New Lanark
New Lanark, Lanark, Scotland, ML11 9TG
The historic mill village of New Lanark was once a beacon of social conscience in the Industrial Revolution—today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The refurbished factory, warehouses, houses, and school are home to a wealth of attractions, from educational rides to a roof garden.
The Basics
Visit the historic village to learn how Robert Owen treated the workers at New Lanark cotton mills unusually well for the time period. For more on Owen's philosophy and the planned nature of the village itself, time your visit to include one of two daily guided tours included with admission. Stop by each of the six attractions included in admission: the Annie McLeod Experience Ride; People, Cotton & Machinery; Millworkers’ House; Robert Owen’s House; Village Store; and Roof Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
New Lanark is a must for families and history buffs.
The on-site cafe serves breakfast, afternoon tea, light meals, and snacks.
Much of the site is in the open air. Bring an umbrella on rainy days.
There’s an extra charge for the Interactive Gallery, a multisensory playroom for small children.
Your “passport” or ticket is stamped after visiting each of the six attractions; if you run short on time, bring your ticket back to complete the set.
There are wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and accessible parking, but not all of the historic buildings are easily accessible by wheelchair. Call ahead for more info.
How to Get There
It's easy to visit New Lanark either a day trip from Glasgow, which is 30 miles (48 kilometers) away, or from Edinburgh, which is 35 miles (56 kilometers) away. Trains from Glasgow Central and Motherwell arrive at Lanark station, where you can catch the 135 bus to New Lanark, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) away. Alternatively, self-drive, join an organized tour, or catch the 240x from Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station and change to the 135 in Lanark.
When to Get There
New Lanark is open to visitors from morning to late afternoon between April and October, with slightly shorter hours between November and March. It’s especially popular with locals over the school breaks: Aim to visit midweek for a more serene experience.
Robert Owen and New Lanark
A pioneering socialist, Robert Owen (1771–1858) was a businessman ahead of his time. When he took over New Lanark, cotton mills were brutal places. He transformed New Lanark mills into a model village, with free medical care, a crèche, a pioneering school for young children, evening classes for adults, and cultural programs. Decades before the UK banned child labor, Owen barred children under 10 from working in his mill.
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