Glasgow today - where to stay

[kathyc]

We've finally booked our long-awaited trip to Scotland. (If you look closely, you may be able to see me doing a happy dance at my desk. ) and will be travelling next summer.

At the beginning and end of our trip, we'll be spending a couple of days in Glasgow. I don't know anything about the city, so I'm hoping those of you who do won't mind jumping in to tell me what areas you'd suggest would be convenient/safe to stay in, and which we should avoid because they're out of the way, not the safest, or what have you.

Thanks!
Kathy

[paddyscar]

Good for you, Kathy! I was in the local Government of Canada building yesterday. They have posted that the wait for passports is 64 working days, so if you haven't got one, best start ASAP.

Frances

[HeatherH]

Good grief. Its due to the border crossings back and forth to USA. Just last year it was only a 2 week wait by post and 8 days if you walked it through. I guess the effects of 9/11 will be felt for many years to come.
Heather

[Ina]

Hi Heather,

Yes 9/11 certainly has changed the world.

We in the states now have to carry our passports when we go down to Mexico. In the past we only had to show a drivers licence for re-entry.

Ina

[nelmit]

We've finally booked our long-awaited trip to Scotland. (If you look closely, you may be able to see me doing a happy dance at my desk. ) and will be travelling next summer.

At the beginning and end of our trip, we'll be spending a couple of days in Glasgow. I don't know anything about the city, so I'm hoping those of you who do won't mind jumping in to tell me what areas you'd suggest would be convenient/safe to stay in, and which we should avoid because they're out of the way, not the safest, or what have you.

Thanks!
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

What are you likely to be doing during your visit Glasgow?

Regards,
Annette M

[Heather]

Hi Kathy,

I'm not sure where you want to be in the city. If you would like to be within a very pleasant walk of Park Circus I can recommend the Kelvingrove on Sauchiehall Street. I've stayed within the last 10 months and found it to be very clean, comfortable and the staff were very accomodating. There is a bus stop a few steps from the front door. Rates are reasonable.

Enjoy !

Heather

[kathyc]

Good for you, Kathy! I was in the local Government of Canada building yesterday. They have posted that the wait for passports is 64 working days, so if you haven't got one, best start ASAP.

Isn't it crazy?! Luckily we got new ones just before the rush really took off last year, so we're okay.

What are you likely to be doing during your visit Glasgow?

Regards,
Annette M

Good question. I'm only starting to look into what there is to do. My first priority will be tracking down addresses and cemeteries from the brief period my family was in Glasgow in the late 1800s, which seemed to be mostly in Kelvin in those days, according to census records. Beyond that, we'll want to get a feel for the city on foot or on public transport, with maybe the odd church or museum thrown in, along with park stops for our daughter, who will be 8 at the time.

If you would like to be within a very pleasant walk of Park Circus I can recommend the Kelvingrove on Sauchiehall Street.

Thanks, Heather. I'll look into it.

Kathy

[emanday]

Hi Kathy,

If you have the time, try and get some time at Provand's Lordship, a wee house in Castle Street, near Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Cited as "The Oldest House in Glasgow" my father took my sister and I there when I was about 12. We were fascinated and our obvious enthusiasm caught the attention of the attendant/curator. He took us around it himself and his stories about this and that were enthralling! I later took my English husband and own English born children there. They were equally as fascinated!

Glasgow Cathedral is just across the road, so both can be visited at the same time.

[nelmit]

Heather's idea sounds good if that type of accommodation would suit you.

The Mitchell Library is a walk away where you can access the archives. Kelvingrove Park and The Transport Museum (although I think it's moving soon) are on the doorstep. The Hunterian Museum, in the University, is also worth a visit. Glasgow's West End is very cosmopolitan with lots of restaurants. Grab a city bus tour too.

A walk across the Clyde via our new 'Squinty Bridge' takes you to The Science Museum.

Depending where and when your family lived in Kelvin you could be lucky and find their homes still exist.

I'm sure others will offer more ideas but that's a few to be going on with.

Kind regards,
Annette M

[G.Love]

And if after all that serious business you fancy a spot of shopping, then go to Buchanan Street in the city centre. It's pedestrianised its full length and has some good shops, do visit the Argyle Arcade on Buchanan Street and Princes Square a few doors up (on the right of the street as you walk up from Argyle Street.
Another interesting place to visit in the city centre is the area known as Merchant City - go along Ingram Street from Queen Street. First of all though, go to the Tourist Information Office on George Square and get a couple of maps.
There are plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and so on. Remember your waterproofs and umbrellas!