Spread across 169 acres of land, Bellahouston Park strikes a perfect combination of peace and quiet meets activity and adventure. You could be taking in the sights and smells of the floral gardens one minute and hitting the slopes of the Glasgow Ski Centre the next. The activity options are endless at this park including everything from cycling, bowls, cricket and swimming to orienteering and getting lost in the Alice in Wonderland themed maze.
Opened to the public back in 1896, Bellahouston Park was once a whole heap of rural farm land and a riding school owned by the Maxwell estate.
Over the years, it has played host to a variety of events including the 1938 ‘Empire Exhibition’ which attracted over 12 million visitors over a four month span, had official visits from the Pope and been a major concert venue for the likes of Coldplay and Biffy Clyro.
More famously, the beautiful House for An Art Lover designed by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh sits pride of place in the park surrounded by a beautiful walled garden of shrubs, heather and heaths.
Bellahouston Park
Bellahouston Park
Bellahouston Park
Essential information
Top tip
If you’re travelling to the park on the subway and pulling in at Ibrox, it’s worth checking if there’s a match on as it might get a little congested. The same goes for arriving at Dumbreck station.
Eating and drinking
If you want to grab a bite in the park, the arty cafe is your best bet. A little walk outside the park and you’ve got a few tasty options from light bites to big meals.
There aren’t many places to eat inside the park itself, however, there is the Art Lover’s Cafe which is next to the House of An Art Lover. Perfect for alfresco dining, it has a beautiful roof terrace making afternoon tea all the more relaxing. The menu includes everything from light bites, classic brunch dishes and main courses such as grilled fish and steak. It’s open daily from 10am-5pm.
After an afternoon strolling the park or hitting the slopes at the ski centre, how about a hearty plate of pasta? Warm and atmospheric, Bella Vita is just a 15 minute walk away and has menu full of all of mama’s classics. Alternatively, Cherry & Heather Fine Food serves up a beautiful menu of Indonesian food. A favourite with the locals is the noodle soup.
Getting to Bellahouston Park
Getting to the park is easy whether you’re hopping on the subway or enjoying a scenic bus ride. Don’t forget our Glasgow Pacific Quay Premier Inn hotel is just over a mile away so you’ve already got a place to stay nearby.
By car
About a 12 minute drive from the city centre, driving is simple. However, there’s not much venue parking around so it might be worth hailing a taxi instead.
By bus
If you’re coming from the city centre, there a few buses you can catch to the park. Buses will pick you up from a couple of stops on Union Street and Buchanan bus station.
By train
The nearest station to the park is Dumbreck Station and then it’s just a 15 minute stroll from there. Jump on the train from Glasgow Central station.
By subway
Incredibly close to the Ibrox Stadium, the closest subway station is Ibrox. You’ve then got around a 15 minute walk to the park, walking up Paisley Road West until you reach the entrance. The last subway is around 11.30pm Mon-Sat.