An exciting night-time rugby lineout, with a player leaping high to catch the ball above a cluster of players in yellow and dark jerseys.
Glasgow Warriors
There is a lot for sports fans and novices to do in Glasgow. Whether that's trying sports in a top venue or cheering on athletes at world-class events.

World-class sporting venues

Glasgow's sports venues continue to help it attract world-class events. Many were built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The east end is home to the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. It's also where you'll find the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Kelvin Hall and the Glasgow BMX Centre are in the west of the city.

And the National Hockey Centre is in Glasgow Green. Locals and visitors can get active at all these venues.

The modern, angled facade of the Emirates Arena, a large sports venue with extensive glass windows under a blue sky with clouds.

Stadium tours in Glasgow

Football fans can spend the whole day at Hampden, Scotland's National Stadium. Enjoy behind-the-scenes stadium tours, the Scottish Football Museum and Hall of Fame. Visit the Scottish Football Museum for more details on this 5-star attraction.

Celtic Park is the home of the world-famous Celtic Football Club. Their stadium tour shares the history of the club as well as many backstage moments. There is also the chance to tour and dine in the club's Number 7 Restaurant. Visit Celtic Football Club for more information.

Or go south of the river and visit the home of the world-famous Rangers Football Club. The Ibrox Stadium tour includes the dressing rooms and the trophy room. You also have the chance to run down the tunnel before taking a seat in the dugout. Visit Rangers Football Club to book.

An aerial view of Hampden Park, a large, circular sports stadium, surrounded by residential areas and green space.

Cycling

The world-class Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is for everyone. Join a coach-led session for families or individuals and experience the excitement of the track. Visit Glasgow Life for details of the accreditation pathway.

The Olympic-standard Glasgow BMX Centre is open for induction sessions and includes safety equipment and a BMX bike. Visit Glasgow Life to book.

For access to over 9km of mountain biking trails with great city views, visit Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails. Check out Trail Forks for details.

For more info on routes, bike hire, bike tours, and facilities, visit our Cycling in Glasgow page.

A wide-angle, blurred shot of a cycling race inside a velodrome. Cyclists are racing around a large, wooden track. The stands are filled with spectators.

Swimming

Glasgow Life runs 12 public swimming pools across the city. These include Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which boasts 2 Olympic-size pools. It also looks after the oldest public swimming baths in the city, Glasgow Club North Woodside. Find out more at Glasgow Life.

Only 20 minutes from Glasgow is the Time Capsule Waterpark in Coatbridge. The family-friendly attraction has twisting flumes, a wave pool, river rapids, and more. Visit the Time Capsule Waterpark and be sure to book in advance.

Gymnastics

If the little ones need to burn off some steam, then check out PlayGym gymnastics sessions. They run at Kelvin Hall in the west end and Palace of Art in the southside. The 45-minute sessions for parents and carers plus child, offer free play and the chance to explore the equipment. The sessions are £2.50 each. Advanced booking is encouraged, as spaces are limited to 50 per session. Visit Glasgow Life for more information.

A young girl is balancing on a wooden balance beam with her arms out, with a female coach in a blue shirt standing beside her, ready to spot her.

Golf

Scotland is known worldwide for its amazing golf courses. There are some brilliant courses in the city, including Haggs Castle and Cowglen. Check out our golfing in and around Glasgow page for more details.

For something a bit different, Topgolf offers a high-tech golfing experience. It has 3 storeys, 72 outdoor hitting bays, food, drink, and music. Visit Topgolf to book.

Golf It is a family-friendly complex for beginners and pros with the choice of a nine-hole course, driving range, and family bays. Visit Golf It to see all the activities they provide.

A golfer in a grey shirt and black shorts takes a swing on a green, tree-lined golf course on a sunny day.

Climbing

Clip 'n Climb at Kelvin Hall is not a typical climbing wall. It’s all about the fun! With climbing challenges for all abilities and the Leap of Faith for those brave enough. Brilliant for groups and families. Book at Kelvin Hall.

The Newsroom and The Prop Store are 2 excellent climbing centres. There is no need for ropes or harnesses at The Newsroom, featuring bouldering over mats and a dedicated kids' area. Meanwhile, The Prop Store has contemporary bouldering walls as well as roped walls. Visit the Climbing Academy for details on these venues, both of which have excellent cafes.

An athletic man is indoor rock climbing with a harness and rope. Another person is climbing on green poles in the background, and another person is on the ground.

Urban sports

You can enjoy canoeing, white water rafting, wakeboarding, and more at the Glasgow Canal in the north of the city. Pinkston Watersports and Outdoor Pursuits have friendly instructors on hand to support you on your water-based adventure.

The Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre at Bellahouston Park has several dry slopes. Ski, snowboard, tubing, and open practice are all available.

The Loading Bay is Glasgow's first and only indoor skate park. It features a street plaza and a 60ft long bowl, ideal for skateboarding, scooting and BMX'ing. Kelvingrove Park is also home to an outdoor skateboarding park.

Visit urban adventures for details on each of these venues, plus more.

A group of children wearing yellow helmets and wetsuits, paddling a small, makeshift raft on a body of water.

Tennis and lawn bowls

Looking for a relaxing sporting activity for all the family to enjoy? Try lawn bowls at Kelvingrove Park for free. The greens sit beside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and are overlooked by the University of Glasgow.

Or up the energy levels with some tennis sessions at the outdoor tennis courts. You can play at:

  • Kelvingrove Park

  • Knightswood Park

  • Queen’s Park

  • Garrowhill Park

  • Drumchapel Park

  • Maryhill Park

All bookings must be made in advance at Glasgow Life.

A lawn bowls court with several bowls scattered on the grass. In the background, there is a large, classic building with a red facade and a blue sky with some clouds.

Cheer along with the famous Glasgow crowd

The cheer of the Glasgow crowd at Scotland's National Stadium is so legendary that it has its own name - The Hampden Roar! But you don't have to go to Hampden to experience Glasgow's famous crowd. Check out some of the city's homegrown teams and enjoy the atmosphere.

Glasgow Tigers Speedway Racing describes their motorcycle racing as "flat out, bar-banging, dirt-filling, family-thrilling Friday nights all summer long". Visit Glasgow Tigers to find out about fixtures.

Glasgow Warriors are one of Scotland's two professional rugby clubs. Visit Glasgow Warriors for dates of matches at Scotstoun Stadium.

Glasgow Roller Derby is a full-contact sport on wheels. Home games take place at the ARC at Glasgow Caledonian University. Visit Glasgow Roller Derby for more info.

Partick Thistle Football Club plays at Firhill Stadium in the north of the city. Expect a great atmosphere at their matches and spot their infamous mascot, Kingsley. Visit Partick Thistle for more information.

An exciting night-time rugby lineout, with a player leaping high to catch the ball above a cluster of players in yellow and dark jerseys.

Article last updated: October 2025

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