Martin R.
Yelp
Glasgow's Botanic Gardens is my favourite of Glasgow's wonderful parks. Not the biggest by any means, but perfectly formed with something for everyone at any time of the year.
Entering from the top of Byres Road, the fine gatehouses which flank the entrance are wonderfully grand. Continuing into the park the path curves round revealing the beautifully restored Kibble Palace glasshouse. Here are a collection of statues, plants, art, and fish - perfect for relaxing and reading a book, people watching, or just strolling round. Interesting factoid: the goldfish moved here from Edinburgh's Royal Museum when it closed for refurbishment and they faced an uncertain future!
Continuing through the park is the tearoom, main lawn and main glasshouses - full of fascinating flora from around the world - my highlights being the Orchid collection and hot, humid jungle.
There's a great kids playground, with climbing wall, lots of spinny things, psychedelic things, noisy things. My niece loved it, despite being a bit too young for most things. For older kids, there's a children's' garden too. Herb gardens, woodland, ice cream and coffee kiosks, the gardens Arboretum, and hidden subterranean railway station will also keep you occupied.
In summer the main lawn is bustling with people enjoying the sunshine and picnics, while the winter sees wrapped-up walks and a warm-up in the glasshouses. Winter also features the Electric Gardens (started 2014, repeated again in 2015) where the gardens are illuminated with lightscapes, light and sound installations, performers and interactive exhibits (ticketed event).
My favourite autumn or spring Sunday afternoon starts with a wander through the park and glasshouses, a coffee, then descend the steps (near the tearoom) to the river Kelvin. A stroll along the Kelvin walkway to Kelvingrove Park, perhaps stopping off at Inn Deep enroute winds up the afternoon nicely!