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Free tour

The Mysterious and Magnificent History of Glasgow

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Bruce
Quality Verified Registered on March 13, 2023

I've lived in Glasgow for over 20 years. I was born in a town called Ayr, forty miles to the south of Glasgow, but for a long time, before I ever moved here, I was always visting to enjoy the culture and nightlife of this great city. When I finally moved here, it was to work in theatre. For a while I was an actor but then I became a director. Throughout that time, I got to know the history of Glasgow very well. In more recent years, I've been working in the heritage sector, writing books about the history of some of the districts of Glasgow, talking about Glasgow and encouraging people to explore and discover the history of the city. Working as a tour guide is great fun. I really enjoy introoducing people to the city and sharing some stories. When I'm not touring, I'm in the library, researching and discovering more stories to share.

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Join me on a tour through the streets, alleyways, parks, and courtyards of Scotland’s biggest city. 

Explore a little of the history of this ancient, and very modern city, from its origins in the 6th century, and marvel at the tremendous wealth, power and prosperity Glasgow enjoyed in the 19th century, when it became known, across the world, as The Second City of the Empire.

Hear about some memorable moments from Glasgow’s history, including a few scandals and darker secrets.
 
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.

Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and sculpture that can still be found on so many streets.

Learn how Glasgow has continually reinvented itself in the 20th and 21st century, becoming one of the most cosmopolitan and creative cities in Europe.

Discover some of the top attractions in the city of Glasgow such as the spectacular City Chambers, and even some lesser-known sites such as world’s oldest, surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon. The tour finishes near the Ramshorn Church, close to George Square.

(Please note, this tour is in English)





 



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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    50 George Square, Glasgow G2 1EH, UK
    50 George Square, Glasgow G2 1EH, UK
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    Meet me outside Costa Coffee on the north side of George Square. I will be holding a green notebook

  • 1
    Outside visit
    george square

    The main civic square in Glasgow. Also, this stop includes an introduction to the early history of Glasgow

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Merchants House

    This was the Headquarters of the Merchants of Glasgow, responsible for the transformation of Glasgow in the 18th century

  • 3
    Outside visit
    G1 Building

    Originally, this building was the General Post Office which opened in 1878. The opening of this building led to the transformation of George Square, from a private to a public space.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Walter Scott Monument

    Walter Scott was one of the most important novelists in the 19th century and played a significant part in creating modern Scotland

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Cenotaph

    A war memorial, to the members of the Armed Forces from Glasgow who served in ther two world wars

  • 6
    Free admission
    Glasgow City Chambers

    The most spectacular building in Glasgow, which opened in 1888. The amazing sculptures on the outside, all relate to the history of Glasgow.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    James Oswald Monument

    One of several statues on the square. James Oswald was a politician but the statue has become part of an important tradition in Glasgow.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    John Street

    The ceremonial arches linking the original City Chambers with the 1912 extension

  • 9
    Outside visit
    University of Strathclyde - Royal College Building

    When this opened in 1903, it was the largest technical college in Europe

  • 10
    Outside visit
    Graham Hills Building

    Part of the University of Strathclyde, featuring a series of murals which celebrate some of the people who have worked and studied here over the years

  • 11
    Outside visit
    Strath Wonderwall Mural - Land Ship

    This mural features a boat known as the Landship

  • 12
    Outside visit
    St Enoch cradling St Mungo Mural

    a young Saint Mungo and his mother Saint Enoch

  • 13
    Outside visit
    St. Mungo at High Street (Mural Trail #3)

    Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo. Probably the most famous mural in Glasgow

  • 14
    Outside visit
    Police Box CoffeeShop

    An original police box, now a coffee shop

  • 15
    Outside visit
    Glasgow Necropolis

    A 19th century graveyeard, modelled on the Pere Lachaise in Paris

  • 16
    Outside visit
    St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art

    A museum which was built to resemble the medieval castle in Glasgow

  • 17
    Free admission
    Glasgow Cathedral

    The oldest building in Glasgow, a 12th century Cathedral

  • 18
    Outside visit
    Andrew Ure Hall

    The original location of Glasgow University, founded in 1451, the second oldest university in Scotland, after St Andrew's

  • 19
    Outside visit
    Babbity Bowster

    One of the most celebrated restaurants in Glasgow

  • 20
    Outside visit
    Mercat Cross

    The Mercat Cross is the ancient heart of Glasgow, where markets took place

  • 21
    Outside visit
    Tolbooth Steeple

    Part of the original council Chambers, dating back to the 14th century

  • 22
    Outside visit
    Tron Theatre

    Originally, a church, now a theatre. Some notable features

  • 23
    Outside visit
    BOW DOWN

    Part of Glasgow's mural trail, which features two environmental activists from Brazil

  • 24
    Outside visit
    Falling In Love Mural

    One of the most notable murals in Glasgow

  • 25
    Outside visit
    Fellow Glasgow Residents Mural

    A mural depicting many of the features to be found in Glasgow's public parks.

  • 26
    Outside visit
    Ramshorn Graveyard

    A old church in the centre of Glasgow. Many rich people are buried here. Some of the graves are protected by iron cages, to prevent grave robbers stealing bodies

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
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