Aerial view looking west over the city of Glasgow

Discover the history and heritage of the River Clyde

For many hundreds of years the River Clyde has brought commerce and industry into the heart of the city of Glasgow. Now, as regeneration transforms communities along the course of the river, visitors and local people can explore the rich historical legacy.


Explore 20km of the Clyde, from the ancient park of Glasgow Green, through the city centre and down the river to Clydebank, Renfrew and Dumbarton. The river tells the story of Glasgow's industrial past and beyond; there is history to discover that dates back to Roman times and the dark ages. Find out more by visiting the 12 regional areas featured below.


Enjoy some of Scotland's most popular riverside visitor attractions while you uncover the heritage of the river. Visit the Clyde by land, sea or air and discover it for yourself.


01

Glasgow Green

02

Victoria Bridge and the Merchant City

03

The Broomielaw

04

Queen’s Dock & Yorkhill Quay

05

Prince’s Dock

06

Govan

07

Braehead

08

Renfrew

09

Erskine

10

Clydebank

11

Bowling Harbour & Old Kilpatrick

12

Dumbarton

A River of Opportunity

A river of opportunity

 Regeneration is currently underway to transform the banks of the Clyde, making it a great place, to work, live and visit. Watch our new film, A river of opportunity about the changes that are taking place along the River Clyde.

Replica of Henry Bell's Comet

 Image courtesy of GCC Culture & Sport


A new replica of the Comet is to be created at Ferguson's shipyard. The original paddle steamer was built by Henry Bell and began a passenger service in 1812 between Glasgow and Greenock, the first commercially successful steamboat service in Europe.


Download the Heritage Guide

Take this guide with you when you go exploring. (2.8MB)

History of Clydebank


27 Nov 2009 - 20 March 2010
An exhibition at Clydebank Museum uses rare local photographs, artifacts, reconstructions and valuable archive materials to tell the remarkable story of one of the most interesting Burghs on the Clydeside.