Latest news with #BurrellCollection
The Independent
14-07-2025
- The Independent
The best budget hotels in Glasgow for location, style and heritage
Lately, Edinburgh folk have been moving to Glasgow to live more cheaply – and found themselves surprised by the cultural riches on offer. It's a similar experience for the visitor; your Scottish pounds will go further here than in the capital. The incredible range of free attractions includes Degas and Dali at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Gallery; industrial history at the Riverside Museum; and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art. And while the food is more elevated (and healthier) than in decades past, the Glasgow ethos of high calorie-to-cost ratio endures. Not to mention the music scene; you can still catch intimate gigs by Mercury Prize-nominated artists for little more than a tenner. Appropriately, there are plenty of budget accommodations, and most are in the centre of town, so you won't compromise on location. Neither will you compromise on aesthetics. Far from being generic chains, Glasgow's budget hotels are a showcase of the clever design the city is famous for, whether that's in refurbishing a much-loved heritage building or making the most of a tiny space. For the best hotels in Glasgow and the best hotels near the airport in Glasgow, see our lists. 1. The Social Hub Glasgow hotel Aside from the stellar location – among the brunch bars and architectural jewels of Merchant City – this B Corp-run hotel's strength is its flexibility. Options include plush yet reasonably priced king rooms and small-but-mighty single rooms, all with private bathrooms and free Zenology toiletries. You'll get better rates for extended (two-plus weeks) stays and there's even all-inclusive student accommodation that costs less than most West End digs. What's more, your rate includes access to a coworking space, free laundry services and a gym. A rooftop bar is due to open later in 2025. Book now 2. The Address hotel A tighter budget usually means sacrificing style – not so here. Rooms mix traditional and luxe items, all sourced or crafted in Scotland, and there's a Mid-century influence apparent in the graceful lines, patterned curtains and the sepia-toned, Mad Men -esque colour palette. Chill for a couple of hours in the pink Himalayan salt sauna, grab reasonably priced pesto arancini or pork belly bao at North restaurant, then hit the shops. Having saved money here, you'll have more to spend on Buchanan Street, Glasgow's main artery, which is just seconds away. 3. AC Hotel Glasgow The cheaper rooms of this heritage hotel are in the modern extension, but your followers don't need to know that: snap a photo of the Grade A-listed sandstone facade (Glasgow's former Parish Hall) and caption it, 'look where I'm staying!'. Plus, the modern rooms have bigger windows and look out onto the City Chambers or Strathclyde University's Royal College. Head downstairs to the Scandi-chic Hazel restaurant for a seriously opulent (and great value) afternoon tea: the rotating menu may include parma ham and fig open sandwiches or strawberry and matcha Battenbergs. 4. Native Glasgow hotel This isn't the cheapest hotel on this list, but it may be the best value. For the price of a nice dinner, you'll get a studio apartment with a sofa, kitchen and dishwasher. The fixtures are all soft lighting, vintage-styled art and brass edging, inspired by the Art Deco stylings of the palatial exterior (this was once the headquarters of the Anchor Line Shipping Company). Downstairs, you'll find popular date spot The Anchor Line Restaurant, echoing a 1920s cruise ship with its marble bar and Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu. The George Square location puts you at the heart of everything. 5. Point A Hotel Glasgow At this price (and especially at this central, Bath Street location), you'd expect a sterile stay at best, yet this branch of budget travel chain Point A packs pops of colour and locally themed art in amongst clever amenities. Rooms are compact but cover all essentials: free Wi-Fi, logically placed charge points and intuitive air-con. Plus, you'll have fun with the mood lighting colour controls. The continental breakfast has a decent vegan range, including vegan blueberry croissants. Your rate includes discounts at nearby venues such as the excellent Maki & Ramen restaurant or The Butterfly and The Pig Tea Room. 6. Hotel Indigo Glasgow This handsome Victorian building was once one of Glasgow's first power stations – luckily, these prices won't give you a shock. Rooms have that velvet-and-flocked-brocade look typical of the Indigo brand, and come with a nifty workspace and hairdryer. There's also a fitness centre with treadmills, Swiss balls and free weights. The Turbine 75 restaurant serves pub classics and a mean Scottish breakfast with haggis in the morning. The central location puts you within walking distance of top sights, such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and George Square. 7. Arthouse Hotel Glasgow This well-appointed 19th-century townhouse celebrates Scottishness in subtle ways, such as tartan bedspreads and lion rampant wallpaper. Blackout curtains ensure a good night's rest – unless you're bingeing a show on the free Wi-Fi, that is. Breakfast is served in the Brasserie Restaurant and includes oat and chia porridge, baked eggs with green shakshuka and vegan pancakes. With its tufted banquettes and smart, subway-tile walls, it's also a great place to enjoy their dinner menu of pan-European small plates. The city centre nightlife is just outside, including celebrated literary-themed cocktail bar The Last Bookstore, which has walls lined with 8,000 books. Address: 129 Bath St, Glasgow G2 2SZ 8. citizenM Glasgow hotel This outpost of the Dutch hotel brand sits in a handy town-centre spot, a short hop from the Glasgow Film Theatre and National Piping Centre. Like all CitizenM hotels, there's only one type of double room here – and, unfortunately, no option to convert to a twin room. The layout makes the most of the limited space; however, there's even a little desk and the ability to control lighting and temperature via a tablet. There's also an accessible room with a low bed and bathroom grab bars. The 24-hour restaurant-bar serves signature cocktails, comfort food and bar snacks including haggis pakoras. Book now 9. The Z Hotel Glasgow Exploring further afield? This budget city-centre hotel sits in an attractive former printworks two minutes from Queen Street station, from where trains depart east (to Stirling and Edinburgh) or west (to Loch Lomond). Or, if you're taking the car, you'll get discounted parking at a car park two minutes' walk away. Compact rooms cover all the essentials and have Sky TV, TNT Sports and underbed storage. The 'Z Inside Single' rooms are a real bargain, but be aware that 'inside' is a euphemism for 'windowless.' 10. Glasgow Youth Hostel In a twist worthy of an Old Firm derby, one of Glasgow's cheapest accommodations occupies some of the city's priciest real estate. You'll find Glasgow Youth Hostel in a high-ceilinged townhouse on the revered Park Terrace, overlooking Kelvingrove Park and minutes from Kelvingrove Gallery (free) and the Hunterian Museum (also free). The lounge preserves the building's moulded cornices and wood panelling – it's worth grabbing the bay window chairs if you can. Private ensuite rooms are available, and the bar is licensed to sell wine and beer. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Glasgow? The cheapest time to visit Glasgow is typically during the off-peak travel season, when demand is lower and prices for accommodation, flights, and attractions tend to drop. This tends to be between January and March, although it's worth noting that the weather is much colder. Midweek stays are also a good option for cheaper room rates. Is Glasgow expensive? Glasgow is one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, especially when compared to places like London or Edinburgh. There exists a wide range of food options and accommodation for all budgets, plus many attractions are free, such as museums. The city centre and West End are also walkable, meaning money saved on transport costs, too. What are the best free things to do in Glasgow? Glasgow is packed with free attractions and things to see and do. Gaze at Dali at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, expand your horizons at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), head to The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery – Scotland's oldest public museum – or enjoy the Riverside Museum & The Tall Ship, all of which enjoy free entry. Fancy a stroll? Head to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Victorian glasshouses and tranquil trails, venture into woodland walks and spot Highland cattle at Pollok Country Park, or head to Glasgow Green & The People's Palace – one of the city's oldest parks. There's also a free City Centre Mural Trail that takes in Glasgow's extensive street art scene. After dark, head to bars like The Hug and Pint or Nice N Sleazy for free live music. How much spending money do I need? How much spending money you need in Glasgow very much depends on the things you want to see and do. Budget travellers can get away with spending approximately £25 per day by making the most of free attractions, cheap eats and by walking or using public transport. Keen to spend a bit more? Mid-range travellers can expect to spend around £40 to £70, including all food and drinks, several paying attractions, snacks and transport. As for luxury travellers wanting to splash out on upscale dining, shopping and concerts? The sky's the limit.
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
The little-known headless mummy that nobody wanted and now lies in a Scottish museum
Once known as 'Pharaoh's Daughter', the 3000-year-old male mummy took a bizarre path to a cupboard in Glasgow. In the depths of a storage room at Glasgow's Burrell Collection lie two ancient Egyptian mummies. Both are headless, one is in pristine wrappings, while the other has been reduced to a fragile skeleton. Few Glaswegians even know they exist, and fewer still know the tale of how one of them may be the most unwanted mummy in Scottish history. Known once as 'Pharaoh's Daughter', the 3000-year-old male corpse was never meant to end up in a dusty cupboard in Pollok Park. Its strange journey to Glasgow, however, reads more like a Sherlock Holmes story than a museum inventory. The saga begins in 1748, when James Douglas, a Scottish Earl with a fondness for the unusual, travelled to Egypt and acquired a mummified body. On returning home, he handed it over to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, a group of rather startled lawyers, for reasons that remain unclear, Glasgow Live reports. Whether it was a gift or a philosophical statement, the mummy was accepted and set up among the books in the library of Parliament House, home to Scotland's finest legal minds. There it sat for decades, an odd relic among marble busts and legal tomes. By 1884, the mummy was already fading into obscurity. Faculty Treasurer James Balfour Paul wrote that the curiosity "slumbers in a dark corner as calmly as if it were in the tombs at Memphis". But its afterlife was far from serene. Nicknamed 'Pharaoh's Daughter', the mummy became part of Faculty tradition. It even held a symbolic seat at the Annual Dinner, where its health was toasted each year. However, not all treated the relic with reverence. According to Faculty lore, members of the Rifle Corps once used the corpse for bayonet practice. At some point, the wrappings were peeled back and the skull was removed, leaving the mummy in a battered and 'dilapidated' state. By the early 20th century, efforts began to pass it on. In 1906, and again in 1954, the Faculty tried to donate the mummy to the Royal Scottish Museum. Both times, the offer was declined. The Egyptologists, appalled at its condition, declared it 'dilapidated beyond hope of repair' and added with dry finality: 'If it is never seen again by mortal eye, I can assure you that neither science, scholarship nor aesthetics will suffer in consequence.' Desperate to be rid of it, adverts were placed in newspapers. But the public didn't want it, nor did the Corporation Cleansing Department, which ruled that the mummy was technically a human body and could not be disposed of as litter. Without a death certificate, burial was also out of the question. In 1958, The Scotsman ran a story headlined Riddle of the Mummy Nobody Wants, No name, no sex, no admirers . It read: 'Even the legal brains which worked above its head cannot solve the disposal problem… "The mummy has lain for years in a gloomy, dusty, neglected corner of the cellars… The mummy without a name, without a sex and virtually without a custodian.' Yet the article sparked international curiosity. Letters poured in from across Europe and Australia, and among them was one from Dr A T Sandison, a radiologist at Glasgow University with an interest in ancient remains. He offered to take the mummy into his care, and the Faculty, no doubt relieved, accepted. After 210 years in Edinburgh, the mummy was sent to Glasgow in August 1958. When Dr Sandison died roughly 25 years later, his antiquities were donated to the Burrell Collection. Since then, the mummy's trail went cold. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Last year, a librarian from the Faculty of Advocates reached out to the Burrell Collection. Staff there confirmed they had received the Sandison collection in 1982 and were aware of two mummies held in locked storage, both headless, one badly decayed. Despite the name 'Pharaoh's Daughter', the damaged body is confirmed to be male. And according to Faculty librarian Jane Condie, that detail only adds to the intrigue. 'I was able to say, with a modicum of certainty, that the tatty auld bag of bones [held at the Burrell Collection] was likely to be the former Faculty Mummy,' she said. 'Unfortunately the storage facility was at that time inaccessible so I was unable to visit the Mummy myself. However, I did pass on some information – gleaned from the museum report of 1954 – about the condition of the Faculty Mummy's wrappings and coffin at that time. This may help The Burrell Collection make a definitive identification once they again have access.'
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Three Scottish museums ranked among best in the UK outside London
These standout museums earned their spot thanks to world-class collections, immersive exhibits and global appeal Scotland is home to some of the UK's most fascinating museums, and three standout venues have earned recognition as some of the best museums outside of London. These sites are not only treasures of history and culture but also prime destinations for any visitor to Scotland. Three Scottish museums have been recognised in the prestigious Blooloop Top 25 UK Museums Outside London list. These remarkable institutions have earned their place through their exceptional collections, engaging exhibits, and cultural significance, attracting visitors from across the world. All three have benefited from multi-million pound regenerations in recent years, breathing new life into these excellent sites. Each museum has artefacts and exhibits that tell great stories of Scotland's past. David Livingstone Birthplace Opened after a £9.1mil regeneration in 2021, the David Livingstone Birthplace, located in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, brings to life the story of the renowned Scottish explorer. This Grade A-Listed building was carefully refurbished to provide a modern interpretation of Livingstone's legacy. The museum explores his remarkable achievements, like his self-education and commitment to becoming a doctor, while also confronting more difficult aspects of his explorations. As museum director Grant Mackenzie explained: 'Livingstone was self-educated and walked eight miles into Glasgow at three or four in the morning each day.' The museum now aims to explore the explorer's legacy within a broader world context, incorporating modern issues such as Black Lives Matter. It provides a balanced view of Livingstone's life, showing both his accomplishments and the more troubling aspects tied to colonialism. Burrell Collection Meanwhile, in Glasgow, the Burrell Collection showcases a stunning array of nearly 9,000 artefacts spanning over 6,000 years of history. After undergoing a major £68million refurbishment, it reopened in 2022, boasting an expanded and more accessible space. The collection, which includes ancient Egyptian relics, Islamic art, medieval furniture, and Impressionist paintings by the likes of Degas and Cézanne, is housed in a sleek modernist building at Pollok Country Park. The Burrell Collection was recognised as the Art Fund's 2023 Museum of the Year, cementing its place as one of the finest museums in the UK. Its mission is not only to preserve Sir William Burrell's extensive collection but also to ensure its accessibility for future generations. As museum curators continue to enhance the visitor experience, the Burrell Collection stands as a testament to the rich diversity of global culture. Perth Museum Further north, the Perth Museum reopened in March 2024 after a significant £27million renovation. The renovation has breathed new life into the historic Edwardian building, transforming it into a major cultural hub. Home to one of Scotland's most iconic historical artefacts, the Stone of Destiny, the museum holds great significance in both Scottish and UK history. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. This stone has been used for centuries in the coronation of British monarchs, and its return to Perthshire after over 700 years adds an important chapter to the museum's collection. In addition to the Stone of Destiny, the Perth Museum features remarkable exhibits like a 3,000-year-old boat made from a single tree and a banner from the early women's suffrage movement in Scotland. The museum promises a dynamic cultural offering, with temporary exhibitions and educational programmes in addition to its permanent displays. As the city's architecture firm Mecanoo has enhanced this once-political and social gathering space, the museum has become a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Much-loved Glasgow museum named among best in the UK
It was named alongside The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and The Beatles Story in Liverpool GREAT SCOT Much-loved Glasgow museum named among best in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUCH-LOVED Glasgow museum has been named among the best in the UK. The renowned visitors' attraction showcases 9,000 artefacts dating back to Neolithic times. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park was hailed as one of the best museums in the UK Credit: John Kirkby 2 The Thinker by Auguste Rodin in the Burrell Collection It was named alongside The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and The Beatles Story in Liverpool and was previously crowned Scotland's Best Visitor Attraction. The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park was hailed as one of the best museums outside of London by attraction website Blooloop. The vast collection was acquired by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy shipping merchant, and his wife Lady Constance Burrell. The couple later gifted the Collection to the City of Glasgow in 1944. After a £68.2 million refit over a period of six years, it reopened in 2022. Experts at Blooloop said: "The Burrell Collection consists of nearly 9000 artefacts and was a gift to the city of Glasgow in 1944 from Sir William Burrell and his wife Lady Constance. "The collection spans 50 countries and 6000 years of history, from 4000 BC to the turn of the 20th century. "Objects include medieval art, furniture, Islamic art and artefacts from ancient Egypt and China, as well as impressionist works by Degas and Cézanne, modern sculpture and more. "The museum is located in an award-winning modernist building in Pollok Country Park. Inside the World's Largest Museum: Giza Museum! "In 2022, it reopened to the public following a six-year, £68 million refurbishment project, cementing its position as one of the UK's best museums outside London. "This work increased the size of the museum by 35%. A key goal was to preserve The Burrell Collection for future generations by enhancing the site's accessibility and sustainability."
Sunday Post
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday Post
My Scotland: Nostalgic day-trips and the perfect scoop with Grace Fallon
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up Grace Fallon uses her social media to share the latest and greatest things to do in and around Glasgow – from foodie finds to delicious drinks spots. We asked her to name just three spots she always finds herself heading back to. Millport © Supplied by Grace Fallon Close to my heart, Millport is my favourite place to go for a weekend or even just a day trip. The last few years have seen some new businesses open that have really made it the place to be. With its relaxed atmosphere and nostalgic factor for me, it's always going to be my number one. Pollok Country Park © Supplied by Grace Fallon Located close to Shawlands in Glasgow's Southside, Pollok Park is an absolute gem. You've got gorgeous woodland walks, the walled garden, the Burrell Collection, Pollok House when it hopefully finishes its refurb later this year, and my favourite thing of all – Highland cows! It's the perfect place to spend a Sunday. Peacock's Ice Cream © Supplied by Grace Fallon Quite a new find for me but I'm already obsessed. Peacock's is another Glasgow Southside special with a beautiful shop in Battlefield where they have incredible North American style ice cream. The flavours are all so delicious and creamy but my absolute favourite is Gold – caramelised white chocolate ice cream with crunchy pistachio pieces. It's award-winning for a reason. For more travel tips, follow Grace at @gracingglasgow on Instagram.
