Visit Glasgow in a Campervan

The largest city in Scotland - and the grittier, edgier cousin Edinburgh, Glasgow is a city with real character. Located on the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland’s West Central Lowlands, Glasgow’s industrial working class heritage complemented by a blossoming arts scene have made it a magnet for travellers looking to discover an authentic Scottish experience.

For travellers in motorhomes Glasgow is a fantastic destination, a vibrant and authentic urban hub that serves as a gateway to Scotlands more remote sites and attractions. With so many places to visit in Glasgow and the surrounding area, visiting in a motorhome or booking campervan hire in Glasgow is a fantastic way to explore the city and further afield. There are some excellent campsites near Glasgow that provide fantastic facilities, convenient proximity to the city and easy access to the natural and historic sites of the surrounding area.

Long story short, Glasgow is a city that should definitely be on your list.

Top Places to Visit in Glasgow:

There are some architectural gems in Glasgow, both traditional masterpieces and creative modern builds. The Glasgow Cathedral is a striking example of the medieval gothic with a haunting atmosphere, stunning stained windows and beautiful necropolis. Glasgow is also home to a whole host of buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an internationally influential Scottish architect, designer and artist. Check out some of the Glaswegian-born masters’ finest creations like The Lighthouse, Mackintosh at the Willow and Glasgow School of Art.

Running along the banks of the Clyde you’ll find the Riverside Museum, a bizarre structure that contains interactive exhibits tracing the progression of city transport. With everything from trams and ancient buses to skateboards and locomotives, not to mention the giant restored Victorian sailing ship parked in the harbour outside, anyone with an interest in travelling will find this museum fascinating.

Another uniquely designed building on the riverfront is the Science museum. Two acres of interactive exhibits, science workshops, live shows and activities, a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a revolving space-age tower offering city views from 417 feet high. This top attraction is less a museum more fully immersive experience and one of the top places to visit in Glasgow.

If it’s Glasgow's social and cultural history that interests you, head to the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens. The Peoples Palace utilises a combination of mediums from photographs, paintings, prints and historic artefacts to films and interactive computer displays. The effect is a comprehensive insight into the work, life and play of Glaswegians from the 1750’s through to the modern day. Attached to the museum, the Winter Garden an elegant and enormous glasshouse filled with exotic plants and a sweet little cafe where you can stop for coffee and cake. The Peoples Palace sits adjacent to Glasgow’s oldest park Glasgow Green, 136 acres of green space adorned by the beautiful Doulton Fountain.

Surreal, intense, and strangely beautiful, another unmissable Glaswegian attraction is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The regal sandstone Victorian building houses a unique and fascinating collection of exhibits ranging from fine art, both Scottish and continental, to WW2 aircraft. Another top attraction is The Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland's most visited art gallery exhibiting a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art. The gallery exhibits influential works by both local and international artists and is renown for its biannual projects which address contemporary social issues through exhibitions and workshops. Alternatively just hit the streets and follow the City Centre Mural Trail to discover enormous Banksy-esque works ranging from odes to Scottish legends like Billy Conelly, to pieces with a strong political or social message, as well as the odd obscure image.

What better way to soak in all that history, culture and emotion than with a nice “bevvy”? The Scottish, particularly Glaswegians, are famous for their love of liquor and the city is a fantastic spot to wet your whistle with the national tipple. In other words, it’s time to drink Whisky! The golden liquid is available at every bar in the city but for the authentic experience head to one of the specialised whisky bars or distilleries dotted across the city. The distilleries offer guided tours explaining the fermentation process and tasting sessions, so you’ll develop a whisky nose in no time.

Finish up your day by treating yourself to a river cruise along the River Clyde, it’s a fantastic way to see the city, feel the wind in your hair and syke yourself up for a night on the town. When night falls, the streets of Glasgow liven up even more, with live music venues, comedy clubs, bars and nightclubs offering an evening of entertainment no matter what your mood may be.

Glasgow also serves as a fantastic springboard to other parts of Scotland. The capital Edinburgh is just over an hours’ drive away, the Isle of Bute less than two hour’s drive (and that includes a ferry ride), while in just over an hour you could find yourself getting wonderfully lost in the Trossachs National Park.

Campsites and Caravan Parks Near Glasgow:

Part of the joy of visiting Glasgow in a motorhome is that so many of the nearby campsites and caravan parks are in stunning areas close to parks and natural surroundings. Despite feeling like they are in the middle of the wilderness, campsites near Glasgow are often less than an hours drive from the city centre and benefit from fantastic modern facilities.

Lomond Woods Holiday Park ticks every box. The park sits just on the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park giving you enviable access to the natural beauty of Scotland’s lowlands. You’ll also have quick access to the best places to visit in Glasgow, located just over half an hour’s drive from the city centre. The site has excellent facilities with electric hook up, wifi availability and heated toilet and shower rooms.

Strathclyde Country Park Caravan Club Site is the other side of Glasgow but also benefits from green surroundings, great facilities and proximity to the city, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The park has 1000 acres of mature woodland and wetlands which are home to a whole host of local wildlife and with walking and cycling paths galore.

Red Deer Village Holiday Park is closer still to Glasgow city centre, just a 15-minute drive away in the direction of Edinburgh, which is ideal if you fancy spending a day at the capital. The site is also located on the edge of a park and lake but has excellent facilities both onsite and within walking distance. Your pitch comes with electric hookup, modern toilets and shower blocks, a laundrette and hot water. Better still, a well-stocked shop and supermarket are only a 10-minute walk from the site while 24-hour supermarkets are under 3 miles away. If you’re looking for a spot to base yourself for a week or - more this site is perfect.