The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
A dramatic Gothic Revival staircase guarded by stone lions and unicorns in the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle.
Carved into the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. This ornate stone staircase, flanked by sculpted beasts and intricate stonework, leads to the historic Gilbert Scott Building and is a favorite for graduation photos and quiet contemplation. Its dramatic arches, heraldic symbolism, and atmospheric light make it one of the university’s most iconic and photogenic spots.
A brief summary to The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
- University Of Glasgow, West Quadrangle, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best natural light for photography.
- Look closely at the stonework for hidden carvings, grotesques, and heraldic details that are easy to miss at a glance.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the West and East Quadrangles to appreciate the full scale and beauty of the Gilbert Scott Building.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Glasgow city centre, take a bus along Great Western Road or Byres Road towards the University of Glasgow; the journey takes about 15–20 minutes. Alight near the main gate on University Avenue and walk through the West Quadrangle to reach the staircase.
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Walking
From Kelvingrove Park or the West End, walk along University Avenue or Great Western Road; the university campus is clearly visible and the staircase is a short walk from the main entrance through the West Quadrangle.
The Lion and Unicorn Staircase location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
A Gothic Masterpiece in Stone
Tucked within the West Quadrangle of the University of Glasgow, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase is a breathtaking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival design. Crafted from fine sandstone, the staircase rises in a series of broad, shallow steps beneath a soaring pointed arch, creating a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The stonework is richly detailed, with carved tracery, finials, and heraldic motifs that reflect the university’s long academic and civic traditions. As you stand at the foot of the stairs, the scale and craftsmanship invite a moment of pause, a reminder of the building’s role as a temple of learning.Guardians of the Staircase
The staircase takes its name from the two magnificent stone beasts that flank its base: the lion and the unicorn, symbols of the United Kingdom. These heraldic creatures are rendered with a blend of regal dignity and playful detail, their manes and horns intricately carved, their postures both watchful and welcoming. They serve as symbolic guardians, marking the transition from the open quadrangle into the more formal, scholarly spaces above. Around them, smaller carvings of grotesques, foliage, and mythical beasts add layers of whimsy and symbolism, rewarding close inspection with hidden faces and fantastical forms.Heart of the West Quad
Located in the West Quadrangle, the staircase is part of the grand Gilbert Scott Building complex, one of the most photographed parts of the university. The quadrangle itself is a serene, grassy courtyard surrounded by cloisters and lecture halls, often used for graduation celebrations and quiet study. The Lion and Unicorn Staircase forms a natural focal point, drawing visitors and students alike to linger, photograph, or simply absorb the atmosphere. Its position makes it a natural meeting place and a symbolic threshold between the everyday and the academic.Atmosphere and Light
The staircase’s character changes dramatically with the light and weather. On a bright day, sunlight streams through the arch, casting sharp shadows and highlighting the texture of the stone. In overcast or rainy conditions, the sandstone takes on a softer, almost ethereal glow, and the space feels more intimate and mysterious. The acoustics are distinctive: footsteps echo softly, and voices carry in a way that adds to the sense of being in a sacred or ceremonial space. This interplay of light, sound, and stone makes the staircase a compelling place to visit at different times of day and year.Symbolism and Student Life
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase is woven into the fabric of student life. It is a traditional backdrop for graduation photos, where students pose with their families beneath the arch, often with the lion and unicorn at their feet. The staircase also embodies the university’s blend of tradition and modernity: while the building is steeped in history, it houses contemporary academic departments and is used daily by students and staff. This duality—ancient stone and modern scholarship—gives the staircase a layered significance that resonates with both visitors and the university community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Unmissable attractions to see
University of Glasgow
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Hunterian Zoology Museum
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Discover the fascinating diversity of the animal kingdom at the University of Glasgow's historic Hunterian Zoology Museum.
The Mackintosh House
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Step inside the meticulously reconstructed Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design and creative legacy.
Hunterian Art Gallery
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Scotland’s oldest museum art gallery showcasing iconic works by Whistler, Mackintosh, and more in a modern university setting.
Statue of Lord Kelvin
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A distinguished bronze tribute in Kelvingrove Park honoring Lord Kelvin’s groundbreaking scientific legacy and Glasgow’s rich academic heritage.
Kelvin Way
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Kelvin Way connects Glasgow’s West End cultural landmarks, blending historic architecture with leafy parks and vibrant local life.
The Suffragette Oak
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A powerful living symbol in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park honoring the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
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Explore Glasgow’s iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to world-class art, historic artifacts, and captivating exhibits in a stunning historic setting.
Kelvin Hall Open Collections
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Kelvingrove Bandstand
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Glasgow's restored Art Deco bandstand hosting vibrant open-air performances in a Victorian park setting.
Tennents Byres Rd Glasgow
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tennent's Byres Road, a quintessential Glasgow pub offering local brews and authentic Scottish hospitality.
Kelvingrove Park
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Explore Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Park — a vibrant Victorian green space with iconic art, serene river walks, and lively community spirit.
Visit West End
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Stewart Memorial Fountain
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Park Terrace
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Essential places to dine
Ubiquitous Chip
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Eighty Eight
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Bothy Glasgow
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Number 16 Restaurant
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Cafe Andaluz
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Paesano Pizza West End
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Cail Bruich
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La Lanterna West End
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Ox and Finch
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UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers
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Big Slope
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The Gannet
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Goat in the Tree
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The Bay Tree
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
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Oliver Bonas
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West Vintage
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A compact West End boutique specialising in well‑curated vintage clothing and sustainable style on Great Western Road.
Amaryllis Westend
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Papyrus
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The Glasgow Vintage Co
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VELVET MOON
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Discover unique handmade gifts and local treasures in the charming and characterful Velvet Moon gift shop in Glasgow’s Finnieston.
Downstair Design Co.
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Decadent Riot
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Gallus Alice
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Ae Fond Kiss
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Aragon Bar
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beGIN
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The Ben Nevis
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The Dirty Duchess
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Classic Grand
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Sub Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
