Your guide to some engaging wellness things to do & experience in Glasgow!
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and it brims with energy, creativity, world-class art, and a whole lot more.
There are so many engaging wellness inspired things to do, it’s hard to even know where to start. But, if you’re looking for a few good ideas, you’re in the right spot!
So, what’s to love about Glasgow?
The food scene alone is a dream, especially for vegetarian, vegan and ethnic options. And there’s certainly no shortage of good curry.
As a UNESCO city of music, you’ll find hopping venues all over the city. Where you will likely encounter many locals who are spirited, welcoming, and downright fun!
Yet best of all, Glasgow also has more green space per capita than any other city in Europe. Yep, shocking but true! This means there are plenty of places to digitally detox and it’s easy to enjoy outdoor exercise while you explore the city.
Glasgow is one of the most under-rated weekend breaks in Europe, so read on to find out why it should make your bucket list!
Wellness Things To Do In Glasgow
My love affair with Scotland began long ago with the flames fanned by my spirited Glaswegian step-mother. Not surprising, for me Scotland was love at first sight. Now visit as often as I can.
As an advocate for travel as a way to well-being, I can tell you that Glasgow has plenty to offer when it comes to healthy living.
Since I believe wellness travel is for everyone, let me introduce you to just a few of the things that will enhance your mind & body in Glasgow.
To start with, there are more than 90 parks, making it a great place in general to plan tech-free travel adventures. As well as, Glasgow’s location makes it the perfect gateway to The Highlands.
It’s also ideal as part of a culturally rich multi-city itinerary with Edinburgh or other cities in England, like London or York.
But, no matter what kind of trip you have in mind, here are 10 wellness-oriented things to do on your next trip to Glasgow.
Kick-Off The Day at Riverhill Coffee Bar
Located right across the street from Glasgow Central Station, Riverhill Coffee Bar is a joy to enter.
The coffee beans are ground to order, the cakes are homemade, and the staff is incredibly friendly. On my last trip, I had a fresh croissant, complete with butter and jam! It was such a yummy treat.
Enjoy Lunch at Soul Food Kitchen
A vegan restaurant that puts health & well-being at the heart of everything they do…yes, please!
Indulging in veggie dishes on the road always makes me feel good and this place was one lucky find!
The Soul Food Kitchen is right next to Kelvingrove Park and a convenient stop for plant-based goodness. Their hearty soups are comforting self-care on a cold day!
Dinner & Music at Mono Cafe
Eat, drink & enjoy music at this well-loved Glaswegian institution!
Really, how can you go wrong with a vegan cafe, record store, and live music venue in one place?
All the food is fresh-made, plus there’s a great selection of local beers. Top it off with some music, and you have one enjoyable time. You’re bound to leave feeling energized!
Walk The Mural Trail
The street art in Glasgow is magical and whole new level of brilliant!
I love a good walk, and I’ve been on plenty over the years!
Everything from hiking coastal areas to strolling landscape gardens, and taking a mindful photo walks in beautiful cities like Krakow and London.
Yet, this is one of the most unique walks around. The City Center Mural Trail invites you through the city to experience larger than life thought-provoking murals. It’s a unique way to stretch your legs and experience the urban heart of Glasgow.
Related: How to Take a Mindful Photo Walk for Fun & Joy
Bike Kelvingrove Park
If you are looking for a peaceful day out, Kelvingrove Park is just the place for you. So, rent a bike and explore!
Listen to the birds, enjoy the greenery, and breathe the fresh air.
Set in the West End of town and considered to be one of the prettiest areas of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park an idyllic place to bike.
Not into biking? Take a walk, have a picnic, or just sit with your thoughts for a while. It’s perfect for any kind of mindful experience!
While you are there, don’t miss The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. With 22 themed galleries and over 8,000 objects to grab your attention, there’s something for everyone.
Relax With a Botanical Massage
The Gin Spa is the Uk’s first gin inspired botanical spa. Yes, you read that right. The goodness of gin and a spa, all under one roof!
If you need to unwind, this place might be just the tonic you need!
I appreciate the personal touches they add to the sessions, like being able to choose the botanicals used in the treatments. And, is there a better way to round out any spa treatment than with a G & T?
Meander the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Located next to the River Kelvin, The Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a convenient place to escape modern-day life and enjoy nature.
Here you will find exotic blooms, woodlands, a riverside walk, and beautiful Victorian glasshouses.
The gardens are open year-round, so even on a cold or rainy day, the glasshouses are full of life and color!
Explore The Glasgow Necropolis
Adjacent to the Glasgow Cathedral is The Glasgow Necropolis, an other-worldly Victorian Garden Cemetery. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this is a wonderful way to pass the afternoon.
Prominently sitting on a hill, this 37-acre cemetery is a place to experience an atmospheric blend of history, sculpture, and architecture.
It’s one of my favorite places in Glasgow and the perfect place to wander in silence and be alone with your thoughts.
Related: The Necropolis- Glasgow’s Victorian Cemetery
Pollok Country Park
If you are craving open spaces, then head to Pollok House and Gardens. Even though you are only three miles outside of the city, you’d swear you are in the countryside.
This is the city’s largest green space and my favorite place!
The 18th-century Palladian-style mansion is packed with period furniture and furnishings, paintings by El Greco and Goya, and works by William Blake.
Next door the Old Stable Courtyard is home to Clydesdale Horses. And as if that weren’t enough for an animal lover, the park is also home to a fold of highland cattle.
Yet, I think the best thing to do here is walk. It’s a great place for a pensive stroll or a longer walk. To see the main highlights of the park, try The Heritage Trail. Or simply roam the woodlands and enjoy the wide variety of rhododendrons.
Related: Pollok County Park- Glasgow’s Peaceful Retreat
Find Fun at The Riverside Museum
If you crave some discovery & fun, this is worth a stop on The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Route.
The Riverside Museum is home to The award-winning Glasgow Museum of Transport and it houses more than 3,000 objects. Including vintage locomotives and buses, which are fascinating to explore.
Take a step back in time and stroll an old cobbled street with shop fronts dating from 1895 to the 1980s.
Really, museums don’t get any more fun & engaging than this place.
No matter how long you stay in Glasgow, you’ll leave feeling better than when you came. There’s enough to enrich, educate and entertain you for endless weekend getaways!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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