Romantic Things To Do In Glasgow
Glasgow is a wonderful city for a romantic break - there's lots to see and do - and you'll love the warm welcome the city is famous for.
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, and boasts many beautiful Georgian buildings which tell the story of the city's past as a wealthy port city at the heart of the British Empire.
Yet modern Glasgow is also a vibrant and energetic city with modern shopping centres, lively nightlife and some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere.
Here are just a few great ideas for romantic things to do in Glasgow:
The Lighthouse
It's impossible to visit Glasgow without coming across the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh - world famous architect, designer and artist, and prominent member of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
And where better to start than by visiting The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane.
It was Charles Rennie Mackintosh's first public commission, and formerly home to the Glasgow Herald newspaper.
The Lighthouse is now a design and architecture centre, and is home to the permanent Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, as well as temporary exhibitions and galleries with work from the Scottish art and design scene.
We recommend that you climb the spiral staircase together, and enjoy the superb views over the city from the Macintosh tower.
http://www.thelighthouse.co.uk/
The Burrell Collection
You'll find the Burrell Collection in a purpose-built building at the heart of Pollock Country Park (in itself a great place for a romantic stroll).
Sir William Burrell's fine collection is thought to be one of the largest and most significant collections of historical objects ever assembled by one person.
Highlights include outstanding works of art from the Renaissance period, a huge collection of Chinese art, many Dutch paintings, important Islamic art and one of the finest collections of work by Degas anywhere in the world.
The Burrell Collection really is a treasure trove, which you can enjoy together for hours.
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/burrell-collection/Pages/default.aspx
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Sticking with the artistic theme - the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses one of Europe's finest art collections and is one of Scotland's top visitor attractions.
Whether your loved one is into fine art, natural history, or arms and armour, they'll find something to enjoy at Kelvingrove. They even have a real Spitfire!
As an added bonus, the 'A' listed Kelvingrove building itself boasts superb architecture - and you'll probably enjoy it almost as much as the superb collection it contains!
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/Pages/default.aspx
Kelvingrove Park
If it's a nice day, you might both prefer to stay outdoors and soak up the sunshine - in which case Kelvingrove is still the place to be: Right on the museum's doorstep is Kelvingrove Park - a beautiful Victorian park on the banks of the River Kelvin.
There are 85 acres to explore together, highlights include The Stewart Memorial Fountain, the Granite Staircase near Park Gardens, and the beautiful riverside walks - which are a haven for wildlife.
Gallery of Modern Art
If your loved one's artistic taste is more contemporary, they'll be sure to enjoy the Gallery of Modern art - also known as GoMa - Scotland's most visited modern art gallery.
As well as a range of temporary exhibitions, the gallery offers Adult Art Afternoons every Sunday afternoon. The workshops include everything from tours to the chance to get hands-on and create your own artwork.
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/GoMA/Pages/default.aspx
Botanical Gardens
Always a great place for a romantic walk at any time of year - Glasgow's Botanical Gardens have been delighting couples since 1817.
There are glasshouses where you can shelter from the weather and explore the exotic species. The finest of these is the famous Kibble Palace, created by Victorian Entrepreneur John Kibble - it boasts a 150ft diameter dome and is large enough to accommodate 6,000 people!
Romantic Activities
Doon the Watter with Clyde Cruises
A boat trip is always a romantic and memorable activity - so why not book a "Doon the Watter" cruise and get a unique perspective on Glasgow from the River Clyde?
You'll have a chance to see Glasgow's industrial heritage, including two shipyards and more spectacular scenery. The two and three quarter hour cruise includes a hot drink and some lovely home baking, and runs throughout the season - but must be booked a day in advance.
Waverley Paddle Steamer Excursions
If you're lucky enough to be in Glasgow between June and August, you could opt for an extra-special trip "Doon the Watter" on the Waverley - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.
Step back in time to a more romantic age, when couples would enjoy excursions down the River Clyde in paddle steamers just like the Waverley.
http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/plan-your-trip/scotland/
Shopping
Glasgow has a huge range of shops and shopping centres - so whether you're looking for a romantic gift, or just enjoying some retail therapy together, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Highlights include the modern Buchanan Galleries with more than 90 top retail names, the St Enoch Centre with its excellent Food Court, and Princes Square with its great choice of cafes and restaurants on its courtyard and terrace levels.
https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/shopping
Mackintosh Trail
If you both admire the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, then you're sure to enjoy exploring the Mackintosh Trail.
One ticket will give you a day's unlimited travel on the subway, and entry to 9 Mackintosh-related attractions around the City.
https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/visitor-itineraries/a-full-day-in-the-city
Events
Pride Glasgow
Summer sees Pride Glasgow return to the city - Scotland's largest LGBT festival includes the famous parade, as well as a fantastic programme of bands, a fairground and even a dog show.
Glasgow International Jazz Festival
In late June, Glasgow is alive to the sound of Jazz, as the Glasgow International Jazz festival sees the city play host to hundreds of artists playing all styles of jazz music in 30 venues across the city.
A Night at the Theatre
Everyone loves a night out at the theatre - and in Glasgow you're spoiled for choice with some of Scotland's finest venues, and a wide range of high quality shows to enjoy:
Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal is Glasgow's oldest theatre, dating from 1867.
It's now home to Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, and also features contemporary music, comedy and popular west-end shows, so there's a wide choice of productions for you both to choose from.
http://www.glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk/
Pavilion Theatre
Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre is another venue with a great variety of entertainment on offer.
In fact, variety is one of the Pavilion's specialities, and along with a packed schedule of comedy and music (often including some excellent tribute acts), there's a good chance of finding something you'll both enjoy.
http://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk/
Tron Theatre
The Tron Theatre is situated in the 16th century Tron Kirk, right in the centre of Glasgow. It specialises in new and cotemporary classic theatre, so if your loved one is into this type of theatre they are in for a treat!
Home to the Tron Theatre Company (which stages its own productions), the Tron Theatre also hosts other leading companies in its three performance spaces, so there's a good variety of plays to choose from when you visit.
It's also home to the Tron Theatre Bar & Kitchen which is a great place to eat at any time of day, whether you're going to a show or not.
.jpg "Tron Theatre Bar and Kitchen © John Johnston")
Eating Out
Finding interesting and unique places to eat adds something special to a romantic break, and Glasgow doesn't disappoint, with a wide range of quality cafes and restaurants to choose from. Here are a few ideas:
Café Gandolfi
Located in the Merchant City area, Cafe Gandolfi specialises in using locally sourced produce to make a range of dishes with a distinctly Scottish flavour.
Gandolfi Fish uses fish from Scottish waters to create mouthwatering dishes like Grilled Skye Langoustines, Isle of Mull Scallops and Summer Isles peat Smoked Salmon.
Delizique and Cafezique
Don't be put off by the distressed external decor - Delizique and Cafezique offer excellent food in the West End of Glasgow.
Cafezique boasts Glasgow's best breakfast from 9am, and a very tempting range of snacks including coffee, cake and scones throughout the day, and a dinner menu too. You can even enjoy your meal outside (weather permitting).
In addition, Delizique offers some mouthwatering pizzas, meat boards and artisan bread.
Rogano Oyster Bar
With its stylish 1930's Art Deco style, Rogano is surely one of Glasgow's most romantic places to eat.
Claiming to be the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow, Rogano certainly seems to belong to a more elegant time.
For that extra romantic touch, why not try the oysters at Rogano's renowned Oyster Bar?
Arta Restaurant
Located on Albion Street in the trendy Merchant City, Arta is a Mediterranean-themed restaurant that specialises in tapas and Mediterranean cuisine. A holiday in the sun without leaving Glasgow!
Arta has a uniquely romantic offering for couples: their Romeo and Juliet table, overlooking the central courtyard, which is perfect for an intimate meal together.
They even have a special Couples Deal to go with it - including breads and olives, a selection of six tapas and a bottle of house wine.
Romantic Places to Stay
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
The ultimate romantic place to stay must be a fairytale castle. If you stay at the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, with its Baronial features of a tower and pointed turrets - that dream can come true.
You could even push the boat out and book the Tower Suite - situated in the large tower and featuring a separate lounge area, or the Four Poster Bedroom, for that extra touch of romance.
http://sherbrookecastlehotel.com/
15 Glasgow
15 Glasgow is a Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Woodside Place, and offers luxury accommodation in an A-listed Victorian townhouse in the heart of the West End.
There are five guest suites, featuring the kind of details that help to make your stay feel special, including monsoon showers original fireplaces and cornicing.
There's also a lovely peaceful garden to enjoy together.
There are so many romantic things to do in Glasgow - an enormous range of culture and entertainment, beautiful parks, excellent food and brilliant places to stay - that you'll be spoiled for choice.
Have fun on your romantic trip to Glasgow!
Check out our other articles on Glasgow:
14 Best Free Things to do in Glasgow
16 Best Fun Things to do in Glasgow
Share this article
Video |
|
|
|
|
