Scotland

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.

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.

Staying...

Stay overnight in New Lanark Mill Hotel and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting of this beautifully restored 18 century cotton mill. Guests can also make use of the excellent leisure facilities. Open to non-residents for a delicious lunch, early supper or dinner prepared using the finest local produce. Further accommodation options available include the comfortable and spacious self-catering Waterhouses, and the New Lanark Hostel. 

We also host an exciting programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year. For more information check out What's On at New Lanark, or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.

Accessibility

New Lanark Mills has been made as accessible as possible, with ramps and lifts to almost every part of the site. We say almost because the village’s location in a steep-sided valley beside the Falls of Clyde means that there are some areas that are not ideal for wheelchair users or visitors with impaired mobility. Our team will be happy to tell you more and discuss your requirements.

For more groups information visit our website.