A seasonal guide to Glasgow

Glasgow is one of those cities that travellers find themselves visiting time and time again. The lively Christmas festivities in the winter, the highland games in the spring, one-of-a-kind cultural festivals in the summer, and watching the seasons change in the fall are just some of the reasons visitors can’t get enough of Scotland’s largest city.

Winter

What is it that draws visitors back to Glasgow again and again? For starters, the city offers some of the best shopping in the UK, and the town centre is compact enough to make getting around a breeze. In December you can catch the whole of the city being overrun by people dressed as Santa Claus for the annual 5 kilometre charity Santa Dash, and you’ll probably have the best New Year’s Eve of your life during Hogmanay, one of the liveliest nights in the Scottish calendar. Even in winter, it’s easy to see why this city is so popular.

Spring

One of the true delights of Glasgow is how many green spaces there are. Head in any direction and you’ll soon find one – Glasgow Green, the Botanic Gardens and the huge Pollok Country Park are all top choices. Naturally, in spring these are filled with blooming flowers, blossom and bustle, making them a great place to relax once you’ve explored Glasgow’s many attractions. Fancy a slice of something truly Scottish? The Carmunnock International Highland Games kick off just outside the city each May (kilts optional).

Summer

The great Scottisharchitect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who lived in Glasgow for much of his life, would definitely appreciate a stroll through his home town on a hot summer’s day. The city’s architectural marvels come alive in the light of summer, with the cathedral and the Glasgow School of Art looking particularly dazzling. Summer is also festival season, so you’ll never be short of something fun to do. The West End Festival is an eclectic celebration of the city with everything from concerts to carnivals, and August’s International Piping Festival puts Scotland’s most famous (and much maligned) musical instrument centre stage. Bring on the bagpipes!

Fall

Glasgow’s huge number of parks, green spaces and gardens mean the city is transformed by autumn into a patchwork of vivid sights and colours. This stunning natural display makes a great backdrop whether you’re exploring the city’s cultural and historic sights or just hitting the shops, so it’s win-win! The city also makes a great base if you want to explore some of Scotland’s rugged and romantic landscapes before the winter chill truly sets in. Loch Lomond can be reached in about half an hour, and the fabled Highlands are right on its doorstep.