The town of Clydebank in Scotland is a part of the Greater Glasgow area and a superb destination if you’re looking for somewhere just outside the city to visit. Many things to do in Clydebank make it well worth your time to see, so strap in as we cover this industrial town’s attractions.
Clydebank grew in the 1870s to be a notable shipping town, with much of the land in the West Barns o Clyde being transformed into shipping buildings. As the population grew around this industry, it transformed the town into what it is today and reformed its industrial past into excellent attractions.
Things to Do in Clydebank
Clydebank is located within West Dunbartonshire and is an excellent village to explore just out of Glasgow. The town’s foremost attractions are beloved by the adventurous and involve many exciting attractions to undertake.
Thrill seekers are spoilt for choice regarding things to do here, and you can try bungee jumping, snowboarding, and much more! If you’re more interested in delving into the history and culture of Clydebank, places like the Fossile Grove, Clydebank Museum, Holm Park, and Dumbarton Castle will serve you well!
That’s not all, though, and Clydebank has a wide variety of hidden gems and points of interest for you to discover, so make sure to see our guide for the top things to do in Clydebank.
Jump Off the Titan Clydebank
Keen to learn about workers’ lives on the dock and thrill seek for charity? Look no further than the Titan Crane in Clydebank.
This behemoth structure allows you to abseil, bungee, or swing from the Titan Crane! We bet that this is one of the more unique attractions you’ll see in your time in Scotland.
This massive construction also has its fair share of restaurants, pubs, and shops for you to peruse and dine at. Don’t miss out on this adventure when next in Clydebank.
The Titan Crane is currently being repaired for 2022, but their exciting events may be open next time you go!
Clydebank Museum & Art Gallery
Come learn and see about Clydebank’s brilliant history, from how this industrial town grew to events like the Clydebank Blitz.
The museum is situated next to the famous shipyard where the famous liners that skirt the Clyde were born, and you can discover the fascinating industrial heritage alongside a revolving gallery of registered exhibits.
The Backdoor Gallery also hosts unique art galleries filled with portraits and statues throughout the year, cultivating the active artists of the region.
Snowboard at Snow Factor
Hailed as Scotland’s only year-round ski centre, those who want to snowboard or ski in the summer months of Scotland will find an instant match with Snow Factor.
Snow Factor also has the longest indoor natural snow slope in Scotland and offers you the chance to learn how to be a pro in some of the most thrilling sports available. This place is perfect for large groups or a family as they’re exploring Clydebank.
The events at Snow Factor aren’t to be missed either, and there are various exciting and interactive things to do with children throughout the year. Make sure to check out their website for more information!
Mugdock Country Park
Just past the villages outside Clydebank sits the beautiful Mugdock Country Park, home to some of the best outdoor activities in the council area.
This country park has it all! You can watch wildlife, stroll through the beautiful countryside, see historic sites, and much more. No matter what category of attraction you’re into, Mugdock has something for you to do.
The 270 hectares here can happily accommodate any traveller, and this park is just a 20-minute split from Clydebank, so there’s no reason not to check it out.
Dumbarton Castle
One of the finest attractions near Clydebank is the quirky Dumbarton Castle.
This magnificent structure was created in the 18th century and immerses you into Scottish history, seemingly flowing through the castle’s corridors. Ascend the 500 steps to reach one of Scotland’s finest strongholds, situated on top of a dramatic volcanic plug.
A visit to Dumbarton Castle is a great group activity and one of the highlights of any visit to Clydebank.
The Castle is currently under masonry work and closed for the time being, but please refer to their website or media presence as this may not be the case when you’re there!
Fossil Grove
Come and explore the ancient past of Scotland at the Fossil Grove, where you can experience fossilised plants from the Carboniferous Period!
This site was discovered when they were carving a new park in late 1887 and has since been managed by the owners at the Glasgow City Council’s Park Department. You can take sweeping tours of the park and support its maintenance as you learn about these historic florae.
This attraction is great for stopping and seeing when commuting between Glasgow and Clydebank.
Victoria Park Pond
Along with the Fossil Grove, a trip to see Victoria Pond is one of the best things to do while exploring the town of Clydebank and Glasgow.
The beautiful tranquillity of Victoria Park and its pond are perfect for a balmy day out near Glasgow and Clydebank. You can dip your feet into the calm waters, see the ducks and swans bathing across the pond’s waters, or even hop aboard a small boat!
Victoria Park is considered one of Glasgow’s prettiest parks, so make sure to set aside time to search for this attraction.
Bearsden Bath House
This hidden gem is a mere 15 minutes away from Clydebank and situated within the town of Bearsden.
This bath house is one of the best examples of Roman structures, and it’s easy to get lost in the Romanesque luxury of the attraction. You can see several unique artefacts on-site, like the carved head of a Roman goddess, a game board, and buildings inscribed by a Roman legion!
This historic site is too good to miss out on, especially when it’s so close to Clydebank.
The Gruffalo Trail
Explore the magical woodland walks of the Gruffalo Trail, a pleasant woodland that has hand-carved wooden statues of characters from ‘The Gruffalo’.
This trail requires no booking, so go at your leisure with a group or alone. The route takes alongside the loch, perfect for seeing the natural wildlife as you absorb the relaxation of the Gruffalo Trail.
This attraction is also situated in Bearsden, so you can fit this attraction in along with the bathhouse!
See the River Clyde
Not only does the River Clyde have an incredible history intertwined with Clydebank, but it’s also a great attraction that boasts its own set of things to do.
You can go fishing, hop aboard a boat trip, or just take a pleasant stroll across its banks with a company like family. The main types of fish you can catch are Brown Trout and Atlantic mackerel, but just make sure to adhere to the local regulations of the Greater Glasgow region.
You’ll likely see the River Clyde passing through hot spots, but it’s always a great idea to take a second to saviour it as it flows through the villages of Scotland.
Blairskaith Linn
Head north from Clydebank along the A81, and you’ll eventually come across the verdant Blairskaith Linn.
Make sure to pack your hiking boots for this attraction, as the Munros, caves, and waterfalls of Baldernock near Clydebank are a haven for outdoorsy individuals. The Blairskaith Linn is about a half-hour drive out of Clydebank, perfect for a break from the bustling city and adventure into Scotland’s natural landscapes.
The most famous sights on these trails are the Linn Caves and the Blairskaith Waterfall, two splendid places that let in the great atmosphere of Scotland.
See the Nearby Glasgow
We can’t speak about Clydebank without briefly touching on the most populous city in Scotland, Glasgow.
Clydebank is located just west of Glasgow, making a trip into the bustling city an easy endeavour. Within Glasgow, there are more attractions than we can count, but it’s easy to find excellent accommodation, fun activities, and superb restaurants to eat at.
If you want to see Glasgow, you can always use the bus terminus to make your way into the city centre.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the heart of Glasgow, and its spectacular estate gives way to a stunning series of galleries and exhibits within a picturesque red building.
Best of all, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is free to enter, meaning you can see influential works of art like ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ by Salvador Dali without paying a penny!
You should not miss the thousands of artefacts and themed galleries next time you venture into Glasgow from Clydebank.
Empire Cinemas
Sometimes a holiday isn’t complete without a movie trip, and Empire Cinemas will undoubtedly show off some of the best new movies you can see.
With a lovely set of staff and the usual movie delights like popcorn, slushies, and sweets, you’ll be lost in your flick as soon as it starts. Feel free to check out their website to make a booking for the subsequent viewing starring your favourite actor or actress!
Auchentoshan Distillery
You can’t visit Scotland without tasting the fine single malt whisky the southern end of the Lowland is known for.
At Auchentoshan Distillery, you can sample the defining characteristics that make the whisky here distinctly different to a few other Lowland distilleries. You can tour the distillery, touching on the finer details of the distillery process and coming away with a great appreciation for this excellent brew.
You can find Auchentoshan Distillery on the western end of Clydebank, and we won’t blame you for taking home a bottle or two!
Clydebank & District Golf Club
Within Hardgate is an attraction for those who can’t imagine a holiday without tee-ing off – the Clydebank & District Golf Club!
This spectacular 18-hole golf course will provide a unique challenge to all who undertake it, and they have stunning views of the surrounding area of Clydebank. You can work on lowering your handicap at this beautiful course for a small price.
Monkey Madness Soft Play Centre
If you’re looking for a great place to bring your children for a fun day, look no further than the Monkey Madness Soft Play Centre in Clydebank!
This centre is filled with great activities, from a soft play pit, climbing gym, and an extensive play area where families can have fun with their kids in a safe environment. After the fun, don’t forget to spend some time refuelling at the Soft Play Centre’s restaurants, where you can get tasty snacks.
Bring your kids to the Monkey Madness Soft Play Centre; they’ll be fans!
Erskine Beach
The expansive white sands of Erskine beach are utterly breathtaking, and also a short trip up the River Clyde from town.
This beach doesn’t border the coastal ocean but is a riverside beach, one of the closest to the city of Glasgow! Don’t miss out on a stop here in the summer months, it’s one of the best places to soak in the sun’s rays while listening to the peaceful waves of the river and the sounds of boats driving past.
We can rarely recommend a beach location in such an inland city, but Erskine Beach is too perfectly placed to miss out on.
Other Things To Do in Glasgow, Clyde & Ayrshire
- Things to do in Ayr
- Things to do in Girvan
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Things to do in Gourock
- Things to do in Greenock
- Things to do in Helensburgh
- Things to do in Kilmarnock
- Things to do in Largs
- Things to do in Maybole
- Things to do in Motherwell
- Things to do in Paisley
- Things to do in Renfrew
- Things to do in Troon
