Your guide to the best places to get lost in mindful photography on your next trip to Glasgow.
Scotland’s second largest city is ideal for photography, whether you’e a serious hobbyist or someone who simply loves to capture life on the road with your phone.
There are grand museums, architectural gems, trendy neighborhoods, magnificent street art, landscape parks & more green space per capita than any other city in Europe!
It’s full of details, making it ideal for the practice of mindful photography.
As a health educator & avid traveler, I’m a huge advocate of wellness travel. As a way to well-being, travel is awesome!
There are endless opportunities to enhance the mind & body when we travel. To relax, rejuvenate, laugh, learn…whatever you need. Often when you need it most.
It allows us to really slow down, leave our daily lives behind, and be fully present in the moment.
To be mindful.
Mindful Photography In Glasgow
Photography is a great way to practice mindfulness.
Mindful photography is really about pausing to capture the moment while being receptive to what’s around us.
Practicing mindful photography helps draw your attention to the things that appeal to you. Colors, light, shadows, or lines.
It commands your focus and helps you to connect. To the people and places you encounter, as well as yourself.
While many people may be tempted to pass Glasgow up for its more famous neighbor Edinburgh, I think it’s a highly underrated place to travel and has its own unique atmosphere.
Of all of the cities I’ve been to in Europe, Glasgow was one of the biggest surprises. It truly has so much to offer.
My step-mother was born & raised there, and I now understand why it was always in her heart.
In this article, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to photograph in Glasgow.
Spaces that are particularly mindful, for a whole host of reasons. Whether it’s their light, patterns, sounds, stillness, or beauty.
Many of these places offer respite from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow and are in close proximity to nature. Which is an ideal way to digitally detox from daily life and sink into for photography as self-care.
7 Mindful Photography Spots in Glasgow
Here are seven ideal locations to practice mindful photography in Glasgow.
Many are quiet havens, in the middle of a busy city. Places to let your senses lead the way, explore history, & capture the beauty all around you.
The Glasgow Necropolis
The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery located in the heart of the city. There are over 3,500 monuments ranging from headstones to statues and mausoleums. It’s Glasgow’s second-largest green space & covering 37 acres there is plenty of space to roam.
It’s mindful because…
- there are few people
- the history combined with the landscape is atmospheric
- the details: there are textures, lines & patterns everywhere you look
Learn more about free walking tours from The Friends of The Glasgow Necropolis.
Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park is a classic Victorian park located in the West End of Glasgow. It sits on the banks of the River Kelvin and seamlessly blends with the magnificent architecture that surrounds it at every turn.
It’s mindful because…
- it’s a haven for wildlife
- the curving river passing through the landscape
- the relationship between nature and the man-made structures in and around the park
To learn more about the bridges & other structures in the park take The Friends of Kelvingrove Park Heritage Walk.
The Park District
Perched above Kelvingrove Park, is an area known as The Park District. Built in the 1850s, this planned development is terraced houses at their finest. The centerpiece is Park Circus, where two gently curving crescents flank an oval garden park.
It’s mindful because…
- the symmetry and lines of classical architecture are inspiring
- it’s an ideal place to wander without an agenda & just get lost
- the view from Woodlands Terrace looking over the city is peaceful
The Kelvin Walkway
The Kelvin Walkway is a 10-mile walking path that starts at The Glasgow Riverside Museum & runs north to the suburbs. It passes a handful of beautiful old bridges & is lovely place to escape the city. The stretch by the Botanic Gardens is a real treat.
It’s mindful because…
- of the sights & sounds of nature
- it’s relaxing, yet engaging
- it’s like a walking meditation
Print or download an offline map from Walk Highlands.
The University of Glasgow
This historic university, one of the oldest in the English speaking world, is dotted with spectacular & historic buildings of architectural significance. Making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in the details.
It’s mindful because…
- the architectural patterns & detail will draw you in
- you will be awe-inspired by fluted columns & vaulted ceiling of The Cloisters
- it feels like stepping into another world
Take the University’s self-guided tour to see the main points of interest.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is located in the heart of the city’s West End next to the River Kelvin. Victorian glasshouses, exotic plants, a Riverside Walkway and acres of landscaped grounds make this a lovely place to immerse yourself in the joy of nature.
It’s mindful because…
- it’s a feast for the senses
- the Victorian glasshouses are atmospheric
- the Riverside walk is a quiet respite from the city
Pollok Country Park
Pollok House is a stately 18th-century house located in the scenic Pollok Country Park. Run by The Scotland National Trust, it’s the perfect mix of history, heritage & nature. It’s an idyllic day out & a real slice of heaven located just a few miles from the city center.
It’s mindful because…
- the Georgian grandeur is captivating
- the walled gardens are a feast for the senses
- the Highlands Cows & Clydesdale Horses are engaging subjects
- the peace & quiet of the park is magical
- this is my favorite place in Glasgow- for nature, heritage & photography!
Spend a mindful afternoon wandering The Pollock Country Park Heritage Trail.
I hope you enjoy your travels to Glasgow, not matter where you get lost in photography! If mindful is your style of travel, check out these Edinburgh gems:
- Mindful Edinburgh:8 Places To Find Travel Bliss
- Discover The Magic of Edinburgh with Mindful Photography
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
More Inspiration…
Edinburgh’s Historic Graveyards
100 Things To Photograph in London
Winter in Warsaw: A Mindful Photo Walk
Crocuses & Snow: A South Tyrol Photo Hike
York: 5 Places for Mindful Photography
