Glasgow Cityscape courtesy of Viewfield Gallery
photo courtesy of Viewfield Gallery

Tour Glasgow

Glasgow , located in the South West of Scotland, is increasingly favoured as a tourist destination in its own right and benefits from good rail, road and air links, including direct flights from the U.S.A. and Canada.

Historically, Glasgow’s wealth was generated through trade and heavy industry but behind the commercial veil sits a diverse range of interests for the visitor including a history dating back at least 1500 years, historic buildings, art, architecture, good food, culture- and over 200 pubs! Below is a summary of some of the sites worthy of a visit.

Historic Glasgow

Cathedral and Environs

This is based on high ground centred around an old religious site which now chiefly comprises the Cathedral, Glasgow’s oldest house (Provand’s Lordship), the St. Mungo Religious Museum and the Necropolis. All of these sites are in close proximity and can be viewed at leisure (walking) over two to three hours. The Cathedral dates to the 12 th century and incorporates many interesting facets. The Necropolis ( City of the Dead) which is well worthy of a visit, apart from the high elevation and views the area is filled with elaborate tombstones and grave markers recording the lives of the ‘Great and the Good’ of Victorian Glasgow.

Old Tobacco Quarter

About 10-15 minutes away from the Cathedral area, close to the modern city centre, can be found the old Tobacco Quarter. In the 18 th century Glasgow was at the dynamic heart of a buoyant tobacco trading route which generated huge profits for the key traders known as ‘Tobacco Lords’ the legacy of which can be seen today in properties such as Virginia Buildings (c.1817) and 42 Miller Street (1775). Whilst there, visit the nearby Corinthian where you can dine in the stunning interior of a heritage building which can trace its history to the Tobacco Era.

Govan Stones

Located in a church in this traditional shipbuilding area is a remarkable collection of thirty one magnificent carved stones dating from the 9 th to 11 th centuries. The stones represent one of the largest and most interesting collection of early medieval sculpture in Scotland and range from a sarcophagus and recumbent cross-slabs to free-standing crosses and a remarkable collection of five hogback monuments.

Tall Ship

A genuine 19 th century Clydebuilt (Glasgow) commercial sailing vessel now fully restored and operated as a museum.

Fossil Grove , Victoria Park

Step back 300 million years and view the fossilised remains of an ancient forest. Free entry!

Glasgow Architecture

Glasgow benefits from a wide range of building design but the City’s most famous architects are Charles Rennie Mackintosh (see separate web page) and Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Greek Thomson left a legacy of some 24 buildings (c 1850-1870) all incorporating a classical Greek influence and which are summarised on this web page. Specialised architecture tours are available from Catswhiskerstours.

Modern Glasgow

Glasgow ’s Science Centre is deserving of a visit, especially the Glasgow Tower where (subject to weather conditions) it is possible to take a 2-3 minute journey up the tower and avail of a panoramic view of Glasgow and environs from a height of 100 metres (110 yards). Great photographs if the weather is right! From here the visitor can view Glasgow’s dynamic modern architecture including the ‘ Squinty Bridge’.

Personal Ancestry

Glasgow and the West of Scotland experienced heavy emigration, particularly during the 19 th century, to North America and Australasia. Catswhiskerstours has a special focus on ancestry themed tours and will be pleased to assist descendents of those early emigrants trace their ancestry.

Galleries, Museums and Culture

Glasgow , which was designated the European City of Culture in 1990, is very well endowed with museums and galleries:

 

Shopping

Reputedly, Glasgow ranks second only to London’s Oxford Street as a shopping destination with chief locations being the Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre and Princes Square.

Eating Out

A wide range of dining experiences to suit every taste and budget is available.

Pubs

There are over 200 examples of this uniquely British institution to choose from.

Hidden Glasgow

Here is a list of some of the more “offbeat” places to visit.

  • Strathclyde University Campus. Architecture including the Barony Church
  • The Babbity Bowster. Dates from 1792 restored 1985.
  • St. Andrew’s Church. Architectural masterpiece dating from 1756.
  • Lanarkshire House. A stunning interior now comprising bars and restaurants.
  • Argyle Arcade. A style of shopping arcade with a Parisian influence.
  • On Top of the World, 7 W George St. Look out for the golden merchant ship.
  • Cat at 100-106 West George Street.
  • Daily Record Buildings , Renfield Lane. Designed by Mackintosh.
  • De Quincey’s, Renfield Street. A former insurance building with Moorish tiling.
  • The Hatrack, 142-144 St Vincent Street. A creation of liveliness and humour.
  • Pocket Park, Garnethill. Designed by Dieter Magnus.

Day Trips from Glasgow-Suggestions

For more inspiration see separate web page.

How can Catswhiskerstours help?

  • We can arrange customised/exclusive tours ranging from small groups of up to six persons through to coach parties of thirty or more. Also available are personally escorted walking tours which are normally led by a qualified guide.
  • Accommodation bookings. As an accredited travel agent, Catswhiskerstours has access to a wide range of lodgings and accommodation.
  • Self-Drive tours. Glasgow is well situated as a base for touring the South West of Scotland. Cars, itineraries and lodgings can be arranged.

For more information or help contact Catswhiskerstours by e-mail or call 44-(0) 141 638 5500. We look forward to your contact!



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