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The Lighthouse Tours and Activities

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
3 Tours and Activities to Experience The Lighthouse
Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
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Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
1110
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 several strategically placed stops to explore Glasgow. Bus tickets are valid for one or two consecutive calendar days.
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From
US$22.51
From
US$22.51
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Glasgow Ghost Tour: City Center Exploration Game
16
For a ghastly sightseeing quest with a gamified twist, don't miss this Glasgow sightseeing adventure where you solve clues while exploring some of the most haunted destinations in the city. Using your smartphone to navigate, you unlock stories and solve different clues as you adventure across the city. You can walk haunted streets, visit the Lighthouse, George Square, Merchant City, and more, and follow your helpful app as you go.
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From
US$9.07
Price varies by group size
From
US$9.07
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Charles Rennie Mackintosh Walking Tour
1
Explore the life, works and tales of Glasgow's most famous designer, architect and artist. Join us as we wander the streets of Mackintosh's home city to experience and witness his lasting legacy.
We'll take a deeper look at his life, marriage, influences and incredible expertise; visiting some of his most famous works that still stand to this day, his first married home, and some lesser known treasures along the way.
The tour will last 2 hours, including a stop at the world famous, Mackintosh designed Lighthouse museum, the former Daily Record building, Mackintosh's first married home and more! You'll finish up at Mackintosh at the Willow tearooms, with tickets including entry into the incredible exhibition.
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From
US$27.20
From
US$27.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
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