Pollok Country Park: Highland Cows in Glasgow
If you are in Glasgow and your dream is to get up close to the famous and iconic Highland Cows (the adorable hairy cows from the Highlands), there is no need to travel hours to the north. Just 10 minutes by train from the city centre hides Pollok Country Park. This immense green lung, voted on several occasions as the best park in Europe, is not only home to a historic herd of these friendly cows, but also to magical wooded trails and a world-class art museum. It is the perfect natural escape without leaving the city.
Pollok Country Park: Highland Cows in Glasgow
If you are in Glasgow and your dream is to get up close to the famous and iconic Highland Cows (the adorable hairy cows from the Highlands), there is no need to travel hours to the north. Just 10 minutes by train from the city centre hides Pollok Country Park. This immense green lung, voted on several occasions as the best park in Europe, is not only home to a historic herd of these friendly cows, but also to magical wooded trails and a world-class art museum. It is the perfect natural escape without leaving the city.
For many travelers, seeing Highland Cows (colloquially known as Heilan Coos in Scots) is an absolute priority on their trip to Scotland. Although their natural habitat is the Highlands, Glasgow hides a wonderful secret: the city's official herd lives permanently in Pollok Country Park.
Spanning over 140 hectares of woodlands, perfectly manicured gardens, and rivers, this park is the largest in Glasgow and the only country park within the city limits. In addition to offering a close encounter with these photogenic cows, the park seamlessly combines Scottish nature with art and aristocratic history.
How to See the Highland Cows in Pollok Park
The herd of Highland Cows at Pollok Country Park is not just any commercial attraction; it is a historic, award-winning pedigree herd that has been owned and managed directly by Glasgow City Council for decades.
- Where to find them exactly? The cows graze freely in the fenced fields surrounding the park's main entrance and in the meadows near Pollok House. When entering the park via the south pedestrian entrance, you will most likely see them immediately on both sides of the path.
- Photography tip: Although they are well-accustomed to human presence and often approach the wooden fences for photos, they remain large, semi-wild animals. Never attempt to climb the fence, touch them, or feed them. Their impressive horns demand plenty of respect.
- Calving season: If you visit the park between April and June, you will be incredibly lucky to see the newborn calves, which look like real-life teddy bears running around the grass.
What Else to See and Do in the Park
1. Discover The Burrell Collection
Located in the heart of the park, this state-of-the-art art museum recently reopened its doors following a multi-million-pound renovation. It houses the incredible private collection donated to the city by shipping magnate Sir William Burrell.
- What you will find: Over 9,000 pieces including ancient Egyptian artifacts, medieval armor, fine Chinese porcelain, and Impressionist paintings by masters such as Degas and Manet.
- Price: Like most municipal museums in Glasgow, admission is 100% free.
2. Admire Pollok House (Exterior)
This imposing Georgian-style grand mansion was the ancestral home of the Maxwell family. While the interiors of the house are typically subject to restorations by the National Trust for Scotland, walking around its grounds, crossing the stone bridge over the White Cart River, and strolling through its formally designed gardens is a visual delight.
3. Lose Yourself in its Wooded Trails
The park features miles of paved pathways and dirt tracks ideal for walking under the shade of ancient trees. If you pay attention and walk quietly, it is incredibly common to cross paths with wild roe deer, red squirrels, and a wide variety of birds in the denser areas of the forest.
How to Get to Pollok Country Park from Central Glasgow
Getting there is extremely simple and fast, making it the perfect plan for a free morning or afternoon:
- By Train (The fastest way): Catch a train from Glasgow Central station bound for Pollokshaws West. The journey takes just 10 minutes. When you get off at the station, the park's pedestrian entrance is literally across the street.
- By Bus: Lines 57 and 57A operated by First Bus depart frequently from the city centre (near Central Station) and drop you off on Pollokshaws Road, right by the park entrances. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
- By Car: If you have a rental car, you can get there in about 15 minutes from the centre by taking the M77 motorway (junction 2). The park has a pay-and-display parking lot next to The Burrell Collection.
Prices and Schedules
- Park and museum admission: Access to Pollok Country Park and The Burrell Collection museum is completely free.
- Park hours: It remains open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended to see the cows and safely walk the trails.
- Museum hours: The Burrell Collection is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Appropriate footwear: Although the main paths leading to the museums are paved, if you want to venture into the trails to look for the cows or explore the woods, you will need comfortable, waterproof footwear, as Scottish ground is often quite muddy due to recurring rainfall.
- Free internal transport: For people with reduced mobility or families with strollers, the park offers a free shuttle minibus service that connects the Pollokshaws West train station entrance directly with The Burrell Collection and Pollok House.
- Bring a raincoat: As always in Glasgow, the weather cannot be taken for granted. Even if you head out in the sunshine, a passing cloud can bring down a shower at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the Highland Cows always in the park? Yes, the herd lives there permanently all year round. It doesn't matter if you visit Glasgow in the depths of winter or during the summer, the cows will be grazing in their pastures enjoying the outdoors.
Are there places to eat inside the park? Yes, inside The Burrell Collection building, there is an excellent cafe serving light lunches, specialty coffee, and artisan pastries. You will also find a small cafe in the courtyard gardens of Pollok House. Additionally, the park is an ideal spot for a picnic if you catch a sunny day.
Useful Links to Keep Building Your Scotland Itinerary
The herd of Highland Cows at Pollok Country Park is not just any commercial attraction; it is a historic, award-winning pedigree herd that has been owned and managed directly by Glasgow City Council for decades.
- Where to find them exactly? The cows graze freely in the fenced fields surrounding the park's main entrance and in the meadows near Pollok House. When entering the park via the south pedestrian entrance, you will most likely see them immediately on both sides of the path.
- Photography tip: Although they are well-accustomed to human presence and often approach the wooden fences for photos, they remain large, semi-wild animals. Never attempt to climb the fence, touch them, or feed them. Their impressive horns demand plenty of respect.
- Calving season: If you visit the park between April and June, you will be incredibly lucky to see the newborn calves, which look like real-life teddy bears running around the grass.
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1. Discover The Burrell Collection
Located in the heart of the park, this state-of-the-art art museum recently reopened its doors following a multi-million-pound renovation. It houses the incredible private collection donated to the city by shipping magnate Sir William Burrell.
- What you will find: Over 9,000 pieces including ancient Egyptian artifacts, medieval armor, fine Chinese porcelain, and Impressionist paintings by masters such as Degas and Manet.
- Price: Like most municipal museums in Glasgow, admission is 100% free.
2. Admire Pollok House (Exterior)
This imposing Georgian-style grand mansion was the ancestral home of the Maxwell family. While the interiors of the house are typically subject to restorations by the National Trust for Scotland, walking around its grounds, crossing the stone bridge over the White Cart River, and strolling through its formally designed gardens is a visual delight.
3. Lose Yourself in its Wooded Trails
The park features miles of paved pathways and dirt tracks ideal for walking under the shade of ancient trees. If you pay attention and walk quietly, it is incredibly common to cross paths with wild roe deer, red squirrels, and a wide variety of birds in the denser areas of the forest.
Getting there is extremely simple and fast, making it the perfect plan for a free morning or afternoon:
- By Train (The fastest way): Catch a train from Glasgow Central station bound for Pollokshaws West. The journey takes just 10 minutes. When you get off at the station, the park's pedestrian entrance is literally across the street.
- By Bus: Lines 57 and 57A operated by First Bus depart frequently from the city centre (near Central Station) and drop you off on Pollokshaws Road, right by the park entrances. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
- By Car: If you have a rental car, you can get there in about 15 minutes from the centre by taking the M77 motorway (junction 2). The park has a pay-and-display parking lot next to The Burrell Collection.
- Park and museum admission: Access to Pollok Country Park and The Burrell Collection museum is completely free.
- Park hours: It remains open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended to see the cows and safely walk the trails.
- Museum hours: The Burrell Collection is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Appropriate footwear: Although the main paths leading to the museums are paved, if you want to venture into the trails to look for the cows or explore the woods, you will need comfortable, waterproof footwear, as Scottish ground is often quite muddy due to recurring rainfall.
- Free internal transport: For people with reduced mobility or families with strollers, the park offers a free shuttle minibus service that connects the Pollokshaws West train station entrance directly with The Burrell Collection and Pollok House.
- Bring a raincoat: As always in Glasgow, the weather cannot be taken for granted. Even if you head out in the sunshine, a passing cloud can bring down a shower at any moment.
Are the Highland Cows always in the park? Yes, the herd lives there permanently all year round. It doesn't matter if you visit Glasgow in the depths of winter or during the summer, the cows will be grazing in their pastures enjoying the outdoors.
Are there places to eat inside the park? Yes, inside The Burrell Collection building, there is an excellent cafe serving light lunches, specialty coffee, and artisan pastries. You will also find a small cafe in the courtyard gardens of Pollok House. Additionally, the park is an ideal spot for a picnic if you catch a sunny day.
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