Discover Scotland’s Hidden Past

The award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre tells the fascinating story of the cotton mill village of New Lanark which was founded in the 18th century. New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site, one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is an 18th-century cotton mill village set in a beautiful location alongside the picturesque River Clyde, less than one hour south from Glasgow and south-west from Edinburgh. Groups can see how villagers lived, learned and worked with a visit to Robert Owen’s School for Children, Millworkers’ housing and Robert Owen’s House.

There’s an opportunity to see –
Historic working textile machinery and enjoy the ‘Annie McLeod Experience’, a fascinating ‘dark ride’ that tells the eye-opening story of a child millworker, and reveals the amazing story of her life and times in New Lanark in 1820. Enjoy spectacular views of the village, river and surrounding forests from our Roof Garden, then take a woodland walk to see the famous ‘Falls of Clyde’ waterfalls.

New Lanark quickly became known under the enlightened management of social pioneer, Robert Owen. He provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care, and a new education system for villagers and the first workplace nursery school in the world! Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community, which welcomes visitors from all over the world. Explore the many attractions and exhibition areas of New Lanark Visitor Centre with a passport ticket.

Highlights include:

• Annie McLeod Experience’ ride which takes you back in time
• Roof Garden
• Millworkers’ House in 1820s and 1930s
• Robert Owen’s House
• Robert Owen’s School for Children
• Village Store
• Working Textile Machinery / People & Cotton

New Lanark World Heritage Site is surrounded by native woodlands and is the gateway to the famous Falls of Clyde: ideal for woodland walks and wildlife spotting at the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. Look out for wildlife and you may catch a glimpse of kingfishers, otters, deer and badgers or even see the rare peregrine falcons. You can also enjoy the outdoors at New Lanark in our new Clearburn Play and Picnic Area.

On-site you will be able to purchase a village map for a donation of 50p to the New Lanark Trust – this will allow you to find your way around our historic village and make sure you don’t miss any of our key attractions.

Eating
Sample the delicious fare in our family friendly Mill Café, which serves a range of lunches, light refreshments, home-baking and Fair Trade tea and coffee. Open daily 9am – 5.30pm*. (Sundays 10am – 5pm) You can also dine in the New Lanark Mill Hotel’s Mill One Restaurant or Bar & Lounge. *Seasonal variations may apply.

Shopping
The New Lanark Mill Shop offers a superb range of contemporary gifts, books & Scottish produce. Taking centre stage is New Lanark Wool & Textiles which includes yarn produced on site, knitting kits and a selection of textiles. Open daily 9am-5.00pm*. (Sundays 10am – 5pm) *Seasonal variations may apply.