10 hidden gems to discover in Glasgow this summer

With its eerie Gothic headstones, thousands of monuments and impressive views over the city, Glasgow’s Necropolis quite rightly attracts plenty of visitors year-round. But with so much history in the grounds of this 37-acre Victorian garden cemetery, there’s a fascinating amount to discover beyond the notable graves and spooky atmosphere. The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis offer informal walking tours, with knowledgeable tour guides able to tell stories of some of the 50,000 people interred within its gates. It’s an unconventional way to spend a few hours but highly recommended to learn more about Glasgow’s Victorian past.

Just under two hours away from Glasgow city centre by car or public transport, Benmore Botanic Garden is a haven for anyone looking to spend a day in the great outdoors, surrounded by trees, shrubs and wildlife. Located in Strath Eachaig at the foot of Beinn Mhòr, this mountainside garden is famous for its beautifully restored Victorian Fernery and incredible collection of plants from around the world, including over 300 species of rhododendron and 150-year-old giant redwoods.

Glasgow’s music scene is arguably one of the best in the UK so naturally, there are loads of amazing stories of artists and audiences that deserve to be heard. From the early days of certain bands to the various shenanigans that took place in renowned venues, Glasgow Music City Tours will take you through it all. The Music Mile Tour is a good shout if you want to know more about the city’s venues past and present, including the Apollo, the Royal Concert Hall and King Tut’s, while the Merchant City Tour takes you on a musical journey through the oldest streets of the East End.

Nestled in the south side of Glasgow, Julie’s Kopitiam is one of those rare eateries that you could easily miss as you’re passing by on a busy main road. But if you’re smart enough to do a double-take, you will be richly rewarded. This cosy cafe run by former MasterChef contestant Julie Lin Mcleod serves up Malaysian and south Asian dishes that are big on flavour and tradition, with classic recipes and fun twists like Hong Kong French toast making up the menu.

A small but important slice of Glasgow history, the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall was a popular haunt when it first opened in 1857, catering to the city’s Victorian population with all modes of entertainment. Today, it remains the world’s oldest surviving music hall and is open for viewing as well as for events ranging from silent films and sing-alongs to drag shows and comedy clubs. Pop in to find out more about the building itself and the many wonderful acts that have graced its famous stage, or when events are back up and running, don’t miss the monthly Drag-Opticon, a bash that features a rotating line-up of the best local drag queens, kings and other performance artists.

Glasgow has an excess of brilliant places to eat but if you’re wanting to snack on a few different bits and pieces under one roof, try the indoor street food market Platform. Housed at the Argyle Street Arches in the catacombs of Glasgow Central Station, it has an in-house microbrewery operated by Innis & Gunn, plenty of food options from vegan and vegetarian to ice cream sandwiches and lots of space to sit-in and catch up with pals. And you can even bring your dog.

A space dedicated solely to celebrating women’s lives, histories and achievements, Glasgow Women’s Library is the only accredited museum in the UK with such a focus. You can go in to explore their collection of books, museum artefacts and archives, with items like banners, Suffragette memorabilia, dress-making patterns, quilts and more on display. There’s also the extensive Lesbian Archive and Information Centre collection and items that are part of the new National Museum of Roller Derby.

Fancy an afternoon of pampering? How about an afternoon of pampering coupled with a fancy G&T on the side? That’s exactly what you can expect at Glasgow’s Gin Spa, which is the first-ever gin-inspired botanical day spa. Relax with bespoke treatments and indulgent experiences like massages, facials and body wraps, all of which use the very best rejuvenating ingredients. For something extra special, book yourself in for an opulent retreat that comes with an afternoon tea comprising of a glass of prosecco, a cocktail based on your treatment, a gift bag and a luxury robe to take away.

Pollok is the only country park that sits within the Glasgow area and it’s a true refuge away from the chaos of everyday life. Walk around the woodlands and gardens and spot wildlife like Highland cattle, or be a bit more adventurous and take on one of the scenic cycle routes or running trails. The park is also home to the Burrell Collection, which contains Sir William Burrell’s eclectic and international art collection, gifted to the city in 1944.

With its colourful graffiti castle, gorgeous woodland glen and abundance of fun activities, Kelburn Castle & Estate is ideal for kids (and adults!) with a lot of energy. Just a 40-minute drive from Glasgow, you can easily spend a full day at Kelburn or even camp out in a yurt or the Kelburn Campside if you’re up for it. The Secret Garden is especially popular with the little ones, giving them the chance to find their way through a fairy-tale adventure, complete with a maze, Giant’s Castle, crocodile swamp and much more.