Discover New Lanark World Heritage Site
Enjoy a great day out at Scotland’s latest World Heritage Site
Less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow
New Lanark is a beautifully restored cotton mill village, founded in 1785, close to the Falls of
Clyde. Once Britain’s largest cotton manufacturing centre, the village rose to fame as a model
community under the enlightened management of Robert Owen. Although life in the cotton mills
was never easy, Owen ensured that everyone had access to good living conditions, free education
and health care, and were able to buy goods at reasonable prices in the Village Store.
Today, as you wander around New Lanark and the surrounding Wildlife Reserve, it is easy to
imagine what life must have been like back in Owen’s time. You can explore the fascinating
history of the village with one passport ticket, and there are special discounts on offer for
families. The highlight for most is a magical chair ride called the ‘New Millennium Experience’,
which encourages us to consider some of Robert Owen’s ideas to make a better future, which he
pioneered in New Lanark. Guided by Harmony from the year 2200, travel back in time to
discover what life was like in New Lanark in the 1820s, before disobeying the rules of time travel
and taking a tantalising look into the future!
If you haven’t been to New Lanark for a while, you will notice that much has changed over the
last few years. The latest attractions opened in summer 2001 in Robert Owen’s School, following
an ambitious £3.8 million restoration project. Now you can step inside New Lanark’s spirit world
in the state-of-the-art ‘LEAP’ theatre and see our new show Annie McLeod’s Story. The show
paints an intimate portrait of life in the cotton mill village in 1820, through the eyes of a 10 yearold
millgirl, Annie McLeod. Using special 3D effects, the ghost of Annie magically appears lifesize
on stage! Other exhibitions in the School include a historic classroom, where kids can dress
up in costume from Annie’s time, an exhibition on the restoration of New Lanark, and an
interactive sound and light gallery.
Rates: Passport tickets to the Visitor Centre cost £5.95 for adults and £3.95 for concessions. Plus
– save £s with our family tickets for just £16.95 (2+2) and £19.95 (2+4). Overnight
accommodation in the hotel from £90.00 for a double or twin room for up to two people,
including breakfast.
Location: New Lanark (by Lanark) is less than an hour from Glasgow (M74), Edinburgh (A70),
Stirling and the Borders. The village is signposted from all major routes.
Opening times: Open all year. Visitor Centre open 11am to 5pm. Free parking.