Car Hire Glasgow

A quick guide to Glasgow

Glasgow is a city that keeps reinventing itself. Visiting today you could be forgiven for thinking that the city is a new arrival. However, with a rich Victorian history in its locker, Glasgow is a proud city with both a colourful past and a vibrant future.

A cultural capital

Glasgow is considered to be one of the cultural highlights of the United Kingdom. If you love the theatre you’re spoilt for choice as the city has a number of bigger venues such as The King’s Theatre and many smaller independent spots.

The mix in styles of plays, performances and musicals, coupled with a fearlessness when it comes to pushing the boundaries, has made Glasgow a breeding ground for aspiring writers and actors, so you might just end up watching the next big thing.

Music venues continue to pop up all over Glasgow, playing a mix of different styles of music. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is a legendary local haunt and considered to be one of the best live music venues in the United Kingdom. It’s served as a launch pad for many artists and famously was the exact spot that rock band Oasis signed their first contract.

The art scene is also hot in Glasgow, with both traditional and contemporary arts on offer. Spend the day at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, entry is free and you can enjoy browsing the 8,000 exhibits on display within its impressive red-tinged walls.

The style mile

From big high street names to small vintage boutiques, Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’ is an eclectic mix that will be heaven for fashionistas of all ages. It’s made up of three main shopping avenues – Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street (pronounced sock-ee-hall in case you were wondering).

Style isn’t just limited to fashion though, it’s also front and centre when it comes to the city’s dining scene. The Merchant City district has been completely regenerated and as well as having a range of quirky independent shops it also boasts fine dining restaurants and buzzing bars that are the real places to be seen in the city.

A gateway to wider Scotland

Outside of Glasgow, you have the option of so many different places to visit. Just over 50km away is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, both areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Whether you want to take a boat across the lake, enjoy lunch overlooking snow-capped mountains or take to the hills and hike for the most incredible views, you will feel a world away from the bustling centre of Glasgow.

Stirling Castle is also a short drive away from Glasgow and one of Scotland’s most impressive stone castles. The former home of the Scottish monarchy, it’s now open for the public to explore.

Step inside the large medieval banquet hall and be amazed by the impressive architecture. With so much history, you can only begin to imagine the significant events that have taken place here.

Car hire in Glasgow gives you the opportunity to explore every corner of the city at your own convenience, as well as the freedom to experience more of the stunning beauty of Scotland that lies just a short drive away.

Driving in and around Glasgow

Packed full of sights to explore, shops to browse and activities to enjoy, Glasgow is the perfect location for an action-packed holiday. With so much to see and do, along with the amazing scenery that surrounds the city, a trip to Glasgow is your gateway to a range of incredible experiences.

Like any major city, the roads around Glasgow are straightforward with clear signs to help you head in the right direction. If you’re driving around the city itself, there are a number of one-way streets so be sure to plan your route in advance.

Hiring a car in Glasgow means you can also head out of the city and see more of the rest of Scotland. Roads are generally well maintained and flow freely outside of the busy cities.

If you want to take in the Scottish capital while you’re here, just follow the M8, which will see you heading into the heart of Edinburgh in just over an hour. Once here, you’ll be able to soak up the history and see the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the impressive Museum of Scotland.

Alternatively, take the A82 and A815 to Benmore Botanic Garden. The dramatic scenery and breathtaking views make the journey just as much a part of your visit. Meanwhile, a 50-minute drive will transport you to the banks of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where red deer roam and footpaths and bike trails allow for a day of discovery.

Scotland is an incredible country, a mix of mountainous landscapes and quaint towns. Speed limits do change regularly, so always check the road you’re driving on. However, the general limits are 70mph (113km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways, 60mph (97km/h) on single carriageways, and 30mph (48km/h) through built-up areas.