Top 6 Unusual Attractions in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland and 5th biggest city in the U.K., is home to some of Britain’s best nightlife and historical attractions. It’s also a great budget destination and perfectly located in Scotland for day trips to Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Aberdeen, and England. The vibrant city has enough mainstream attractions for a fantastic vacation in Europe.
However, Glasgow—due to its deep history—has some fascinatingly unusual attractions throughout the city. These hidden gardens, Victorian cemeteries, kinetic theaters, underground tunnels, and more are a treat for those seeking out a different side to the city.
Here are some of the most unusual attractions in Glasgow:
1. Explore the Necropolis
The Necropolis offers amazing views of Scotland’s biggest city. However, here’s the unusual thing about this viewpoint: it’s a Victorian cemetery that’s the resting place of many famous Glasgow people. The cemetery is free to enter, but locals often recommend a guided tour to understand the cemetery and the people buried there.
The Necropolis covers around 37 acres, so there’s an endless array of winding tombs, paths, and staircases. The cemetery dates back to 1883, making it one of the top historic attractions in Glasgow.
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/glasgow-necropolis-p246371
Address: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, UK
2. Enjoy the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
Located in the heart of Glasgow, the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is one of the weirdest—yet most fascinating attractions—within the city. The theater is home to a vast collection of crafted kinetic sculptures that come to life through eerie music and mechanical movements. Furthermore, each sculpture tells a story that explores a different theme, ranging from human emotion to industrialization.
Russian artists—Eduard Bersudsky and Tatyana Jakovskaya—founded the theater. The founders created the sculptures from various materials, including metal, wood, recycled objects, etc. The dark atmospheric setting of the theater adds to the weirdness of the attraction—leaving visitors feeling strange, excited, and mesmerized.
Website: https://sharmanka.com/
Address: Trongate 103 - A Centre for Arts & Creativity 103, Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HD, UK
3. Learn History at Fossil Grove
Fossil Grove is a fascinating geological site in the west end of Glasgow, offering a collection of unique fossils over 330 million years old. The fossils are from ancient trees that grew in the area millions of years ago, and the quarry has preserved them in their original position. In addition, visitors can explore the site’s many exhibits and see the intricate details of the ancient tree stumps.
The attraction is suitable for all visitors—regardless of their age—because the exhibits and interactive displays make it simple for everyone to understand the science. Likewise, the surrounding gardens are beautiful and enable you to enjoy a picnic and walk around a nearby pond. The park is also home to several popular attractions, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Website: https://fossilgroveglasgow.org/
Address: 51 Victoria Park Dr. S, Glasgow G14 9QR, UK
4. Visit the Glasgow Police Museum
The Glasgow Police Museum is a unique attraction in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. The city has dedicated the museum to showcasing the long history of Glasgow’s police force, which dates back to the 19th century. The museum has many documents, artifacts, and photographs showcasing Glasgow’s early days. Did you know that the City of Glasgow Police Force is the oldest in the United Kingdom?
Similarly, you can learn about some of the most notorious crimes in Glaswegian history at the museum. It offers exhibits that detail the investigations and prosecution of high-profile cases. You’ll also find 2,000 items of uniforms, headgear, and insignia on the display from every world corner.
Website: http://www.policemuseum.org.uk/
Address: First Floor, 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG, UK
5. Tour the Glasgow Central Station
The Glasgow Central Station is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, dating back over 140 years. As a result, the station has a rich history, and you can enjoy tours to learn about its past, present, and future. Passionate and expert guides run the tours and ensure you leave knowing more about Scotland’s biggest city.
One of the top highlights of the Glasgow Central Station tours is the opportunity to witness the station’s hidden gems. These include the subterranean vaults beneath the station that workers once used for storing goods. Today, they house a marvelous collection of historical artifacts. The tour also takes you to the station’s abandoned platforms, which retain their original charm despite no longer being used.
Website: https://www.glasgowcentraltours.co.uk/
Address: Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SL, UK
6. Explore the Clyde Tunnel
The Clyde Tunnel is an iconic landmark in Glasgow that the city first completed in 1963. Spanning over 1.2 kilometers, the tunnel is a popular destination for explorers and adventurous looking to delve into Glasgow’s history. As a result, exploring the Clyde Tunnel can be an exhilarating experience, resulting in a unique perspective on the city.
There are various ways to explore the Clyde Tunnel. You could take a guided tour that’ll provide access to areas not open to the public. In contrast, you can explore the tunnel alone and take in the sounds and sights of the iconic landmark. The tunnel has many colorful murals that show the story of Glasgow’s history, and the ceilings are illuminated by dazzling lights.
Address: Clyde Tunnel. Glasgow, UK
Glasgow: A City with History, Culture, and Many Unusual Surprises
Glasgow might not be the first destination you think of when visiting the United Kingdom—but it truly has something for everyone. Remember, Glasgow offers the perfect location to explore Scotland. Then again, there are plenty of things to do in Glasgow that’ll keep you entertained for the entire trip.
That’s why Glasgow is the perfect, budget-friendly place to visit if you want to experience Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.
