Holiday homes and rentals in Glasgow

Planning a family holiday or a romantic weekend getaway in Glasgow and looking for the best option? Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and boasts an appealing array of cultural attractions, in addition to 70 parks and open spaces. Its Gaelic name fittingly means “lovely green place”! There’s plenty of things to do in Glasgow, and the city’s quintessential Scottish charm and magnificent architecture accompany you everywhere you go. Whether travelling with the family or friends, you can choose from hundreds of fully equipped rentals for 2, 4, 6 or more people. Most are located in the city centre, within easy walking distance of the most emblematic monuments, such as the Cathedral, University, Art Gallery and The Lighthouse, and the best streets for shoppers and partygoers, such as Buchanan Street. But if you’re looking for something more affordable, Gorbals, Finnieston and Hillhead districts are not far from the city centre and well-connected by public transport.

Although the best city-centre apartments are located north of the Clyde River, you can also choose from a wide range of holiday homes on the outskirts of the city, all fully equipped and with your own garden. An ideal option if you seek peace and quiet, and just a short train or bus ride away from the many attractions. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow has something for everyone. In addition to being a shopper’s paradise, you will find many trendy cafes, restaurants and designer boutiques. Wander through the streets of the charming historic quarter and admire Victorian-style buildings that still retain an aura of faded elegance, such as the Hunterian Museum, the 12th century cathedral and Glasgow Science Centre. Visit artisan breweries and distilleries, botanic gardens, art galleries and much more! This all adds up to a fantastic weekend getaway for couples, families and groups of friends. Wait no longer to book your holiday home in Glasgow!

The city of Glasgow (or “Glaschu” in Gaelic) is located in west-central Scotland along both banks of the River Clyde, 32 kilometres from its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. Situated within the historic county of Lanarkshire, it is Scotland’s largest city and the third-largest in the UK. Nestled between Highland and Lowland Scotland, it prospered as a market centre thanks to its strategic location and grew significantly after the historical union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603. Not surprisingly, the city has become a major cultural centre that offers something for everyone! Moving around Glasgow is also surprisingly easy by train, bus, taxi and the underground railway system, known as the “Clockwork Orange” because of its colour. It is also the third oldest underground railway system in the world. If you prefer to fly, Glasgow International Airport is your gateway to Scotland!

The once industrial city of Glasgow is now a cultural playground with excellent museums, art galleries, concert venues and festivals. Dubbed Scotland’s music capital, it is home to the Scottish Opera (Theatre Royal) and Royal Scottish Orchestra (Concert Hall). Major cultural highlights include the Celtic Connections Music Festival and Gourock Highland Games. The Scottish Arts & Crafts Movement is epitomised in the famous Glasgow School of Art, founded by designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1909, which is a must-see for lovers of fine architecture. Other significant historic buildings include Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo Cathedral or the High Kirk of Glasgow. Dating from the 12th century, one of its major attractions is the crypt housing the tomb of St. Mungo, who was buried there in 603 AD. Next door is the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, whose featured exhibits include a collection of Egyptian mummies, Hindu statues and a Zen Buddhist garden in the courtyard. Visitors are instantly drawn to the city’s vibrant street art scene, which you can discover following the famous Glasgow Mural Trail, which features a bold and modern style of art promoted and financed by the City Council.

But the city has many more surprises in store for you. Looking for something different? Dare to take a creepy walk through the Necropolis! You can also pay a visit to Glasgow’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, one of the largest glasshouses in Britain which, among other features, contains a collection of rare orchids and tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand. If it’s shopping you crave, head to Sauchiehall Street, with its more than 2 kilometres of high-end shops, in addition to trendy cafes and restaurants. When it comes to gastronomy, Glasgow is a cultural melting-pot of flavours, including Indian, Italian and Far Eastern cuisine. But wherever you go you’ll be extremely well served, whether at top-notch Scottish bistros and brasseries or delectable steakhouses.

The University of Glasgow was built in 1451 and is the second-oldest university in Scotland. Over the years it has employed many illustrious teachers, including Joseph Lister, considered the “father of antiseptic surgery”. Another famous scientist who taught there was William Hunter, an 18th century Glaswegian doctor whose personal collection of anatomical parts, coins and objets d’art formed the foundation of the Hunterian Museum. It currently houses ethnographic, zoological and archaeological collections, including finds from Roman sites, and artworks by Rubens, Rembrandt and Reynolds. If you’re an “Outlander” fan, you might be interested in knowing that some of the scenes of season two were shot there!

Built in 1662, Glasgow Green is the oldest of Glasgow’s parks and within easy walking distance from the city centre. One of its main attractions includes the People’s Palace, built in 1898, which takes visitors on a trip through Glasgow’s history from 1750 to the 20th century. The Winter Garden, a large conservatory located at the back of the Palace, houses a collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Don’t miss visiting the beautiful Doulton Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain, built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Glasgow Green is also the site of the annual World Pipe Band Championship, held every August.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located in Glasgow’s bustling West End. It opened in 1901 and houses a collection of both British and continental paintings, including such famed works as Van Gogh’s portrait of Glaswegian art collector Alexander Reid and Salvador Dali’s “Christ of Saint John of the Cross”. Other featured exhibits include Scottish archaeological finds, namely Bronze Age tools and jewellery from Arran, Kintyre and Glenluce, 15th and 16th century helmets, crossbows and swords, Flemish tapestries, glassware and pottery.

Next door to Glasgow Cathedral is the Necropolis, a Victorian Gothic garden cemetery covering 37 acres. Visitors will marvel at the beautiful memorial stones, sculptures and buildings designed by such famous Glaswegian artists as Charles Rennie Macintosh. Make your way along tree-lined walks that look out over the cathedral and city amidst intricately carved Celtic crosses and weeping angels. It is also strategically located near Drygate Brewery and Tennents Brewery, a must-visit for beer lovers!

Do you have a passion for Scottish bagpipes and drumming? Then the National Piping Centre is the place for you! Whether you’re a professional performer or a fan, enrol in a lesson or course at one of its many bagpipe schools. It is also home to the Museum of Piping, whose collections feature the world’s oldest bagpipe relics and piping memorabilia belonging to Robbie Burns and Iain Dall MacKay. It also has a shop where you can pick up a souvenir to take back home!