Archives for “kelvingrove” tag

One of Glasgow’s most imposing buildings, the red sandstone Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is situated amid beautiful gardens on the western part of Argyll Street, at the edge of the magnificent Kelvingrove Park and the banks of the River Kelvin. Free to enter and just as stunning on the inside, it’s ideal for family days out, with something for everybody: the museum has housed exhibitions on AC/DC and Star Wars.

The entrance hall alone is vast, overlooked by an enormous pipe organ. There’s a gift shop here, and a small coffee shop; you’ll find a restaurant downstairs. There are also many places to sit and rest, which you’re likely to need!

The ground floor is the most exciting part of the museum for children, with many hands-on attractions and things to do. Doctor Who and Star Wars’ stormtroopers have previously visited here, but then so have the dead sea scrolls. Enduringly popular exhibits are the medieval section with its numerous weapons and suits of armour, and the collection of stuffed animals (including a haggis!) in dynamic poses.

Upstairs (wheelchair accessible, though narrow galleries can make it hard to see high-hung pictures properly), there’s a fantastic collection of artworks, perhaps the most famous being Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross. You can also expect to see exciting visiting exhibitions, so there’s always something new. What’s more, the whole experience is free. Running this summer: “Pharaoh: King of Egypt”.

Check out this article for more info on Glasgow museums.

Run by the O’Donnell siblings, The Sisters are pair of modern Scottish restaurants in the West End of Glasgow. The first situated in Jordanhill and the second in an old tenement building on Kelvingrove Street, a short walk from the famous Kelvingrove museum and park (check out the Kelvingrove article). The Kelvingrove kitchen is overseen by chef Jacqueline O’Donnell and while there is little or no difference in the menu or food served at the Jordanhill location, this one remains my favourite.

The Kelvingrove restaurant is like the younger modern sister of the two eateries, I much prefer its modern, monochrome interior to Jordanhill’s traditional, Scottish themed decoration. The food is consistently delicious and always beautifully presented, its a real fine dining experience. Everything on the menu is sourced locally from Scotland’s larder. Whether it’s the seafood from Ullapool, haggis from Dingwall or venison from the highlands, the Sisters’ Scottish twist on traditional recipes always makes for a mouth-watering meal.

The highlight on any meal at The Sister is pudding, you simply have to try their famous puff candy meringue with honeycomb ice cream and butterscotch sauce, I could have it for all 3 courses-amazing!

The West End’s Kelvingrove Park is one of the many parks created for the people of Glasgow as a refuge from the appalling living conditions they had to endure during the industrial revolution. I think it’s the finest park in the city, but I would say that – it’s only a five-minute walk away from my house and I visit it almost every day.

Home of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the park has bowling greens, tennis courts, two children’s play areas and a skateboarding park. Follow the cycle route leading north in the park and you’ll come to the Forth and Clyde Canal which links Glasgow with Edinburgh and Loch Lomond.

Behind the children’s play area nearest the city, the An Clachan cafe serves homemade cakes, tea, coffee and juice and snacks for children.

The hill in the main section facing the duck pond is a favourite hang-out for students in the summer. If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, head for the hill in front of the University on the other side of Kelvin Way.

A word of warning: Please be aware that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Glasgow.