6 Hidden Gems Things to do in South Lanarkshire That You Shouldn't Miss

October 7, 2021 Venice Greaves

New Lanark World Heritage Village is an 18th century historic village and visitor attraction, popular with families and those with an interest in social history. It's a short walk from here to the Falls of Clyde.
Restaurants in South Lanarkshire

1. Netherfield Alpacas

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 72 reviews

Netherfield Alpacas

Alpaca trekking in the forestry in South Lanarkshire, meet the beautiful animals who will steal your heart and give you memories to remember.

2. New Lanark World Heritage Site

New Lanark Mill New Lanark Mills New Lanark Mills, Lanark ML11 9DB Scotland +44 1555 661345 [email protected] http://www.newlanark.org
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 1,171 reviews

New Lanark World Heritage Site

New Lanark World Heritage Site is internationally famous for its historic buildings, beautiful landscape and over 200 years of social history. The mill village was founded in 1785 by David Dale and Richard Arkwright, and managed for 25 years from 1800 by the pioneering Robert Owen. New Lanark is now recognised as one of Scotland's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and welcomes over 300,000 site visitors annually. Visitors can explore the history of the village through the New Lanark Visitor Centre and enjoy stunning woodland walks through the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. The Mill Café serves up a range of delicious food and New Lanark Ice Cream. The Mill Shop offers a delightful range of gifts, Scottish produce and New Lanark Wool which is spun on-site using historic textile machinery. Visitors can even wake up in a World Heritage Site by staying at the New Lanark Mill Hotel, Wee Row Hostel or Self-catering Waterhouses. Please see our website for up-to-date opening hours.

Reviewed By mothersole6150 - Carlisle, United Kingdom

While visiting this centre opted for Guided Tour and must say the “Female Guide” was fantastic well versed up on the History of this place and very knowledgeable. Personally would recommend Guided Tour which is easier than having to read all the info from various places visited then after Tour you can then go on “Annie McLeod Ride” and visit the “Roof Garden” all worth doing. Also recommend to try the “Famous Ice Cream” sure you won’t be disappointed.

3. Falls of Clyde

New Lanark, Lanark Scotland +44 1555 665262 http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/falls-of-clyde.shtml
Excellent
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4.5 based on 623 reviews

Falls of Clyde

Reviewed By melvyngilbert - Glasgow, United Kingdom

It took me 55 minutes to drive here from Glasgow City Centre. I parked the car at the New Lanark Heritage Site for free and walked down into the 18th century mill village. I had a mooch around the mill buildings and workers houses and then took a look in the Scottish Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre which was useful as it gave me an understanding of what flora and fauna to expect. The walk to the falls was an easy stroll along well trodden paths and some boardwalk. The views were wonderfull and I lost count of how many waterfalls I actually saw. A very relaxing hour took me to the end of the path on the mill side of the river so I went back the way I came. This was fine as the opposite angles of all the waterfalls was like seeing them for the first time again.

4. Little Sparta

Stonypath, Dunsyre, Biggar ML11 8NG Scotland +44 7826 495677 [email protected] http://www.littlesparta.org.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 41 reviews

Little Sparta

Little Sparta is closed to the public until further notice owing to the coronavirus restrictions. Our own website is the definitive source of information, or phone us. Updated 30 May 2020.

Reviewed By IleneMcC - Glasgow, United Kingdom

This is an adventure! It is very much off the beaten track which means with few visitors we almost had the place to ourselves. I am lucky because I live very near though this was my first visit, taking a friend who had seen a TV programme about it in France and was keen to visit. Some might find it a bit more complicated getting there but the website gives good directions for those driving and there is an organised trip from Edinburgh by bus. The initial walk up from the car park sets the scene as you are surrounded by hills and the sounds of nature. Once you enter the site, it is a case of just wandering through the different areas, listening to the sounds, looking at the planting and searching for the pieces of sculpture and poetry. You can try to work out what Ian Hamilton Finlay was trying to say or you can take from it what you want - that is Art! We enjoyed solving some of the word puzzles and appreciated his humour. The good thing is it makes you think. It takes you away from your normal life and lets your imagination play as you forge ahead through the undergrowth, climb up to the highest point or step over the stepping stones. We were lucky with the weather - mainly dry- but even the rain didn't dampen our spirits though you should be prepared for it. We took a sandwich and admired the views from a sheltered seat near the highest point. The volunteer on duty was both friendly and informative as we had gathered a multitude of questions as we wandered. The book which explains the story is priced at £15 which I think is definitely worth it. Buying it before hand might help but then you would miss trying out your own interpretations. I am finding that reading it afterwards suits me better. This is a place I would be happy to return to as I am sure it will change with each visit.

5. Tinto Hill

Thankerton, Carlisle Road, Coulter Scotland http://www.visitlanarkshire.com/things-to-do/walking/Tinto-Hill-Walking-Route/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 73 reviews

Tinto Hill

Reviewed By Jackmclellan

I walk this 2/3 times a week and never get bored with the views. At the moment with the amount of rain it is boggy at the beginning. If you have not done any hillwalking will find hard but very achievable. Car park has been extended, well done South Lanarkshire Council.

6. Craignethan Castle

139 Southfield Road, Lesmahagow ML11 9PL Scotland +44 1555 860364 http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_075
Excellent
52%
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4.5 based on 92 reviews

Craignethan Castle

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