New Lanark World Heritage Site
With a National Art Pass you get
New Lanark is a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village, located on the banks of the Falls of Clyde, close to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde, New Lanark was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value in 2001. Founded by David Dale in the 1780s, with a focus on worker well-being, it became a model for industrial communities worldwide. The visionary entrepreneur Robert Owen later took over, implementing groundbreaking social reforms like shorter working hours, free education for children, and improved housing.
What to see
New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community, which welcomes visitors all year round. The informative New Lanark Visitor Centre hosts exhibitions and provides guided tours that delve into the village's fascinating story. The restored cotton mill buildings stand as silent sentinels to the village's industrial past. Don’t miss Robert Owen’s House, Millworkers Housing and the site of Mantilla Row.
Things to do
Have a go at spinning yarn, which is still produced on the site, along with ice cream and hydro-electricity. Travel back in time on the Annie McLeod Experience Ride in a motorised pod and learn what life was like in the village in 1820. Dress up in clothes of Annie’s era when you visit the Historic Classroom.
Up on the roof
The largest of its kind in Scotland, the Visitor Centre’s Roof Garden is the perfect spot to enjoy bird's-eye view of the surrounding natural scenery and the historic village.
Visitor information
Address
New Lanark World Heritage Site, New Lanark Mills, Lanark, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB
01555 661345
Opening times
Visitor Centre
April - October: 10am - 5pm
November - March: 10am-4pm
Mill Shop & Mill Café
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
Exclusions and safety measures
Closed on 25 - 26 December and 1-2 January.