A day at Pollok Country Park

If you’re travelling by train it takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the park from the city centre. There are regular trains from Glasgow Central to Shawlands and Pollokshaws West - both of which stop right outside the park. We also recommend travelling via Glasgow Central if coming from further afield, the west end, or north and east of the city. Most of the Southside is within walking distance or a couple of train stops away.

Glasgow is also home to an extensive network of urban cycle routes. You can reach the park from the city centre in about 40 minutes by bike - or 25 minutes with an electric bike. You can plan your journey using Glasgow City Council’s journey planners and route maps.

You can hire Voi eBikes in and around the park. As it is quite a large park this is the most convenient way to get around, although walking is possible if you want to get your steps in. Check out the Voi app to see where the most convenient docking stations are for your itinerary.

There is also a free to use electric shuttle bus from the Pollokshaws Road entrance. This stops at Pollok House and the Burrell Collection, running from 10:00 - 18:15. It takes a short break from 12:30 - 13:30, so factor this in if you’re planning to use the service.

Nestled in the heart of Pollok Country Park, the Burrell Collection is an extensive museum and art gallery. Home to one of the UK’s most significant collections of Chinese art, medieval tapestries and paintings by renowned artists such as Cezanne it is a truly eclectic collection with something for everyone.

Sir William Burrell and his wife, Lady Constance, donated the collection to the city so it could be enjoyed by all. They asked for the collection to be housed in a countryside setting within an easy commute from the city, and Pollok Country Park provided the ideal location. Highlights include various stained glass panels, Qing dynasty vases and medieval armour.

Opening hours vary and there is lots to see so we recommend heading to the Burrell Collection before your visit to plan ahead. Entry is free and you can also access audio guides on your phone before you arrive.

There are two coffee stops and a restaurant within the Burrell Collection where you can grab a quick bite to eat. The restaurant focuses on Scottish produce, whilst the coffee stops provide light bites if you just need something quick to keep you going. You can view menus and opening times at the Burrell Collection.

Govies Coffee Club at the W Academy offers a typical range of light bites including sandwiches, salads and smoothies. They also have an afternoon tea for two which can be taken to sit in or to go if you fancy a picnic. Learn more on their Instagram. Alternatively, Toro Coffee is near the Pollokshaws Road entrance and offers a great selection of cakes and pastries - with some great vegan options.

There are also a few great picnic options if you’ve brought your own lunch. Near the Burrell Collection you’ll find a picnic spot at the outdoor play area and at the other side of Knowehead Cottage. There are also picnic stops at Pollok House Gardens and Pollok Pond.

You don’t need to travel far from Glasgow to see a herd of Highland cows - we have our own in Pollok Park. There’s a fold of around 50 highland cattle within a short walk from the Burrell Collection that you can see year round. The herd has been around for over 180 years after being established by the Maxwell family who owned Pollok House.

The grounds of Pollok Park are difficult for farming, so the fold of Highland cattle helps with conservation of the local plantlife. Individual cows and bulls from the fold regularly win awards, with Una Ruadh named Overall Highland Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2016. To learn more about the cattle fold, read our 7 facts about Glasgow’s Highland cows.

On the way to the Highland Cattle Park you might spot the Scottish Police Dog Memorial. Local police dogs are trained in the area, and the statue stands as a monument to their service.

Pollok House is currently closed for major refurbishment works, however you can still view the exterior of the house from the park. The Maxwell and Maxwell MacDonald families gifted Pollok Country Park, including Pollok House, to the city in 1966. The family played a key role in Scottish History, with the 11th Baronet of Pollok fighting in the Battle of Langside in 1568. The house itself dates back to the Victorian era.

Whilst you can’t access Pollok House you can still walk around the beautiful gardens. These well maintained lawns, hedges and flowers provide a peaceful location to take in the fresh air and admire nature. The Pollok Beech, a 250 year old tree, is the centrepiece - whilst families can enjoy the Children’s Fairy Village. You can find updates about Pollok House at the National Trust for Scotland.

There is plenty to do surrounding Pollok Country Park to keep you occupied for the rest of the day. Golfers will be spoiled for choice with three courses in the park - Pollok Golf Club, Cowglen Golf Club and Haggs Castle Golf Club. Learn more about prices, tee times and dress codes on their respective websites.

Within a 15 minutes bike ride you can visit Crookston Castle. This is the only castle within the city limits and dates back to around 1400. It’s mostly a ruin, however you can climb to the top of the one remaining tower for views of the city. Learn more at top castles you can visit from Glasgow.