Description
Pollok Country Park is Glasgow’s largest green space and the only country park within the city, spanning over 300 acres of lush scenery. As one of the best things to do with kids in Glasgow, this award-winning park offers a unique mix of world-class art, vast woodlands, and the city’s famous Highland cattle. It is a fantastic destination for a family day out, providing a countryside escape just minutes from the city centre.
Entry to the park and the Burrell Collection museum is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for families. However, visitors arriving by vehicle should plan for parking charges, which apply seven days a week.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids to enjoy fresh air and culture, Pollok Country Park is a top contender. It offers an educational day out through its art galleries and wildlife gardens, while providing plenty of sensory play opportunities in its extensive play park and woodland trails.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Pollok Country Park unique?
Pollok Country Park is unique for its world-renowned Burrell Collection, which recently won the "Best Large Museum" in the 2025 Family Friendly Museum Awards. It provides a rare educational day out where kids can see over 9,000 objects including medieval armour and ancient Chinese jades. For sensory play, the park's wildlife garden and "Pollok Folds"—home to the iconic long-haired Highland cattle—allow children to connect directly with nature.
- Award-Winning Museum: The Burrell Collection features interactive digital displays and family-friendly galleries.
- Highland Cattle: A resident fold of cattle that kids can spot grazing throughout the park grounds.
- Free Electric Shuttle: A free-to-use electric bus links the park entrance to the main attractions, making it highly accessible for families with small children.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Burrell Collection: Explore thousands of years of history in this newly refurbished, family-centric museum.
- Highland Cattle Folds: Spot the famous "hairy coos" in the fields; they are a hit with children and a great photo opportunity.
- The Play Park: A dedicated area for kids to burn off energy with climbing frames and traditional play equipment.
- Walled Gardens: Beautifully maintained gardens and glasshouses that offer a peaceful space for exploration.
- Woodland Trails: Miles of paths perfect for "den building" and spotting local wildlife like squirrels and deer.
Pollok Country Park features a variety of specific zones and facilities:
- The Burrell Collection (Refurbished museum with 24 galleries).
- Pollok House (Currently closed for major refurbishment until approx. late 2025/2026).
- Large Play Park (Outdoor play equipment for various ages).
- Wildlife Garden & Demonstration Garden (Educational spaces showing how produce is grown).
- Riverside & Woodland Walks (Extensive trail network for walking and cycling).
- Cycle Hire (NextBike/Voi) (Stations located in front of the Burrell Collection).
- Old Stable Courtyard (Currently undergoing refurbishment to become a new visitor hub).
- Free Electric Shuttle Bus (Runs a loop from the entrance to the museum and house).
Beyond the Main Attraction: The park is near Shawlands, a vibrant area with many family-friendly cafes. For a different type of outing, Glasgow Central Station is just a 10-minute train journey away for city centre shopping.
3.01 miles
