Gorgeous Glasgow - Part Two

Hello again, I hope you're ready to be taken on the second part of our Glasgow adventure? 

A surprise highlight for me was our visit to The Riverside Museum Of Transport which is located a little out of the town centre but still accessible by subway or the tour buses. I had an Alice In Wonderland moment on this very comfy sofa outside! The striking modern architecture of the building is the first surprise, the huge array of 3,000 objects inside is the second! Wow, I am no petrol head but I had the best time wandering around the cars, trains, bikes, trams and more! There is even a recreation of a Victorian high street with a photography studio, pawnbrokers and even a pub. Take a look at the pictures to see just a glimpse of their amazing collection, it would be the perfect rainy day trip as little ones would love climbing on all the trams and trains....(I know I did!)

Next stop was the Botanical Gardens which is in the west end of Glasgow, we took a taxi from the museum because it was raining but it is walkable too. Founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkirk is provides a tropical green oasis in the busy city, separate glass houses for differing collections of plants, the carnivores ones (below) for example, and a more rainforest type environment with towering banana leaves and palms. It was lovely and quiet when we went so we could have a  calm wander, but it would be a great place to bring a picnic too! The orchid and cacti collections would get any botanical enthusiasts drooling, lots of varieties to enjoy. 

The last museum of our trip was The Hunterian which is housed on the University of Glasgow campus. Founded in 1807 the collection is Scotland's oldest public museum and has been recognised as a Collection Of National Significance. There is a huge selection, plenty of pickled anatomical delights (so perhapes not for the squeamish!) as well as fossils and taxidermy. In their own words:

"Built on Dr William Hunter’s founding bequest, the collections today include scientific instruments used by James Watt, Joseph Lister and Lord Kelvin; outstanding Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall; major natural and life sciences holdings; Hunter’s own extensive anatomical teaching collection; one of the world’s greatest numismatic collections; impressive ethnographic objects from Captain Cook’s Pacific voyages and a major art collection."

We toasted our final night in Glasgow with delicious sake martini's and sushi at Nippon Kitchen (the one on the left is green tea and the right one was lychee, mmmm!) It really was a fabulous few days exploring this city, everyone was so friendly and I really felt at home, don't let past stereotypes put you off spending time in gorgeous Glasgow!

Next we're off to the lochs!

Thanks for reading,

Katie