Eco city break in Glasgow
Eco city break in Glasgow
Visiting Glasgow and keen to reduce your environmental impact or be a responsible tourist? Here are our top tips for an eco city break in Glasgow.
Things to do
The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park is now open following a major refurbishment. Sustainability was key to the museum's transformation. Visitors can explore more of the world-class Collection than ever before within this modern and greener museum. Visit burrellcollection.com to plan a must-visit day out.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow’s most popular attraction, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit on your trip to the city. And what’s more, it has a coveted Green Tourism Award which recognises its commitment to becoming more sustainable. Visit Glasgow Life's website to find out more.
Join a walking tour
Get a warm welcome to Glasgow by joining a city walking tour guided by friendly locals. Learn about street art, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the highlights of the city centre with Walking Tours in Glasgow. Or find out about the city’s legendary music scene with Glasgow Music City Tours. Visit our tours page to find out more.
Glasgow Science Centre
Fun for the whole family, the Glasgow Science Centre offers an interactive and informative day out. Their ‘Powering the Future’ exhibit explores all things energy through a magnificent biowall and a Pelton Water Wheel . Head to glasgowsciencecentre.org to find out more.
Parks and gardens
With over 90 parks and gardens, it is no wonder that Glasgow is known as the Dear Green Place. Check out our guide to the top parks and greens spaces in each of Glasgow's neighbourhoods and be sure to visit a couple while you’re here.
SWG3
SWG3 is a hip arts venue, bar and nightclub in Glasgow, which is making waves with its green approach to energy. A renewable heating and cooling system turns body heat from dancers into power for the venue’s lights, music and electricity. Visit swg3.tv to check out what’s on.
Credit: Glengoyne Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery
Set amongst stunning Scottish scenery on the outskirts of Glasgow, Glengoyne Distillery is a special place to enjoy a dram of whisky. Glengoyne’s whisky is produced using 100% renewable electricity. Plus they commit to protecting the beauty of the environment around them with their own beehives and wetlands. Head to glengoyne.com to book a tour.
Whitelee Windfarm
Explore over 130km of trails and admire over 200 wind turbines at Whitelee Windfarm. The largest onshore windfarm in the UK, Whitelee also has an onsite visitor centre and is only 20 minutes from Glasgow. Visit the Whitelee Windfarm website to find out more.
Explore Scotland with Rabbie's
If you’re keen to explore other parts of Scotland, then perhaps a mini-coach trip with Rabbie’s is for you. Rabbie’s try to only recommend shops with local owners as well as charge themselves £10 for every tonne of carbon used, which supports environmental and community projects. Visit Rabbie’s website to browse available tour options.
Hidden Lane Brewery
Located in Finnieston, Hidden Lane Brewery is part of a collective made up of many brilliant local businesses. The 3 pillars they work towards are inclusivity, sustainability and organic. Drop in and pick up some delicious vegan beers, or take a tour and learn all about their history and processes. Find out more at hiddenlanebrewery.com.
Shopping
Independent shopping
Glasgow is rich in artists, creators and makers, which allows for a thriving and unique shopping scene. Check out our guide to independent shopping in Glasgow and support some of the city’s best independent stores.
Vintage and pre-loved shopping
One person's trash is another person's treasure, so the saying goes! Glasgow has plenty of excellent second-hand shops where you can find everything from retro glamour to antique books. Visit our vintage and pre-loved shopping guide to find out more.
The Clydeside Collective
Sustainability is at the heart of the Clydeside Collective. They sell beautiful gifts from creatives who reuse, recycle, reclaim, and resell items that may otherwise have gone to landfill. Read more about this eco-friendly store on the St Enoch Centre website.
Zero waste stores
Reduce your plastic waste whilst you’re here by visiting one of the city’s many zero waste stores. Visit societyzero.co.uk, tgchoice.co.uk and zerowastemarket.org.uk to find out more.
Where to eat and drink
Credit: Drygate Brewery
Drygate
Drygate is a brasserie, bar and brewery in the east end of Glasgow. Enjoy one of their beers in the spot where it is brewed in the knowledge that the spent grain goes to farmers to use as cattle feed. Visit Drygate’s website to book a table.
Locavore
You’ll find this tasty café inside the Locavore shop on the southside of Glasgow. You'll dine on seasonal vegetables from Locavore’s own market garden and local produce which is available in-store. Visit Locavore’s website to find out more.
Gamba
Featured in the coveted Michelin Guide 2022, Gamba is a long-standing and loved seafood restaurant in Glasgow city centre. Sourcing sustainably caught fish and as much local produce as possible for their dishes. Head to gamba.co.uk to book a table.
Ubiquitous Chip
The Ubiquitous Chip is a cornerstone of Glasgow’s cobbled Ashton Lane. The family-run restaurant has championed the quality of Scottish produce since 1971. Tuck into Perthshire pigeon, scallops from the Isle of Mull and all manner of local produce. Book a table at ubiquitouschip.co.uk.
The Gannet
Stalwarts of the Finnieston food scene, enjoy modern Scottish fine dining at The Gannet. Dishes are seasonal, working with the environment at the forefront of everything they serve. Visit thegannetgla.com to book.
Cail Bruich
The menu at Cail Bruich, 1 of only 2 Michelin-starred restaurants in Glasgow, is influenced by the Scottish seasons. They work with local butchers, fishmongers, farmers and foragers, to guarantee you a delicious yet sustainable dining experience. Book a table at cailbruich.co.uk.
Vegan and vegetarian
Glasgow is well known for being a vegan and veggie friendly city. Enjoy new neighbourhood cafes or award-winning restaurants offering plant-based menus. Read our guide to vegan and veggie dining in Glasgow.
Where to stay
Credit: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
Credit: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
Be surrounded by nature in the heart of the city centre by booking into La Chambre Verte at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel. Complete with many plants and sound therapy in your room, visit kimptonblythswoodsquare.com to book.
Native Glasgow
Enjoy local Dear Green Coffee in your room at Native Glasgow. And rest in the knowledge that they have a zero plastic waste policy on milk deliveries and bathroom supplies. Take a look at the room types available on Native’s website.
Hotels with a Green Tourism Award
There are several hotels in Glasgow which have a coveted Green Tourism Award. The award recognises their commitment to operating more sustainably. Visit the Green Tourism Award website for more information on eco-friendly accommodation.
Getting around
Cycling
Glasgow has a fantastic cycle hire scheme with both regular and electric bikes to hire across the city. Visit OVO-Bike’s website to find out how it works.
Public transport
- Train: travelling by train is one of the lowest carbon options. ScotRail operates train services across Glasgow and beyond, visit scotrail.co.uk to plan your journey.
- Bus: taking the bus reduces congestion and car emissions. First Glasgow are also expanding their fleet of electric buses throughout the city, with 126 fully electric buses to be on the road by March 2023. Check out firstbus.co.uk to find out more.
- Subway: following a circular route, Glasgow’s subway is a simple way to get around the city. Visit spt.co.uk to find out more.
Car
For the freedom of travelling by car, rent a hybrid or electric vehicle with Co-wheels, who offer a pay-as-you-go car hire scheme from many locations across Glasgow. Visit Co-wheels website to find out more.
For more information about responsible tourism in Scotland, head to visitscotland.com.
Article last updated: June 2022
