The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow

4.7 (71 reviews) 2 h 4 min – 2 h 14 min Free cancellation

out of 5

71 reviews

4.7

The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Best Conversion Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 4 min – 2 h 14 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow

Ages: Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Historical Information
Included: Storytelling
Included: Local knowledge

Itinerary

City Chambers

10 min

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
Glasgow War Memorial

4 min

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
Sir Walter Scott Statue

4 min

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.
Robert Burns Statue

3 min

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
Merchant's House

5 min

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
Gallery of Modern Art

5 min

Originally a spectacular private mansion house, this building has had many different uses before becoming a gallery
Duke of Wellington Statue

3 min

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
Stop 8

1 min

One of the most popular pizza joints in Glasgow. Once upon a time they had a very special job opportunity
Tobacco Laird's House

Passing by

An 18th century, Georgian townhouse in the heart of modern Glasgow. The original family that lived here had an interesting story
Trades Hall of Glasgow

3 min

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.
Stop 11

Passing by

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
Stop 12

4 min

Formerly a bank, a courthouse, and a county building, now one of the most high-profile clubs and wedding venues.
Saints of Ingram

3 min

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
City Halls & Old Fruitmarket

5 min

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.
Stop 15

10 min

Trongate 103 is an arts centre in the heart of Glasgow, home to amongst other attractions, the Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery.
Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

5 min

The world's oldest surviving music hall, where a young Stan Laurel, one half of the legendary comedt double act, first performed.
Mercat Cross

5 min

A recreation of a medieval market cross, where proclamations were made.
Stop 18

15 min

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.
David Livingstone Statue

2 min

This statue, celebrating one of Scotlan's great explorers, originally stood in George Square.
Ramshorn Theatre

5 min

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
Friends Of Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum

3 min

The oldest hospital in Glasgow, many medical innovations were pioneered here.
Glasgow Cathedral

20 min

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.
Provand's Lordship

5 min

Apart from the Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, dating back to the 14th century.
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

5 min

Built to look a much older building, this museum celebrates many of the different religions followed in the world today

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

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

Using your ticket

Let's meet in front of the City Chambers on George Square

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.