Glasgow Day 1

Tuesday, 8th June 2021

Hadrian's Wall Path may be finished but we still have another 3 days of holidays. We'll be spending those days in Glasgow. Covid restrictions have been lifted and one can now enter Glasgow however, unlike what I had initially planned, there are barely any tourist attractions open so there won't be many visits. Walking around town leisurely and resting will be our main activities. To be honest, we are very happy with this plan as we are fairly tired.

Carlisle Cathedral:
We walked to Carlisle Cathedral hoping to visit for free but the entrance is setup in such a way that it is really difficult not to give a contribution when you step foot inside. It's difficult to say 'No' when someone kindly requests it face-to-face. Instead of the usual money collection box, in the 21st century it's contactless payment. Wow!

We did give a £3 contribution for the both of us so not a huge amount of money and the inside is worth it.

The cathedral was founded as an Augustinian Priory and became a cathedral in 1133. It started as a Norman church but changed to the Gothic style in the 13th century. Local red sandstone was used in it's construction.

We also ended up having breakfast at the Cathedral café which is set between the cathedral buildings where once was the priory courtyard and serves nice scones. 

We got on the 10h48 Transpennine Express train from Carlisle and after 1h14min we arrived at Glasgow Central station and dropped our bags at the accommodation for the next 2 days: Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre at George Square (£60 for 2 nights, no breakfast). Like Travelodge, spacious and clean room with a comfy bed. Again, you always know what you are getting!
Lunch was at Pret A Manger. I am a huge fan of it's baguettes! Tummy full and off we went sightseeing.

The weather up here is a bit more gloomy. It's cloudy, cooler and there were a few drizzles. No more t-shirt without a jumper.
We are staying close to an area called Merchant City, which feels like the bohemian part of town. Restaurants, bars, cafes and some very good street art.

We walked up the High Street to find a very neglected area. Derelict buildings and closed shops scream that this used to be the city centre but it is no more.
The northeast part of the city centre is dominated by the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Necropolis.

We decided to leave the Cathedral for tomorrow and explored the Necropolis instead.

Glasgow Necropolis:
Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery and it's laid out as an informal park. It was officially opened in April 1833 but the Jewish burial ground was being used since September 1832.

A variety of tombs and views of the city, all for free.

The entrance of the Necropolis is via a gate and a bridge.

'Bridge of Sighs'

A selection of tombs.

The Necropolis is situated on a prominent hill and the views are good:

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

We walked around the centre until it was time for dinner. The centre has a 19th century industrial city feel, very much like any other large city in the UK. Not to forget Glasgow is the 2nd biggest city in Scotland.

A tower where High Street meets Gallowgate.

Tron Theatre: a theatre and music venue  in a 15th century church.

Hutcheson Street

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (left) and the Buchanan Galleries (right).

The Willow Tearooms (217 Sauchiehall Street) were designed by Charles Mackintosh and opened for business in 1903. The building was fully restored between 2014-2018 and now trades under the name 'Mackintosh at the Willow'. Booking necessary for an afternoon tea so something to do on a future visit.

Glasgow City Chambers

Coincidentally, one of our friends was spending a couple of days in Glasgow for training so we joined him and his training buddy for dinner. We ate at Miler & Carter, a steakhouse in the centre. Beautiful building, delightful food watered down with cocktails and beer. Our most expensive meal so far at £82 for both but well worth the money. 

The steakhouse is inside an old Bank building and the toilets have been constructed inside what was the old bank safe. Cool, right?

We were ready to continue the fun we were having at dinner through to a pub or bar. Unfortunately, due to Covid, everywhere was closing early and we wouldn't have more than half an hour. We said goodbye to our friend and called it a night.