Pollok House and Pollok Country Park, Glasgow (must see)

Pollok Country Park, situated in Pollok, Glasgow, spans an impressive 146 hectares (equivalent to 361 acres). It earned the prestigious title of "Britain's Best Park" in 2007 and followed up with the accolade of being named the "Best Park in Europe" in 2008, surpassing competition from parks in countries like Italy, France, Germany, Poland, and Sweden. The park boasts extensive woodlands and gardens that offer a peaceful retreat for both visitors and wildlife.

Pollok House, located within Pollok Country Park, holds historical significance as the ancestral residence of the Stirling Maxwell family. Constructed in 1752 and later expanded by Rowand Anderson in the early 20th century, the house was generously bestowed to the City of Glasgow in 1966 by Dame Anne Maxwell Macdonald, whose family had owned the estate for nearly seven centuries. Presently, the National Trust for Scotland manages the property, making it accessible to the public. Notably, the house underwent internal modernization in 1899 under the supervision of Alexander Hunter Crawford.

Within Pollok House, visitors can explore an extensive private collection of Spanish paintings, which includes notable works by artists such as El Greco, Francisco Goya, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Additionally, the house boasts paintings by Rubens and William Blake, alongside a diverse array of glassware, silver items, porcelain, and antique furniture. Moreover, the house offers access to the servants' quarters on the lower floor, which includes two shops and a restaurant.