Sport in Glasgow

World-class sporting venues

One of the reasons that Glasgow continues to attract world-class events is due to an amazing selection of venues. The Emirates Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Kelvin Hall, National Hockey Centre, Glasgow BMX Centre and Tollcross International Swimming Pool are just some of the city's major venues, which all encourage participation from locals and visitors.

Stadium tours in Glasgow

The Hampden Experience

Football fans can spend the whole day at Scotland's National Stadium, with behind-the-scenes stadium tours and the chance to take in the Scottish Football Museum and Hall of Fame. Visit the Scottish Football Museum's website for details on this 5-star attraction.

Ibrox Stadium

Home to the world-famous Rangers Football Club, The Ibrox Tour takes in dressing rooms, the Trophy Room and the chance to run down the tunnel before taking a seat in the dugout. Visit rangers.co.uk.

Celtic Park

Home to the world-famous Celtic Football Club, Celtic Park's stadium tours takes in the history of the club, as well as many back stage moments. There is also the chance to tour & dine in the club's Number 7 Restaurant. Visit celticfc.com.

Take part in sports in great city venues

Cycling

• The world-class Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is for everyone. Join a coach-led session for families or individuals and experience the excitement of the track. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk for details of the accreditation pathway.
• The Olympic-standard Glasgow BMX Centre is open for induction sessions and includes safety equipment and a BMX bike. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk to book.
• For access to over 9km of mountain biking trails with great city views, visit Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails (check out glasgow.gov.uk for details).

For more detailed information on routes, bike hire, bike tours and facilities, visit our cycling in Glasgow page.

Golf

• Scotland is known worldwide for having amazing golf courses, with some brilliant courses in the city, including Haggs Castle and Cowglen. Check out our golfing page for details on courses both in and around the city.
• Brand new is the golfing entertainment experience Topgolf. It is 3-storeys of 72 outdoor hitting bays with games, food, drink and music. Visit Topgolf's website.

• Golf It! is a family-friendly complex for beginners and pros with the choice of a nine-hole course, driving range and family bays. Visit golf-it.com to see all the activities they provide.

Swimming

• Glasgow Life have a great range of 12 public swimming pools across the city. There is everything from the world-class Tollcross International Swimming Pool with its 2 Olympic sized swimming pools. To the recently restored, oldest public swimming baths in the city, Glasgow Club North Woodside. Find out more at glasgowlife.org.uk.
• Just 20 minutes from Glasgow is the Time Capsule Waterpark in Coatbridge. The family-friendly attraction has twisting flumes, a wave pool, river rapids and more. Visit activenl.co.uk and be sure to book in advance.

Gymnastics

• If the little ones are needing to burn off some steam while in the city, then check out the Play-Gym gymnastics sessions at Kelvin Hall in the west end and Palace of Art in the southside. The 45 minute sessions for parents/carers plus child (crawling-5 years) offer free play and the chance to explore the equipment. The sessions are £2 each. Advanced booking is encouraged, as spaces are limited to 50 per session. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk.

Climbing

• Clip 'n climb at Kelvin Hall is not a typical climbing wall. It’s all about the fun! With climbing challenges for all abilities and the Leap of Faith for those brave enough. Brilliant for groups and families., book at kelvinhall.org.uk
• The Newsroom and The Prop Store are 2 excellent climbing centres. There is no need for ropes or harnesses at The Newsroom, with bouldering over mats and a kids specific area. Meanwhile, The Prop Store has contemporary bouldering walls as well as roped walls. Visit theclimbingacademy.com for details on these venues, both of which have excellent cafes.

Ski, Surf and Skateboard

• You can enjoy canoeing, white water rafting, wakeboarding and more at the Glasgow Canal in the north of the city. The likes of Pinkston Watersports and Outdoor Pursuits have friendly instructors on hand to support you on your water-based adventure.

• The Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre at Bellahouston Park has several dry slopes, with ski and snowboard, tubing and open practice available.

• The Loading Bay is Glasgow's first and only indoor skate park, featuring a street plaza and a 60ft long bowl, ideal for skateboarding, scooting and BMX'ing.

• Kelvingrove Park is home to an outdoor skateboarding park.

Visit our urban adventures page for detail on each of these venues, plus more.

Free tennis and lawn bowls

Looking for a relaxing sporting activity for all the family to enjoy? Try Lawn Bowls at Kelvingrove Park, which sits in a glorious setting beside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and overlooked by the University of Glasgow.

Or up the energy levels with free sessions at outdoor tennis courts at Kelvingrove Park, Knightswood Park, Queen’s Park, Garrowhill Park, Drumchapel Park and Maryhill Park.

While lawn bowls and outdoor tennis are free, you need to book in advance at glasgowlife.org.uk.

Cheer along with the famous Glasgow crowd

The cheer of the Glasgow crowd at Scotland's National Stadium is so legendary that it has its own name - The Hampden Roar! But you don't have to go to Hampden to experience Glasgow's famous crowd. Check out some of the city's homegrown teams and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Glasgow Tigers Speedway Racing describe their motorcycle racing as "flat out, bar banging, dirt filling, family thrilling Friday nights all summer long". Visit glasgowtigers.co.uk to find out about fixtures.
• Glasgow Warriors are one of Scotland's two professional rugby clubs. Visit glasgowwarriors.org for dates of matches at their Scotstoun Stadium.
• Caledonian Gladiators are a professional basketball club. Their gamedays at Emirates Arena are great full of fun for all the family. Visit caledoniagladiators.com for fixture dates.
• Glasgow Roller Derby is a full-contact sport on wheels. Check out when the next home games at the ARC, Caledonian University, take place by visiting glasgowrollerderby.org.
• Partick Thistle Football Club play at Firhill Stadium in the north of the city. Expect a great atmosphere at their matches and spot their infamous mascot, Kingsley. Visit ptfc.co.uk.

Fun sporting activities for all

Looking for activities that are fun for all? For the likes of trampolining, roller-skating and crazy golf, head to our activities for groups page.

Are you hoping to revitalise and take a moment of calm? For health walks, spas, meditating and more visit our wellness activities page.

Page last updated: May 2023