

Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park is Glasgow’s largest green space - and the city’s only official Country Park. Crowned both Britain’s and Europe’s Best Park, it’s a little slice of countryside in the southside.

Here you’ll find Highland Cattle grazing, woodland walks, mountain bike trails, a playpark for the kids, and peaceful walled gardens to explore.

Hop on Service: 34, 57, 57A

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Queen's Park lake

Queen's Park

Queen's Park, a beautiful creation by Paxton, offers something for everyone - from manicured lawns and vibrant bedding areas for gardening enthusiasts to peaceful, wildlife-rich natural walks. The park also features a boating lake, a children’s play area, and a variety of sports facilities.

Hop on Service: 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 34, 57, 57A, 90

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victoria park flower beds

Victoria Park

Victoria Park, covering 20 hectares, was named for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 and is often called Glasgow’s prettiest park. Its grounds are full of colourful floral displays and elegant hollies, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a moment to pause and enjoy the views.

Hop on Service: 1, 1A, 1C, 2, 3, X4

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Museums

University of Glasgow

Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, University of Glasgow & Visitor Centre

Glasgow University’s campus on University Avenue is the city’s oldest, with a stunning neo-Gothic main building. The visitor centre is full of insights into the university’s past and present.

On campus, the Hunterian Museum takes you through 4,500 years of evolution, while the Art Gallery showcases works by artists such as Rembrandt and Pissarro.

Services: 4/4A

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The Auld Kirk Museum grounds

The Auld Kirk Museum

The Auld Kirk and its graveyard are Grade A listed and among Kirkintilloch’s oldest and most remarkable sites. Built in 1644 on the site of earlier churches, the Greek cruciform building still retains historic features like raked balconies, while the rest of the interior has been updated for modern use. Its steep roof and crow-stepped gables make it a striking piece of the town’s heritage.

Services: X85, X87, 88, 89

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Clydebank Museum old picture

Clydebank Museum

Clydebank Museum sits next to the shipyard where many of the Clyde’s famous liners were built. Inside, you’ll find fascinating artefacts exploring local life, social history, and the town’s world-famous shipbuilding and engineering heritage.

Services: 1/1A/1E, 2, 6, 60, 81, M60

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Lows Museum

Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum

Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum are a fascinating insight into this part of the Clyde Valley with entertaining and informative displays about the history of South Lanarkshire.

Services: 201, 255, 226, 266

Low Parks Museum | Hamilton Mausoleum

Glasgow Green fountain

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

Glasgow's social history museum showcases the story of the city and its people from 1750 to today, with paintings, historic artefacts, films, and interactive exhibits.

Services: 18, 46, 64, 263

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Scotland street school museum exterior

Scotland Street School Museum

Experience Scotland’s school history and explore the iconic Mackintosh-designed building. Enjoy interactive exhibits, restored classrooms, and audio-visual displays.

Services: 90

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Scottish Football Museum exhibit

Scottish Football Museum

Step inside and explore Scotland’s rich footballing history through fascinating artefacts, interactive displays, and stories of legendary players and unforgettable matches. From the world’s oldest national trophy to iconic shirts and memorabilia, it’s a celebration of the sport that has captured hearts across generations.

Services: 5, 6, 7/A, 31, 34, 75, 90

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Exhibitions

North lanarkshire heritage centre

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre

Discover the fascinating history of North Lanarkshire through exhibitions, archives, and a permanent collection exploring Motherwell’s past. Enjoy views across the Clyde Valley, Campsie Fells, and Ben Lomond.

Services: 201, 240, 241, 242, 266, X11

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Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life

Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life

he fascinating history of North Lanarkshire through exhibitions, archives, and a permanent collection exploring Motherwell’s past. Enjoy views across the Clyde Valley, Campsie Fells, and Ben Lomond.

Services: 201

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Mitchel street lighthouse

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture and Design, spans six floors of inspiring spaces. With ever-changing exhibitions, events, and learning opportunities, it’s the perfect place to explore creativity, innovation, and the stories shaping our cities.

Services: All First Bus city centre services (short walking distance)

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Outdoor Attractions

Loch lomond shores

Loch Lomond & Helensburgh

Balloch, on the banks of Loch Lomond, is the starting point for boat trips including the famous paddle steamer Maid of the Loch. You’ll also find watersports, walking trails, and a Visitor Centre to discover the area’s wildlife. Its 200-acre Country Park is a mix of woodland, gardens, and lochside paths to explore.

Nearby Helensburgh is a charming seaside town with elegant promenades, independent shops, and plenty of spots to relax with a view across the Firth of Clyde.

Services: 1E, 204, 205, 206

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Whisky glass

Auchentoshan Distillery

Founded in 1823 near Dalmuir, Auchentoshan is known for its smooth, light Single Malt Whisky. The Visitor Centre offers tours of the whisky-making process, a gift shop, and a chance to meet Hamish the Highland Cow and his family.

Services: 11

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Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle

Once the ancient capital of Strathclyde, Dumbarton Castle is where Mary Queen of Scots set sail for France in 1548. Perched dramatically on volcanic rock above the River Clyde, it’s steeped in history - though its 547 steps mean it isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility.

Services: 1/1A, 204, 205, 206, 208

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bothwell castle ruins

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle is Scotland’s largest and most impressive 13th-century fortress. Played a key role in the Wars of Independence and later restored by the Black Douglas family, it still boasts one of its original highlights: a towering donjon.

Services: 255

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We haven’t been able to list all the great places you can visit by bus, so if you need more ideas or details on anything to do in the area, try checking out these websites:

Visit Scotland