Thank you for your enquiry regarding GSA City Walking Tours.

If the information you require is not contained within this below, please do not hesitate to contact us at tours@gsa.ac.uk or +44(0)141 566 1472 and we will be happy to help.

We look forward to welcoming your group to The Glasgow School of Art!

What happens during the GSA City Walking Tours?

Does the tour route allow disabled access?

Are the City Walking Tours suitable for children?

What happens if it is raining on the day of the tour?

Is there time for a comfort stop on the City Walking Tour?

When and where should I arrive for my tour?

What can I do if I arrive early for my tour?

Can I take photographs during the City Walking Tour?

Where do the profits from my tour booking go?

How do I get to The Glasgow School of Art?

What happens during the GSA City Walking Tours?

The Glasgow School of Art City Walking Tours invite you to investigate art, architecture and design, from Mackintosh's Glasgow and the legacy of his contemporaries on the 'Glasgow Style' tour, to the 'Glasgow Miracle' tour, revealing the contemporary arts scene and remarkable creative regeneration of the post-industrial city.

Conducted by an award-winning team of guides, all of whom are all current GSA students or recent graduates, the tours last 2 and a quarter hours, and offer the opportunity to explore two facets of Glasgow's cultural heritage as participants are led to explore the streets of the city centre and merchant city on foot.

On the 'Glasgow Style' tour, discover the city's industrial past and investigate the architectural achievements of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his contemporaries, taking in the best of city centre 'Glasgow Style' design. Hidden decorative details are unearthed as the tour reveals Glasgow's unique contribution the international Art Nouveau movement.  Architectural gems are uncovered as the tour studies the development of Glasgow's unique cityscape,from the great Victorian architects who preceded Mackintosh to the draughtsmen who also worked in and developed the 'Glasgow Style'. Through sites of social interest, little known examples of Mackintosh's work and his most accomplished,  innovative buildings, we discover the story of Glasgow's master designer. This tour starts and finishes at The Glasgow School of Art.

On the 'Glasgow Miracle' tour, explore contemporary art, architecture and design to reveal the city's remarkable creative regeneration.Journey through the city, from the 1970's to present day, to explore the impact of new work by artists, designers and architects as they respond to the post-industrial landscape, shaping Glasgow's cultural identity. Through the DIY arts culture and interventions in the city, the tour explores the roots of the internationally acclaimed arts scene putting Glasgow on the map. Hidden artworks by Turner Prize winners and cultural oddities are revealed as GSA's engaging artist guides tell the story of Glasgow's creative boom and let you into the secrets of the city.  This tour starts at The Glasgow School of Art and finishes in the Merchant City.

Does the tour route allow disabled access?

Unfortunately this tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility as the tour routes incorporate approximately 2.5 miles of walking up and downhill at pace.  We will always do our best to accommodate any special requirements however so please contact us with any queries when making your booking.  For those hard of hearing or with limited vision, again please contact us and we do all we can to accommodate your group.

Are the City Walking Tours suitable for children?

We are happy to welcome children of any age as part of a family group with strict parental supervision to ensure the safety of youngsters along the tour route.

What happens if it is raining on the day of the tour?

The City Walking Tours go ahead come rain or shine, and we are equipped with large umbrellas to keep our visitors dry and happy!  Please ensure that you wear suitable clothing and footwear on the day.

Is there time for a comfort stop on the City Walking Tour?

Yes, our tour route is planned with exploration but also comfort in mind.  Along the route there will be the opportunity to sit down, to grab a quick coffee to drink as you go, and to use a rest room!

When and where should I arrive for my tour?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour is scheduled to depart to allow us to allocate your tickets, settle payment and store coats and bags if necessary.  

You should arrive at the GSA Shop, from the eastern entrance of the Mackintosh building, located at 11 Dalhousie Street, Glasgow G3 6RQ.  Our tour guides will collect you from here.

What can I do if I arrive early for my tour?

Our Mackintosh Interpretation Space is available for you to explore through the GSA Shop whilst you wait for your tour to depart and our fantastic shop is also open for you to browse. The School also runs a regular schedule of exhibitions on campus which you will be very welcome to visit if you arrive early for your tour or would like to see more when you finish.

Can I take photographs during the City Walking Tour?

You are welcome to take photographs of any aspect of the exterior of the buildings along the route; however inside the buildings photography is often limited or prohibited, at the individual venues' discretion.  We try to make sure that the group is not delayed by extended photo opportunities, and we provide a map so that interesting spots can be revisited after the tour has finished.

Where do the profits from my tour booking go?

All of the profits from our tour and shop sales are donated to the School annually to support the educational activities of The Glasgow School of Art and to fund the continuing conservation of the Mackintosh building.

How do I get to The Glasgow School of Art?

The visitor entrance to The Glasgow School of Art is at 11 Dalhousie Street, Glasgow, G3 6RQ.  We are located at the top of Garnethill in Glasgow's city centre, 15 minutes' walk from the two main railway stations; Central Station and Queen Street Station.  We are 5 minutes' walk from Cowcaddens Subway Station, 2 minutes from the LLP car park at Cambridge Street and buses 16, 18, 44, 44a and 57 all stop near the School.  There is a taxi rank nearby where Holland Street meets Sauchiehall Street and Glasgow Airport is a 20 minute drive from our doorstep. There are plenty of parking spaces in the streets surrounding the School and we sell parking vouchers in the GSA Shop.  For a detailed map please type our postcode into http://www.streetmap.co.uk/ or contact us for more information.