From a medieval cathedral and world-class art to a Victorian necropolis and the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer, Glasgow has plenty to keep groups busy.
Scotland’s biggest city packs a punch for group travel, offering a compelling mix of history, architecture, culture, sport and stunning scenery. Here are some of the highlights not to be missed…
University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world and the campus, cloisters and tower are some of Glasgow’s finest examples of architecture.
On an Historical Tour led by trained student guides, groups can learn about the university’s painstaking move in 1870 from east Glasgow to what is now the vibrant West End, the notable figures past and present who studied there, and its global influence on science, politics, art and more. Groups of all sizes can be accommodated on private tours.
Cathedral and Necropolis
From one architectural wonder to another, Glasgow Cathedral is Scotland’s best preserved medieval cathedral. It survived the Reformation almost entirely unscathed, and today groups can explore the Gothic building, its crypts and see the tomb of St Mungo, the city’s founder. Highlights on display include the pulpitum screen which dates back to the 1400s and Britain’s finest collection of post-war stained glass.
Beside the cathedral, the Necropolis is a 37-acre Victorian garden cemetery located on a hilltop with views of the city. It is free to enter and bespoke and private walking tours can be arranged with The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis.
Summer sails
Groups heading to Glasgow in the summer months should book a cruise on Waverley, the world’s only surviving seafaring paddle steamer. The vessel sails the length and breadth of the UK between spring and autumn but it always returns to Glasgow and the Clyde Coast from late June to late August.
Departing from outside the Science Centre in central Glasgow, the ship sails along the Clyde and out to sea with routes varying day to day. Discounts are offered to groups of ten or more.
Cultural delights in Merchant City
Merchant City is great for shopping along with a buzzing mix of cafés, restaurants, art spaces and music venues. Medieval architecture shares the streets with modern murals, while high-end designers like Ralph Lauren and Emporio Armani occupy elegant former mansions.
Trongate 103 is an artistic hub where groups can shop for unique souvenirs at Glasgow Print Studio or catch a performance by scrap metal figures at the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. The area’s hidden gems include Glasgow Police Museum and Britannia Panopticon, the world’s oldest surviving music hall.
Pollok Country Park
Groups could easily spend a full day exploring Pollok Country Park in southwest Glasgow. Covering 361 acres, it is the largest park in Glasgow and home to a charming herd of Highland cows. Pollok House is closed to the public while it undergoes refurbishments but there are a variety of formal gardens to see, as well as riverside and woodland walks.
Situated in the park is The Burrell Collection, a museum of art that opened in 1983. The vast art collection is made up of 9,000 objects which date back as far as 6,000 years, including medieval stained glass and tapestries, a significant collection of historic Chinese art and masterpieces by French artists such as Cezanne and Manet. It’s free to enter and a range of tours are available for groups to book.
Tour the city
To really get under the skin of the city, book a private tour with Walking Tours in Glasgow. Groups can choose from an array of themes, including Charles Rennie Mackintosh, street art, and gothic stories after-dark. For something with more broad appeal, the City Centre walking tour combines Glasgow’s big hitters and hidden gems.
Groups of up to 40 can book private and bespoke guided bike tours with Gallus Pedals, or discover why Glasgow was named the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music with Glasgow Music City Tours.
If time is limited or flexibility is key, soak up all the major sights on an open-top bus tour with City Sightseeing Glasgow. The 90-minute route passes through the city centre, West End and Southside, calling at key attractions including Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Glasgow Science Centre. With buses every 20 minutes it’s easy to hop on and off as your itinerary demands.
Celtic Park Stadium
For lovers of the beautiful game, a visit to the home of Celtic FC is a must. Groups can explore Celtic Park, one of the largest stadiums in Europe, on a one-hour guided tour which delves into the heritage of the club, formed in 1888.
Tours are available seven days a week and offer behind-the-scenes access, including to the boardroom, tunnel, dressing room and dugout. Groups of 20 or more benefit from onsite coach parking, free places and catering options.
The National Piping Centre
At The National Piping Centre, groups can have a go at playing the bagpipes with a Come and Try session which also includes a tour of the Museum of Piping, exploring three centuries of the instrument’s heritage. Other tours offered include Meet the Piper and VIP packages that feature private concerts and time with artists.
Groups visiting in summer can also look out for Piping Live! (8th-13th August 2027), Glasgow’s annual week-long celebration of piping traditions from Scotland and around the world.
The Clydeside Distillery
On the banks of the Clyde, The Clydeside Distillery connects Glasgow’s dockside past with its present-day whisky-making. A guided visit introduces the dockside story, the distillery and a whisky tasting.
Group tours can be requested and discounts are offered to groups of ten or more; each tour takes a maximum of 20 people, so larger parties will need multiple slots.
Discover more of Glasgow’s hotspots at: visitglasgow.com.
