Top 10 Things to Do in South Lanarkshire
If you are planning a trip to South Lanarkshire, you should take a look at some of the many places and attractions available. Here are some places to visit when your there.
The Tunnock’s Factory
If you are looking for an alternative way to spend an hour or so why not take a tour of the historic and famous Tunnock’s factory in Uddingston, which is just a short drive from Hamilton and Bothwell.
The company was formed in 1890 by Thomas Tunnock when he purchased a bakers shop in Lorne Place, Uddingston, in South Lanarkshire. The company grew from its humble beginnings before turning it’s hand to a line of confectionery, which transformed the business into the highly successful business it is today.
In 1952 the Caramel Wafer was born and this was the first of the famous biscuit range made on the Uddingston site. The other famous products include the Tunnock’s Tea Cake and Caramel Log. Today there around 12m biscuits produced per week in the upgraded modern 32 storey factory in South Lanarkshire site.
The Tunnocks name is famous in Scotland and is up there with Irn Bru, haggis and whisky when it comes to iconic Scottish brands. If you want to tour the factory you need to go to the company website and book a slot.
Strathclyde Country Park
Located between Motherwell, and Hamilton, Strathclyde Country Park is one of Scotland’s top family attractions. With over one hundred acres of parkland and mature woodland, the country park is perfect for a day out with the family. Visitors can also enjoy competitive orienteering, x-country running, and cycling activities. There are even conference facilities and hill bikes for hire, so you’re sure to have a great time.
This secluded park has a rich history. Excavations of a Roman fort and bath-house show that the park was a part of Hamilton Palace’s estates for many centuries. For a short time, the park was a centre of coal-mining, but it was cleared out in the 1970s. It’s worth checking out Strathclyde Country Park, as it will provide the city with a much-needed boost to its economy.
The park’s main attraction is its large artificial loch, which hosted the Commonwealth Rowing Championships this past month. It’s a popular location for birdwatching, and ducks are always eager for food. The park also includes the remains of a Roman bath house, which was discovered in the 1970s and moved to its present location. The Roman bridge that is part of the park’s landscape is an old packhorse bridge.
Calderglen Country Park
If you’re in the mood for a family day out, consider a hiking trip through Calderglen Country Park in Hamilton Scotland. The 2.7-mile route boasts an elevation gain of 452.6 feet and moderate difficulty. Whether you’re travelling with your kids or with your partner, you’ll love this Hamilton Park. You can also enjoy a game of golf at the nearby Torrance Golf Club.
There are ten miles of routed paths that can take you through the park, and there’s a dedicated play area and adventure playground for children. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of family events and activities. To get there, simply take the A726 towards East Kilbride. The entrance is clearly signposted and the park is at the end of a dual carriageway. It’s worth stopping in at the park at some point to explore its diverse attractions.
The park also includes a children’s zoo, a tropical glasshouse, and ornamental gardens. Children will enjoy the park’s playground and nature trails, and it also features a coffeeshop and exhibition gallery. If you’re a true gardener, you’ll enjoy exploring the Ornamental Garden. You can grab a delicious lunch at the Courtyard Cafe, where you can also find a daily special.
David Livingstone Birthplace
You can visit the David Livingstone Birthplace Hamilton Scotland during April and December, and you can also learn about the life of this great Scottish explorer. The birthplace is situated at 165 Station Road in Blantyre, a town in the South Lanarkshire region of Scotland. By car, you can reach Hamilton by taking the M73/74 from Glasgow and exiting at junction 5. Alternatively, you can take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Blantyre. A bus service is also available from Glasgow’s Buchanan Street Bus Station.
If you love history, this is the place for you. A museum devoted to David Livingstone will showcase his life and legacy. You can even learn about his early life by viewing physical artefacts from his journeys. You can also visit the famous abolitionist’s tomb in Westminster Abbey. This famous church is the final resting place of many British monarchs, notable poets, and important historical figures.
There are three main galleries at the Birthplace Museum. One features key objects that tell the stories of African crew members. Another features interactive displays that highlight the histories of the crew of Livingstone’s expedition. The Birthplace Museum has been nominated for the Museums and Heritage Awards 2022, so keep an eye out for it. It’s certainly a worthy winner! But if you’re not a fan of museums, there are other places to visit in town.
Chatelherault Country Park
If you’re visiting Hamilton, Scotland, you might want to visit the Chatelherault Country Park. This 3.3-mile (7,500-step) route is a moderately difficult hike. The park is near Hamilton’s town centre and borders the Avon River, which is a tributary of the Clyde River. The park has several trails, and you can explore the park’s beautiful natural landscape from different perspectives.
The original gardens were laid out by Alexander Edward, which included formal diagonals, round-points, belvederes, and yews. The park now contains specimen trees such as yews and monkey puzzles. A courtyard behind the Chatelherault estate used to be a dog kennel and derelict Georgian game larder, but has been restored as an interpretive centre.
This park is a Five-Star visitor attraction. It spans 500 acres and is centred on the former Hunting Lodge of the Dukes of Hamilton. It was once the hunting park of the Kings of Strathclyde, and the residence of the Dukes of Hamilton. The country park features an informative visitor centre, exhibitions, cafes, and a gift shop. Chatelherault Country Park is also accessible by car.
The Falls of Clyde
If you are planning a visit to the world heritage site, The Falls of Clyde in Lanark, Scotland, then you’ve come to the right place. You can find the Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre within the World Heritage Site, which is part of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership. The centre is open on Fridays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm and is free to visit for members, while non-members need to pay a PS3 fee to visit the site. You can also visit the Wildlife Reserve during daylight hours.
The Falls of Clyde Walk starts at the large car park of New Lanark and winds its way downhill to the waterfalls. You can park your car in the village below,, but the parking lot is reserved for disabled badge holders. You can complete the walk in an hour or so. The museum is part of the National Nature Reserve, which includes a walking trail that passes the waterfalls. After a walk around the falls, you can relax and explore the museum.
The highest waterfall is Corra Linn. William Wordsworth described it as “the daughter of Clyde.” It can change dramatically based on the level of water. It is also one of the oldest waterfalls in Great Britain. Despite its size, it is worth a visit if you love waterfalls. This is because it’s not just a natural beauty, but also a historical site.
Castlebank Park
In Lanark, Scotland, you can find Castlebank Park, one of the country’s 71 Green Flag Parks. Located near the site of Lanark Castle, the park is open to visitors year-round and is particularly popular with families. It contains a children’s playground and a Horticulture Centre. Nearby, you can find St Mary’s Church, a Roman Catholic church, and Lanark Grammar School, a secondary school.
Once a private estate, the Park has undergone a transformation. The Lanark Community Development Trust, with the help of Lanark in Bloom, has worked to restore and develop the park. This group has built strong links with local businesses, schools, and community groups. They have been able to achieve three years’ Gold award status for the park, showing its community’s commitment to restoring and developing the park. You can also visit the park to experience the new look!
The park’s statutory address is part of the listing. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies in this information. Building names and addresses may have changed since the listing. In addition to the exterior of the building, the listing also covers any structures and objects attached to it. Therefore, if you’re planning a visit to Lanark, make sure to check out Bagrock in the Valley.
Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Lanark Loch
Whether you are planning a day out with friends or family, the scenic beauty of Lanark Loch should be on your bucket list. This manmade loch features a playground and other fun activities for kids. The surrounding area offers a footpath and signposted pathways for you to walk or cycle. If you are taking the bus or train, you may want to consider renting a bike at the Lanark Loch Bike Hire. In addition to being a scenic and convenient place to visit, Lanark Loch also has amenities that cater to the needs of cyclists, runners, and walkers.
Visitors to Lanark Loch can enjoy walking, jogging, and picnicking. The loch is also home to a music venue and fully licenced restaurant. While the facilities are open to the public, some are closed at certain times of the day to accommodate special events or recognised periods of high demand. To see the loch in all its glory, make sure to visit the New Lanark World Heritage Site.
There are fish in Lanark Loch, including specimens up to six pounds. It also boasts several perch and roach in specimen sizes. However, it is possible to catch just one pike here. There are many options for you to experience the thrill of catching fish at Lanark Loch. When you are in the area, make sure to plan your trip around the fishing activity. It will be a memorable experience. You will not regret the experience!
Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve
The Clyde Walkway is a popular Scottish trail that runs close to the River Clyde for most of its length. It includes Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, the Falls of Clyde, and urban walking through Glasgow. Each year, more than fifteen thousand people take part in the trail. About seven hundred and fifty people complete the entire walk. If you’re considering a visit, this walk is worth planning.
The area has six waterfall sites, four of which are within the park. The Falls of Clyde are located near Stonebyres, while Dundaff, Corra, and Bonnington Linn are two miles (3 km) downstream. In addition to the waterfalls, there are a lot of sites with excellent hiking trails. The Falls of Clyde are the most popular waterfall sites in the reserve, so be sure to take time to explore them.
The landscape of the Clyde Valley has been dramatically transformed in the last six years, thanks to a partnership between the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the local community. The CAVLP, or Clyde and Avon Valleys Landscape Partnership, has transformed the woodlands. The project has added over 20km to existing walking trails, which improve access to the NNR. The landscape of the mid Clyde Valley is diverse and dramatic, so the team’s efforts have greatly enhanced the ecological and cultural strengths of the region.
The Clyde Walkway, which is part of the reserve, goes all the way from Lanark to Glasgow following the line of the river and takes you through the villages in the Clyde Valley, through the bottom edge of Motherwell where you cross over the river to Hamilton, and then through the town of Bothwell and on to Glasgow.
Market Town of Biggar
Biggar is a lovely market town in South Lanarkshire and the small picturesque town is a must visit on the Clyde Valley National Trust Route.
Biggar is a town with rich and varied history. In the 12th century a Norman motte and bailey was built and the first permanent bridge across the Biggar burn was constructed. It’s attraction’s have won numerous awards, including Best Tourist Town in Scotland, Scotland in Bloom and individual awards to its museums.
The Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum is well worth a visit. The museum was built at a cost of £2m and brings together the principal collections of Biggar Museum Trust into a new purpose built museum on the high street in the town centre.
Biggar also has Scotland’s only permanent puppet theatre, Biggar Puppet Theatre, which is run by the well known Purves Puppets family and is set in a miniature Victorian music hall.
Biggar lies close to Lanark and the River Clyde and there are many scenic walks in the area through the Biggar Country Path network.
