Guided tours of Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, so there is plenty to see and experience.
We have devised a selection of half day tours that can be shortened or extended, to suit your interest. Whatever the tour, we’ll be letting you into some secrets about Glasgow, not to mention more than a few tales about Glaswegians and their world-renowned friendliness and quirky humour.
From Medieval City to 21st Century City of Art
We will start at the 12th Century Cathedral where pilgrims came to honour the city’s patron saint, St Mungo, followed by a short visit to the Necropolis, Glasgow’s very own City of the Dead. From there we will stroll down one of the most historical streets – the High Street – where kings, conquerors and bishops would lead processions to and from the river Clyde, the river that ‘made’ Glasgow.
Our tour will describe who and how the great men and women of the city celebrated so many ground-breaking achievements in medicine, industry, art and literature, ultimately giving rise to the accolade – the Second City of the Empire. On the way we will be able to admire some of the colourful, quirky public street artworks decorating the gable ends (sides) of the sandstone buildings.
Architectural Wonders and their Genius Designers
Glasgow’s architecture is mainly Victorian. Beginning our walking tour in the city’s civic space, George Square, we will guide you through the streets highlighting the work of eminent architects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His ‘Glasgow’ style can be seen in several buildings, especially the famed tea rooms and Salon de Luxe he designed for Miss Cranston, a pioneer of tea drinking and places where unchaperoned women could meet. Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, on the other hand, favoured a more Graeco- Egyptian style and not forgetting James Miller – the man who designed the Glasgow Central Station we know today, including the Hielanman’s umbrella that sheltered many a Highlander from the weather. Want to know more?
For a full day tour, we will include the few remaining medieval buildings, beginning at the Cathedral precinct then making our way to Glasgow Green passing a few architectural gems on the way.
Merchant City and Mural Trail
Starting off at George Square, Glasgow’s main civic space, let’s head to the Merchant City and hear tales of Glasgow merchants and their successful trading with the American Colonies in the 18th century.
Who were the Tobacco Lords and why were only they permitted to walk on the paving stones? What did they do with their wealth? We will explain the important role the River Clyde has played in the development of the city and why some buildings in Glasgow are adorned with a clipper ship balanced on a globe. We will show you what lies at the heart of today’s Merchant City.
Along the way you will be able to admire some of the colourful, quirky public street artworks decorating the gable ends (sides of buildings) – thought-provoking, but always with a tale behind them.
West End Experience
Our tour of Glasgow’s West End will take you to Scotland’s second ancient university, the University of Glasgow, perched on Gilmorehill, where it moved in 1870 after standing for 400 years in the High Street. Its Gothic architecture, with a few Scots Baronial touches, will wow any visitor, especially Harry Potter fans.
Then it’s a short walk through Kelvingrove Park to our next stop, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, arguably the city’s top visitor attraction. Lose yourself in one of its many galleries, home to the ‘Glasgow Boys’ works of art with much French influence or spend time reflecting on Salvador Dali’s world famous painting ‘Christ of Saint John of the Cross’. Browse the many artefacts that chart the history of the City, but don’t forget to say hello to ‘Sir Roger’.
We will then head on to thriving Byers Road to soak up the atmosphere, perhaps do a little shopping, before savouring the delights of the many restaurants and bars in the popular Ashton Lane, just past the Clockwork Orange, the nickname of our underground system.
All of our walking tours can be tailored to what you want to see and experience.
If you’re unsure of what you want to see in Glasgow, then let us help you. We can devise a tour that takes in your interests and those sights you have heard about. Leave it to us and we’ll also slot in a few lesser known places.