Enjoy a summer break in Glasgow
Our top reasons why you should visit Glasgow
Whether you’re a first time visitor to the city or a regular, Glasgow always has something new to share. Scotland’s biggest city is now as well known for its offerings in arts, culture and food as it is for its industrial heritage.
You’ll see the city’s strapline quoted all over and it really is true – People Make Glasgow. We’re not just saying this because we’re biased, but Glaswegians are famed for their friendly nature. You’ll find lots of people happy to strike up a conversation, so making new friends can easily become part of a visit to Glasgow!
Take a look at our top 10 reasons why you need to make your way to Glasgow this summer below.
Entertainment
If jazz music is your thing, don’t miss the Glasgow Jazz Festival, which takes place across 19th-23rd June.
The World Pipe Band Championships also take place in August in the city and they’re a spectacle to behold. The Clydebuild River Festival is a treat too, on 7th and 8th September. The main activity takes place in the water but there’s plenty of fun to be had on dry land too!
If you’re heading out for the night, you could attend a gig at the Barrowland Ballroom (or at least take in its amazing neon sign). It was voted Time Out’s best UK venue in 2023.
There’s pubs a aplenty for a pint, or a wee dram of whiskey. The Sauchiehall area is jam packed with lively bars and clubs, and Merchant City or the West End offer alternative vibes for your evening.
Culture & The Arts
The city has an impressive mural trail, so don’t be surprised to see them popping up loud and proud on buildings around the city. You can follow the trail as a whole – finding everything from a modern day St Mungo, to a floating taxi and the nation’s favourite comedian Billy Connelly. You can download the tour or follow an audio guide.
Glasgow is also well known for its connection to the famous designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh and you’ll see elements of his style all over the city. If you’re a fan, don’t miss House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park, created based on drawings he created in 1900. Also check out Mackintosh House, a perfect replica of his home, which can be found within The Hunterian Art Gallery.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is home to the world famous ‘Christ of St. John of the Cross’ by Salvador Dalí, along with works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. There’s also a breathtaking restored Spitfire. With 22 galleries there’s plenty to see for everyone and all tastes, and it’s family friendly for visitors of all ages.
The Riverside Museum is based on all things transport-related and set in a spectacular building designed by Zaha Hadid. There are thousands of exhibits, covering everything from steam travel to cars – but the main attraction has got to be the stunning Glenlee tall sailing ship, moored outside, which is almost 130 years old. The museum has lots to do for families, if you’re travelling with children.
The Glasgow Science Centre brings science to life for the next generation of engineers and scientists. But the Glasgow Tower is something very special, offering the best 360-degree views of the city. In fact, it holds the world record for being the tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world! It only opens in the summer (and opening is weather dependent, so check in advance) but it’s well worth a trip if you’re happy with heights, to take in the whole city at once!
History
Situated close to the hotel, Glasgow Cathedral was once the hub of the medieval city and is a Gothic masterpiece. Audio and in-person tours are available to help you make the most of your visit.
Not far from the cathedral is the Glasgow Necropolis. This is a hillside cemetery in the style of Paris’s Pere Lachaise. Spectacular cenotaphs and mausoleums built for wealthy merchants are interesting to spend some time wandering around, and the site also offers fantastic views of the city.
The hotel is also near to George Square, the principal civic square in the city, which dates back more than 200 years.
Back To Nature
Set in 50 acres of leafy parkland, the Botanic Gardens has 12 Victorian glasshouses filled with everything from exotic ferns to rare orchids. You can feel like you’re in a tropical rainforest – whatever the weather is doing outside.
In fact, there are loads of parks and gardens in Glasgow. Did you know, the word Glasgow in Gaelic is ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘Dear Green Place’? Try Kelvingrove Park and Victoria Grove in the West End, Glasgow Green in the centre or Pollok Country Park to the East, if you’re craving some time in nature.
Convenience
However you want to travel to us, you’ll find us handily situated. If you’re driving, we have convenient free parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. We’re less than a mile from Glasgow Train Station and just eight miles from Gatwick Airport. Glasgow has a great public transport system with a subway and reliable bus service. You can also hire bikes to get around the city.
Value For Money
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel offers great value for money, with rooms starting from just £79 per night. Situated in the very heart of Glasgow, with parking available, and comfy rooms and suites to suit every traveller, you’ll struggle to find more for your money!
There are plenty of mouth-watering places to grab a cost-friendly bite to eat too.
CHOP Grill & Bar, situated within the hotel, offers a wide range of delicious food and some outstanding cocktails and beers. Whether you fancy fresh seafood, a juicy burger or a perfectly cooked steak, it’s all on offer. Along with a few special Scottish delicacies of course – like Haggis Bon Bons! Room service is also available if you’d prefer to chill in your suite after a busy day.
Location – Shop ‘til You Drop
As it’s situated so centrally, the hotel is a great location for all the main attractions.
In addition, Glasgow is a fantastic destination for a spot of shopping – and Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel is in a great base if you want to shop ‘til you drop! From the usual high street names and designer brands to some truly wonderful and unique independents, it has it all.
Don’t miss the Style Mile, along Argyll, Buchanan, and Sauchiehall Streets, for some of the most well-known brands.
There are some great vintage shops too, where you can pick up some pre-loved treasures. Try Starry Starry Night, Mr Ben Retro Clothing or The Glasgow Vintage Company for vintage attire and accessories.
There are various weekend markets too – including the world famous Barras Market, where you’ll find everything you ever needed in the worlds of fashion, art, antiques and furniture (and then some). The Merchant Square Craft Market is ideal for arts and crafts lovers, and the city is also home to various food markets including local farmers markets and vegan goodies.
Amenities – Pet Friendly and a Good Night’s Sleep
We know that leaving your four-legged friend at home can make a holiday more stressful and expensive – and that you miss them! Fear not – Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel offers pet-friendly rooms. Two pets can accompany you on your trip, and we’ll happily provide the essentials such as cosy pet beds and drinking bowls – and maybe a treat or two. Just let us know you’ll be bringing an animal companion with you when you book and there’s a small service charge of £15 per pet.
The most important part of a holiday is to head home feeling refreshed and revived, ready to take on the world! And how can you do that without a good night’s sleep? You can’t… so that’s why we put a lot of focus on making sure our beds are as comfortable as possible!
We have partnered with historic luxury mattress manufacturer Glencraft, and with over 180 years of mattress craftsmanship under their belt, they know what they’re doing. Exclusively designed for our guests, the luxurious Sandman Signature Mattress features a pocket spring design enhanced with a layer of needled wool and cotton for temperature regulation, topped with plush Egyptian cotton. Sleeping on it is absolute bliss – so much so that Glencraft had to start selling them to guests after they departed for their own home!