My cruise will dock in Greenock, Scotland and I will have 10 hours to kill. Is it worth going to Edinburgh? I understand Glasgow is a very industrial city which I am not particularly interested in seeing. Or is there a nearby beautiful town worth visiting? Appreciate your tips!!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Glasgow USED to be a very industrial city, and as a legacy of those more prosperous times has some wonderful public buildings and museums. It also used to be a very grimy city but was cleaned up nicely about a decade or more ago.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1497 posts
I'm not sure how far Greenock is from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Scotland is not so great for overland public transportation. Glasgow has a fascinating Necropolis (Fancy Cemetary) and some of the best Art collections, plus Rennie MacIntosh architecture. Edinburgh can be done in a day if you keep tramping. #1 The Castle (History, etc). #2 High Street: Lady Stairs House, Grey Friers with Bobby the dog, and the Palace. #3 Prince St. The Georgian House and the National Art Museum. These "cities" will seem small to you as you are used to Seattle Metropolitan area.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1497 posts
After checking distances...if you don't have an overnight you'd better save Edinburgh for next time. You might find some charming stuff nearby...check the National Trust of Scotland.
Posted by
Des Moines
65 posts
You could take a bus going south along the Firth of Clyde and see some very pretty scenery, including some world-famous golf courses. Ayr, birthplace of Robert Burns, is a possible destination.
Look for what interests you by clicking on red or dark green on these maps:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usmapindexes/westcentral.html
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usmapindexes/southwest.html
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Edinburgh is a bit far as the rail system requires a change in Glasgow, I am pretty sure there are no through trains. Glasgow is not as industrialized as it used to be, and is definiely MUCH cleaner. The Art Gallery at Kelvingrove is very interesting and across teh road a great transportation museum, with the botanic gardens close by and a good park. The Cathedral is interesting in the opposite direction.
If you want a more rural or seaside experience, take a train to Gourock and a ferry to Dunoonor Hunter's Quay and explore the shoreline. Depending on the schedule, you may take one as far as Rothesay on teh Isle of Bute. The scenery is quite spectacular if teh weather is good - but I am biased - I grew up in Hunter's Quay 50-60 years ago!