A Sunday Visit to Springburn Park: Relaxing and Exploring in Glasgow

Hey everyone! Last Sunday, after church, my partner and I decided to visit Springburn Park for a chill day out and to snap some fab pics of my lime green outfit.

Springburn Park is located in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. It’s about 2.8 miles from the city center and spans a whopping 31 hectares (or 77 acres!). This park is not just huge but also super pretty with its extensive spring and summer bedding, vibrant bulbs, wallflowers, and polyanthus. If you’re into plants and flowers, it’s definitely a must-visit!

  

The park has loads of facilities catering to everyone. Whether you're into sports or just looking to relax, you’ve got options like a synthetic football pitch with floodlights, a juvenile football pitch, a multi-purpose games court, three bowling greens, a cricket pitch, and even an orienteering course!



One cool feature is the Glasgow City Health Walks, which happen here. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get into walking as a gentle exercise. The routes are short, ranging from half a mile to two miles, and they’re mainly on flat ground, making them ideal for beginners. For more info on these walks, visit Glasgow city council.


Public toilets are available at the Bowling Pavilion (May to September), Stobhill Hospital, and Springburn Leisure Centre.



Fun fact: The park was first acquired by Glasgow Corporation in 1892. Back then, it was just agricultural land with an old ironstone pit and quarry. It was developed with contributions from Sir James Reid and his family, and even had a Winter Gardens built, thanks to a generous donation. Although the Winter Gardens are currently closed due to structural issues, there are plans to restore them.

The winter gardens at Springburn park




Statue of James Reid, whose family invested in the park




The park’s history is pretty fascinating too! Mosesfield House, nearby, was built in 1838 and has had quite a journey, from being a merchant’s home to a museum and an old men’s club. Plus, the first motor car ever made in Scotland was built in its yard!

The Doulton Ware Column in Springburn Park, Glasgow, Scotland.



Check out this massive Leyland Cypress tree I spotted at Springburn park! These trees are seriously huge and can grow up to 40 meters tall – that’s like a giant green tower! The foliage is super dense and hides most of the trunk, which makes it look extra lush.

The bark is this cool red-grey color with ridges, and the twigs are thin, brown, and really flexible. When you crush the leaves, they give off a fresh, resin-y smell. Oh, and the male cones are yellow and pop out at the tips of the twigs, while the female cones are rounded. Nature is so awesome, right?

Purple-loosestrife!

Its magenta flowers are so striking as they shoot up in impressive spikes among the grasses. They have multiple tall stems can grow from just one root stock. It usually flowers between June and August, which is perfect timing because its nectar is like a feast for long-tongued insects.



Ragwort

It can grow up to 90 cm high and has these awesome, large, flat-topped clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from July to October.

In Britain, there are actually 19 different species of Ragwort in the Senecio genus that you can find in the wild.

Crocosmia

It’s perfect for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. One of the most popular varieties is called ‘Lucifer,’ and it’s famous for its stunning flame-red flowers that really stand out.






Disabled-friendly car parking area



Springburn park pond

We saw so many different kinds of birds around the ponds, and it was absolutely mesmerizing to watch them all fluttering around.

There was this really eye-catching sign that said “Men’s Shed” close to the pond. We kept wondering what it meant and what it was used for, until I searched online and found out that Springburn park Mens shed is an organization is all about providing recreational facilities and helping men of all ages and backgrounds in Springburn and the surrounding areas.

They offer opportunities for men to meet up and engage in creative, physical, and recreational activities that they choose. They work to reduce isolation among men, which is great for both physical and mental well-being. They help men in the area share their skills and knowledge with others in the community.

It’s such a cool initiative to support and connect people!






Gull
















We noticed that this particular bird was active but didn't fly or try to search for food, and it didn't get into the water. We looked closer and it was a pigeon. I guess it was tired or sick because it just stayed by the pond and sat there for a long time.

Mute swan









If you're in Glasgow, Springburn Park is totally worth a visit. Whether you’re there for the sports, the walks, or just a leisurely stroll with a splash of green in your outfit, you’ll have a great time.

Address: Glasgow G21
Open 24 hours

Catch you in the next adventure!