Glasgow 2024 Tours and Activities
Here’s our top selection of scheduled tours and activities planned for before, during, and after the convention.
There are separate pages for fan-run activities and a comprehensive selection of local tourism information.
If you have any questions about the activities, please get in touch with us at info@glasgow2024.org.
Table of Contents
Scheduled Activities
These activities have been pre-scheduled for small groups of Glasgow members to experience together. Each activity has its own arrangements, so please see below for details. Spaces on scheduled activities are limited, so book early!
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre (Wed 7 August and Sun 11 August)
(Trongate 103, Glasgow)
Our Sharmanka showings are now completely booked. There may be some public shows with availability if you check their website!
A truly one-of-a-kind Glasgow experience, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is based on the works of mechanical sculptor Eduard Bersudsky. Bersudsky’s automatons, kinemats, and assorted contraptions star in dreamy sequences, enhanced by lights and sound. We have arranged two private showings of Journey, which features the theatre’s most recent sculptures.
We can book a maximum of 20 guests per showing, so sign up fast to avoid missing out!
Cost and payments: Tickets are £13 per person. On signing up, we will send you payment details.
Ages: Journey is suitable for ages 4 and up. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility: The theatre is accessible, but space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters is limited. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. Please note, the show does have flashing lights and can be noisy. Shows require standing to see different exhibits before a seated section to conclude.
Glasgow Bridges Walking Tour (Fri 9 August)
We have arranged a tour of the iconic bridges of Glasgow and the Clyde. The tour will be led by Kevin from Walking Glasgow Tours. We will meet at 13:45 at the tour’s meeting point near the SEC. The tour will depart at 14:00, and do a circular loop, ending up back at the SEC about 2.5 hours later.
Beginning at Bells Bridge, next to SEC and Hydro, we walk along the Clyde’s north bank out to Glasgow Green, passing many fine buildings and bridges as we go. See where the Molendinar flows into the Clyde, and the Broomielaw boats tied up, where Britain’s first lifeboat service began and Prince Charlie amassed his troops. Returning from the edge of Glasgow Green via Saltmarket and all the way up Argyll St. through the city centre and back to the SEC. There will be multiple stops for information and photographs.
We can book a maximum of 20 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: The tour is free. However, Kevin does take donations for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the charity which operates the UK’s coastal lifeboat service, trains lifeguards, and provides education and information about water safety, either cash in person or electronically via JustGiving.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: The route is mostly flat and about 3 miles (5km) long. The terrain is paved paths and tarmac, with multiple road crossings. There are likely to be rough patches of path along the way, as well as a few steps.
Climate: This tour is outdoors, so dress for the Scottish weather.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Hunterian Collections at Kelvin Hall – Alasdair Gray Artefacts (Friday 9th August)
An opportunity for a small group to view a few of author Alasdair Gray’s items, which are held in the Hunterian Archives. These include original pages and art from Poor Things, Lanark, and A History Maker. This tour will be led by Nick Lowe, critic and Alasdair Gray fan, who has selected the artefacts to be viewed. There is also a small display about Poor Things (including original manuscripts) in the branch of the National Library of Scotland in the same building which we will visit afterwards. Both activities are located in Kelvin Hall, about a mile walk from the SEC.
(For any especial fans of the art of Alasdair Gray, note that while not included on this tour, the venue is across the road from the Kelvingrove Museum, which recently placed “Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties”, one of his most significant large works, on display, and this could easily be visited afterwards).
We will leave from the SEC Tours Meeting Point at 10:15 to walk to the activity at Kelvin Hall. (Alternatively meet in Kelvin Hall Foyer at 10:55). We then have an hour to access the Hunterian Archives and the artefacts that have been selected. Finally we will visit the display in the NLS before returning to the SEC.
We can book a maximum of 18 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: There is no charge for this tour.
Museum Archive Rules: Given that these are museum archives, there are some strict rules on what may be taken in and handling the artefacts. These include leaving all bags and coats in the lockers provided, no food or drink in the archives, gloves (provided) to be worn when handling artefacts, and only pencils or digital devices to be used for note taking. Permission from staff must be sought before taking any photographs of items.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and Accessibility: The archives are in Kelvin Hall, about a mile walk from the SEC along Argyll St. Once you get there, the normal route to the archives involves climbing a flight of seven steps, however an alternative step-free route is available if known in advance.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Hunterian Collections at Kelvin Hall – History of Science (Friday 9th August)
An opportunity for a small group to view some of the extensive History of Science collection held by the Hunterian Archives. This tour will be led by the museum’s Curator of Scientific and Medical History, who will provide some context for the artefacts being viewed. Items seen will include some highlights of the collection, such as scientific instruments used by Lord Kelvin, Victorian medical instruments and early computing devices.
We will leave from the SEC Tours Meeting Point at 13:15 to walk to the activity at Kelvin Hall. (Alternatively meet in Kelvin Halls Foyer at 13:55). We then have an hour to access the Hunterian Archives and the artefacts that have been selected.
We can book a maximum of 19 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: There is no charge for this tour.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Access requirements: Given that these are museum archives, there are some strict rules on what may be taken in and handling the artefacts. These include leaving all bags and coats in the lockers provided, no food or drink in the archives, gloves (provided) to be worn when handling artefacts, and only pencils or digital devices to be used for note taking. Permission from staff must be sought before taking any photographs of items.
Route and Accessibility: The archives are in Kelvin Hall, about a mile walk from the SEC along Argyll St. Once you get there, the normal route to the archives involves climbing a flight of seven steps, however an alternative step-free route is available if known in advance.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Intro to Hand Dyeing Workshop (Fri 9 August)
Interested in fibre arts? Come and join Lisa Harland, from For the Love of Yarn, for an introduction to hand dyeing yarn! You can find Lisa in our Dealer’s Room if you want to have a chat with her prior to the workshop as well.
Discover the vibrant art of hand dyeing yarn in our “Intro to Hand Dyeing: Play with Colour” workshop at For the Love of Yarn! This immersive workshop, led by the talented and award-winning Lisa, is perfect for those eager to explore the world of colour and creativity.
Lisa’s workshop is located at 26a Rogart Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow. We will leave at 18:15 from the SEC for the half-hour journey (approximately 12 minutes walk and 15 minutes public transport).
We can book a maximum of 20 people for this workshop, with a minimum of 11.
Costs and payment: The workshop cost is £80, which includes the tutorials, all materials and supplies including 200 grams fibre to take home, and refreshments. Additional fibre can be purchased at cost during the workshop if desired.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility: Lisa’s workshop is fully wheelchair accessible.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Grahamston – Glasgow’s Forgotten Village Walking Tour (Sat 10 August)
Please note this tour is now closed.
Come and take a look into Grahamston, the now-vanished village under Glasgow Central Station, alongside Kevin from Walking Glasgow Tours. Mitchell St marked one side of this village in the 1700’s, whilst Waterloo St was its westernmost point. Orchards,hotels, a sugar factory, brewery, corn exchange and Gaelic church all stood here before Central Station replaced this whole community. The guide’s ancestors were once resident, and some strange stories exist.
We will leave as a group from the SEC Tours Meeting Point at 09:00. The tour will start in the city centre at 09:45 for a 10:00 AM prompt start, looping back around to where it started about 1.5 hours later, or back to the SEC around midday.
We can book a maximum of 20 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: The tour is free. However, Kevin does take donations for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the charity which operates the UK’s coastal lifeboat service, trains lifeguards, and provides education and information about water safety, either cash in person or electronically via JustGiving.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: The tour is flat, around 1.5 miles (2.4km) long, and includes numerous stops for information and photographs. Terrain is paved paths and tarmac throughout, with a number of road crossings, and one flight of stairs or lift within Central Station. (Note this is the shortest route of the three provided by the Walking Glasgow tours).
Climate: This tour is outdoors, so dress for the Scottish weather.
Please note this tour is now closed.
The Yarn Cake Field Trip (Sat 10 August)
Come with us on a field trip to The Yarn Cake, Glasgow’s coolest yarn shop! This group expedition will be led by Kate Wood, part of our Member and Staff Services team and yarn enthusiast. Shop a rainbow of yarns from near and far, including local brands, at all price points, along with a full range of accessories – even a few little bits of spinning gear. Enjoy a snack in their small café before we head back to the SEC.
We will leave as a group from the SEC Tours Meeting Point at 10:00 a.m. promptly, to arrive at The Yarn Cake around 10:30. We will spend one hour to ninety minutes in the shop, and return to the SEC around noon.
Costs and payment: The trip is free. We will take public transport. Coffee, cake, and yarn are discretionary.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: There will be about 1.6 miles (2.6km) walking along sidewalks for this trip. The shop is wheelchair-accessible.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Tobacco Lords and Merchant City Walking Tour (Mon 12 August)
Get a glimpse into Glasgow’s mercantile past with Kevin from Walking Glasgow Tours. We take you back, on a circular walk, to 1750, walking along Clydeside to Glasgow’s first bank, Saltmarket, mansion houses. Robert Burns and Bonnie Prince Charlie even get mentions. Hutchesons Hall, Merchant Square, City Halls, Glassford’s grave, Ramshorn Kirk, Virginia Mansions/Corinthian, GOMA, and finish at Merchants courtyard on Miller Street.
We will leave from the SEC Tours Meeting Point at 09:00 to head into the city centre. The tour will meet at 09:45 in the city centre for a prompt 10:00 start. The route will loop back to where it started around 2 hours later.
We can book a maximum of 20 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: The tour is free. However, Kevin does take donations for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the charity which operates the UK’s coastal lifeboat service, trains lifeguards, and provides education and information about water safety, either cash in person or electronically via JustGiving.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: The tour is flat, around 2 miles (3.2km) long, and includes numerous stops for information and photographs. Terrain is paved paths and tarmac throughout, with a number of road crossings.
Climate: This tour is outdoors, so dress for the Scottish weather.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Glasgow’s West End – Museums, Gardens and the River Kelvin Walking Tour (Tue 13 August)
Spend a day after the convention taking a look in a number of the museums and gardens in the West end of the city in the company of Simon, our Tours Area Head. We will meet outside the Kelvin Halls, and head from here up through the Glasgow University campus to the Hunterian Museum (highlights including items from the Roman Antonine Wall, and distinguished university professors Lord Kelvin and Joseph Lister). After a quick look in the Hunterian Art Gallery (but not the Mackintosh house) we will walk through Hillhead (with a brief look at Alastair Gray’s mural in the subway station), passing a Tardis, to Glasgow Botanic Gardens. After seeing the abandoned railway station under the gardens, visiting the glasshouses and Kibble Palace, we will descend to the Kelvin Walkway and follow this back to Kelvingrove park and museum. We will finish by visiting Kelvingrove museum.
We will meet outside the Kelvin Halls on the corner of Argyll Street and Bunhouse Road, at 11:00 AM. The tour will loop around and finish back at this location around 16:00. To get here, there are various buses from the city centre. The Kelvinhall subway station is about 500m from the starting point.
We can book a maximum of 20 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: There is no charge for this tour. All museums along the tour route are free entry (donations appreciated).
Lunch: There are a number of places to purchase lunch or a coffee in Hillhead or at the Botanic gardens, as well as both a cafe and a full restaurant at Kelvingrove museum at the end of the route.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: This is around a 2.5 mile (4km) walking route, and quite hilly in places (around 100m total ascent). This route is mostly paved, apart from some gravel pathway in places on the Kelvin Walkway. There are a few steep sections, especially climbing up to the Hunterian Museum near the start and down to the Kelvin in the botanic gardens.
Climate: While most of this route is outside, there are some options to spend more time in fewer museums in this area in case of very poor weather. Definitely dress for the Scottish weather!
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Historic Edinburgh from Castle to Parliament – Royal Mile Walking Tour (Tue 13 August)
Spend a day after the convention in Edinburgh, taking a look at the historic sites in the heart of Scotland’s capital in the company of Gery, one of our Tours Team. We will meet outside St Giles’ Cathedral and head up to Edinburgh Castle, then down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.
Starting at St Giles’ Cathedral and the Heart of Midlothian, we will see the original site of the Scottish Parliament then walk up the Lawnmarket and Castlehill to Edinburgh Castle esplanade and the witches’ memorial. From there we will walk down the Royal Mile, exploring the hidden attractions of its many ‘closes’ (alleyways). After a quick look at the Writers’ Museum and George IV bridge, we’ll pass King Charles’ statue and the Mercat cross, then take in Cockburn Street (inspiration for Diagon Alley) before heading down the High Street to John Knox’s house and the World’s End. We’ll then walk down the Cannongate to the Old Tolbooth, finishing with a quick look at the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Mile.
Optional: If you would also like to take an official tour of the Scottish Parliament let us know. If there is enough interest, we’ll make a party booking. Spaces on the official tour are limited, so the sooner you let us know, the better.
We will meet in Parliament Square, outside the front doors of St Giles Cathedral, just off the High Street/Royal Mile, at 11:00 a.m. The tour will finish at the foot of the Royal Mile at around 4 p.m. Note that this tour will take place during the Edinburgh Festival and everywhere will be extremely busy.
We can book a maximum of 12 people on this tour.
Getting here from Glasgow: To get here, there are trains and buses from Glasgow. St Giles is a short, though steep, walk uphill from Waverley station. From the bus station it’s a short walk down to Waverley station.
Parking in central Edinburgh during the Festival can be difficult. A better option if you’re coming from Glasgow with a car is to use Ingliston Park and Ride and get the tram to Princes Street. From there it’s a fairly short but steep walk up The Mound to the Royal Mile and St Giles.
Costs and payment: There is no charge for this tour. All museums along the tour route are free entry (donations appreciated).
Lunch: There are numerous places to purchase lunch or a coffee along the way and places we can stop to eat outside, weather permitting, including cafes in Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament at the end of the route.
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and accessibility: This is around a 2 mile (a bit under 4km) walking route. The route is very hilly (we’re on the slope of an extinct volcano), though other than the short walk up to the castle, we’ll be going downhill. (You will need to climb to get to the starting point though). The route is paved, throughout. There are a few steep sections, especially near the Castle, but it’s mostly a fairly gentle gradient. Depending on exact routes chosen, a lot of the closes include some steps and possibly cobbles.
Climate: While most of this route is outside, there are some options to spend more time in museums in case of very poor weather. Definitely dress for the Scottish weather!
Please fill out this form to sign up.
Glasgow’s Merchant City, Necropolis and Glasgow Green Walking Tour (Wed 14 August)
Spend a day after the convention taking a walk around Glasgow city centre and some of the sights nearby in the company of Simon, our Tours Area Head. Our first destination is the statue of the Duke of Wellington, nowadays considered a city icon due to his distinctive unofficial headgear. We will quickly visit the gallery of modern art, looking for the Alastair Gray paintings. From here we will go through George Square, heading east through the merchant city and past Strathclyde University campus. Climbing the hill we will find the oldest house in Glasgow, the Provand’s Lordship. Passing St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Art and Glasgow Cathedral, we will enter Glasgow Necropolis and climb the hill to the top, with good views over the city. From here we will head through the Barrowlands to Glasgow Green, then follow the Clyde back to the city centre.
We will meet in Glasgow Central Station next to the “Beacon of Hope” large wooden statue, in the central area, at 11:00 on Wednesday, 14th August. We will finish here around 16:00.
We can book a maximum of 20 people on this tour.
Costs and payment: There is no charge for this tour. All museums and attractions along the tour route are free entry (donations appreciated).
Lunch: A stop to allow you to purchase a light lunch or coffee will be made part way round the route, although most of these are near the start of the route, so this might involve purchasing a picnic to eat later if the weather is good. (There are limited options once we climb up to Glasgow cathedral and the necropolis).
Ages: All ages welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Route and Accessibility This is around a 3.7 mile (6km) walking route, with some short, steep hills (around 100m total ascent).This route is mostly paved, apart from a few gravel paths in the necropolis. Some steep hills, particularly up to Glasgow Cathedral, and in the necropolis, and a few steps also in the necropolis. Provand’s Lordship is an old building, with uneven floors, steep, tight staircases and low doorways, although some of the ground floor can be accessed with only a few steps up and down.
Climate: Most of this route is outside, so dress for the weather. Given limited options for alternatives, in case of a very poor weather forecast it is possible that cancellation might be needed in which case you will be informed using the details you provided when booking.
Please fill out this form to sign up.
