Posted: December 30, 2019
2020 is Visit Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, a year where we celebrate our magnificent coasts and waters.
Glasgow grew up around the River Clyde. Water is integral to our history.
Over the last decades the banks of the River Clyde have been redeveloped to host some of Glasgow’s now iconic attractions and venues including Riverside Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, The Tall Ship and SEC.
Hop on our open top tour to learn about the fascinating industrial heritage of Glasgow, our world-renowned shipbuilding history, our culture and people.
There are tonnes of events happening across Glasgow to celebrate the year. We serve the city centre, east end and west end. Consider the hop on hop off bus your gateway to the best of Glasgow.
Looking for some Year of Coasts and Waters inspiration in Glasgow?
• Hop off at stop 7 to visit The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. The Lighthouse boasts panoramic views of the city and is free to enter. It’s most fascinating feature is the helical staircase, originally designed as an 8,000 gallon water tank for the building by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
• Hop off at stop 5 to visit the brilliant Doulton Fountain outside the People’s Palace. It’s the largest terracotta fountain in the world and a true masterpiece of a water feature. Don’t forget to make a wish!
• Hop off at stop 11a and tour the Clydeside Distillery. Immerse yourself in the history of the Queen’s Dock – the birthplace of the whisky industry. While you’re there, you can even enjoy a wee dram of ‘the water of life’.
• All aboard the Glenlee! Hop off at Stop 12 to explore The Tall Ship, the only remaining Clyde-built vessel still afloat in the UK. The restored ship showcases what life would have been like at sea in the early 20th century, has lots of family-friendly activities, is Glasgow’s free maritime museum and boasts stunning views along the Clyde into the city centre.
• Water water everywhere – we can’t forget the Kelvin! Explore the beautiful parks, gardens and university that have grown up around the River Kelvin on our open top tour.
Want to explore more of Scotland’s stunning coasts? Our sister company West Coast Tours operate daily tours from March to October to Scotland’s western islands from Oban. See puffins, the ‘clowns of the sea’, and the geological marvel Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa. Discover the Three Lochs and beautiful coastline of the Isle of Mull. Soak up peace, tranquility and history on the Isle of Iona as you explore the famous abbey and world-class beaches. The west coast is Scotland’s best kept secret and a must-see for any traveller or staycationer.
Get involved! Use the hashtag #YCW2020 or tag us on social media to showcase your experience.