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The Lighthouse Tours
Just steps from Glasgow’s Style Mile, the Lighthouse serves as a popular place to spend a couple of hours. Also known as Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, this attraction is most famous for its sweeping views of the city’s eclectic skyline, best seen from its sixth-floor viewing point, accessible by elevator or by way of 133 steps up a spiral staircase.
Designed in 1985 by iconic Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Lighthouse was originally home to The Glasgow Herald newspaper, one of the longest-running newspapers in the world. But regardless of the newspaper’s history, why is there a lighthouse up an alley in central Glasgow? Well, the building’s famous tower only resembles a lighthouse—the tower was actually built to house an 8,000-gallon water tank to protect the building and its contents against fire.
The Lighthouse hosts exhibitions, workshops and discussions related to design and architecture. The permanent Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, located on the third floor, allows visitors to see small-scale models of Mackintosh buildings that never came to fruition, along with original furniture and photos. As the Lighthouse was the designer’s first public commission, it is an ideal starting point for a Mackintosh-inspired trip through Glasgow.
Practical info
Tucked up a narrow lane connecting lively Buchanan and Mitchell streets, the Lighthouse is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free, though some temporary exhibitions may require a fee. The Lighthouse is a two-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station, and it’s a five-minute walk from both Buchanan Street subway station and St. Enoch station. Keep a look out for Mitchell Lane, as the center’s street is easily missed.
Address: 11 Mitchell Ln, Glasgow G1 3NU, Scotland
2 Tours and Activities to Experience The Lighthouse
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You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Hop-on Hop-off ToursCity Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Go Glasgow sightseeing by open-top double-decker bus on a City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour. Discover the lively, cosmopolitan city at your own pace; listen to recorded commentary and hop off at more than 20 strategically placed stops to explore Glasgow. Bus tickets are valid for one or two consecutive calendar days.
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- 1 hour
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Haunted Glasgow City Game & Walking Tour
Embark on a quest around Glasgow by solving clues that will take you to the most haunted places in the city, all with the help of your smartphone. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own Merchant City, George Square, the Lighthouse, and more.+ Discover the most haunted streets, villas, and squares in the city+ Find out the horror stories of the people who used to live there+ Solve clues on your phone while you visit the haunted GlasgowYou are invited to discover the captive souls, the spirits and the mysterious skeletons of Glasgow with an interactive city exploration app. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map, a GPS or a guide. When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked. Start and stop whenever you want.Along the way, you’ll find horror stories that will give you the chills. Dare you go on this tour?
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- 1 hour 30 minutes
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US$7.91
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From
US$7.91
US$3.40 savings
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Reserve Now & Pay Later
- Free Cancellation
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