Glasgow: An educational experience

Many people staying at hostels in Glasgow head to the Scottish metropolis with an expressed interest in having an educational experience as well as a fun one. After all, isn't the point of travelling to learn about the places you visit?

This guide to Glasgow will ensure that you can ponder on facts and exclaim in wonderment before returning home and impressing your friends with your new-found knowledge. Here are six sure-fire places to visit if you're looking to pick up knowledge or skills during your trip.

Pollock House
Scotland's answer to Downton Abbey, Pollock House is located near Glasgow's city centre and a stone's throw away from Euro Hostel Glasgow. This expansive town house gives a real flavour of what upstairs-downstairs life would have been like in the 1930s.

The luxurious family rooms are packed with gorgeous period furniture and furnishings, as well as the UK's finest collection of Spanish art. The paintings by El Greco, Goya and Murillo contrast spectacularly with the gritty harsh realities downstairs, where you'll find out about the complications the servants had to face in running a country house.

Pollock House is highly recommended for everyone with an interest in history. Educational, entertaining, and downright Downton-style fun. 2060 Pollockshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT, 0141 276 0924.

Glasgow Science Centre
Between 10am and 5pm during the summer months, you can explore Glasgow's leading scientific venue: the Glasgow Science Centre. Their mission is to immerse visitors in a fully interactive science experience, offering challenges and excitement to enthusiasts of all ages.

From the planetarium to the shadow puppet exhibition, this is definitely science at its coolest. Take a look through the Hubble Space Telescope, experiment with the effects of air pressure, or try your hand at the 'Mindworks' zone, where magic meets science, illusion and magnificence. 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1EA.


The Burrell Collection
In the heart of Pollock Country Park lies this rather splendid art gallery, containing a historical collection of art numbering almost 8,000 beautiful items on display.

Learn about exhibits from around the world, from Chinese and Islamic art to ancient civilisations from the dawn of time. The gallery also boasts an extensive programme of events, featuring a variety of exhibitions perfect for art and history fanatics.

Of particular interest is their beautiful collection of 16th century stained-glass windows, beyond which lies the rolling hills and woodland of PollockCountry Park.

Take a good look around this inspiring and invigorating collection before visiting the cafe or restaurant depending on how hungry you feel, for a meal or a snack. 2060 Pollockshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT, 0141 287 2550.

The Trossachs National Park
Just outside the city lies the Trossachs national park and Loch Lomond, perhaps the greatest outdoor classroom in the UK. This stunning Garden of Eden is an absolute paradise for people willing to get a nature-orientated form of education while on holiday.

Learn about the various wildlife species which call the park their home, from otters and ospreys to water vole and red squirrels. Depending on the time of year, it could also prove the ideal opportunity to pick up a new skill, such as horse riding or fishing.

There's more than enough to keep you entertained at Trossachs for the entire day, before returning to Euro Hostel Glasgow for a well-earned kip. Carrochan, Carrochan Road, Balloch, Glasgow City, G83 8EG, 01389 722600.

The Hunterian Museum
Those with a taste for times of old will be intrigued by the Hunterian Museum, which features a wonderfully wide selection of exhibits on all manner of subjects. From dinosaurs and fossils to medicine and medals, there's plenty of information to take in, no matter what piques your interest.

The venue is appropriately located at Glasgow University, which means they also have an array of memorabilia belonging to famous ex-students. Witness the Blackstone Chair used for oral examinations of times gone past, or the model steam engine which inspired the industrial revolution. Gilbert Scott Building, University Of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, 0141 330 4221.

Tennent's Training Academy
This unique Glaswegian cookery school opens its doors on a regular basis to allow casual cooks learn the tricks of the trade.

Learn how to create sensational seafood, delectable desserts and the perfect steak at these fantastic afternoon or evening classes. Not only will you be able to take your new-found cookery skills home with you but you'll also get to enjoy the food and drink as part of the deal.

Fanatics of fine Scottish drinks will also be appeased by a whisky-blending and tasting evening. Learn about the subtleties of this beverage at this informal yet informative evening class. 161 Duke Street, Glasgow, G31 1JD, 0845 166 6060.

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