Glasgow can seem unremittingly urban most of the time but escape from the sandstone, concrete and internal combustion engine can be relatively easy: the Firth of Clyde and the great sea lochs and mountains of Argyll are fairly close by. If you want to stay in the city and seek some green respite however, Pollok Country Park is an excellent choice.
It's around 6.5km south-west of the centre although you can get there in a few minutes on a suburban train service (Central Station to Pollokshaws West). The park extends over 146 hectares and has various walks, an attractive walled garden, a woodland garden, Clydesdale horses, a pedigree fold of Highland cattle, three mountain bike circuits, a play park for kids and places to picnic.
Meanwhile its cultural attractions include the Burrell Collection and Pollok House: the former houses the remarkable collection of the late shipping magnate Sir William Burrell featuring everything from ancient sculpture to works by renowned French Impressionists; the latter was the 18th century home of the Maxwell baronets of Pollok, now housing some fine examples of Spanish and Scottish painting.
The park itself once formed the estate of Pollok House but was gifted to the city authorities in 1966 – since then locals and visitors have been able to enjoy it at their leisure.