Parks and gardens
Parks in the west end
Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park is a classic example of a Victorian park, set on the banks of the River Kelvin. Two of the city's grandest buildings, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the University of Glasgow, stand at either side. You'll also find the Kelvingrove Bandstand and Ampitheatre, where you can catch a concert. Kelvingrove has two play parks and a skatepark.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is one of Glasgow's prettiest parks, with a range of flower displays, a boating pond, and a children's play park. It's also home to Fossil Grove, a unique heritage site with eleven fossil tree stumps believed to be around 330 million years old.
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful blend of green space, and woodland walks down by the River Kelvin. The Gardens are also home to two glasshouses which house plants from all over the world. In 2025, the Botanic Gardens was presented with the prestigious 'Green Flag Award' for the 15th consecutive year. This commemorates their high quality for visitors as well as their sustainability initiatives.
Parks in the southside
Pollok Country Park
You could spend an entire day exploring Pollok Country Park, Glasgow's largest green space. It's home to two leading attractions: the Burrell Collection and Pollok House. It also boasts Highland cattle, cycle routes and a fairy trail. Visit The Burrell Collection for guides on how to plan a day out in a beautiful city park.
Please note: Pollok House is currently closed for a major conservation project.
Cathkin Braes Country Park
Cathkin Braes Country Park offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. The park is the highest point in Glasgow at 200m above sea level. It is also home to mountain bike trails, which were created for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Bellahouston Park
Bellahouston Park has both cultural and sporting options to enjoy. The beautiful House for an Art Lover, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is a visitor attraction, art gallery, and café all-in-one. The park is also home to a uniquely designed play park, Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre, and a swimming pool.
Linn Park
As the second largest park in Glasgow, Linn Park is ideal for woodland and riverside walks. Inside the park are the remains of Cathcart Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots is rumoured to have stayed the night before the battle of Langside in 1568. Nearby is Holmwood House, an impressive villa by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Visit National Trust for Scotland for seasonal opening hours.
Queen's Park
Walk to the flagpole at the top of Queen's Park and be treated to one of the city's finest views. The park is home to the Scottish Poetry Rose Garden and an amphitheatre, which hosts various events. It also has a play park and a large boating pond. Pick up a coffee or ice cream to go from the trendy local neighbourhoods that circle the park.
Parks in the east end
Glasgow Necropolis
The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery that was modelled on the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Cross over the Bridge of Sighs at the entrance, and explore over 3500 graves and monuments. Then, from the top of the cemetery, you can enjoy beautiful views of Glasgow, including the medieval Glasgow Cathedral. Walking tours are available. Visit Friends of Necropolis to book your place.
Tollcross Park
Tollcross Park is home to a stunning rose garden. It boasts a staggering 240 varieties of roses all arranged in the perfect shape of a rosebud. The park is ideal for families with a nature walk, a secret garden and a children’s farm.
Cuningar Loop*
Cuningar Loop is an urban woodland park, perfect for those who love to be active outdoors. The space has Scotland's first outdoor bouldering park, a bike loop, and an adventure play area. Or, for a more relaxed visit, take a stroll along the riverside boardwalk. The park is also home to public art installations, including the Cuningar stones. Visit Forestry and Land Scotland to learn more.
*Cuningar Loop borders Glasgow and South Lanarkshire.
Glasgow Green
Next to the River Clyde, Glasgow's oldest park is great for all the family. There you'll find the People's Palace, a museum dedicated to the history of Glasgow, playparks, and walks by the river. There are also many sites to visit, including the largest terracotta fountain in the world and Templeton on the Green.
It also plays host to some of the city's biggest annual events, such as the World Pipe Band Championships and TRNSMT music festival. Check out our top events and festivals guide for more information.
Please note: People's Palace is closed until 2027 for essential renovation works.
Parks in the north
Hamiltonhill Claypits
Hamiltonhill Claypits is a local nature reserve with lots of wildlife to discover along the canal. It also boasts a great city viewpoint. Visit Hamiltonhill Claypits to plan your trip.
Hogganfield Park
Hogganfield Park is a large park in the north-east of Glasgow, famous for its big loch. The park is a haven for wildlife and is a designated Local Nature Reserve. It's a great place for a walk, a bit of fishing, or just to relax and watch the world go by.
Forth and Clyde Canal
Although not defined as a park or garden, the Forth and Clyde Canal offers green space for a waterside stroll. Just 5 minutes from the city centre, you can spot grey herons, kingfishers and beavers at this urban oasis. Check out Scottish Canals to find out more.
For an overview of all of the parks in the city, visit Glasgow City Council and download their 'Glasgow Walking' app to find your way around.
Article last updated: October 2025
