Lying on the banks of the River Clyde is Glasgow, Scotland’s largest metropolis. While it was once the second most important city of the British Empire at the height of the industrial revolution, the new millennium has seen the city revamped and polished, to be considered a European centre for music and modern art. This 2014 host of the Commonwealth Games is a fun city for lovers of history and culture.
Based around Ibrox hill, Bellahouston Park is a great place to wander into for a view of the city through trees and green hills that are almost a trademark of Scotland. Until the late 19th century this area was private farmland before it was converted into a public park where the hardworking people of industrial Glasgow could relax. Modern additions have made the park a great place for sports, art and horticulture. Dry ski slopes, a miniature golf course, a bowling club, hockey pitches and pool facilities are available at the Bellahoutson Sports Centre. The stretches of road at the site are amongst the favourite paths for cycling and marathon events.
But the park’s main features are the wonderful variation of gardens. Spring brings life to the daffodils and other meadow plants near Ibrox hill, while the topiary and climbing shrubs of the magnificent Walled Garden come to life with annual flowers. The formal sunken garden is created in the former basement of the old Dumbrek House, and the Horseshoe garden is almost hidden in the hillside, but has great prospect of the south. Exotic carnivorous plants can be found under the ultra-violet lights of the glasshouse.
Art lovers would find a walk through the park a delight, as they enter through sandstone pillars to find benches designed like jelly moulds, maps, and baskets, pass a rainbow bridge and navigate a maze. The Grounds of Play is a modern art twist on a child’s playground and the House for an Art Lover is the Charles Mackintosh creation which adds a touch of greatness to the Sculpture Garden.
Bellahouston Park can delight everyone, just like the city it can be found in. Stay at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK during your trip to Glasgow. The upcoming holiday season is a good time to enjoy the discounts and UK hotel specials on offer. Make your vacation a memorable and stylish one by staying at one of the 4 star UK hotels of this famed hospitality chain.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.