Great British Heritage
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tour in Glasgow
Discover the life and work of Glasgow’s most famous son on this expert-led Charles Rennie Mackintosh tour. Accompanied by Mackintosh specialists Robin and Karen Cairns, explore the buildings, interiors and artistic ideas that defined his work, brought to life through their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Visit House for an Art Lover before enjoying lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow, the beautifully restored original tea rooms on Sauchiehall Street. At the Hunterian Art Gallery, see the recreation of the home Mackintosh shared with Margaret Macdonald, followed by the Mackintosh Gallery and works by the Glasgow Boys at Kelvingrove. A private dinner at the historic Glasgow Art Club offers the opportunity to appreciate interior features partly designed and decorated by Mackintosh.
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh tour continues in Helensburgh with Hill House, one of the finest examples of his distinctive style, and the Mackintosh Club, his first complete commission. Further visits to Ruchill Church Hall and Queen’s Cross Church complete a fascinating exploration of Mackintosh’s creative legacy in and around Glasgow.
From
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Robin Cairns
Robin is a Scottish poet, playwright, writer and public speaker with a particular fascination for Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Robert Burns. His research and creative work explore the personalities behind Scotland’s architecture, literature and cultural history.
A natural performer and storyteller, Robin brings energy, humour and a strong sense of place to every tour. Whether tracing Mackintosh’s rise from Glasgow’s tenements or exploring Burns in his Ayrshire homeland, he makes the people and ideas behind the sites feel immediate and alive.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival in Glasgow and an Introduction to Mackintosh
Arrive independently at The Grosvenor Hotel Glasgow from 15.00. This evening there will be a private dinner with wine and a talk by Robin Cairns: ‘Charles Rennie Mackintosh – Conjurer and Magician’.
Day 2: Mackintosh’s Glasgow, Tea Room Heritage and Private Glasgow Art Club Dinner
We start our busy day at the House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park where we will see how Mackintosh and Macdonald’s 1901 competition design has been brought to life by a team of artists, architects and craftsmen. A special treat is next as we have lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow – the original tea rooms building at 217 Sauchiehall Street, recently re-opened after an extensive restoration project. For more information about this project, please click here.
After lunch we will visit the Hunterian Art Gallery with its recreation of Mackintosh and Macdonald’s first house, followed by a visit to the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery for a stroll around the Mackintosh Gallery and a look at works by the “Glasgow Boys”.
This evening, a highlight of the tour is a visit to the Glasgow Art Club, with en-route view of the ravaged exterior of the Glasgow School of Art. Founded in 1867, the Glasgow Art Club is steeped in history and heritage and remains one of Glasgow’s most important landmarks for the arts in Scotland. Rich in culture, it has been a breeding ground for generations of the city’s most innovative and creative inhabitants. The Grade A-Listed Clubhouse is resplendent with historically significant interior features including fireplaces, fretworks, grills and door fittings – partly designed and decorated by Mackintosh and where he was a member, and a wonderful venue for a welcome reception and private dinner with wine.
Day 3: Hill House, The Mackintosh Club and Queen’s Cross Church
This morning we visit Hill House in Helensburgh, built by Mackintosh in 1903 for the publisher Walter Blackie. The house is thought of as one of the best examples of his style with modern interiors that incorporate his own furniture designs. The exterior is being housed in an innovative semi-transparent “box” that is being fitted to allow the house to dry out. More than a century of an average of 193 days of rain per year, has left the exterior of Hill House, which incorporated innovative new designs and materials by Mackintosh, badly damaged by water. The “box” aims to dry out the house to rescue it from further deterioration. The interior will still be visible, but the exterior will be shrouded in a semi-transparent casing. For more information about this fascinating project, please click here.
Next, it’s on to The Mackintosh Club in Helensburgh for a light lunch on arrival, before an introductory talk and visit. The Mackintosh Club Helensburgh is a hidden gem of a building and was his first complete commission, dated 1894. On this special visit, you will learn about Mackintosh’s early years and the significance and symbolism of the building, along with viewing the permanent exhibition and the connection with the infamous Glasgow Style and the Four.
We then visit Ruchill Parish Church Hall, designed by Mackintosh with subtle Art Nouveau touches, especially in the internal glazing and door panels which are still intact today.
Our final visit is to Mackintosh’s Queens Cross Church, the only church in the world designed by Mackintosh, commissioned in 1896. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00 when the tour will end.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“A visit to Hill House in Helensburgh was a real highlight of the trip and a fascinating insight into Mackintosh’s work.”
Anonymous, travelled May 2026
“Quite simply, everything worked really well from start to finish, making for a smooth and very enjoyable trip throughout.”
Anonymous, travelled May 2026
“We thoroughly enjoyed the history of the Willows, and additionally the lunch at the Willows stood out to us too. The tour leaders and lecturers were all great!”
Ms J, May 2025
“The drive to Helensburgh and the visits there were particularly beautiful. The whole trip was excellent, we would certainly return again!”
Mrs Jennifer Vye, May 2025
“This trip was brilliant. What stood out the most was visiting the Mackintosh buildings. But everything else was also great. We would recommend this trip to anyone.”
Ms H, May 2025
“Karen was a particularly good communicator, as was Robin! We rate this trip very highly, thankyou.”
Ms Sue Mendills, May 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
The Grosvenor Hotel, Glasgow
Located in the West End area of the city centre, close to the Hunterian Gallery and University, the traditional, four-star Grosvenor offers a high standard of accommodation and service and is well situated for the various sights visited on this tour. Facilities here include bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV and telephone. Car parking is available at the hotel costing £10 per night, payable directly to the hotel. Please note twin rooms at this hotel are classed as Deluxe twin rooms and have a supplement.
Grosvenor Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter is where you will hear about new tours first, along with travel insights from our leaders and occasional notes from the destinations we visit. We send it thoughtfully: no noise, just the things we think you will genuinely want to read.
"*" indicates required fields
