Attractions and Places To See around Houston - Top 20

Below the castle (with limited opening hours) there is the Castle Park, which is open all day and offers beautiful views of the castle. There is also the bowling club with a clubhouse and outdoor area. Here too, it seems that it is permitted to spend the night in a camper van in the car park. The large shops (including Morrisons and Lidl, with many snack bars nearby) are only about a kilometer away on foot, and the city center is similarly close (directly behind them).

Dumbarton Castle is enthroned on the 73m high Dumbarton Rock. In its more than 1500-year history it was the scene of many feuds and skirmishes. Of great strategic importance in the Middle Ages, it always remained a suitable vantage point and place of refuge. David II hid here successfully in 1333-34 and Mary Queen of Scots in 1548 before they could flee to safer climes.

Castle Semple Collegiate Church was founded in 1504 to serve his castle and estate. John, Lord Sempill built the church which was then extended by his son to include the tomb of his father who was killed in the battle of Flodden. Today the church is partially ruined with no roof. The tomb is still visible and remains a good example of a medieval burial tomb.

The oldest recorded stronghold in Scotland. It sits on a massive lump of volcanic rock, so you can imagine it would be hard to conquer! May be closed so check ahead if you're visiting.

Stormy peak but nice views on the backcountry and over to Loch Lomond.

Victoria Park is a 20-hectare (50-acre) park located in Glasgow, Scotland, adjacent to the districts of Scotstoun, Whiteinch, Jordanhill and Broomhill. The park was created and named for Queen Victoria's jubilee in 1887. The main entrances to the park are from Westland Drive, Victoria Park Drive North, and Balshagray Avenue. The Friends of Victoria Park (FoVP) is a West Glasgow group set up to protect and develop Victoria Park. There are a number of features within Victoria Park: - A memorial honouring the local residents who died in World War I and World War II. - A children's playpark with climbing frames and swings. - A pond, with two small islands. The larger island is connected on both sides by iron bridges. - A fully restored four-dial miniature lamp post clock, donated by William Gordon Oswald in 1888. - The Jubilee Gates situated at the Victoria Park North Drive entrance were erected and funded by the 'Ladies of Partick' in 1887. They were manufactured by Macfarlane's Saracen foundry at a cost of £100. They bear the Partick Burgh coat of arms. In 1987 (the gates' centenary year) they underwent a restoration, and the gates have recently had another restoration to the original colours of red and gold. - The Fossil Grove - During the park's construction in the late 19th century, when a pilot channel for the road was cut through a large area of rock, the builders discovered preserved fossilised tree trunks. The route for the road was then diverted and the sand and shale further excavated to reveal more fossils. - Scotland's most northerly parakeet flock. Texten taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Park,_Glasgow

Open 24/7 History A late Gothic place of worship Castle Semple Collegiate Church was founded in 1504. The building itself was probably a remodelled existing building, possibly a proprietary chapel. It had lands and income to support: a provost six chaplains two choir boys a sacristan The remains of the buildings accommodating the priests and officials are likely buried in the area around the church, along with a cemetery. The church’s founder, John, Lord Sempill, intended the church to accommodate a spectacular tomb for himself and his wife. Sempill was killed fighting the English at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The church was extended to accommodate his tomb in a three-sided apse on the east side. Although it’s now without its effigy, Sempill’s tomb remains one of the finest examples of a medieval burial monument in Scotland. Passage to heaven The sole purpose of Castle Semple Collegiate Church was providing a place for priests to perform mass, for the benefit of the founding family. It illustrates the important attached in the medieval period to ensuring the speedy passage of souls through purgatory and into heaven. Text taken from: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/castle-semple-collegiate-church/history/

Amazing 360 view from pleasant grassy summit with trig point. A bit of pushing to get the bike up.