Historical Building Tour at Mackintosh with Glasgow Charm
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels
Overview
Step into Glasgow’s storied past with a guided tour of the Mackintosh at the Willow. Discover unique Art Nouveau interiors and learn about the city’s rich design history in this iconic tearoom.
Historical Building Tour & Exhibition - Most Popular!
For all ages! • 1 hour • Up to 12 people • Guided Tour In The Tea House + Free Exhibition Ticket
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the enchanting Mackintosh at the Willow, Glasgow's only surviving tearoom designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This guided tour offers exclusive access to stunning spaces like the Men's Billiard Room and the luxurious Salon de Luxe, while immersing you in the rich history of the tearoom and its visionary creator.
Tour Duration 1 hour (Exhibition 30-45 minutes, Admission between 9-4:30pm)
About
- Up to 6 people per booking and 12 people in total for the tour
Mackintosh at the Willow is the only surviving tearooms designed by world famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and originally opened in 1903, by Miss Catherine Cranston. After an extensive restoration in 2018, the venue now operates as a visitor attraction, with a working tearooms, so visitors can both view the impressive interiors and enjoy an immersive experience by dining with us. The tour covers most of the main spaces within the building, highlighting the work undertaken by the restoration team, the important interiors within, and how the building relates to other Mackintosh works. Aside from booking to dine in the Salon de Luxe, a guided tour is the best way to view this room.
Explore our Exhibition and learn more about the vibrant city of Glasgow in the late 1890s and early 1900s, a time of exciting change and innovation. Learn about the growth of the tea rooms and hear the story of successful and forward thinking local entrepreneur Miss Kate Cranston and her unique collaboration with Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald. With interactive, audio and visual displays there’s plenty to get involved with.
Booking is essential!
Includes
- Guided Tour in all historic spaces (last around 45 minutes)
- Admission Ticket to the Exhibition after the guided tour (Exhibition is self-guided)
- Our tours are currently in English
Excludes
- Food and beverage in the Tea House
Adventure Tips
Book in advance
Secure your spot early, as tours tend to fill up quickly due to popularity.
Bring a camera
Capture the exquisite details of the interiors, especially the stained glass and custom furnishings.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect to walk through historic spaces—wear supportive footwear.
Check opening hours
Verify tour times before visiting to plan your day efficiently.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Birds in the surrounding gardens
- City pigeons and small urban wildlife
History
The tearoom was designed as a social hub for Glasgow’s middle and upper classes in the early 1900s, embodying Mackintosh’s innovative vision.
Conservation
The site’s restoration involved careful preservation of original features, supporting Glasgow’s efforts to maintain its architectural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Glasgow
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear makes navigating the historic site more enjoyable.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the intricate design details inside the tearoom.
Notebook or sketchpad
Jot down your thoughts or sketch the stunning interiors.
Light jacket
Indoor spaces may be cool; bring layers for comfort.