Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour: A Must for Football Fans and Curious Travelers Alike
When visiting Glasgow, few attractions can match the passion, history, and excitement of the Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour. For just around $24, you get a two-hour journey into Scotland’s most iconic football ground, home to the Scottish National Football team. Led by knowledgeable guides like George, Jim, or Tom, the experience offers behind-the-scenes access, a lively museum, and interactive elements that appeal whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good story.
What we especially like about this tour is how it balances authentic stadium access—walking through the players’ tunnel and into the dressing rooms—with the educational depth of the Scottish Football Museum. And the fact that you can spend as much time as you like wandering through the museum makes it a flexible, value-packed outing. On the flip side, since the stadium is a working sports venue, there’s occasionally scheduled testing or events that can interrupt the experience, so it pays to check the schedule or book in advance.
Designed for both sports fans and those with a passing curiosity about Scotland’s football heritage, this tour offers a lively blend of history, storytelling, and interactive fun. Whether you’re traveling with kids eager to shoot a goal or with friends soaking in local sports culture, Hampden Park delivers a memorable afternoon.
Key Points
- In-Depth Behind-the-Scenes Access: Walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the dressing rooms, and see the underground roadway—an authentic glimpse into football life.
- Interactive Museum: Spend as much time as you like exploring exhibits, including the Scottish Cup and legendary moments like Archie Gemmill’s famous World Cup goal.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable tour leaders like George, Jim, or Tom make the experience engaging with stories, trivia, and personal insights.
- Flexible Tour Options: Multiple tour times are available, allowing you to choose a window that fits your schedule.
- Family-Friendly: The tour is engaging for all ages, with activities like shooting in the Hampden Hotshots gallery and questions that include the kids.
- Great Value: At $24, the combination of stadium access and museum exploration offers good bang for your buck, especially considering the positive reviews for entertainment and education.
A Close Look at the Itinerary
Starting at the Scottish Football Museum—the tour begins in the café on the second level of Hampden Park, where your guide meets you before heading into the heart of the stadium. Expect a warm welcome and a chance to ask questions from the get-go. The guides, like George or Jim, are known for their storytelling ability and make the tour lively and informative.
The Stadium Tour itself lasts about an hour, during which you’ll step into the dressing rooms, walk through the players’ tunnel (a highlight for many), and even see the underground roadway. Hearing the roar of the crowd as you walk out onto the pitch is a genuine thrill, especially when imagining the atmosphere during a match. Some reviews mention that the tour is “well run” with lots of stories, making it clear that the guides don’t just show you around—they bring the history alive.
The Scottish Football Museum is a standout feature. Housed in what was once the old dressing room, it contains a variety of exhibits—from the world’s oldest national trophy, the Scottish Cup, to videos and memorabilia celebrating Scottish football’s achievements. Visitors love that they can linger as long as they like, absorbing the stories of legendary players and historic matches. One guest noted, “The museum was fantastic,” with another mentioning how involved children get when trivia and questions are part of the tour.
Interactivity and Fun: Shooting a goal in the Hampden Hotshots gallery is a hit with kids and adults alike. The chance to “try your luck” with a shot and see how it feels to be a striker adds a tangible element that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.
Planning more time in Glasgow? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Guided Tour Experience: Expect a friendly, engaging guide who will lead you through the stadium’s key sites. The maximum group size of 15 ensures you aren’t lost in a crowd, and most travelers report being satisfied with the personal attention and storytelling.
Access to Key Areas: Walking through the players’ tunnel and into the dressing rooms allows you to imagine the adrenaline of match day. The underground roadway offers a rare view of the stadium’s behind-the-scenes infrastructure, which many find surprisingly fascinating.
Museum Exploration: The Scottish Football Museum is packed with exhibits, videos, and memorabilia. The fact that visitors can stay as long as they like means you can take your time soaking in Scottish football’s proud moments. Several reviews highlight how the museum complements the stadium tour, giving a comprehensive picture of the sport’s significance in Scotland.
Family and Kid-Friendly Features: From the goal-shooting gallery to questions aimed at younger visitors, the tour keeps children engaged. One reviewer said their 4-year-old was a bit bored at times, but their older son loved the experience.
Additional Notes: Since the tour is operated within a working stadium, occasional events or testing might happen, which could affect certain parts of the visit. It’s worth checking ahead for any schedule disruptions, but most reviews suggest that the staff are accommodating and helpful.
The Value of the Experience
At around $24, this tour is a solid investment in a fun, educational, and physically engaging glimpse into Scottish football culture. When you consider that it includes both stadium access and museum exploration, plus the personal stories from guides, the value is clear. Many reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guides—like Tom Kelly or George—who make the experience memorable with stories and trivia.
People also appreciate the flexibility of multiple tour times, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule. Plus, the family-friendly nature of the tour, with activities suitable for children and adults, makes it a great outing for groups.
However, some note that the price might seem a bit high without a gift shop or café break included, which is understandable but not a deal-breaker considering the depth of the experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits football enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking for an active and interactive outing. If you’re traveling with kids, they can enjoy the goal-shooting gallery and the lively storytelling. For those who appreciate authentic experiences, the behind-the-scenes look at a working stadium adds a genuine local flavor.
It’s also ideal for visitors who want a flexible, informative way to learn about Scottish sports culture without committing to a full day trip or expensive ticket. If you’re a casual traveler interested in Scottish life or sports, this tour offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention how kids enjoy the interactive elements like shooting goals and answering trivia. The guides involve children with questions, making it engaging for all ages.
How long does the tour last?
The guided stadium tour takes about an hour, with additional time available in the museum. Overall, plan for approximately two hours.
Are there multiple tour times?
Yes, several options are available throughout the day, giving you flexibility to choose a time that works best for your schedule.
Does the tour include transportation?
No, transportation to and from Hampden Park is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel.
What does the ticket price include?
Your ticket covers the guided stadium tour and unlimited time in the museum. No food or drinks are included.
Is the tour suitable for non-football fans?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight the interesting stories, historical exhibits, and the chance to see behind-the-scenes at a major stadium, which can appeal even to those less interested in football.
What are the main highlights of the tour?
Walking through the players’ tunnel, visiting the dressing rooms, seeing the underground roadway, and exploring the Scottish Football Museum’s exhibits.
Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Currently, there isn’t a shop as part of the experience, but this is something the museum plans to add in 2025.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking through the stadium. Check the weather beforehand—since some parts are outdoors, be prepared for rain or sunshine.
The Sum Up
The Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Scotland’s football heritage, blending behind-the-scenes access with engaging exhibits. The guides’ stories make the history come alive, and the museum’s interactive exhibits add a fun element for all ages. It’s excellent value for the price, especially if you enjoy local sports culture or want an active, family-friendly outing.
This tour is perfect for visitors who value authentic, accessible experiences that go beyond static sightseeing. Whether you’re a football fan eager to walk in the footsteps of legends or simply curious about Scotland’s sporting pride, Hampden Park delivers a memorable, insightful visit.
If you’re short on time but want a rich, authentic taste of Glaswegian sports life, this tour hits the mark. For those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, interactive fun, and a chance to see the heart of Scottish football, it’s a top choice. Just book ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an afternoon of stories, history, and a little bit of goal-scoring fun.
More Tours in Glasgow
More Tour Reviews in Glasgow
- Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles
- Outlander Adventure Day Tour from Glasgow Including Admissions
- Glasgow: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle
- Glasgow Street Art Daily Walking Tour: 2pm
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package
- Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow