Lanarkshire Holiday Guide
Landmarks in Lanarkshire
Along with the New Lanark World Heritage Site, the Antonine Wall in North Lanarkshire has also received this prestigious award. The structure dates from 142AD and was designed to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire; learn about the impact of the Romans in this part of Scotland on a walking tour.
For a thrilling day out head to M&D's Theme Park in Strathclyde Country Park where you can test your nerves on the corkscrew twists of the formidable Tsunami, Scotland’s only inverted rollercoaster. Cultural landmarks include Brownsbank Cottage, former home of the poet Hugh MacDiarmid, and the Leadhills Miners Library, the oldest subscription library in the British Isles.
Lanarkshire Museums and Galleries
Many visitors to Scotland are fascinated by ancestry and history; Lanarkshire is full of museums, galleries and sites of historic interest for travellers keen to learn about the region’s history. Step inside about 300 years of Lanarkshire farming at National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride. This working replica of a 1950’s farm has beautiful livestock including huge Clydesdale horses that will delight the kids.
Meet Scotland’s most famous explorer at the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre where the items and exhibits document his life and work, and provide an insight into 19th century Scotland. East Kilbride Arts Centre is a good place to see local artworks, with vibrant events and exhibitions on throughout the year. For young children a visit to the Biggar Puppet Theatre will make for a super fun day out.
Lanarkshire Shopping, Restaurants and Nightlife
Lanarkshire is a great place to look for unique gifts and souvenirs, with many farm shops, craft studios and independent boutiques dotted around the region. For those with a sweet tooth, try some homemade tablet in Biggar; afterwards indulge in the fragrant scents of Lanark’s florists and tasty treats inside locally run shops. Listen for the ping of the oven as fresh baking is laid out at one of the region’s many fine bakeries.
Hearty Scottish meals are served in Lanarkshire’s many pubs and restaurants too, while quality cafes and traditional tearooms will warm you up on a winter's day. The region has one of the most diverse culinary landscapes in the UK, with everything from Clyde Valley tomatoes to locally made blue cheese on the menu. Enjoy a lively drink and banter from the locals in a friendly Lanarkshire pub to complete your stay.
New Lanark World Heritage Site
Discover the history of New Lanark at this attraction, a reminder of Scotland’s place as a pioneer of equality for workers. New Lanark ushered in a model for industrial communities that was to spread across the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today it provides a space for woollen yarn production. A must-see attraction, which boasts a great visitor centre and a mill shop for souvenirs.
Whether you are holidaying in Scotland with the kids or doing some solo travel, Lanarkshire is a great place to call in on your stay.
