Bellahouston Park in Glasgow’s southside opened to the public in 1896 and was extended in 1901 by the addition of a part of Dumbreck Lands. Rudy visited on a hot September afternoon.
There’s a lot contained within Bellahouston’s 68 hectares (169 acres) with an orienteering course, bowling greens, a hockey pitch, cricket squares, a cycling track and even the Glasgow Ski Centre! There’s also plenty for the less sporty types with formal gardens, open parkland, a maze and glasshouses.
The Empire exhibition was held here in 1938 attracting 12.5 Million visitors! In 1982 more than 280,000 people came to see Pope John Paul II while 65,000 attended a mass given by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The large rock concerts still held over the summer months sell out at 35,000 tickets.
Rudy’s choice for his visit was to run round with other dogs until they left and he was introduced to a new BIG friend who simply refused to play chases but was more than happy to pose for photos.
House for an Art Lover
The House for an Art Lover was built from drawings made by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901. Construction however took place ninety years later between 1989 and 1996! A very modern old fashioned house, it’s used as an arts centre and a wedding venue.
The immediate grounds of the house are used as a permanent sculpture garden photographed by many, many Glasgow art students & tourists. Rudy’s face definitely confirms he’d rather be exploring than posing for photos next to giant foot though!
Glasgow City Council maintains a page for Bellahouston Park at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16580
The page currently (2023) inlcludes links to pdf files detailing the park’s history and a heritage trail leaflet.