New Lanark | World Heritage Site

New Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Scotland
New Lanark - © StaraBlazkova

New Lanark village is located in South Lanarkshire in Scotland and is synonymous with the 18th century cotton mills that once thrived here. Today visitors can see the restored village and gain a real sense of history in to what life was like here, the village is set in the beautiful Scottish countryside and visitors are greeted with some great views of the landscape here. The village is also synonymous with philanthropist and social reformer Robert Owen who helped create a model for an industrial community back in the early part of the 19th century. Since the mills closed, the village has been restored and is now a major tourist attraction with many visitors coming to the village each year.

Overview


The village of New Lanark is located close by to the town of Lanark in Scotland and comprises of a village famous for its cotton mills, the village has influenced both technological and social reform making the site an important one. The village was awarded the WHS status in 2001 in recognition of its significance in a number of areas. These include, creating a model industrial community as well as having spacious and well thought out housing for workers and an educational institute and school, are indicative of the importance place on reform by social reformer and philanthropist Robert Owen.

Robert Owen was mill manager from the start of the 19th century until 1825 and in that time period left an indelible mark on the village that would stretch far beyond the boundary of the UK. The ideas he implemented were nothing sort of revolutionary at the time and decades ahead of establish protocol at the time. There were over 2,500 living in the village and practices such as child labour and corporal punishment were abolished, those living in the village were given a range of benefits that were far ahead of their time such as good living conditions in the home provided, education in the form of schools and evening classes, cheaper food and free healthcare, making the overall package of benefits revolutionary.

Today the village is home to a living community and the village is in looked after by an independent charity. The village and its buildings had started to suffer from hard times after the closing of the mills however more recently the buildings have been restored and the site is a thriving tourist attraction. The buildings in the village that have been restored offer a great insight in to the living and working conditions here along with a wider understanding of the community that once lived here. Visitors to the village can learn more about the history of the village and Robert Owen.

The New Lanark Visitor Centre contains the 'New Millennium Experience' offering visitors a visual tour taking them through time and learning more about the vision of Robert Owen for a better future for all and more about the World Heritage Site. The commentary is available in a number of languages for visitors.

Robert Owen's House is located in the village along with the Millworkers' house and the Village Store, all of which offer a fascinating historical and cultural insight in to the past. There are a number of exhibitions and artefacts for visitors to see and learn from.

Visitors can see the Edinburgh Woollen Mill inside is Owen’s Warehouse for a range of Knitwear, High Street clothing fashions, Golf Clothing & Equipment and souvenirs and gifts. There is a gift shop located in Mill Three selling a wide range of memorabilia and Scottish themed gifts. There is also a coffee shop offering refreshments for visitors and a chance to relax.

The reforms made here inspired by Robert Own have had far reaching effects with strong influence of social philosophy in areas such as education, factory reform and more humane working practices. The influence of these reforms has been felt from the 19th century in the UK and overseas.

A visit here offers visitors a chance to enjoy a day out in the scenic and relaxing Scottish countryside along with seeing a site of historical and international importance.


How To Get There


The World Heritage Site is located close to the town of Lanark in Scotland, it is accessible by car and public transport:

By Car:

The village is located close by to the town of Lanark, which is approx a one hour drive from Glasgow (25 miles away) and Edinburgh (35 miles away). The area is signposted on the major roads including the M74 and the M8 Motorways.

There are also the brown tourist signs when you get closer to the area, follow those to the destination even if it appears they are sending you the long way round.

The post code for Satellite Navigation systems is ML11 9BY.

There is car parking available on the outskirts of the village. Disabled badge holders can park in the designated spaces in the village outside the visitor centre.

By Train:

There are train services from Glasgow Central Station to Lanark Train Station. The frequency is every half and hour and one train per hour at the weekends. There are also services from Motherwell Station to Lanark Station. From Lanark station there are taxis available and local buses that will take visitors to the village of New Lanark, it is a short distance away, approx one and a half miles away.


Contact Details


Address:

New Lanark World Heritage Site
South Lanarkshire
Scotland
ML11 9DB

Telephone: +44 (0)1555 661345

Fax: +44 (0)1555 665738

email: trust@newlanark.org

Website: New Lanark World Heritage Site


Facilities and Information


Further Information:

Visitor Centre:

Opening Times:

Mon to Sun: 11.00 to 17.00 (Sept to May)

Mon to Sun: 10.30 to 17.00 (Jun to Aug)

Admission: Adults: £7 approx, Children: £6 approx, Concessions: £6 approx and Family Ticket: £22 approx


Map



View Larger Map

For Local Search and Directions see: New Lanark Map


Tips & Other Considerations


There may be some variations on the opening hours of the various visitor attractions in the village, depending on the time of year and other factors. Visitors are advised to double check each attraction they wish to see before going & avoid disappointment.

When travelling always remain alert and aware of your surroundings and environment. Follow travel safety tips & ensure your belongings in particular your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view (especially at tourist attractions & places with crowds). If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.

If you are travelling by car to the village, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. It is recommended drivers exercise caution and drive safely. For door to door directions use the Route Planning tool for both car and public transport journeys.

If you are looking for local car parking at the WHS site, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking before you park your car. The parking rules & regulations can be complex if you are not sure it is wise not to park there.

If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.


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