University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow featuring heritage elements
University of Glasgow which includes heritage elements
University of Glasgow which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
University of Glasgow which includes interior views and a church or cathedral
University of Glasgow which includes heritage architecture


Explore the campus of one of the U.K.'s oldest universities and feed your fervor for learning in its museums, lecture halls and historic buildings.

Mingle with academics and undergraduates as you wander around the halls of learning in the University of Glasgow. You don't have to be enrolled to enjoy the historic sights of Scotland's second-oldest college or to attend the public lectures and concerts that the university hosts. Head to Gilmorehill Campus in the west end of the city for the main attractions.

Explore the university, which was founded in 1451 and has been at the forefront of intellectual movements and has a list of alumni including physicist Lord Kelvin and economist Adam Smith. In 1881, the institution pioneered electricity with fully lit houses on the campus. Fifteen years later a graduate opened the world's first X-ray department.

Take a guided tour led by current students to learn about the history of the beautiful stone buildings. Walk beneath storied cloisters and follow in the footsteps of some of Britain's most significant scientists.

Visit the oldest public museum in Scotland, the Hunterian, and its adjoining art gallery. Browse the fossils and oddities of Dr. William Hunter's collection and learn about archaeology and palaeontology. The Hunterian Art Gallery contains several works by James Whistler and Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and others.

The other major museum in the university is the Zoology museum, another part of the Hunterian housed in the Graham Kerr Building. Come face to face with large and small creatures at the museum's exhibits, which also features displays of live animals, primarily reptiles.

Soak up the intellectual atmosphere at one of the cafés located throughout the campus or take a picnic into neighboring Kelvingrove Park. The picturesque gardens face the mighty Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a colossal building with 22 galleries and exhibits covering Scotland's rich cultural history.

Find the main campus area of the University of Glasgow near the Hillhead Underground Station, about a 15-minute walk from Partick Station. Scheduled tours take place once daily from Thursday through Sunday. Personal tours can also be arranged by appointment.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Shows & concerts

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Reviews of University of Glasgow

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
89
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hunterian Museum's various locations are poorly signposted with no proper listing of what can be found where.

Popular places to visit


Top University of Glasgow Hotel Deals

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

4 out of 5
50 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

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36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow, Scotland
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central
Motel One Glasgow

Motel One Glasgow

3.5 out of 5
78-82 Oswald Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Motel One Glasgow
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

4 out of 5
301 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Radisson RED Glasgow

Radisson RED Glasgow

3.5 out of 5
Finnieston Quay; 25 Tunnel Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Radisson RED Glasgow
Village Hotel Glasgow

Village Hotel Glasgow

4 out of 5
7 Festival Gate, Pacific Quay, Glasgow, Scotland
Village Hotel Glasgow
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

4 out of 5
375 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel
Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

4 out of 5
298 Clyde Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Clayton Hotel Glasgow
citizenM Glasgow

citizenM Glasgow

4 out of 5
60 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Scotland
citizenM Glasgow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow, steeped in history, offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. Explore the campus through guided tours, indulge in a round of golf at Gleddoch, or take part in local tours to discover the area's charm. For the more adventurous, bike rentals are available, providing a wonderful way to enjoy the scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities nearby. There's something for everyone to enjoy at this vibrant institution.

Shopping

Chinatown, just 1.6km from the University of Glasgow, offers a vibrant atmosphere with unique gifts and souvenirs. Both Buchanan Galleries and Argyll Arcade, located 3.2km away, feature a mix of shopping and entertainment for a delightful experience.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Hampden Park, a premier sports stadium just 6.4km from the University, perfect for catching a match. Alternatively, enjoy live music at the O2 Academy Glasgow, located 3.2km away, offering vibrant entertainment in a lively atmosphere. Don't miss Ibrox Stadium, also 3.2km away, for more sports thrills.

Adventure

Embark on the West Highland Way Trailhead for a scenic hike, taking in the breathtaking natural landscapes 8.0km from the university. For climbing enthusiasts, the Glasgow Climbing Centre offers thrilling indoor climbing experiences just 3.2km away, while the Hillside Path invites outdoor exploration 4.8km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the University of Glasgow is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Kings Theatre or Theatre Royal, both offering a rich cultural experience just under 1.6km away. For a unique venue, visit the Clyde Auditorium, perfect for an entertaining evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Glasgow

At the University of Glasgow, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, exploring local points of interest such as the arena, piazza, and tourist precinct. The area offers a rich cultural experience suitable for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to discover the historic campus while enjoying easy access to the rest of Glasgow, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a blend of education and leisure.

  • Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre: This vibrant arena is renowned for hosting a variety of events, from concerts to exhibitions. With a lively atmosphere, it offers a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy entertainment and cultural experiences, all while being just 1.1km from the University.
  • George Square: Located 3.2km away, George Square is the heart of Glasgow, surrounded by stunning architecture and statues. It’s a cultural hub where you can soak up city vibes, enjoy open-air events, and relax in the presence of historical significance.
  • Kelvingrove Park: A mere 483m from the University, this beautiful urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With picturesque gardens and recreational areas, it offers a serene escape while still capturing the essence of city life.

Best time to go to University of Glasgow

The best time to visit University of Glasgow is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Glasgow

To save money during your visit to the University of Glasgow, consider travelling in January or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or take advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals for flights and activities. Don't forget to explore free attractions around the university to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Glasgow are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around University of Glasgow is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Glasgow is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Glasgow is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest prices, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to filter your selections by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at the University of Glasgow with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.