Book a tour to visit the extraordinary store for Glasgow Museums' vast collection. Come and see our Archaeology, Art & Painting, Arms & Armour, Natural History, Transport & Technology and World Cultures collections at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre (GMRC) - even when they're not on display at our venues.
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
What is it?
A guided tour is the practice of an individual leading a group of people around a point of interest and giving them information about it, which can cover topics such as religious significance, cultural history and how it relates to other locations and events in history.
What does it involve?
Attending a guided tour basically just involves paying attention! All the work is done for you in finding out the facts and presenting them in an interesting manner; the role of the participant just calls for a level of interest in your surroundings and an eagerness to learn!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Tour guides can be extremely educational - physically interacting with the place while learning about its history will provide a different kind of academic experience to the classroom by giving the students something more tangible to focus on.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need any equipment for a guided tour, but check beforehand to make sure; some tours involve their participants even further by getting them to write down their own thoughts, or make drawings - so you may need to ensure students have something to write on!
Who is it suitable for?
Guided Tours are suitable for pretty much anybody if you pick the right one - smaller children will find it harder to focus on more complex subjects and will need more visual aids, but if they are engaged correctly they will have a great time! Likewise, teenage students will get bored if the subject isn't engaging enough, so make sure to choose the tour appropriate for the age and interests of the group.
Costs?
Around £20 or less per person, but it can vary greatly depending on the location of the tour - for example, a minibus tour around a park will cost more than a short walk around a country manor! Make sure to shop around to get an idea of the prices in your area.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
A guided tour should be suitable for all ages, but students with condtions such has ADHD may have trouble focusing for an extended period of time - make sure to be aware of the specific needs of your group.
How do we include?
Many guided tours have disabled access for those with limited physical movement, but it would be wise to doublecheck beforehand. Those who are deaf and blind can also be included in guided tours but may need more specialist staff - again, you will need to check with the specific establishments.
Doing it abroad?
There are points of public interest all around the world, so wherever you can find something well known chances are there will be a guided tour available! Foreign tours may be conducted in another language though, so make sure to confirm the specifications of the tour before booking it.
Main website:
This website gives a good overview of places where you can go for a tour guide, but you're best looking at the specific areas around you to find out details!
Venues with this Activity
Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond, the medieval bishops’ palace was once among the most important buildings in the country. The administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, its architecture reflected enormous power and wealth.
The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the World.
Lothian Health Services Archive holds the historically important local records of NHS hospitals and other health-related material.
We collect, preserve and catalogue these records and promote them to increase understanding of the history of health and for the benefit of all.
Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert The Bruce.
Welcome to St Ninian’s Cathedral, situated in the fair city of Perth in the heart of Scotland and is in the diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane. St Ninian’s belongs to the Scottish Episcopal Church and is home to a lively, caring congregation of people from many different backgrounds.
A sanctuary caring for over 30 donkeys, plus 2 zeedonks, horses, and shetland ponies. There are also ducks and chickens to meet. Free to visit. Carrots available to feed to the animals.
Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to take the kids to meet a load of donkeys, each with their own unique personalities and stories.
The most accomplished piece of Renaissance architecture left in Scotland.
Located near the spectacular St Magnus Cathedral, these palaces are regarded as two of the finest examples of architecture in Scotland and highlight Orkney’s close Norse and ecclesiastical links.
A particular attraction is the magnificent monumental fireplace in the great hall of the Earl’s Palace, built about 1600.
Highlights
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre offers a range of programs, in Gaelic and English, for primary and secondary school students linked to the Curriculum for Excellence. With real-life stories, an opportunity to explore the battlefield and hands on workshops this an excellent trip that will enhance your topic.
Satrosphere aims to inspire the scientists of tomorrow and to spark renewed interest in university science courses, currently in decline.
Satrosphere was Scotland's first Science Centre. It contains exhibits which are aimed mainly at younger children. It attracts primary school groups around the year and its exhibits are 'hands on' so that everything can be played with and examined.
Hampden Park, Glasgow, is home to the Scottish Football Museum.
Exhibits date back to the world's very first international game - a 0-0 draw between Scotland and England in 1872.
Other artefacts include the world's oldest national trophy, the Scottish FA Challenge Cup.
Learning is why Dundee Science Centre exists. Learning enriches lives: it gives challenge, enjoyment, and new experiences, and widens opportunity. It helps us become responsible citizens and fulfilled individuals.
Our range of programmes support learning from birth to adulthood, with specific support for Curriculum for Excellence.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. It stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and is closely associated with Scotland’s rich history.
The Museum of Computing is devoted to the history of computing and digital development.
It was the first physical museum of its kind in the UK dedicated to the history of computing.
At the heart of Lydiard Park is Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed Palladian house that for 500 years was home to the St John family. The ground floor state apartments of Lydiard House have been beautifully restored and are open to visitors all year round to view the ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings displayed alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family.
The Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.
In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place.
Join us for a great family day out in the stunning surroundings of Loch Creran. Visit the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, home to a spectacular aquarium as well as Scotland's leading Seal Hospital.
Find out what life was like in Northern Ireland during the Second World War!
The Guildhall is a prestigious historic building, with acres of oak and walnut panelling, marble floors and the city’s old courts and cells.
Not only is it the owrking home of Hull City Council, but it houses a public collection that includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, the Hull Tapestry and the Civic Insignia and silver.
Hull Tapestry
This magnificent High Victorian Anglican church was designed in the 1870s by the flamboyant architect William Burges, and has been called his 'ecclesiastical masterpiece'. The extravagantly decorated interior displays coloured marble, stained glass, a splendid organ, and painted and gilded figures in all their original glory.
Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles
Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further.
Starkly impressive Brough Castle stands on a ridge commanding strategic Stainmore Pass, on the site of a Roman fort.
Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200, and more comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521.
Three venues in one, Ripon's museums allow you to uncover history.
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
Cumbria‘s Museum of Military Life was founded in 1932 and tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments through books, documents, photographs and artefacts. Based at Carlisle Castle, the museum moved into the larger Alma Ward room in 2014.
The Intertwined History of 300 years of British Infantry Regiments
Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III.
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