Everything You Need To Know…

If you’re not from the area, it can be difficult to know what to see and do in a new city. Those who do live in our fair city will always recommend the West End to newcomers. With its traditional, sandstone tenement blocks, leaf-lined River Kelvin and the Harry Potter-esque University of Glasgow turrets, the place has plenty going for it. The area is a mix of professionals and students and has a real international vibe. You’ll find park yoga, alternative dance classes and book groups, as well as a few decent clubs and a whole host of award-winning restaurants. It’s a learned locale, with a strong emphasis on education and living life to the fullest. Read on to discover our favourite West End spots and things to do. 

Alternative Movement at In the Moment

Just nudging the edge the of the West End, In the Moment is a movement and dance centre with a difference. Tai Chi, Somatic Movement, Biodanza, Five Rhythms, Self Love Club and more make up the timetable. If you’re wondering what half of those are, check out their website for class descriptions and take yourself and an open mind along. We guarantee you’ll come out feeling all warm inside and super Zen.

Botanic Gardens

This one’s an old favourite of ours and just a few minutes’ walk from our door. You’ll find traditional glasshouses (complete with koi carp pond!) playing host to a wide range of weird and wonderful plants from all over the world – some as big as houses! There are benches outside for taking in the sunshine or opt to pack a picnic blanket and stretch out in the sun. Grab a coffee and cake from North Star Café just a few steps away and make an afternoon of it.

Byres Road and Ruthven Lane

We’ve clubbed these two together because the message is the same – shopping! From bookshops (old and new from Waterstones and an excellently-stocked Oxfam bookshop across the road) to vintage vinyl, cool outfits from days gone by and high street favourites like Oliver Bonas and Fat Face. Be sure to hide the credit card, or you’ll find yourself over the limit!

Food, Glorious Food

When you’re not strolling along the River Kelvin or checking out the charity shops’ hoards, treat yourself to something edible from one of the many, many restaurants and cafes the West End has to offer. The University Café is a delightful relic of the 1930s and still has a load of the original fixtures and fittings for you to delight in. Plus, their homemade milk-ice is amazing. Go to Japan via Glasgow at Bar Soba, which serves fresh ramen all day, or head upmarket with nouveau cuisine at Ubiquitous Chip.

Medical History at the Huntarian

Little known outside of medical students and history buffs, William Hunter was the forefather of the study of obstetrics and his research and ground-breaking methods have saved the lives of literally millions of women and babies. Find out about his life and work for free at Glasgow University’s Huntarian Museum – disclaimer, some of the exhibits are not for the faint of heart!

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