The Tenement House
The Tenement House
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Tenement House is a National Trust for Scotland property in Glasgow's City Centre. With 1892 original features it provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century. The house, lived in by Miss Agnes Toward for over half a century is a unique opportunity to experience collections in their unchanged environment. See what it meant to be an 'independent woman' in the first half of the 20th century; experience how ordinary folk lived, and appreciate how many of the household amenities we now take for granted were considered luxuries less than a century ago. Authentic gas lighting has been installed to recreate the atmosphere of the house, which didn't have electric lighting until 1960. An exhibition on the ground floor makes the most of Miss Toward's extensive personal archive, providing a valuable time capsule for visitors today. All the profits from admissions and the giftshop remain towards its conservation and the work of the National Trust for Scotland
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience The Tenement House and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: West End
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,026 within 5 kms
Attractions
492 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jan CChichester, United Kingdom52 contributionsBeautiful step back in time.I absolutely fell in love with this little hidden gem. An amazing trip back in time and discovering the social history of Glasgow and Miss Agnes Toward who lived there for over 50 years and barely made any changes. You become gripped by her story and how she lived...including the jam found in the cupboard dating back to 1929. Definitely worth a visit!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2023
- Winona A4 contributionsEverybody needs to visit this truly unforgettable place and its history.This was an incredible experience enhanced by the amazing volunteers who were so generous with information. It literally is taking a step back in time and has to be savoured slowly. Every visitor to Glasgow should make this a priority. Theres really nothing like it. Thank you volunteers on Sunday Oct. 29.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten November 1, 2023
- Kristen TStuttgart, Germany777 contributionsNice visitMy husband and I were in Glasgow for just a day and kicked off our visit with a look around the Tenement House. We had visited a similar type of museum in Sofia, Bulgaria that I very much enjoyed so I was looking forward to this museum. It's small, but interesting to see a slice of life from the days gone by of Glasgow. Seeing everyday items on display made it feel more authentic. The gift shop had some really nice items, too.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 6, 2023
- NickofSurreySurrey, United Kingdom1,047 contributionsInteresting piece of historyvery interesting four roomed flat. Contained some items my grandmother also had. Amazing how Agnes Toward did nothing with it and it remained preserved. I would say at ÂŁ8.50 it would be expensive if not National Trust members,as you can easily see the whole thing in under an hourVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 5, 2023
- Jules KAyrshire, United Kingdom347 contributionsExcellent and unique museumIf you want to get a real feel for tenement life in the early 20th century, this place is very special! Good value at ÂŁ6 concession, we spent a couple of hours here, reading the info boards, personal letters, and feasting our eyes on a unique piece of Glaswegian history. Thank goodness this wonderful home has been preserved for the generations to come. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, adding depth and dimension to our visit. It was so interesting to imagine daily life in this place, like stepping back in time. Miss Toward has achieved immortality through her home, possessions and letters. Highly recommended.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 8, 2024
- Beth HPlainfield, Illinois62 contributionsWorthwhile historical museum! Not expensive and very interesting!This was a really neat stuff back in time to see what early apartment life was like, and hear the stories from the tour guide. The people who take care of the museum really care about it and it shows . I learned i didn’t know about life during that time period. It doesn’t take long to go through the house but it’s a worthwhile trip!Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten February 12, 2024
- Elinor CNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom8 contributionsFascinating insight into the life of Miss TowardFascinating insight into the life of an ordinary Glasgow woman throughout the last century. The tenement has been beautifully preserved, and the staff and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and keen to tell you more about Miss Toward. It will probably take you less than an hour to get round the exhibition rooms and the Tenement so is quick, and there are some interactive exhibitions for children.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- Sarah W28 contributionsA hidden gem!This is a fascinating little museum, a tenement flat well preserved as it was when occupied by Miss Toward in the last century. Lots of interesting items and staffed by friendly helpful guides. Good value, a nice place to while away an hour or so. Small gift shop & cafeVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2024
- Brianne C1 contributionA Gem in GlasgowWe were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed visiting Agnes’ life! George Irons was so friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. He patiently answered all of our questions and told us stories of Agnes’ life as well as his own in Scotland. Would highly recommend a visit, we walked to the Tenement House and there are hills but nothing unmanageable if you want to stretch your legs.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten May 7, 2024
- Rachel H300 contributionsA UNIQUE WINDOW INTO GLASGOW LIFE IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY4 rooms which are meticulously restored which offer a unique window in glasgow life in the early 20th century. I was welcomed warmly and offered a discount because I worked in healthcare, so that was a bonus. There are 4 small rooms - a bathroom, parlour (ie lounge room/dining/bed closet), bedroom and kitchen. The bathroom had a flushing toilet and bath, the kitchen was well appointed of the style of the early 20th century including a range and a bed closet (this is where most of the family slept because of the warmth), a bedroom for boarders and a parlour which was used as a lounge/dining space. Not very large, so you don't need much time to see all of it, but well worth it as it gives you an accurate representation of what it was like in the tenements of glasgow.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten May 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
782 reviews
Excellent
520
Very good
204
Average
43
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Gail A
Ayr, UK26 contributions
Mar 2022
If the past is a foreign country, The Tenement House is your passport. Even just a short visit illustrates perfectly the way so many people lived in early-mid 20th century Glasgow, and the stories of the long-term resident and how the property came to the national trust are both fascinating. When you're in an environment like this one, you pick up so much detail about daily life. This really is history come alive.
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Gail,
Thank you for leaving us the nicest review! It has made our day!
We hope to welcome you back soon for another visit.
Kindest wishes,
Team Tenement
Written May 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vickiebypass
Stamford, CT297 contributions
May 2022
There are only four rooms to view but they were most interesting and the whole back history of the unmarried woman who lived there for 60 years, and then after she died an actress bought it, lived in it for seven years and then donated it or sold it to the national trust, was fascinating. The original occupant kept everything so they have all kinds of records, notes, letters and actual items. She wrote a lot of letters which have been transcribed them and are on display; unusual to read a casual, first person account World War II in Glasgow; London blitz; and her holidays to the beach. Again, the docents were eager to share their knowledge and I had a very nice conversation with them.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andyvd81
Quebec City, Canada348 contributions
Jul 2022
Tenements are an integral part of Glasgow's social fabric and history. We learned a little more about them on walking tour and were delighted to learn we could visit a wholly preserved flat. Even though it is small (as a tenement was!), the authenticity of the place is mesmerizing, the volunteer docents are very happy to share stories and insights, and we also enjoyed the informative exposition downstairs, telling the visitors more about Agnes Toward and the period during which she lived. To continue the experience, we bought the Tenement House guide, which contains lots of beautiful images and further explanations. If you are interested in social history and life in Glasgow, this is a must-see!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme D
Edinburgh, UK45 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We came here on a spontaneous visit one Sunday afternoon in January and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our wee boy loved seeing the “old fashioned house” and was so well looked after by all the staff, from the cash register to the flat and back out again.
We went round twice (with a shift change between visits!) and the insight into one story of no doubt thousands like it in Glasgow was fantastic. Plus our boy thoroughly enjoyed colouring in his wallie dug. A hidden gem that is well worth the wander through Garnethill.
We went round twice (with a shift change between visits!) and the insight into one story of no doubt thousands like it in Glasgow was fantastic. Plus our boy thoroughly enjoyed colouring in his wallie dug. A hidden gem that is well worth the wander through Garnethill.
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Graeme,
Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review, it means so much!
We are thrilled to hear that you and your family felt so well looked after by our team and that we have a new Wally Dug fan amongst us!
Kindest wishes,
Team Tenement
Written May 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David L
West Des Moines, IA193 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Visited this historic place and found it quite fascinating. They have kept in tack living conditions over 60 years ago going back to the late 19th century. Very well done with lots of information about this period and how people lived and managed their daily activities. The attendants were well informed and very helpful as we had many questions. History buffs will find this place interesting and should not pass it up.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
applegate69
Bath, UK875 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was so interesting and especially the story behind it all.
The actual apartment has so much original effects from the early 1900’s
We only found out about it by doing the bus tour so make sure you look out for it. If you are doing the bus tour you need to get off at stop 18.
The actual apartment has so much original effects from the early 1900’s
We only found out about it by doing the bus tour so make sure you look out for it. If you are doing the bus tour you need to get off at stop 18.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shantilight
Liverpool, UK10 contributions
A time capsule you can visit- amazing! England national trust membership is valid here too- top tip.
May 2024 • Family
Truly unique museum. Very easy to get to on foot, a perfect size for teens and older children, they were honestly fascinated but did not have time to get to the eye rolling point of “I’m bored, can we go shopping now.”
The staff really knew how to tell the story of the house and were passionate and interesting. I loved the children’s guide, beautifully illustrated. The women who lived in the house were brought to life by their photographs and amazing letters- my kids were fascinated by the ink pot and nib, and the typewriter. I loved it being about working women’s lives, and the people they corresponded with over many years.
We spent ages in the bathroom looking at the ointments and little bottles. Amazing place!
The staff really knew how to tell the story of the house and were passionate and interesting. I loved the children’s guide, beautifully illustrated. The women who lived in the house were brought to life by their photographs and amazing letters- my kids were fascinated by the ink pot and nib, and the typewriter. I loved it being about working women’s lives, and the people they corresponded with over many years.
We spent ages in the bathroom looking at the ointments and little bottles. Amazing place!
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tripsandfood55
London, UK4,680 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We visited The Tenement house in Glasgow during Aug24. The house has a fascinating history and shows a snippet of what life was like for what I would see as HMO's of the middle class in or around 1892. There is a wonderful model on display showing a number of layouts and how the occupants lived, including how people utilized and converted small cupboards into bedrooms, in some case for an additional income. There is a small NT book for sale that is worth buying and reading a little later. Interestingly, I felt the footprint of the rooms were fairly large if compared to some London flats . Either as a paying visitor or NT free entry, if in the area, we would highly recommend. The staff were polite, friendly and also knowledgeable and there is a cafe and 2 WC's on site.
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
weekak
Edinburgh, UK1,873 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
This place is absolutely fascinating, your literally stepping into a time warp right back to the 20th century with its lovely tiled wally close. The tenement which belonged to Agnes Toward consists of a bedroom, parlour, kitchen and bathroom and has the most beautiful mahogany furniture, gorgeous wallpaper, a brass bed, perfume bottles, old suitcases, an enclosed bed in both the parlour and the kitchen, which I think is great. Here you will also spot a Wally dog, brass taps and a range, a pulley and wringer, jam made by Miss Toward in 1929 but was never used, it really is a wonderful interesting unique experience, fantastic and I am so glad that it was preserved for us all to enjoy thanks to Anna.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Casey,
Thank you so much for visiting us and for your lovely review!
We are delighted to hear you had such a great experience.
We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kindest wishes,
Team Tenement
Written May 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nycmom22
New York City, NY3,016 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I would have liked an explanatory live guide or a video to enjoy this more. There is an old kitchen, an old bathroom, a parlor, and a bedroom. Paying lodgers used the bedroom and clever beds were squeezed into the parlor and the kitchen for the two residents, a surviving daughter( of 3) and her widowed mum.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there parking nearby?
Written June 6, 2019
With difficulty as with any city centre location. My advice would be to use the Subway & walk. You might find some parking spaces but it will be a lottery & I’m not sure what the restrictions are.
Written June 6, 2019
Do you have to book in advance?
Written October 18, 2018
Team TH
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Hi Margaret you only need to book in advance for 2018November &December opening times. From the 1st of March 2019 there will be no need to book in advance. For more information about our current opening times please visit our website.
We hope to welcome you soon to the Tenement House.
Best wishes from Team Tenement House
Written November 5, 2018
Hi,
I'm not sure about that.
I would advise joining Visit Scotland as a Member.
You can then visit lots of venues throughout the year.
It is well worth the membership fee.
Other places nearby are Pollock House, Holmwood, Gardens.
Happy visiting.
Written April 23, 2017
no need to
be warned parking very limited and the trust token service not dependable
Written May 15, 2017
The house is open from 1st March to 31st October between 1pm and 5pm, with the last admission being at 4.30pm. Last summer, however, during July and August, they were open from 11am on Friday and Saturday. I'm not sure if they will be doing the same this year, though.
Written March 29, 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing