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Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail

A close-up of a vibrant stained-glass panel with a stylized red rose, set into a dark wooden frame.
House for an art lover
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an architect and designer from Glasgow. Working with his wife, Margaret Macdonald, his bold style helped shape the city. You can find more of their work in Glasgow than anywhere else in the world, like in tea rooms and galleries.

Attractions in Glasgow

Exterior sign for "MACKINTOSH AT THE WILLOW" against a building with stained glass windows.

Attractions beyond Glasgow

A dimly lit, wood-paneled room with intricate geometric light fixtures and a staircase, showcasing the distinct style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Oak Room.

Hidden gems

Mackintosh attractions in Glasgow

Mackintosh at the Willow

Originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1903 for Miss Cranston, these tearooms are a true slice of Glasgow history. Fully restored in 2018 and now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Mackintosh at the Willow is full of charm.

Enjoy afternoon tea in the Salon de Luxe, drink on the roof terrace, and explore the interactive exhibition and shop. Visit Mackintosh at the Willow to find out more.

The Mackintosh House

Want to see how Mackintosh lived? Head to The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow. The Mackintosh House is a detailed recreation of his and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh's home, with each room showing off the couple's artistic flair.

It’s a quiet, beautiful insight into their creative partnership. Visit The Mackintosh House for opening times and admission prices.

Ground-floor view of a bright, open restaurant interior featuring dark wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and decorative lighting fixtures. A staircase leads to an upper dining level in the background.
Mackintosh at the Willow

Mackintosh Queen's Cross

This striking church in the north of Glasgow is full of Mackintosh’s signature style. From floral motifs to bold lines, it’s a gothic beauty with a Glasgow twist. Now a popular venue for concerts and weddings, it’s also home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society. Visit Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church for opening hours and events.

House for an Art Lover

House for an Art Lover is located in the tranquil surroundings of Bellahouston Park. It’s not just a beautiful building, it’s a bold idea brought to life. Built in 1966, the House is based on drawings Mackintosh submitted to a German design magazine competition in 1901. There’s also a café and gift shop, so you can make a day of it. Visit House for an Art Lover for details.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Another place to view a fantastic collection of Mackintosh objects and furniture is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Their Mackintosh and Glasgow Style gallery is the biggest permanent display of its kind. Expect stained glass, metalwork, and full room sets from a design movement that helped define the city. Visit Glasgow Life to find out more.

A clean, bright room designed in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The space features white furniture with delicate art nouveau curves and purple accents.
House for an Art Lover
Stained-glass window with geometric and floral patterns, featuring prominent blue and clear glass sections.
Mackintosh Queen's Cross

Mackintosh walking tour

Join a Mackintosh walking tour to dive deeper into his life and work. You’ll visit famous landmarks and hidden gems, ending at Mackintosh at the Willow. Tours run through the summer and are a great way to explore the city’s creative side. Book through Walking Tours in Glasgow.

Self-guided tours

If you’d rather take things at your own pace, visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society to download tour leaflets for three self-guided tours: Glasgow Style and Modernity, Second City, and The West End.

A large group of people smiling on a sidewalk in front of a brick building with a large mural and a steeple.
Mackintosh walking tour

Mackintosh attractions beyond Glasgow

The Hill House, Helensburgh

Just under an hour from Glasgow, The Hill House in Helensburgh is Mackintosh’s vision of a modern home. Built between 1902 and 1904, it’s now wrapped in a protective box as part of a conservation project, offering visitors a new perspective of the property. Visit the National Trust for Scotland to plan your trip.

Oak Room, V&A Dundee

Originally located on Ingram Street in Glasgow, the Oak Room is another of Miss Cranston’s Mackintosh-designed tea rooms. The interior was saved by Glasgow Museums in the 1970s and restored between 2015 and 2018. It’s now on display at the V&A Dundee – Scotland’s design museum – and is a fantastic example of Mackintosh’s all-in design style. Head to the V&A Dundee to find out more.

A brightly lit interior with two tall, dark chairs facing a low table, all in a distinctive Art Nouveau style.
Hill House

Mackintosh hidden gems

  • See the Mackintosh mural outside the Clutha Bar. Commissioned by the Radisson RED Hotel in 2018 to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. 

  • A bronze statue of Mackintosh sitting proudly on the Argyle Chair can be found in the Anderston area of the city. It was created by renowned sculptor Andy Scott.

  • The outside of Ruchill Church Hall is considered a well-planned minor work by Mackintosh.

  • The Daily Record Building on Renfield Lane, designed by Mackintosh in 1901. It shows how he skilfully uses colour on the façade to maximise light in the narrow lane.

  • The Glasgow Art Club's Grade-A listed clubhouse includes a Mackintosh frieze as the centrepiece of its main gallery space. It was his first public commission.

  • The doorway of 5 Blythswood Square was designed by Mackintosh for the Glasgow Lady Artists' Society.

  • Glasgow School of Art's archives and collections at The Whisky Bond include one of the largest Mackintosh collections held in public ownership.

Mackintosh mural

Are you a resident of Glasgow? Visit Glasgow Attractions to find out what resident offers are available. 

Article last updated: October 2025

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