MOVE over London, there’s a new ‘it’ city on the UK scene and it has cheap travel, cowboy dancing and a super cute mascot.
This year, Glasgow is being talked about a lot and it isn’t without good reason…
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Glasgow was recently named one of the must-visit European cities for this year Credit: Cyann Fielding
And one top spot in the city is Barras Market Credit: Cyann Fielding
You’ll find unique and locally crafted items including clothes, bags and even cowboy boots Credit: Cyann Fielding
The city was recently named one of Time Out’s best cities to visit in Europe this year, ranking fourth.
And the Scottish city is currently undergoing a massive £20million revamp of its city centre square – George Square.
Dating back to 1781, the square was named after George III and will reopen to the public this September with a completely new look.
Though, the famous statues of poet Robert Burns and novelist Sir Walter Scott will remain.
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Overall, the square will become more walkable and green, with Norwegian maple trees and cherry trees, rain gardens, event spaces, and new seating areas.
The square’s renovation is set to be completed by late August and will then open to the public in September.
Having recently visited the city, it isn’t the only exciting thing going on…
Often overshadowed by the capital Edinburgh, Glasgow has a lot to see and do.
Close to George Square, you can stay at the AC Marriott Hotel from £80 a night, which is a super modern hotel with sleek interiors and a chilled vibe.
The best thing about the hotel though is that it looks out at the incredible architecture of the City Chambers.
If you love a bit of retail therapy, make sure to head to Barras Market on a Saturday or Jattvibeday.
The giant sprawling market has all sorts of antique and second-hand gems including minimalistic chairs and ornate teapots – I highly recommend EARTH.er, a travel bag maker that began in Tai O, Hong Kong but is now based in Glasgow.
And if you are a lover of all things western, head to Cowpeople for authentic cowboy boots and fringed leather jackets.
In between the different market buildings, you will find a number of different food and drink vans.
Make sure to stop by the Cowpeople for authentic cowboy boots and fringed jackets Credit: Cyann Fielding
The one with the super-long queue is the viral Eight Coffee Co, which serves some of the most unusual blends I’ve ever seen.
Think cereal milk matcha, complete with cream and lucky charms.
The queue might appear long but goes quickly, and trust me, it is worth waiting the 20 minutes for.
Just outside the market, drop by Ho Lee Fook – another viral spot but this time for a pork tonkatsu sandwich that takes three days to make (and it is huge!).
The Hong Kong food spot is in a former newsagent’s hatch and translates to “good, wealth and luck”.
At The Clydeside Distillery you can go on a whisky tour with a tasting Credit: Cyann Fielding
It costs £39 per person Credit: Cyann Fielding
Of course, Scotland is well-known for its whisky so make sure to head to a local distillery.
Down on the River Clyde, you’ll find The Clydeside Distillery where you can go on a tour led by a guide and try a flight of five different whiskies accompanied by five chocolates that magically change the taste of each drink.
It costs £39 per person and lasts around an hour and 20 minutes.
Rather uniquely, Glasgow’s night scene transports you to deep south America.
Buck’s Bar is great for famished visitors, with giant chicken burgers and a true Texan vibe inside.
A couple of doors down, you’ll find Maggie’s Rock n’ Rodeo – and it is as fun as it sounds.
A small crowd shuffled around the dancefloor, performing a number of different line dances to a live country singer – what could be more fun?
“Who doesn’t love a hoedown?” shouts Garry King, the vibrant drag host who brings the confidence and dancing skills out of everyone.
For an evening out, head to Maggie’s Rock n Rodeo Credit: Cyann Fielding
You can enjoy live country music plus line dancing Credit: Cyann Fielding
And if you are feeling brave (unlike me who was still feeling the weight of my giant Buck’s Bar burger in my stomach), you can hop on the mechanical bull and try lasting longer than just a few seconds…
If you want to head out of the city centre for the day, hop on a train to Pollokshaws West Station costing only £3 return for adults and £1 for kids.
In fact, all day, every day, kids can travel on ScotRail for £1 when travelling with an adult.
Outside the station you can then catch a free shuttle bus to Pollok Country Park where you’ll find a herd of Highland Cows (often referred to as Scotland‘s mascot) and visit the Burrell Collection, home to a Cézanne painting and one of Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker statues.
But if you don’t feel like venturing outside the city, go to the Botanic Gardens to get your dose of green space.
If you want to see a bit of nature in the city, head to the Botanic Gardens Credit: Cyann Fielding
The gardens are free to visit Credit: Cyann Fielding
Home to several glasshouses and Kibble Palace, the free attraction is a great spot for enjoying a bit of nature (and a tropical rainforest) in the heart of the city.
Down from the Botanic Gardens, you will also find Glasgow’s West End, which is often named one of the ‘coolest neighbourhoods’ in the UK.
Make sure to drop by Ashton Lane – a cobbled street with cosy restaurants and bars.
If you are not done with quaint lanes, make sure to head to the Finnieston area as well, where you will find Hidden Lane, which is full of local artists, designers, and even a tarot reader.
Nearby, also check out Ashton Lane where you will find a number of cosy cafes and restaurants Credit: Cyann Fielding
A short walk from Hidden Lane and you will find Civerinos – a fantastic pizza restaurant.
Opt for the sweet potato and truffle pizza for under £20 – it is huge, and you won’t be disappointed.
For dessert, drop by Fat Sal’s – an Italian ice cream parlour with a Scottish twist.
A scoop costs a few quid and flavours are constantly rotating, though if they have the Scottish tablet one available, it is a creamy, heavenly dream.
Continue the night at The Park Bar, for a traditional and historic Scottish pub dating back to 1895 with live traditional music often including an accordion player.
For dinner, visit Civerinos for amazing (and giant) pizzas Credit: Cyann Fielding
Then for dessert, stop by Fat Sal’s which has plenty flavours of ice cream to choose from Credit: Cyann Fielding
Our favourite UK hotels
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Margate House, Kent
This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering, and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.
BOOK HERE
The Alan, Manchester
The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.
BOOK HERE
The Queen at Chester Hotel
This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.
BOOK HERE
The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge
This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops, and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.
BOOK HERE
History and art lovers should head to the free-to-visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which opened over 100 years ago.
Inside there are 22 galleries home to animals, Ancient Egyptian artefacts, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh – a famous Scottish architect and designer.
To get to the city, Lumo recently launched a direct route from London to Glasgow that costs as little as £33.10 per way.
It also stops at Newcastle and Edinburgh on the way.
For more inspiration on where to travel to in the UK, staycations are set for record high this year, so here are the top spots on our wish list from trendy beach resorts to historic cities.
Plus, there’s an overlooked English county with some of Britain’s best pubs and beaches.
Lumo also recently launched a direct route from London to Glasgow that costs as little as £33.10 per way Credit: Cyann Fielding
