Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and interior views
Glasgow Cathedral which includes religious aspects, interior views and heritage architecture
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views
Glasgow Cathedral which includes religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral


This Gothic cathedral marks the birthplace of the city of Glasgow and is Scotland's finest medieval church, with majestic stained-glass windows.

Visit Glasgow Cathedral to see one of Scotland’s most revered Gothic buildings and impressive stained-glass windows. See remnants of Scotland’s medieval history and learn tales about long-lost heroes.Glasgow Cathedral is the pride of the city. The current structure was built from the 12th century onwards and is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland that survived the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Legend has it that St. Kentigern, or Mungo, was buried at the site in the early seventh century. He was the first bishop of Strathclyde, an ancient British kingdom, and is the patron saint of Glasgow.Check out the crypt, which is said to contain the tomb of St. Kentigern. Here, you’ll also find a sculpture of Bishop Wishart who supported the legendary William Wallace and Robert Bruce. These heroic Guardians of Scotland lead the 30-year war of independence against the English.Church enthusiasts will enjoy a free guided tour through the arcades and vaulted aisles. Volunteers educate visitors about the building and its history. They will point out The Millennium Window, the cathedral’s most recent stained-glass window. Unveiled in 1999 to reflect the past thousand years, the window’s scene represents growth and includes extracts from the Bible. If you explore the cathedral on your own, don’t miss small details such as the carved bosses. Find these wooden ceiling decorations in the Blackadder Aisle, named after a 15th-century archbishop. Visit on Sunday late afternoon for the public choral evensong.Stroll through the Glasgow Necropolis behind the cathedral to see tombs of notable Glaswegians in this Victorian-era cemetery.Glasgow Cathedral is open daily and entry is free. A religious service takes place on Sunday mornings. The building is within walking distance of central George Square and can also be reached by bus, train and car. There is metered on-street parking nearby. Note that the guided tours are less frequent in winter, but you can always pick up a guide book or pamphlets at the entrance to study the architecture and historic value in more detail.

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Things to do near Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral offers a captivating experience with its stunning architecture and rich history. Visitors can enjoy fascinating guided tours that provide insight into the cathedral's past, as well as explore the surrounding area through campus tours. Nearby, the vibrant theatre scene, impressive art galleries, and lively music venues enhance the cultural experience, making it a must-visit destination in Scotland for tourists seeking both history and entertainment.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Buchanan Galleries, located 966m from Glasgow Cathedral, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. St. Enoch Centre, 1.3km away, provides a bustling city atmosphere, while Argyll Arcade, just 1.1km distant, is perfect for unique finds.

Recreation

At Hampden Park, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of a live sports event, just 4.8km from Glasgow Cathedral. For entertainment, the Barrowland Ballroom, located 805m away, offers vibrant music experiences. Alternatively, relax and unwind at Queen's Park, a tranquil retreat also 4.8km from the cathedral.

Adventure

The Hillside Path offers a scenic outdoor experience, located 1.6km from Glasgow Cathedral, perfect for leisurely walks amidst nature. For climbing enthusiasts, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, 4.8km away, provides thrilling sports and adventure activities. If skiing is your passion, head to Snow Factor, 8.0km distant, for indoor ski fun.

Nightlife

In Glasgow Cathedral, the Theatre Royal offers a captivating blend of culture and romance, merely 1.3km away. Meanwhile, Cineworld Glasgow on Renfrew Street provides a cinematic escape with an entertaining atmosphere, just 1.1km from the cathedral. The Pavilion Theatre, also 1.1km away, adds a family-friendly charm to your night out.

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

Find the best attractions near Glasgow Cathedral

Within and around Glasgow Cathedral, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including modern colleges and universities, vibrant squares, and bustling tourist precincts. These points of interest offer a rich cultural experience and cater to families and travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's history and charm. Glasgow Cathedral serves as a perfect starting point for discovering the diverse offerings of the area.

  • Buchanan Street: A vibrant pedestrianised area filled with shops, cafes, and street performances, Buchanan Street is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. Its lively atmosphere makes it a prime destination for both shopping and leisure.
  • George Square: This grand piazza is the cultural heart of Glasgow, surrounded by stunning architecture and monuments. It often hosts events and festivals, offering visitors a taste of the city's rich history and vibrant urban life.
  • Merchant City: Known for its stylish cafes, bars, and boutiques, Merchant City is a trendy neighbourhood blending historic charm with contemporary flair. Its lively city vibes make it ideal for exploring Glasgow's culinary scene and nightlife.

Best time to go to Glasgow Cathedral

The best time to visit Glasgow Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Glasgow Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Glasgow Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Glasgow Cathedral

To save money on your trip to Glasgow Cathedral, consider visiting in January or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure the best deals, and Monday is typically the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and explore package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings for additional savings. Also, take advantage of last-minute deals if you're flexible with your plans. Walking is a great way to explore the area for free.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Glasgow Cathedral 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: Book your hotel around Glasgow Cathedral about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Glasgow Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Glasgow Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it more economical to combine your hotel reservation for Glasgow Cathedral with your flights and activities by opting for a package deal on Expedia.

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