Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is a public park on the River Kelvin in Glasgow's West End, Scotland. It contains the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of the city's best-known attractions. Entry to the park is free.

How did Kelvingrove Park come about?

The city bought the Kelvingrove and Woodlands estates in 1852 to provide green space for the growing West End. The park is regarded as the first purpose-designed and purpose-built public park in Scotland. Glasgow City Council credits Sir Joseph Paxton with the design, although some sources link the area to a wider plan by Charles Wilson from 1855 to 1863, so attribution is presented differently depending on the source.

What is there to see in the park?

• Stewart Memorial Fountain: a monument to Robert Stewart, who brought Loch Katrine water to Glasgow. The architect was James Sellars and the sculptor John Mossman.
• The bandstand: the current structure dates from the 1920s and replaced an earlier one. It is B-listed and was restored in 2014.
• Kelvin Way Bridge: a single-span masonry bridge from around 1919, decorated with four bronze allegorical sculptures.
• Statue of Lord Kelvin: the physicist who took his title from the River Kelvin, on which the park lies.
• Sports facilities: a skatepark, plus bowling and croquet greens.

Is there a museum nearby?

Yes. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum sits at the park's south-west corner. It was the first museum founded in Glasgow and in Scotland. A walk through the park combines easily with a visit to its collections.

How to plan a visit

The park lies in the west of the city beside the River Kelvin, which makes it a good place for a calm riverside stroll. It suits a break between a museum visit and further exploring of the West End. Paths climb from the river up the slopes, which open up views over the surroundings. Bring comfortable shoes, since some paths run over sloping ground, and expect changeable Scottish weather.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kelvingrove Park free to enter? Yes, it is a public park and entry is free.

Where is the park? In Glasgow's West End, on the River Kelvin.

What attractions are in the park? The Stewart Memorial Fountain, the bandstand, Kelvin Way Bridge, the Lord Kelvin statue, a skatepark and bowling and croquet greens.

Is the park connected to the museum? Yes, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum stands within the park.

When was the park established? The city bought the land in 1852, and the park is considered the first in Scotland designed specifically as a public park.