A Glasgow Blog, with a Difference The rain is coming down. I’m watching from the safe side of the glass and having one of those snuggly, self-satisfied sensations of comfort and belonging. My city, my streets, my Glasgow. I want to share how I really feel about my home. It’s actually an extremely difficult thing…
It’s winter snows or pounding storms in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, this March?It’s the dregs of winter, and should be spring. There’s been a bit of snow? Whether you are a end of winter traveler taking advantage of off season pricing, or a resident day tripping, finding your way to sights to see or experiences to get out of the winter doldrums of your mind are paramount. But remember, it’s Scotland, The UK’s version of PNW weather, wait a bit, it’ll change. This great city of Glasgow is a fabulous walking town, and the best way I found to get around is by taking the subway, fondly called Clockwork Orange still by a few, but just ask for the subway. It makes a big subterranean loop and can keep you out of the elements for a quick journey to a part of the city, climb up top and you are within walking distance of many out of the way entertainments. Explore alleys off Sauchiehall Streets’s West End, or stroll the parks as there are many. And just like the PNW, people rarely use a brolly. Up your hood and go.
For some unusual things to do, check out these places. Contact them direct for winter hours of operation.
Glasgow Necropolis Beautiful both in snow and rain, and well, if you sneak in at night, moonlight. It’s filled with some very old grave sites and commands a great view of the city. Situated just behind St. Mungo’s Religious Museum and Glasgow Cathedral, Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery flanks it. Drygate area, John Knox Street.
Fossil Grove This is a subterranean find that will get you out of the elements. Travel to Victoria Park and take in this fun and spooky view of 11 fossilized stumps.
Hunterian Museum Spooky and kooky exhibits from medical and strange things. Check to see they are in operation, as in 2017 the museum was shut for rework, and still has some exhibition pieces not available. If you can’t make it to Edinburgh, it’s one of the best collections of oddities outside the capitol city. Fun stories of resurrectionists and all kinds of odd things. The anatomical collection is by appointment only. Off the Glasgow University (Hogwarts) campus. Just off the Hillhead station of the underground.
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. An animatronic, kinetic field day can be had here. Created and run by a Russian emigre Eduard Bersudsky, this theatre is filled with macabre to delight all. It illustrates the history of Russia with a murky feel. The main attraction is the heart of the theatre, but there are traveling exhibits in many parts of the world. TRONGATE 103,Glasgow, G1 5HD
Govan Hill Baths Back in it’s Edwardian day, this community resource was where you went to swim, at one of the three pools, and do your wash (Steamie). It was shut down in 2001, but the public had sit ins to protest the loss of the historical baths. After several years, the community rallied back and now the large pool has been repurposed as an arts installation and performance venue. It is still going through renovations, but you can see community and old history in action as productions for theatre and music are hosted here. 99 Calder St, Glasgow G42 7RA
Riding Room/Jo
int on the Corner BurlesqueCabaret and other quirk-filled acts. 7 Days or nights a week. Food and drink. Reasonably priced in the Merchant City area. 58 Virginia St, Glasgow G1 1TX
Many countries and cities have their version of a Holiday Market. While the countries’ population may vary greatly in religious custom, many cultures have a special Market in the winter, weather permitting. It’s a great way to take the holiday, whatever it is, and make it about people gathering for food and drink. So even if you are not one who celebrates the Christian Holy Days, you will find a Holiday Market chocked full of food, grog of some sort, and entertainment. Hopefully bands will play in halls nearby if not in the streets, and there will be entertainment for all. So grab a hot toddy or chocolate, make sure you wrap up, have a pal on your arm, and swing around the market.
Ireland
Dublin Town has several Pantos already lined up, head to the Grafton Centre, a large trendy shopping area in Dublin. The performances of The Snow Queen will be on, and at the Olympia, Polly and the Magic Lamp will be on. Great fun for families. But what of the REAL Dublin markets. Each quarter will have it’s on festive wear and food will be everywhere. Head for the George’s Street Arcade, one of the oldest shopping areas in Dublin. The stalls harken back to days of old, and you will be fit to burst by the time you get through a bit of it, with food and fun for all ages.
Many other cities in Ireland have their holiday on as well, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Belfast all have big Holiday Markets. Dublin at Christmas.
London
London, UK. Of course when we think of the Holidays, we tend to get Dickensian about it. Of course that means Scrooge and Holiday Trees and that feeling of olde time London. There may be that bit of festive feeling about, but London being the massive eclectic hub that it is, and people from all around the world making it up, you can find a festive holiday mood in many areas. There are several small areas with a local feel for markets, many pop-ups with food and wares that can fit any holiday, however many of them pop up seasonally for Spring/Summer and traditional Nov-December runs. Here are a few areas to check out. Remember, pop-ups are usually local people, not chain store, restaurants and that’s what is so great. Variety and helping out the real people of London is the thing.
Southbank Wintertime Market, gifts and food stalls.Continue walking the Thames and progress on to other shopping areas.
Christmas in Leicester Square, near Covent Garden, has a great many theatrical venues. While you may find a Panto advertised, it will be far from traditional. Heavy entertainment area and plenty of food and gift stalls.
Scotland
Scotland can boast the classic Holiday markets and the Hogmanay celebrations as well. Hogmanay runs the week after Christmas, so if you are lucky to make it through the 25th and stay on, there is a lot doing in the run up to the new year.
Hogmanay in Scotland Festivals
Edinburgh
Don’t miss the markets all over Edinburgh. If you are lucky enough to make it there for Holiday and Hogmanay stay, you’ll be stuffed to the gills. Stay from the scales! Markets to try out:
Christmas Market at the East End of Princes Street. There has been a bit of controversy over this area, as recently many trees were cut down for the market. So chose if you wish to support that decision by the city to take the trees away. Markets are open from 10am – 10pm. Markets open at 1pm on 17 November, close at 8pm on 24 December, are closed 25 December, open 12pm 26 December and 1 January.
Pop Up Seasonals will be at Multrees Walk in the fashionable side. Head to the downtown area centre for more magical treats.
Glasgow
Head to George square for outdoor Holiday Markets, foodie festival fun at pop ups and gift stalls.
Markets
St Enoch Square Christmas Market
Fri 9 Nov – Sun 23 Dec
Mon – Wed, 10am – 9pm
Thu – Sun, 10am – 10pm (finish at 6pm on Sun 23 Dec) Christmas Village, German Bars
George Square Christmas Market
Sun 25 Nov – Mon 31 Dec (closed Christmas Day)
Mon – Wed, 10am – 9pm (finish at 6pm on Mon 24 Dec)
Thu – Sun, 10am – 10pm (finish at 6pm on Sun 31 Dec)
Cora Bissett and David Greig’s life affirming Scottish drama, Glasgow Girls is to run at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow next year. The production, which is based on real life events, will make its debut on the big stage from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 January 2019. Filled with song-and-dance-filled this true story tells of seven […]
via NEWS: GLASGOW GIRLS TO MAKE KING’S THEATRE DEBUT — Glasgow Theatre Blog
A Celtic Muse
It’s slowly crawling towards spring, but you know that last stretch seems to be a huge hill to climb. Especially with this past winter, Scotland has had record snows and storms.It’s a great time if it’s safe to do so, to seek out a place where you can get a tropic feel without having to fly. Whether you are visiting Glasgow or a seasoned resident, having a bit of green during the dreary grey and white filled months, that seem to include Spring, will help those with the doldrums spring. If you find your Seasonal Affective Disorder won’t let go, Glasgow has answers.
Two of the best indoor flora venues are in this town, The Glasgow Botanics Gardens Kibble Palace and the smaller Winter Gardens, and the People’s Palace at the Glasgow Green. Both feature classic Victorian Green Houses and are free to the public, but if you have a fiver, please donate at these free venues and any other museum in the city. It all helps to give you a cheer when you have the grey throughout.
730, Great Western Road Glasgow G12 OUE Tel:0141 276 1614 Open from 7am until Dusk Every Day, Glass Houses Until 6pm, 4:15 in Winter.
Easily accessible by public transportation, near the Hillhead Underground stop, and off the Great Western Road with plenty of bus access. It’s close to the West End and Glasgow University grounds and has great access to fabulous food and other activities in the area. The Heritage walk encompases the exterior gardens off the Kelvin River and links up with the Kelvin walkways. A great way to add to a day of walking the parks in this very walkable town.
The Kibble Palace is a Victorian Glass House Arboretum that was founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkirk, and was part of the university in its early days. The gardens began in another location closer to campus, offering support and the teaching of botanics to students. The current site has been in use since 1839, and has a grouping of large glass structures that house several collections of specimens from around the world. The palace houses the main collections, with several other glass structures surrounding it. Glass houses mean protection from the elements for the many plants that are tropic, and this means a great out of the elements exploration for you.
Each greenhouse features different world plant zones, from the tropics to the deserts of the world. There are plants from all of the continents. My favorite is the collection of Carnivorous plants, and any fun Orchid that is dangling. Every inch imaginable is packed with plants. There is even a seed exchange or purchase, but you’ll have to go soon, they are only available until about mid April.
Kelvin Walkway
The Kelvin Walkway extends the West Highland Way walking trails into the city proper, going through Minlgavie. This a nice river walk/hike that goes through the city and lets you pop up in several neighborhoods. The full pathways route is a good 17 Km. Keep an eye out for blocked access as some of the stairs are under repair and it may be a few streets before you can exit. You can walk portions of the river walkways and come up to view attractions or neighborhoods, there are great eats in the West End. You can start the full walk from the Riverside Museum and do the Botanics and other attractions along the way. Mind the midges.
A health and lifestyle blog for mature gingers
all that made us punk girls .... and still does
Musings and articles on the television series and books
Roanoke, Virginia
Resurrecting the Power of The Vinyl Collection, one LP Record at a time
The best place for news, reviews, theatre and events in Glasgow and beyond.
In and around Dublin, with a camera in my bag. Always. And an unhealthy propensity for easy cynicism. Always.
Just another WordPress.com site
An Ireland, Scotland, and UK Travel Blog
An Ireland, Scotland, and UK Travel Blog
Taistealaiche 