The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow Discount Tickets

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Overview

Discover some of the top attractions in the ancient city of Glasgow such as the spectacular City Chambers, the stunning medieval Cathedral and even some lesser-known sites such as world’s oldest, surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon. Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and sculpture that can still be found on so many streets. Follow in the footsteps of the merchants, traders and pioneers who transformed the city’s fortunes and reputation and the workers who enabled that transformation. Hear about some memorable moments from Glasgow’s history, including a few scandals and darker secrets.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

George Square, Scotland, G2 1EH, United Kingdom

Let's meet on George Square. There's a coffee shop on the north side of the square called Costa Coffee. I will be waiting outside that shop, holding a green notebook.

End Point

End point

The tour ends outside the Ramshorn Church on Ingram Street, not too far from the starting point in George Square

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. City Chambers
Probably the most spectacular building in Glasgow, the headquarters of Glasgow City Council. There is some astonishing sculpture on this building which goes a long way to explaining how Glaswegians saw themselves in the 19th century. 10 minutes
Duration: 10 mins
2. Glasgow War Memorial
Glasgow's monument to the citizens who fell in the First Word War. Rich in symbolism, this monument marks a turning point in Glasgow's history
Duration: 4 mins
3. Sir Walter Scott Statue
The centrepiece of George Square. One of Scotland's greatest writers and a man who is many ways is responsible, for creating the modern idea of Scotland.
Duration: 4 mins
4. Robert Burns Statue
The first ever monument to Scotland's national poet. An early example of crowdfunding. Thousands of people paid as little as 5 pence towards the cost of this sculpture. 30.000 people turned up to the unveiling
Duration: 3 mins
5. Merchant's House
The Merchants of Glasgow, were largely responsible for the success and prosperity of modern Glasgow. This house, in the centre of the city, gives an indication of their importance and how they saw themselves
Duration: 5 mins
6. Gallery of Modern Art
Originally a spectacular private mansion house, this building has had many different uses before becoming a gallery
Duration: 5 mins
7. Duke of Wellington Statue
One of the most-well known statues in Glasgow. The Duke was a decorated military leader and even prime Minister. His statue is famous today, because of the traffic cone, placed on the Duke's head
Duration: 3 mins
8. Paesano Pizza
One of the most popular pizza joints in Glasgow. Once upon a time they had a very special job opportunity
Duration: 1 mins
9. Tobacco Laird's House
An 18th century, Georgian townhouse in the heart of modern Glasgow. The original family that lived here had an interesting story
10. Trades Hall of Glasgow
The Trades House represented the traders of Glasgow, the carpenters, the tanners , the dyers and so on, and looked after members who had become too old to work.
Duration: 3 mins
11. Candleriggs
An important street in medieval Glasgow, where the candle makers lived and worked, set apart from the old town to reduce the risk of fire. Later the site of markets and warehouses. Now an an important part of Glasgow's cultural district
12. The Corinthian Club
Formerly a bank, a courthouse, and a county building, now one of the most high-profile clubs and wedding venues.
Duration: 4 mins
13. Saints of Ingram
Along with the original Merchants House and the Trades House, the Hutchenson's Hospital once described one of the three graces of Glasgow. Together, they looked after many of the citizens of Glasgow, for many years
Duration: 3 mins
14. City Halls & Old Fruitmarket
The Old Fruitmarket was once a bustling part of commercial Glasgow. The building still stands but has been converted to retail use. it is still possible to walk through it and imagine how it would have been years ago.
Duration: 5 mins
15. Trongate
Trongate 103 is an arts centre in the heart of Glasgow, home to amongst other attractions, the Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery.
Duration: 10 mins
16. Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
The world's oldest surviving music hall, where a young Stan Laurel, one half of the legendary comedt double act, first performed.
Duration: 5 mins
17. Mercat Cross
A recreation of a medieval market cross, where proclamations were made.
Duration: 5 mins
18. High Street
The High Street was the heart of medieval Glasgow. There are several attractions along the road, including the site of the old University, the fourth oldest in Britain, two spectacular murals, relating to Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo and some other significant buildings.
Duration: 15 mins
19. David Livingstone Statue
This statue, celebrating one of Scotlan's great explorers, originally stood in George Square.
Duration: 2 mins
20. Ramshorn Theatre
This building opened in 1824, replacing an earlier church on the site. Many of the great and good of Glasgow were buried here. In recent years it has served as a theatre, now it is a centre for language studies, owned by the University of Strathclyde
Duration: 5 mins
21. Friends Of Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum
The oldest hospital in Glasgow, many medical innovations were pioneered here.
Duration: 3 mins
22. Glasgow Cathedral
The tour finishes with a look inside the oldest building in Glasgow, which dates back to the 13th century. There has been a church in those locations since the 6th century.
Duration: 20 mins
23. Provand's Lordship
Apart from the Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, dating back to the 14th century.
Duration: 5 mins
24. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Built to look a much older building, this museum celebrates many of the different religions followed in the world today
Duration: 5 mins

Inclusion

Historical Information

Storytelling

Local knowledge

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The tour will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

This is a moderately paced walking tour.

We cover approximately 3.5 miles in 2.5 hours, with steady walking between stops.

Participants should be comfortable walking continuously for 4-5 minutes between stops

The tour involves a hill, some uneven pavements and regular movement between locations.

To maintain the flow of the storytelling, we keep the group moving at a consistent pace.

Supplied by Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow

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