Tourist Attractions
A "wee" collections of attractions to check out during your stay with us.
01
House for an Art Lover
The House for an Art Lover is a remarkable building designed by the renowned Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Located within Bellahouston Park, this unique attraction combines stunning architecture, art, and history. Although Mackintosh designed the house in 1901 for a competition entry, it was never built during his lifetime. The house was finally constructed between 1989 and 1996, based on his original designs and in collaboration with experts in Mackintosh’s work. The result is a striking blend of art nouveau and modern design, showcasing Mackintosh's innovative and artistic vision.
Fun Fact:
The House for an Art Lover was designed as an "ideal" house to showcase Mackintosh's vision of a home that integrates art and everyday living. The design submission earned Mackintosh a special commendation despite being incomplete due to a rule misunderstanding.
Walking Distance:
1 hour (3 miles). Alternatively, visitors can take public transport, which will reduce the travel time to approximately 20 minutes.
Activities:
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Explore the Interior: Tour the meticulously recreated rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, such as the Music Room, Dining Room, and Oval Room.
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Art Exhibitions: Visit regularly hosted exhibitions featuring contemporary artists.
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Guided Tours: Join guided tours for in-depth insights into Mackintosh's design philosophy and the history of the house.
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Café and Shop: Relax at the on-site café and browse the gift shop for Mackintosh-inspired merchandise.
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Gardens and Grounds: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.
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Workshops and Events: Participate in art and design workshops, talks, lectures, and family-friendly activities.
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Venue Hire: Consider the house for weddings, corporate events, and private functions, with its unique architecture providing a stunning backdrop.
02
Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, opened in 2011 and showcases Glasgow's rich transport and maritime history. The museum features over 3,000 objects, including vintage cars, bicycles, trams, steam locomotives, and even a recreated Glasgow street from the early 20th century. Interactive displays and hands-on exhibits make it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Outside, the Tall Ship Glenlee, a fully restored Clyde-built sailing ship, offers a glimpse into life at sea and the history of shipbuilding in Glasgow.
Fun Fact:
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The Glenlee, launched in 1896, is one of only five Clyde-built sailing ships still afloat and the only one in the UK.
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Walking Distance: 25 minutes (1.3 miles)
Activities:
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Explore the extensive transport exhibits, including a recreated early 20th-century Glasgow street.
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Engage with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits.
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Visit the Tall Ship Glenlee to learn about maritime history and experience life at sea.
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Enjoy panoramic views of the river Clyde
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03
Oran Mor
Oran Mor is a vibrant cultural venue housed in a beautifully converted former parish church. It offers a diverse range of entertainment, including live music, theater performances, and the unique "A Play, A Pie, and A Pint" series, where visitors can enjoy a short play along with a pie and a pint. The venue also hosts regular comedy nights, literary events, and club nights. The stunning auditorium features a striking ceiling mural painted by Alasdair Gray, one of Scotland's most celebrated artists and writers. Oran Mor is a hub of activity and creativity, making it a must-visit destination in the West End.
Fun Fact:
The "A Play, A Pie, and A Pint" series was the brainchild of David MacLennan, co-founder of the famous theatre company Wildcat, and has become a beloved fixture in Glasgow's cultural calendar, inspiring similar events across the UK.
Walking Distance:
4 minutes (0.3 miles)
Activities:
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Enjoy live music performances from local and international artists.
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Watch a play while enjoying a pie and a pint as part of the "A Play, A Pie, and A Pint" series.
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Attend comedy nights, literary events, and club nights.
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Admire the stunning interior architecture and Alasdair Gray's mural.
04
Glasgow Science Centre
The Glasgow Science Centre, located on the south bank of the River Clyde, is a leading science and technology museum. The center features the Science Mall, which spans three floors of interactive exhibits covering topics like space, the human body, and the environment. The state-of-the-art planetarium offers spectacular shows that take visitors on a journey through the cosmos. The IMAX cinema, with its giant screen and advanced projection technology, provides an immersive experience for watching documentaries and feature films. The Glasgow Tower, part of the complex, is the only structure in the world that can rotate 360 degrees from its base, offering panoramic views of the city.
Fun Fact:
The Glasgow Tower holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world, standing at 127 meters (417 feet).
Walking Distance:
30 minutes (1.5 miles)
Activities:
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Explore hands-on exhibits covering topics like space, the human body, and the environment.
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Attend a show at the state-of-the-art planetarium.
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Watch stunning documentaries and feature films at the IMAX cinema.
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Ride the Glasgow Tower for panoramic views of the city
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05
The Botanic Gardens
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a visit to Glasgow's enchanting Botanic Gardens, just a short stroll from the Argyll Western Hotel. Home to over 9,000 plant species, the gardens offer a serene oasis with both temperate and tropical glasshouses. Nestled along the scenic banks of the River Kelvin, the Botanics provide a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
Don't miss the stunning Kibble Palace, a majestic glasshouse that shelters an impressive collection of exotic plants. Extend your visit by enjoying refreshments at the charming on-site coffee shop. The Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace promise a delightful and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Glasgow.
06
Glasgow University
Step into the enchanting world of Glasgow University, where the historic architecture might remind you of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series. As Scotland’s second oldest university and the fourth oldest in the UK, this prestigious institution dates back to 1451. The picturesque east and west quadrangles are a testament to its rich heritage. Glasgow University has been the alma mater of many great minds, including Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, and John Logie Baird, the inventor of television.
Don't miss the university's attractions, such as the Hunterian Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery, The Mackintosh House, and the Zoology Museum. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Argyll Western Hotel, Glasgow University offers an enriching and unforgettable experience.