Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
16
You're Steamin'
A common euphemism for having too
much to drink is “steamin',” as in the
line: “I can't remember what happened
last night, I was steamin'.” Apparently
this expression came from the experi-
ence of taking the steamships down the
Clyde from Glasgow on a Sunday.
These excursion trips were exempt
from any restrictions on alcohol sales, a
situation of which passengers took full
advantage. One paddle steamer, the
Waverley
(
&
0845/130-4647;
www.
waverleyexcursions.co.uk), still plies the
Clyde on excursion trips.
adjoining Winter Garden, Doulton Fountain, and Nelson's Monument. At the east-
ern end, the influence of the Doge's Palace in Venice can be seen in the colorful
facade of the old Templeton Carpet Factory. Near here is a large children's play area.
The southern side of Glasgow Green offers dulcet walks along the river.
Greendyke St. (east of Saltmarket).
&
0141/287-5098.
www.glasgow.gov.uk. Free admission. Daily
dawn-dusk. Underground: St. Enoch. Bus: 16, 18, 40, 61, 62, or 64.
Pollok Country Park
On the Southside of the city, this hilly and large
expanse of open space is the home to both The Burrell Collection and Pollok House
(p. 199) but merits a visit for its own attributes. Rhododendrons, Japanese maples,
and azaleas are part of the formal planting—created at the end of the 19th century
by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, whose family long-resided in Pollok House—but the
park is best known for its glens and pastures, which have Highland cattle grazing.
2060 Pollokshaws Rd.
&
0141/632-9299.
www.glasgow.gov.uk. Free admission. Daily dawn-dusk.
Train: Pollokshaws West. Bus: 45 or 57.
ORGANIZED TOURS
City Sightseeing Glasgow
These brightly colored and open-topped buses
depart from George Square, and in addition to live commentary, which can be quite
entertaining and informative, visitors can hop on and off at some 22 designated stops
such as Glasgow Green, the University, or the Royal Concert Hall. Passes are good
for two consecutive days.
153 Queen St. at George Sq.
&
0141/204-0444.
www.scotguide.com. Tickets £11 adults, £5 children,
£25 family. Apr-Oct 9:30am-5pm (every 20 min.); Nov-Mar 9:30am-4:30pm (every 30 min.). Under-
ground: Buchanan St.
Mercat Glasgow
Fancy acquainting yourself with the more ghoulish aspects of
Glasgow? Mercat are happy to oblige with a Horror Walking Tour. Guides re-create
macabre Glasgow with a parade of goons such as hangmen, ghosts, murderers, and
body snatchers. The tours take about 60 minutes, departing normally from the Tour-
ist Information Centre at George Square. The company also does a 90-minute
Historic Glasgow tour for those not interested in a fright.
25 Forth Rd., Bearsden.
&
0141/586-5378.
Tickets £10. Advance reservations essential. Underground:
Buchanan St.
