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Pollok House was where it all began, back in 1931. The discussions for the founding of the National Trust for Scotland took place inside Pollok’s cedar-panelled smoking room. This elegant stately home, set in the scenic surroundings of Pollok Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow, is an example of Georgian grandeur that would be at home in a Jane Austen novel.
Take a wander round Pollok House’s upper floors for a fascinating insight into the upper-class Edwardian lifestyle. The opulent family rooms are packed full of period furniture and artefacts; the library was designed to hold 7,000 books. An impressive art collection was amassed by Sir William Stirling Maxwell, including an extraordinary number of Spanish paintings and portraits of the Habsburg rulers. You can also admire the unfinished portrait of Sir John Maxwell, started in 1822 and thought to be Raeburn’s last painting.
Venture below stairs and a labyrinth of tiled passageways is an eye-opener to the scale of work it took to run this house. At its heyday, Pollok had 48 members of staff to look after just 3 residents.
Refuel in the Edwardian Kitchen café and enjoy delicious soups, cakes and the Trust’s signature scones.
If you like a challenge then make sure to book a space on Pollok’s Escape the Past game – a live escape game for 2–5 players.
