The Glasgow University Architecture is not to be missed while visiting the city.
Its Gothic revival style is impressive on top of the hill and echoes the age of the University.
Below is my guide to help you plan your walk around.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William
My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe
My favorite places to stay:
- Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
- Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
- Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
- Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel
Why visit the area of the University of Glasgow?
A photo is worth a thousand words…
Have a look at this building! Gothic revival style architecture and an ideal location on top of the hill overlooking Glasgow…
I think it is one of the best places to see in Scotland.
I recommend adding it to your itinerary, even if you have only one day in Glasgow.
More photos after the planning tips.
PLANNING TIPS – Glasgow University Building
Getting to the Glasgow University Building
- North West of the City Center
- In the Hillhead Neighborhood is the center of the University
- This most impressive building, the Gilbert Scott Building is on top of a hill
- The Hop-on Hop-off busses stop next to it – Pre-purchase your Hop-on Hop -off bus ticket in your own currency
- For public transport check Traveline Scotland
Glasgow and its attractions are included in my travel guide eBooks to help you plan your Scotland itinerary:
Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!
- 15 easy-to-plan maps
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 170+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
Admiring the Glasgow University Architecture
- Entries at the back and at the front coming from Kelvingrove
- Next to the university official gift shop, you can find a miniature replica of the University and stairs to toilets
- The University offers self-guided tours and guided tours
Accommodations in Glasgow
Staying a night or more in Glasgow?
There is a large choice of accommodations with backpackers, hotels, rentals…
Check out the best rated accommodations in Glasgow and book
The Glasgow University Architecture and Model
In the entrance to the University, you can find a model of the area and of the main historical buildings.
It is great to get a sense of proportions.
Before touring the University, let’s start with a few facts:
- The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451. It is the 4th oldest in the UK (2nd oldest in Scotland after St Andrews)
- It was originally located in the city’s High Street
- Since 1870 the main University Campus has been located on Gilmorehill
- The most striking building in terms of Architecture is the Gilbert Scott Building. It was completed in 1891
- The iconic tower stands 278 feet (85 meters) high making it one of Glasgow’s landmarks
- The University Motto is Via, Veritas, Vita (the way, the truth, the life)
Walking around the grounds
On a clear day, the grass inside the building is very enjoyable.
It is possible to move from one side to the other via the cloisters and their many arches. They are also known as the Undercroft.
On each side are the East and West Quadrangles which house lecture theatres.
Fun fact: it is considered bad luck to walk across the grass before graduating… A great way to keep their lawn in great shape.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Glasgow University Chapel
The University Chapel was completed in 1929.
It is one of the rare locations where marriages of different faiths (protestant, reformed, roman catholic) can be celebrated.
Architecture of the Glasgow University – outside views and tower
Then you can exit the University on the opposite side from the entrance.
The facade of the Gilbert Scott building is very striking, especially with the height of the central tower.
I was lucky to admire in during it during Spring with beautiful flowers.
Below is a photo taken from the distance, from a bus, to give you a better idea of size.
Kelvingrove park and art gallery
As you exit the University it is nice to enjoy a walk down hill to the River Kelvin and the Kelvingrove Museum.
The area has beautiful trees and a river.
You can visit the Kelvingrove art gallery and museum or just appreciate the building’s architecture.
From there, the tower is very impressive.
Want to see more about Glasgow?
- Check out my 1 day tour of Glasgow itinerary – read article
- Explore St Mungo’s cathedral and its lower church – read article
- Discover the Poeple’s palace and its museum – read article
Planning a trip to Scotland?
Check out my travel guides, which facilitate the planning of your itinerary
Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!
- 15 easy-to-plan maps
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 170+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
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