glasgow uni tours

Alexander Campbell

Posted 2 years ago

Wed 27 Apr, 2022 12:04 AM

Think you know your uni? Look further than the bricks and mortar!

Did you know......

• Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world
• It was originally located on the high street near the Cathedral
• Discover 550 years of history with a uni tour!
• Instead of rushing past to get your lecture, take in some of the scenery - pictures speak louder than words.

Campus Tour

Would you like to get to know our spectacular main campus better? Join our students Kaitlyn and Alisha as they show you around some of our most popular buildings and spaces.

UofGSport Tour

Join Billy from UofGSport as he shows you around the the Stevenson Building, the home of indoor sport and active lifestyle at UofG.

Campus Tours for Prospective Students and Visitors

Did you know that the UofG offers tours of the campus for prospective students and visitors?

Hosted by our brilliant Student Ambassadors, tours for prospective students, take our visitors on a guided route around our incredible Main Campus, showing off all the sights and facilities that the UofG campus has to offer.

For more information please visit the University website . 

Campus tours for visitors are organised on behalf of the University by the Student Representative Council (SRC). Tours are led by trained student guides and last approximately one hour.

For more information please visit https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/visit/attractions/guidedtour/. 

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The University of Glasgow Visitor Guide

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451, making it the fourth-oldest university in Britain and one of the oldest in the world. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End , it has more listed buildings inside the complex than any other university in the UK.

A visit allows tourists to explore the superb Hunterian Museum and Hunterian Art Gallery, as well as the university grounds. Entry is free, and the exterior of the university is accessible 7 days a week.

If you’re thinking about heading to Glasgow to explore its tourist attractions, I wouldn’t blame you if the last place you have on your to-do list is the University of Glasgow. After all, who wants to stroll through a dull university filled with a lot of dingy old books?

The truth is, however, that a visit to the university buildings located north of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the highlights of a sightseeing tour of the city, and there’s much more to see than you might initially think.

The university is easy to get to from pretty much anywhere in Glasgow thanks to the city’s excellent bus and subway networks, but if you’re in the vicinity of Kelvingrove Park you’ll find the university is just a 10-minute walk away.

Your first port of call will likely be the Memorial Gates on University Avenue, where you’ll see the ornate Gilbert Scott Building. This is one of the oldest parts of the university, though the institution was actually founded in 1451, making it the 4th oldest university in the English-speaking world.

These buildings are among the finest in the city and their Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, with The Cloisters being a firm favourite with visitors. The Cloisters (a vaulted corridor) has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years, and viewers of Outlander will no doubt recognise it as the setting for Harvard University.

Once you head inside the Gilbert Scott Building you’ll find the enormous East and West Quadrangles joined by the fluted columns and ribbed ceiling of The Cloisters, but before exploring further, I recommend taking the time to walk around the path circling both quadrangles to soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Have you seen the Harry Potter movies when they’re at Hogwarts? Well, that more or less sums up what the buildings surrounding The Quadrangles look like: looming towers, cathedral-like windows, and dark archways that lead off into secretive nooks and crannies.

The Highlights

1: The university buildings are stunning. Don’t forget to visit The Quadrangles and The Cloisters which have been featured in several TV series.

2: Perhaps the highlight of a visit to the university is the Hunterian Museum which is one of the best small museums in Scotland.

3: Like all the best attractions in Glasgow, visiting the University of Glasgow is free! The only paid exhibition is in the Mackintosh House.

Visiting Tips

1: If you want to discover the history of the university, join a guided tour. Public participation in these tours is free and run by university volunteers. See the University of Glasgow website for details.

2: The facilities on-site are pretty good, with cafés and a gift shop in addition to the museums, but as the university is located close to Kelvingrove, it’s a nicer option to eat in the park.

3: If you need a breath of fresh air after visiting the campus you’ll find the Glasgow Botanic Gardens a half-hour walk to the north of the city.

Tourist Information

When you get to The Quadrangles, don’t go thinking that’s all there is to see because there are several areas of the university that are open to the public. Just be aware that it’s a working university, so some areas are off-limits to the general public.

The Chapel was built in 1929 as a memorial to the 733 university members who died in World Wars I and II, and it’s still used today for ceremonies and religious services today. It’s one of the few places in Scotland where Catholics and Protestants can wed, and it features stunning stained glass windows by Douglas Strachan . To find it, head to the east quadrangle and follow the signs.

Bute Hall is possibly the most impressive part of the university as it’s where where the graduation ceremonies are held. The hall was built between 1878 and 1884 and features a huge arched wooden roof and majestic stained glass windows.

There are terraces where visitors can sit during the ceremonies, and upwards of a thousand people can comfortably fit inside. You’ll find the hall by walking through the Cloisters and heading up the stairs towards the Hunterian Museum.

The Hunterian Museum can be found opposite Bute Hall, and to my mind, it’s one of the best museums in Glasgow. Founded in 1807, The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest museum, and although it’s not particularly big, it features some fascinating displays from the fields of archaeology, palaeontology, and zoology, as well as several other ‘ologies’ you’re bound to find interesting.

There are dinosaur bones, medical instruments, ancient tools, Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall and much more to see during a visit. It’s also free to enter and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The Hunterian Art Gallery is located beside the university library and hosts one of the finest public art collections in Scotland. You’ll find works by Rembrandt as well as the single largest number of works by the celebrated Glasgow architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

The Mackintosh House is located in the art gallery, where it exhibits some of the interiors of Mackintosh’s home that was demolished in the 1960s. It’s quite an interesting museum, but unlike the Hunterian Art Gallery, which is free, the Mackintosh House has an entrance fee. See The Hunterian website for current prices.

In addition to these attractions, the University of Glasgow has a superb souvenir shop under the Hunterian Museum that has lots of tartan-themed gifts and university merchandise, and there’s a reasonably priced café if you want to grab a bite to eat after your sightseeing tour.

Things to Do

Explore the Hunterian Museum: Located within the University of Glasgow, the Hunterian Museum is Scotland’s oldest public museum. It hosts a wide range of exhibits, from Roman artefacts to displays of surgical tools. Entry is free.

Self-Guided Tour: Follow the self-guided tour provided by the university’s website to see all of the main features of this remarkable institution, from the Memorial Gates to the Lion and Unicorn Staircase.

Discover the Cloisters: The iconic undercroft connecting the university’s buildings is a sight to behold. Known as the Cloisters, these archways are a popular photo spot due to their beautiful Gothic design.

Hunterian Zoology Museum: Located in the Graham Kerr building, this free museum showcases the fascinating world of the animal kingdom, from the tiniest worms and sponges to giant marine mammals. The museum features skeletons, taxidermied animals, and lots of reading material that discusses each exhibit.

Stroll around the University Gardens: The campus has several gardens that offer an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or simply sit and admire the scenery. In addition, the vast Kelvingrove Park is less than a 5-minute walk away.

Things to Do Nearby

Kelvingrove Park . 6 Professors’ Square, Glasgow G3 6BY. 8-minute walk. This is one of the oldest public parks in Scotland. Kelvingrove Park features a collection of memorials, walking paths, sports areas, the River Kelvin and Kelvingrove Museum.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG. 9-minute walk. One of Scotland’s most-visited museums, Kelvingrove offers a diverse range of exhibits from across the globe. The museum is situated near the west end of the 84-acre Kelvingrove Park. Entry is free.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens . 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE. 12-minute walk. A 27-acre botanic garden in the heart of Glasgow. The gardens are acclaimed for the Victorian cast-iron glasshouse, Kibble Palace. Entry is free.

The Riverside Museum of Transport . 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS. 21-minute walk. A modern museum that explores the history of transport with interactive displays and one of the largest collections of rare cars, trains and motorbikes in Scotland. Entry is free.

The Tall Ship . 150 Pointhouse Rd, Stobcross Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS. 24-minute walk. You’ll find the Tall Ship next to the Transport Museum on the bank of the River Clyde. The Tall Ship is a fully restored Victorian sailing ship that allows visitors to explore the historic vessel from bow to stern. There is a café and gift shop inside. Entry is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does glasgow university specialise in.

Glasgow University is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs and courses in various fields. However, it is particularly renowned for programs in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Life Sciences. The university is also highly recognized for its research in various fields such as Physics and Astronomy.

Is the University of Glasgow prestigious?

The University of Glasgow is ranked 73rd place (out of 1,300) in the QS World University Rankings.

Was Harry Potter filmed in the University of Glasgow?

No, Harry Potter was not filmed at the University of Glasgow. However, several scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Scotland, such as Hogwarts Express journey which was filmed on the West Highland Line in the Scottish Highlands.

What visitor facilities are there at the University of Glasgow?

There are visitor facilities including public toilets and a café in the main university building. Visit the facilities page for updated information on available facilities.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Historic Tours of Glasgow University

Join a historic walking tour of the University of Glasgow the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world!

About Historic Tours of Glasgow University

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Originally located on High Street in the city centre near Glasgow Cathedral, in 1870 it moved to the stunning collection of buildings perched upon Gilmorehill today, where it continues to watch over the bustling city and picturesque tenements of Glasgow’s West End. This walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey around some of the university’s most significant spots - from philosopher Thomas Reid’s tombstone and the atmospheric cloisters to the very same staircase Lord Kelvin would take from his house to his laboratory - whilst discovering the connections of James Watt, Adam Smith and Isabella Elder whose names are inscribed on the university’s Memorial Gates. Tours leave the East Undercroft near the University Visitor Centre Tuesday - Sunday 2pm. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite in advance of the tour on by credit/debit card at the Welcome Point McIntyre Building or to the guide just before the tour departs. Maximum number on the tours will be 20

Additional Dates: 27 September 2024, 28 September 2024, 29 September 2024, 01 October 2024, 02 October 2024, 03 October 2024, 04 October 2024, 05 October 2024, 06 October 2024, 08 October 2024, 09 October 2024, 10 October 2024, 11 October 2024, 12 October 2024, 13 October 2024, 15 October 2024, 16 October 2024, 17 October 2024, 18 October 2024, 19 October 2024, 20 October 2024, 22 October 2024, 23 October 2024, 24 October 2024, 25 October 2024, 26 October 2024, 27 October 2024, 29 October 2024, 30 October 2024, 31 October 2024, 01 November 2024, 02 November 2024, 03 November 2024, 05 November 2024, 06 November 2024, 07 November 2024, 08 November 2024, 09 November 2024, 10 November 2024, 12 November 2024, 13 November 2024, 14 November 2024, 15 November 2024, 16 November 2024, 17 November 2024, 19 November 2024, 20 November 2024, 21 November 2024, 22 November 2024, 23 November 2024, 24 November 2024, 26 November 2024, 27 November 2024, 28 November 2024, 29 November 2024, 30 November 2024, 01 December 2024, 03 December 2024, 04 December 2024, 05 December 2024, 06 December 2024, 07 December 2024, 08 December 2024, 10 December 2024, 11 December 2024, 12 December 2024, 13 December 2024, 14 December 2024, 15 December 2024

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!

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University of Glasgow Historical TOurs

© Erin MacKenzie

University of Glasgow

Glasgow University Historical Tours

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world. The campus is perched on Gilmorehill overlooking the picturesque tenements of the West End. Come and explore the history of the campus.

This walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey around some of the university’s most significant spots - from philosopher Thomas Reid’s tombstone and the atmospheric cloisters to the very same staircase Lord Kelvin would take from his house to his laboratory - whilst discovering the connections of James Watt, Adam Smith and Isabella Elder whose names are inscribed on the university’s Memorial Gates.

Tours leave the University East Undercroft  Tuesday - Sunday 2pm.  Tickets must be booked in advance Eventbrite.   Online and   Card payments only at present.

Due to current COVID restrictions we can only accept bookings of a  maximum of 6 people from a maximum of 3 different households  on any single tour.

Ab £10 pro Erwachsener

Abreisedaten.

• T Donnerstag

Januar — Dezember

Kontaktdaten

• 44 (0141) 3305360
• Tourdaten ansehen
• [email protected]

Tour information

Ab £10 Pro Erwachsener £5 Pro Kind £8 Ermäßigung

Preise variieren je nach Saison

Haltepunkte

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Informationen zum Anbieter

Glasgow university src.

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world. The campus is perched on Gilmorehill overlooking the picturesque tenements of the West End. This walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey around some of the university’s most significant spots - from philosopher Thomas Reid’s tombstone and the atmospheric cloisters to the very same staircase Lord Kelvin would take from his house to his laboratory - whilst discovering the connections of James Watt, Adam Smith and Isabella Elder whose names are inscribed on the university’s Memorial Gates.

Eintritt Glasgow University SRC

Öffnungszeiten

Tours leave the University East Undercroft Tuesday - Sunday 2pm

Der Inhalt vieler unserer Webeinträge wird von den jeweiligen Drittanbietern und nicht von VisitScotland bereitgestellt. VisitScotland übernimmt keine Verantwortung für (1) Fehler oder Falschdarstellungen in Webeinträgen und (2) die Inhalte externer Links innerhalb der Webeinträge ((1) und (2) werden im Folgenden unter „Inhalt“ zusammengefasst). VisitScotland schließt jegliche Haftung für Verluste oder Schäden aus, die durch Verlass auf den Inhalt entstehen. Der Inhalt dient nur zu Ihrer Information und wird von VisitScotland nicht unterstützt.

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• Visitor attractions
• Guided tours for visitors

Take a tour around the University

Guided campus tours for visitors.

Guided tours of the University are available, offering you the chance to discover more about the University’s architecture and 550 years of history.

‌Campus tours for visitors are organised on behalf of the University by the Student Representative Council (SRC). Tours are led by trained student guides and last approximately one hour.

There are two types of tour:

• Scheduled tours, Tuesday - Sunday at 2pm
• Arranged tours for large groups or special purposes

Book a scheduled tour online or enquire about an arranged tour by contacting the SRC Box Office.

Other campus attractions include:

• The Hunterian Museum; the Hunterian Art Gallery, The Mackintosh House and the Zoology Museum.
• The Gift Shop for University merchandise and Scottish gifts (10% off with your tour ticket).
• Cafés and restaurants for coffee or a bite to eat. 
• Live music, including a lunchtime concert every Thursday during term time.

Book a tour

• Book a scheduled tour

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