Located in the leafy west end of Glasgow, Victoria Park is tucked in between Broomhill, Whiteinch, Scotstoun and Kelvinside. It has been a favourite of ours for years; ever since the kids were tiny little things. Victoria Park isn’t huge but it is probably one of Glasgow’s prettiest parks, with its pond, rose gardens and Fossil Grove. It is a very flat park with good paths making it great for little ones cycling and scooting, for buggies or prams, and it has loads of space for picnics and meeting up with friends.
Victoria Park has a big pond that’s a great place to see the swans & ducks. Depending on the time of year you will see ducklings & signets too. (Just don’t get too close to the swans or their cute li’l babies because those adults are about as predictable as Tom Cruise on Oprah…) Next to the pond you’ll find the rose gardens, with lots of little paths criss-crossing through them and a ton of benches around the outside.
Fossil Grove
Situated within Victoria Park is Fossil Grove, which houses the remnants of an ancient forest. The tree trunks here are thought to be around 330 million years old. It is a pretty cool place to have a wander round. It’s not massive but the kids have always had a great time following the paths and “finding dinosaurs”. There is a little pavilion in Fossil Grove which is open at certain times during the week, and for events during the summer.
The Playpark
My kids really like the play area within Victoria Park. Slides, a pirate ship, a bunch of spinny things, swings, climbing frames (though one was fenced off last time we were there). There is also a little maze in the middle with some play bits scattered around in there. The playpark here still easily entertains my 6 & 9 yr olds for an hour or so. It has done since they were tiny tots. Some of it is looking a bit shabby now, but the kids don’t care.
The Extra Bits
Victoria Park is great for all wheels. Bikes, scooters, buggies, everything. The only part that isn’t good for wheels is Fossil Grove, which has a bunch of steps and is very rocky.
Getting There
Victoria Park is easy to get to by car or public transport. If you’re travelling by car there’s parking along Victoria Park Drive North and Westland Drive.
There are quite a few buses that head along Victoria Park Drive South, and if you get off along the south side of the park you’re right next to one of the gates. Jordanhill train station seems to be the nearest at just over half a mile away, and it’s an easy walk to Victoria Park straight down Crow Rd and Balshagray Avenue.
The Verdict
Victoria Park is one of the prettiest parks in Glasgow. It has a lovely pond with lots of birds to see, a great playpark and Fossil Grove is quite magical for the little ones. We love a visit out here; absolutely one of our favourites in Glasgow.
For a map of the location of Victoria Park click here. (Link will take you to google maps.)
