Custom Tour Glasgow, Scotland

Welcome to Glasgow!

Tell me a little about a Custom Tour of Glasgow.

Glasgow is located on the banks of the River Clyde in the South West of Scotland. The city is Scotland’s largest with a population of about 600,000 and a history dating back about 1500 years to the time of St. Mungo, the Patron Saint of Glasgow. We work with guests to arrange a mutually agreed itinerary to connect with Glasgow’s rich and extensive heritage.

Tell me more about a Custom Tour of Glasgow.

The city’s early prosperity arose from tobacco trading in the 18th century and then moved on to heavy manufacturing, notably shipbuilding, and other trading activities which generated substantial wealth and led the city to aspire to status as ‘second city of the (British) empire’. Benefiting from this long history and heritage coupled with modern architecture and a vibrant culture Glasgow has much to offer the visitor via a wide range of tour themes.

Tell me more about Glasgow, its heritage and sightseeing options.

Glasgow Cathedral: Built on an early Christian site, possibly dating back to the 6th century which is associated with the legend of St. Kentigern aka St. Mungo; the Cathedral dates from the 13th century and survived the Reformation relatively intact. Cathedral staff are on hand to provide guided tours. Close by is Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house dating from 1471.
Glasgow Necropolis: This is a 19th century burial ground close to the Cathedral which houses the remains of some 50,000 persons. The Necropolis is famous for its collection of elaborate monuments and mausolea which commemorate the wealthy and administrative elite of Victorian Glasgow. Consider also the Southern Necropolis, close to the Gorbals area, which houses the remains of some 250,000.
Glasgow City Chambers: Free guided tours are available of this opulent monument to Victorian grandeur and confidence. Granite, marble and mosaics are combined to stunning effect.
George Square, Glasgow: Contains multiple statues to royalty, soldiers, poets, engineers and many others. In the centre, on the tallest plinth, is the statue of Sir Walter Scott, famous Scottish author whose romanticised writings acted as a catalyst to the Scottish tourist industry.
Explore new walkways along the River Clyde and admire designs of the Squinty Bridge and Squiggly Bridge.
Tour Glasgow’s exceptional and unique architecture as manifested in the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh , Robert Adam and Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Consider the Glasgow School of Art, Willow Tea Rooms, St. Vincent St Church, House for an Art Lover and Holmwood House.
Glasgow’s old Tobacco Quarter and connect with early trading links with the southern states of the U.S.A. as manifested in names like Virginia Place and Virginia Street. Admire the 18th C Tobacco Merchant’s House in Miller Street and the stunning interior at the Corinthian Club.
Visit the Gorbals district with its transforming architecture.
Connect with Glasgow’s medieval past including Trongate, Tolbooth, Saltmarket and Ladywell.
Visit the Burrell Collection, a unique and wide ranging assemblage of art, antiques, sculpture, tapestries, porcelain, carvings, glass and much more spanning thousands of years from the time of ancient Egypt through to the medieval.
Visit Pollok House (close to the Burrell Collection), an elegant 18th century house set in beautiful parkland with chance of spotting some photogenic Highland Cows. Via the Maxwell Baronets of Pollok, there is a connection with Clan Maxwell.
Connect with the Roman era through a visit to the Roman Baths at Bearsden on the line of the 2nd century AD, Antonine Wall. For the fit and dedicated a hike up to Lurg Moor Roman Fortlet (Greenock) is possible with bonus of stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. The Hunterian Museum has a special section dedicated to the Antonine Wall.
Explore and admire 18th C engineering at Maryhill Locks on the Forth & Clyde Canal which links with the Falkirk Wheel and, ultimately, Edinburgh via the Union Canal.
Visit Glasgow University and admire art and architecture dating back 550 years. Incorporates 104 listed (heritage) buildings including the grand Bute Hall.
Visit the extraordinary collection of 1000 year old, early medieval sculptured stones at Govan Old Church including a magnificent decorated sarcophagus with connections to the Pictish era.
Visit romantic Crookston Castle, Glasgow’s last remaining castle and the second oldest building in Glasgow. Further out, at Port Glasgow is Newark Castle which has Clan Maxwell connections.
Explore the early industrial history of Glasgow through the remains of mills and other industrial activities along the White Cart Water (river).
Learn about the working people of Glasgow’s East End at the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens at Glasgow Green. It was here that James Watt had a ‘brainwave’ which acted as a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.
Visit Glasgow Museums including:
- Gallery of Modern Art
- St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
- Riverside Museum (Museum of Transport)
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
- Visit the Tall Ship, ‘Glenlee’ which is moored adjacent to the Riverside Museum.
Connect with Glasgow’s shipbuilding past with a visit to the Titan Crane at Clydebank. The crane was formerly part of the John Brown shipbuilding group which constructed the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Royal Yacht Britannia and QE2. Trips up to the crane platform offer stunning views.
For football (soccer) enthusiasts, consider a visit to Hampden Park, Celtic Park and Ibrox.
Tour Glasgow gardens including the Botanic Gardens, Holmwood House, House for an Art Lover and the garden of Greenbank House.
Avail of a Whisky themed tour at Auchentoshan Distillery and/or Glengoyne Distillery.
Tour the River Clyde on the Waverley, the last sea going paddle steamer in the world.
Visit Europe’s largest wind-farm at Whitelee, near the conservation village of Eaglesham, which has its own visitor centre.
A special, themed tour can be arranged for visitors who wish to connect with the city’s Jewish heritage.
Visit Tennent’s Brewery in Glasgow’s East End, Scotland’s largest brewing operation. Tours of craft breweries are also available.
A tour to connect with personal ancestry.

The video clip below shows the Clyde Waterfront including the Science Centre and Tower, BBC Building, ‘Squinty’ Bridge (Clyde Arc), ‘Armadillo’ (Clyde Auditorium) and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

How can Catswhiskerstours help with Custom Tours of Glasgow?

We work with guests to arrange mutually agreed itineraries, either on foot or by motor transport. Groups of all sizes can be catered for. If required, we can provide a package comprising tours and accommodation. Tours from Glasgow are also available.

For more help and information contact Nigel:

E: ncole67@googlemail.com or info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk

T: 44 (0) 141 638 5500

We look forward to hearing from you!

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