Clydebank is exactly where you think it is… on the banks of the River Clyde in West Dunbartonshire. Although there are several other towns and cities perched on the banks of the Clyde, this is the only one that couldn’t think of any other name.
One of Clydebanks many Iconic Buildings
Editorial credit: Antony McAulay / Shutterstock.com
It’s in West Dunbartonshire, although it has the Glasgow postcode that makes the rest of Scotland refer to it as ‘Glasgow’. It is to be fair only about 9 miles from there the district includes Yoker, Bearsden and Drumchapel… which are all in er… Glasgow. Still, its a town in its own right and sufficiently interesting to warrant at least a trip out if you are in the area.
Clydebank is made up of lots of different former towns and villages. Local legend has it that Old Kilpatrick (one of these areas) was the birthplace of Saint Patrick of Ireland. It may or may not be true. What is known for certain is that Clydebank has been around in its separate parts since the old Kingdom of Strathclyde, pre-12th century.
When the industrial revolution hit Glasgow, Clydebank became the home of the shipbuilder’s yards. Around the 1870’s onwards it became a hub of industrial activity, transporting the steel and iron out of Scotland something that made the Country so powerful back then. Recent years have seen the Steel Making & Shipbuilding industries decline to the degree that what remains is a mere effigy of those good old times. Anyway on to something less depressing…
Instead, let’s take a look at what Clydebank has to offer as a post-industrial town. Apart from its neighbour being one of the best cities in the world – what attractions does it have? Let’s find out.
The Best Things to do in Clydebank
You might not believe us, but there are a number of fun things to do in this historic town… We listed our favourites below.
The Titan Clydebank
OK, so this is more of a sight to see than an actual attraction – although we have been told you can bungee jump from it in good weather. Also lovingly referred to as the ‘Clydebank cran’, it is a Grade A listed building. It is one of the few symbols that remains of the old days when shipbuilding was the main event in this town.
The Titan was actually the first electrical crane to be erected in the shipbuilding industry in Scotland. You can’t help but see it from all over Clydebank and even from the city itself. The Titan launched some of the most famous ships in history, including the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2.
Monkey Madness
This is the best place to go within a twenty-mile radius if you are looking for something to do with the kids in Glasgow or Clydebank. It is technically a soft play area and doesn’t contain any monkeys, but it does have loads of great fun activities for the little ones.
They have party spaces, food, speciality themes, and nerf gun wars for the older kids. Everyone loves this place. It’s definitely up there as one of the top things to do with kids in Clydebank.
The Clyde Shopping Centre
If you want a place to spend your birthday or Christmas money as a teenager, and you don’t want to go for the hustle and bustle of Glasgow City Centre, then this is where you go. It has everything you need, from juice bars to clothing stores, a perfume stand and a place to pick up your prescription. Shopping here is considered normal for most. If you want to find cheap deals then we would suggest travelling farther afield… but it ain’t bad for something to do of a Saturday afternoon.
The Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery
If you want to learn all about that proud industrial heritage we mentioned earlier, then this is where you do it. It is easy to spend an afternoon wandering around the galleries, taking in the local artists, or learning the area’s history. Besides anything else, the museum is a spectacular building in its own right.
ScotKart
Every work night out or team building activity in Central Scotland takes place at ScotKart in Clydebank. They have an indoor go-kart racing track, electronic scoreboards, enough cars for up to five folks at a time, and the entire place stinks of burning rubber. If you are in Clydebank and want to entertain some teenagers this should be your first stop. Likewise, if you are looking for a corporate day out then this will be a great choice.
Oh, and they also have laser tag… because why not?
Where to Eat, Drink and Party in Clydebank?
So if you have to stop in the area for a while, where do you get a munch? Try McMonagles, which gets excellent reviews for family dining and good value. It’s also on a boat in the river which is tremendous kiddie fun.
If you want to try fine dining and don’t want to take the trip into Glasgow then go for Roastit Bubbly Jocks Scottish menu. If you want to go partying then you can Dane the night away at Mutineers Mcc Clubhouse.
Over 18s Might Like…
To visit the Auchentoshan Distillery which can trace its roots back to 1817. They are best known for their triple distilled Single Malt Scotches which are sold worldwide. They are open to the public seven days a week from 10 am until 5 pm and they have a range of tours to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Auchentoshan Distillery Located By Dalmuir (On the A82), Clydebank, G81 4SJ has tours where you can sample a dram or two of this famous Malt Whiskey. Editorial credit: 13threephotography / Shutterstock.com
If Football Is More Your Thing…
Then you are in luck as they have their own team Clydebank FC. They currently play at the Scottish Junior level but have a long and historied past in various guises. Football in the town can be traced back to 1885 and from 1966-67 until 2001- 02 they were members of the Scottish League, winning back to back titles in 1975-6 & 1976-7 to reach the heady heights of the Scottish Premiership! They even made the Scottish Cup semi Final in 1990 where they lost to Celtic. They were taken over at the end of the 2001-2 season and ended up as the current club Airdrie. However, a new club was formed which currently plays at Holm Park and is owned by the supporters.
Programme from Clydebanks first season in Scottish Footballs top flight.
Other Notable Clydebank Attractions
Clydebank is actually full of cool things to do, so if you are in the area here are some other things to check out:
- Check out Jurassic Parr Adventure Golf if you have little ones.
- Or go to Clydebank Golf Club if you want to play real golf.
- There is the Clydebank Leisure centre for the gym and other active classes. It also has three Swimming Pools including a leisure pool with waves and a slide for the less energetic.
- Or you can visit Clydebank Library and maybe learn something… or at least use the internet for free!
Whatever you choose to do, you are bound to have a decent day out. It is a populous area and – even if there is nothing on that day – it is only a short hop on the bus into that slightly bigger place nearby!
Still Have Time to Kill?
If you find yourself at a loose end, why not check out some of our other UK destinations? You can even pick up a new hobby or take one of our quizzes here at Five Minutes Spare.
