Rick Steves Recommends This 'Time-Warp House' That Transports Visitors Back To The 1930s

The U.K. is a treasure trove of historic wonders, from cultural artifacts to buildings that are hundreds of years old. There's nothing more fascinating than taking a step back in time and feeling like you've been transported to another decade. While museums can certainly do the trick, there's still a lingering barrier between past and present that's unique to this area. That's why travel expert Rick Steves recommends visiting "time-warp houses," or homes that have been perfectly preserved from a bygone era.

One such house is located in the must-visit European destination of Glasgow, Scotland, and gives a look into what life was like for middle-class residents in the 1930s. The Tenement House was the beloved home of a shorthand typist, Miss Agnes Toward. She kept her home largely the same throughout her life, and after she passed away in 1975, Miss Towards's church peer, Anna Davidson, was inspired by the home and decided to protect it from impending modernization. Now, the home is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and is an important historical site representing the nation's heritage. Rick Steves emphasized the time capsule-esque nature of the home, noting, "The kitchen calendar is still set for 1935, canisters of licorice powder (a laxative) still sit on the bathroom shelf, and her piano, once the room's entertainment center, hasn't budged."

While Scotland is often thought of as the most beautiful country in the world, Glasgow hasn't always enjoyed such glowing reviews. But that narrative is slowly changing, becoming known for sustainable tourism and unique cultural sights — just like the Tenement House. Whether you've already perused art galleries or strolled Buchanan Street, a visit to this window into the past is the perfect stop to add to your Glasgow itinerary.

It's a great way to learn a bit about Scotland's history of the everyday person, and discover just how different life was less than 100 years ago, which is why Rick Steves says to prioritize this fascinating destination on your Scotland trip. From original fixtures such as the coal-fired kitchen range to smaller trinkets like a bottle of jam from 1929, entering Miss Toward's home is like stepping through a time machine. Located at Buccleuch Street in Glasgow, The Tenement House is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Tickets are £10 for adults and £25 for a family. If you're feeling peckish, you can also pop into the Wally Dug Cafe, located on the first floor of the building. Warm up with a cup of coffee or nibble on homemade cakes and scones before heading upstairs.