Whether you’ve been to Glasgow before or it’s your first time in the city, the guidebooks will have you seeking out the obvious sites from the Cathedral and Necropolis to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Pollock Country Park, Drygate Brewery and the Glasgow Science Centre. But if you want to see more cultural delights, perhaps this alternative guide to Glasgow will unveil some hidden gems and memorable treasures.
1. Govan Old Church
This little-known gem gives visitors the chance to stroll among the remnants of ancient Glasgow history. Get to know a bit about the city’s Viking heritage as you sample the Govan Stones, 31 mediaeval monuments including the Govan Sarcophagus, the only one of its kind. Following the Romans’ departure, these treasures marked a Viking stronghold and have now gained further prominence thanks to attention from the British Museum.
2. Casino at the Corinthian
For the card sharks and roulette lovers, this elegant casino and nightclub will enliven most evenings with its contemporary style and a mix of dining, partying and gaming. Realise the entertainment you’ve enjoyed playing online slots like Dragon’s Luck Power Reels and Cop The Lot on Paddy Power or beating your friends on the Facebook poker table in the real-life casino. Corinthian boasts slot machines, electronic roulette, and various card tables such as poker, blackjack, three card poker and punto banco.
3. Police Museum
The police museum might not sound attractive at first glance but consider the fact Glasgow possesses the unique distinction of being the place where Britain’s first police force was set up. You’ll find it in the Merchant City, so it’s easy to miss, but offers visitors a fascinating look at the work of the boys in blue dating back to the late 1700s.
4. Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
Named one of Glasgow’s eleven hidden gems by Visit Scotland, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre was founded by Eduard Bersudsky and Tatyana Jakovskaya in Russia in 1989 and has captivated Scottish audiences ever since it made its debut in Glasgow. Here you’ll find hundreds of steampunk-inspired carved figures and pieces of old scrap which perform captivating choreography synchronised to music and lighting.
5. St Valentine’s Bones
Glasgow likes to consider itself a city of love and it has every reason to do so as, tucked away behind the walls of Blessed St John Duns Scotus Church in Gorbals, are the bones of St. Valentine. Or so legend would have us believe.
These are just a few hidden, lesser-known gems to discover on your visit to Glasgow. Great for both new and returning visitors, our suggestions offer an alternative to the guidebooks’ tourist hotspots.