{"id":1575,"date":"2019-11-29T12:20:30","date_gmt":"2019-11-29T12:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/travel\/?p=1575"},"modified":"2022-05-05T16:15:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T15:15:19","slug":"clydebank-the-five-minute-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/travel\/clydebank-the-five-minute-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Clydebank: The Five Minute Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clydebank is exactly where you think it is\u2026 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\u2019t think of any other name.<\/p>\n

\"\"

One of Clydebanks many Iconic Buildings
Editorial credit: Antony McAulay \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s in West Dunbartonshire, although it has the Glasgow postcode that makes the rest of Scotland refer to it as \u2018Glasgow\u2019. It is to be fair only about 9 miles from there the district includes Yoker, Bearsden and Drumchapel\u2026 which are all in er\u2026 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

When the industrial revolution hit Glasgow, Clydebank became the home of the shipbuilder\u2019s yards. Around the 1870\u2019s 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…<\/p>\n

Instead, let\u2019s 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 \u2013 what attractions does it have? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n

The Best Things to do in Clydebank<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

You might not believe us, but there are a number of fun things to do in this historic town\u2026 We listed our favourites below.<\/p>\n

The Titan Clydebank<\/a><\/h3>\n

OK, so this is more of a sight to see than an actual attraction \u2013 although we have been told you can bungee jump from it in good weather. Also lovingly referred to as the \u2018Clydebank cran\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n

The Titan was actually the first electrical crane to be erected in the shipbuilding industry in Scotland. You can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Monkey Madness<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019t contain any monkeys, but it does have loads of great fun activities for the little ones.<\/p>\n

They have party spaces, food, speciality themes, and nerf gun wars for the older kids. Everyone loves this place. It\u2019s definitely up there as one of the top things to do with kids in Clydebank.<\/p>\n

The Clyde Shopping Centre<\/a><\/h3>\n

If you want a place to spend your birthday or Christmas money as a teenager, and you don\u2019t 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\u2026 but it ain\u2019t bad for something to do of a Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n

The Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s history. Besides anything else, the museum is a spectacular building in its own right.<\/p>\n

ScotKart<\/a><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Oh, and they also have laser tag\u2026 because why not?<\/p>\n

Where to Eat, Drink and Party in Clydebank?<\/h2>\n

So if you have to stop in the area for a while, where do you get a munch? Try McMonagles<\/a>, which gets excellent reviews for family dining and good value. It\u2019s also on a boat in the river which is tremendous kiddie fun.<\/p>\n

If you want to try fine dining and don\u2019t want to take the trip into Glasgow then go for Roastit Bubbly Jocks<\/a> Scottish menu. If you want to go partying then you can Dane the night away at Mutineers Mcc Clubhouse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Over 18s Might Like…<\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"The

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<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Football Is More Your Thing…<\/h2>\n

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\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"Clydebank

Programme from Clydebanks first season in Scottish Footballs top flight.<\/p><\/div>\n

Other Notable Clydebank Attractions<\/h2>\n

Clydebank is actually full of cool things to do, so if you are in the area here are some other things to check out:<\/p>\n