Tours and Activities in and around Glasgow City

University of Glasgow Historical Tour

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest university in Scotland. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through the university’s beautiful campus, including the iconic main building and marvellous cloisters. On this tour, you can learn about the university’s history, as well as the fascinating stories behind some of its most famous landmarks. 

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: £10 (adults), £8 (students)

More Details: http://www.uofghistoricaltours.co.uk

Glasgow Cathedral Tour

Visit the oldest and largest cathedral in mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow. Erected during the 12th century, this place of worship represents one of the few examples of medieval churches to survive the Scottish Reformation. Every day, volunteer guides provide free tours of the cathedral, discovering to its visitors the historical events which have happened here since the Medieval Age. Some of them are fundamental for the history of the city of Glasgow and Scotland.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: free
  • Groups of 5 people or more should book a tour in advance

More Details: https://www.glasgowcathedral.org/visiting/#Tours 

Riverside Museum Tour

Riverside Museum is the first purpose-built museum created by Glasgow Life in the 21st century. Located at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde, it houses the city’s fabulous transport and technology collections, which have been gathered over the centuries. These collections reflect Glasgow’s important role in global heavy industries such as shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: free
  • No limit.

More Details: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum

Glasgow: Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Explore The Clydeside Distillery, a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in the heart of Glasgow. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Dockside Story through a self-guided experience. Take a guided tour of the distillery and enjoy a tasting of three Clydeside spirits.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: £17.5
  • Booking required

More Details: https://www.getyourguide.com/glasgow-l438/glasgow-clydeside-distillery-tour-and-whisky-tasting-t332061/

Glasgow West End Whisky Tour

Glasgow’s West End whisky tour is a walking experience through some of the best off-the-beaten-track bars in town. With us, you can learn how to taste whisky like a pro while discovering some curious facts about the drink. Each of the whiskies during the tour has been strategically selected to take you on a journey through the various regions of Scotland, without leaving the city.

Furthermore, Glasgow’s West End area is well known for its great offer of cultural attractions, including the Kelvingrove Museum, the beautiful University of Glasgow, and one of the most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the UK, Finnieston! This neighbourhood is renowned for its outstanding bars and serves as the starting point for our whisky adventure. It’s internationally recognised for its great offer of food, drinks, and atmosphere.

  • Duration: ~ 3 hour
  • Cost: £65
  • Groups of 4 people should book a tour in advance

Information & Booking link:  https://onceuponawhisky.co.uk/guided-tours/glasgows-west-end-whisky-tour/

The Three Lochs Way

Reachable in less than an hour from Glasgow, the Three Lochs Way allows you to discover the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Lowlands. As you travel from south to north, from Balloch to Inveruglas, you will walk among mountains, forests, crags and the titular three lochs: Loch Lomond, The Gare Loch and Loch Lomond. Rarely rising above 250 m., this route can be walked in 3-4 days. However, if you just want a day walk, transport options allow you to access any of the four stages in the route easily.

  • Duration:
    • Balloch to Helensburgh (3.5 – 4.5 hours, 13.5 km)
    • Helensburgh to Garelochhead (3.5 – 4.5 hours, 14.75 km)
    • Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet (4.5 – 5.5 hours, 19 km)
    • Arrochar / Tarbet to Inveruglas (2.5 – 3 hours, 9.5 km)

How to reach: railway stations are available at Balloch, Helensburgh, Garelochhead and Arrochar/Tarbet. Bus service is available from/to Inveruglas.

Scottish Highland (Day tour)

Embark on a breath-taking journey from Glasgow through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line and marvel at the stunning scenery of shimmering lochs, towering mountains, and forest-filled glens. On this tour, you will first visit Inveraray, an 18th-century planned village with dignified Georgian houses, and Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe. You will then continue to explore the picturesque harbour town of Oban, pass Castle Stalker, and venture into Scotland’s most famous valley, Glencoe. Travelling south you will drive through Rannoch Moor and Glen Falloch, Luss and finish your adventure by returning to Glasgow.

  • Duration: ~11 hours
  • Cost: £40.00
  • Booking required

More Details: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/oban-glencoe-highland-lochs-castles-from-glasgow-b5b8dfce

An alternative to this excursion can be the tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands, highlighting “Myths, monsters, and mountains”. 

More details: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/loch-ness-glencoe-and-the-highlands-day-tour-from-glasgow-c215eb13

Day Tour to the Scottish Isles

Discover the stunning beauty of Scotland’s west coast by embarking on a day tour from Glasgow to either the Isle of Arran or the Isle of Bute. These charming islands are both easily accessible from Glasgow and offer a wealth of natural and cultural attractions to explore. Whether you choose to hike up to the summit of Goatfell on Arran or visit the magnificent Victorian mansion on Bute, you are sure to be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and rich history of these Scottish gems.

  • Duration: ~10 hours
  • How to reach:
    • Arran: Take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour (45 minutes), then a ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (55 minutes).
    • Bute: Take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Wemyss Bay (52 minutes), then take a ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (35 minutes).
  • Buy combined Tickets for the train and ferry at https://www.buytickets.scotrail.co.uk

More Details: https://www.visitarran.com/ & https://www.visitbute.com/