Celtic Park, known to supporters as Paradise, is the largest club stadium in Scotland and a place of pilgrimage for football fans. It sits in Parkhead in the East End of Glasgow, and its steep stands, which hold around 60,000 people, create the roar that visiting teams remember. Celtic Football Club, founded in 1887 by an Irish Catholic priest to raise money for the poor of the East End, has a long list of honours, including becoming the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967, with the Lisbon Lions. A stadium tour is the best way to see what goes on when the crowds are not there. The guided tour takes you around the ground and its behind-the-scenes areas, which on a typical club tour include the stands, the tunnel and the dressing-room and trophy areas, with a guide who can tell the club's stories. It is a good fit for football fans of any age, for visitors who want a taste of Glasgow's best-known rivalry, and for anyone curious about how a big stadium works. Check the tour page for exactly what is included, since tours and areas open to the public can change.
Practical details
Celtic Park is at Parkhead, about two to three miles east of the city centre. Public transport links include buses and the train to Dalmarnock, and the stadium is a walk from there; check the route before you go, since the area is mostly residential and industrial. The tour page has the times and the meeting point, and you will normally select a start time at booking. Tours may be limited or unavailable on match days and when events take place in the stadium, so check availability before planning a trip around it.
What to expect
The tour is a guided walk of around an hour or so, with lots of stairs and walking, so it suits anyone reasonably mobile, although you should check the tour page for the accessibility details. The stories are as much about the community and the history of the club as the football, and you do not need to be a supporter to enjoy it. Supporters, of course, will love it, and those who want a bit more can look for the dine package that pairs the tour with a meal.
Making the most of it
Combine the tour with the rest of the East End, where Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis and the Tennent's brewery are within a few miles. If you are a football fan, pair it with a tour of Hampden Park, Scotland's national stadium, for the full Glasgow football picture. Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, as the stands are open to the elements, and bring a camera.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk around Celtic Park, the home of Celtic Football Club, with access to areas of the stadium that are closed to the public on match days.
Best time
A weekday or a non-match day when the stadium is quiet; check availability before you book around a fixture.
How long
About an hour or more, depending on the tour you pick.
Tips
Check the tour page for times and inclusions, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Football fans and anyone who wants to see inside one of Scotland's best-known stadiums.
- Families
- Great for football-mad children; there are plenty of stairs, so check the accessibility details.
- Couples
- A fun, offbeat activity for a couple who like sport.
- Pair with
- Hampden Park for Scottish football, or the Tennent's brewery tour nearby.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day, including travel from the city centre.
Good questions
How long is the Celtic Park tour?+
Tours typically last around an hour or more. Check the tour page for the current length.
Where is Celtic Park?+
It is in Parkhead in the East End of Glasgow, a few miles from the city centre.
Do I have to support Celtic to enjoy it?+
No. The tour is aimed at all football fans and at curious visitors.
Can I take the tour on a match day?+
Tours may be limited or unavailable on match days and at events. Check availability when booking.
Is there a dining option?+
A tour and dine package is sold separately. Check the tour options for what is available.
