Exploring Glasgow Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around glasgow airport

Glasgow Airport is located just 8 miles southwest of Glasgow city centre, which can be reached by train, bus or taxi. The airport itself offers free WiFi, an airport lounge, and a range of shops and restaurants. For those looking to explore the local area, Glasgow boasts a rich history, art and music scene, with museums, stunning architecture, and parks. Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanical Gardens, Glasgow Science Centre, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and the Scottish Event Campus are all within a 30-minute drive of the airport. For those looking to venture further, Loch Lomond, Stirling, and Edinburgh are also accessible.

Characteristics Values
Distance from the city centre 8 miles southwest of the city centre
Transport to the city centre Train, bus, taxi, or car
Attractions Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, The Hunterian, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanical Gardens, Scottish Ballet, Bothwell Castle, Glasgow Museums, Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, IMAX cinema, Planetarium, Tower, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, The Scottish Highlands, The Jacobite Steam Train, Celtic Park, Braehead Shopping Centre, XSITE Braehead, OVO Hydro, Gallery of Modern Art, Scottish Event Campus, Riverside Museum
Amenities Restaurants, cafes, pubs, airport lounge, shops, free Wi-Fi, hotels, Relaxation Station, Skylounge, River Bus service

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Glasgow's museums and galleries

Glasgow is packed with world-class museums and galleries, many of which are free to visit. Glasgow Museums are one of the richest collections in Europe, with 13 museums across the city.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-see. It is housed in a stunning building and has a family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a range of art, from Ancient Egypt to Dutch masters, and even dinosaurs. The Gallery of Modern Art, located in a stunning neo-classical building, is Scotland's most popular modern art museum. The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park is another must-visit, with medieval treasures, paintings by Manet and Degas, Roman sculptures, and Egyptian pottery.

The Hunterian Museum, housed within the University of Glasgow, is Scotland's oldest museum. It has a range of exhibits, from scientific instruments to objects from Captain Cook's Pacific voyages. The Mackintosh House at The Hunterian Art Gallery recruits the home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. The art gallery also has the world's largest permanent display of James McNeill Whistler's work.

The Riverside Museum, an award-winning museum, houses the city's transport collection and street scenes from the past. The People's Palace, closed until 2027 for refurbishment, explores the life and history of Glasgow and its people. Glasgow Science Centre is located on the banks of the River Clyde and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It offers access to the Planetarium, IMAX, and Tower for an extra cost.

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Glasgow Cathedral

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mungo (also known as Kentigern), the patron saint of Glasgow, whose tomb lies at the centre of the building's Lower Church. The first stone cathedral was built on high ground above the steep western bank of the Molendinar Burn and was consecrated in 1136 in the presence of David I. The present cathedral was consecrated in 1197, although much of it dates from a major rebuilding in the 13th century. The origins of cathedral worship are rooted in the Scottish Reformation Book of Common Order (1565).

The thriving burgh that sprang up around Glasgow Cathedral has since grown into the vibrant city we know today. Glasgow Cathedral is a must-see for anyone interested in history or architecture, with its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history dating back to the 12th century. Visitors can explore the crypt built in the mid-1200s to house the tomb of St Mungo, admire the richly carved stone screen between the choir and nave added in the early 1400s, and find the effigy of Bishop Wishart, an ally of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

The cathedral is open all year round and admission is free. It is located just outside the centre of Glasgow, a 20-minute drive from the airport. The opening times vary depending on the season, so it is recommended to check the cathedral's website for the most up-to-date information.

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Shopping and dining

Glasgow is known for its upscale shopping boutiques and dining options. The Braehead Shopping Centre, located just 4 miles from Glasgow International Airport, is home to over 100 shops, including well-known high-street brands such as Argos, Boots, Marks & Spencer, H&M, and IKEA. It also offers a range of dining options and entertainment, such as a cinema and bowling alley, making it a perfect spot for a fun day out.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Glasgow's rich cultural heritage offers a variety of options. The city's museums, such as the Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, often feature cafes and restaurants alongside their exhibits. Glasgow's vibrant entertainment scene also provides dining options, with venues like the OVO Hydro and Scottish Event Campus offering a range of culinary choices to accompany their concerts, sports events, and live entertainment.

For those who enjoy a more active experience, Glasgow has plenty of options. Visitors can catch an ice hockey game, concert, or family show at the Braehead Arena, just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The Glasgow Science Centre, located on the banks of the River Clyde, offers not only educational exhibits but also dining choices, with cafes and restaurants nearby. The city's botanical gardens, such as the Glasgow Botanical Gardens and the People's Place and Winter Gardens, provide tranquil dining spots amidst floral displays and glasshouses.

Glasgow's proximity to the airport makes it convenient for travellers to explore the city's diverse dining scene. The city centre, with its bustling atmosphere, offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving local brews and whiskies. The airport itself also provides dining options, with several sit-down restaurants, cafes, and kiosks available for travellers looking for a quick bite during their layover.

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Day trips

Glasgow Airport is located just eight miles southwest of the city centre, so passengers flying in and out have excellent access to the city and its many attractions.

If you're looking for a day trip, Glasgow is known for its upscale shops and boutiques, with the Braehead Shopping Centre, located just a 10-minute drive from the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport Hotel, offering over 100 shops, including high-street names such as Argos, Boots, Marks & Spencer, H&M and IKEA. The centre also has restaurants, a cinema and an arena, which hosts ice hockey games, concerts, wrestling and family shows.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, Glasgow has one of the richest museum collections in Europe, with 13 museums across the city. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, a 20-minute drive from the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport Hotel, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, with its collection of artworks, artefacts and exhibits ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to historical objects. The Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is another great option, with its mix of art and artefacts, including pieces by Scottish artists and historical exhibits.

For those interested in science, the Glasgow Science Centre, located on the banks of the River Clyde, is a fantastic interactive museum with a planetarium, IMAX cinema and space zone. It's a 15-minute drive from the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport Hotel and open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.

If you're looking to explore the great outdoors, Glasgow Botanical Gardens, a 15-minute drive from the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport Hotel, offers landscapes, floral displays and glasshouses. Loch Lomond, a 35-minute drive from the hotel, is another great option for a day trip, with boat rides, strolls along the loch and water sports.

Glasgow also has a range of entertainment venues, such as the OVO Hydro, a 15-minute walk from the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport Hotel, which hosts concerts, sports events and musicals.

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Glasgow Science Centre

The centre has three floors of over 250 interactive science-learning exhibits. Visitors can access a Science Show Theatre and the Glasgow Science Centre Planetarium on the first floor. The planetarium uses a fulldome digital projection system to project images onto a 15-metre diameter dome. There is also an area specifically for young children called The Big Explorer. The second floor features the 'Powering the Future' exhibition, which explores the energy that powers our modern lives and how we can live more sustainably.

The Glasgow Science Centre is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission costs £12 for adults and £10 for children. Extras like access to the Planetarium, IMAX, and Tower cost extra. The centre also offers a Science Passport scheme, which provides unlimited access to the Science Mall for a year.

The centre is located within a 30-minute drive from Glasgow Airport and can be easily accessed by car, public transport, or a 15-minute walk along the Clyde from the city centre.

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Frequently asked questions

Glasgow Airport is located just 8 miles southwest of the city centre. Some attractions near the airport include Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanical Gardens, Glasgow Science Centre, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

Glasgow Airport offers a variety of options during a layover. You can enjoy a meal at the sit-down restaurants, cafes, or kiosks. The airport also has a lounge that offers access to travellers of any airline or flight class. You can also take advantage of the airport's free WiFi, or simply relax and take a nap.

Glasgow is known for its upscale shopping centres and boutiques. The Braehead Shopping Centre, located just 4 miles from the airport, hosts over 100 stores, including well-known high-street brands. The airport itself also offers a variety of shopping options, including World Duty Free for bargains on wines, spirits, fragrances, and cosmetics.

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