Glasgow Doors Open Days 2024 and the best hidden gems you can visit across the city

The Arlington Baths in Glasgow's west end features as a venue during Doors Open Days 2023. Picture: Getty Images.
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Glasgow's Doors Open Days will soon be upon us - and there are plenty of epic places across the city to check out.

A celebration of the culture and architecture of this wonderful city, the festival - running September 16-22 - allows people to see behind the closed doors of some of its most iconic spots.

While some buildings may be more obvious than others, there is no shortage of locations to visit that will give you a unique insight you will never have had before.

From the Glasgow City Chambers to the Govanhill Baths there are loads of things to see at the festival this year and we've picked out some of the highlights.

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2024 marks the 35th year of Doors Open Days, a festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to hundreds of sites and events across Scotland.

And in Glasgow, you can visit places like:

The Glasgow Gurdwara (booking essential) Proudly serving the community as the first purpose-built Gurdwara for Sikhs in Scotland located in multicultural Pollokshields, acts as a cultural, educational and religious hub.

The Revelator (booking essential) – a wooden, handcrafted circular structure, it is a community-built, and fully-functioning, Wall of Death cum nomadic theatre-in-the-round and art space.

Motorcycles are ridden vertically on the 17 feet high and 30 feet in diameter circular wall with an awestruck audience perched at the top, guests can climb up to the top and see the space themselves. It is also a unique nomadic theatre-in-the-round and art space. The Revelator is currently located at Barclay Curle, a grade A listed former shipyard in Whiteinch on The Clyde.

The Pipe Factory (booking essential) – The Pipe Factory was built between 1876-79, and designed by visionary architect Matthew Forsyth (1850-80). This architectural gem boasts Italian Renaissance-inspired designs that showcase an "exquisite mastery of brickwork". It's the last chance to see it before it's refurbished this year.

Govanhill Baths (booking essential) – Guided tours of Govanhill Baths, Glasgow's last surviving Edwardian bathhouse.

Arlington Baths Club (booking essential) Visit the oldest swimming pool in Glasgow to see their skylit swimming pool and magnificent Turkish Bath, a hidden treasure in the city for over 150 years.

The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre (No Booking Necessary) – One of the "hidden wonders of Glasgow’s west end" offers a magical world of masks and puppets.

There will be a free puppet show on Sat and Sun, Sep 21 and 22 with Professor Clive at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

The Lighthouse (No Booking Necessary) – The Lighthouse is a much loved city centre spot that offers some incredible views of the city.

Other favourites include the City Chambers, The Panopticon, The Pyramid at Anderston, The Central Mosque and the Police Museum.

There are also a lot of in-person events people can enjoy with the programme viewable here. And if you can't make it in person, there's loads of stuff online!

Posting about the event, the Doors Open Day team said: "This year, we are taking the opportunity of our 35th edition to explore how immigration and emigration have shaped Glasgow into the multicultural hub it is today through our festival theme ‘We’re All Here’, Diversity and Diaspora.

"Mark your calendars from 16-22 September and join us for a spectacular week featuring over 100 fascinating buildings open to the public, an impressive lineup of trails, tours, and special events and a selection of online ⁠digital trails, and resources.

"The best part? All the events are completely free to attend! However, we recommend securing your spot through advance booking. Tickets will be available to book from 6 September, make sure to keep an eye out.⁠"

You can click through to the Glasgow Doors Open Day website to see the full programme of buildings and events you can visit throughout the week (September 16-22).

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