Visit New Lanark
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Visit one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions, discover the history, and walk through the beauty of New Lanark.
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New Lanark's historical roots are built upon a vision of social welfare, education and personal growth.
"I know that society may be formed so as to exist without crime, without poverty, with health greatly improved, with little, if any, misery, and with intelligence and happiness increased a hundredfold.
Visit New Lanark
One of Scotland's top visitor attractions, the cotton mills of New Lanark were built over 200 years ago in a dramatic gorge in southern Scotland, close to the famous Falls of Clyde.
In 2001 New Lanark became one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland. At just under an hour and a half drive from Edinburgh and less than an hour drive from Glasgow, this is a beautiful place to visit.
Why is New Lanark so famous?
Founded in 1785, the village became famous all over the world under the enlightened management of the social pioneer, Robert Owen.
Unusually (at least by the standards of the time) Owen provided his workers with decent homes, fair wages, free health care and a new education system for villagers.
New Lanark even included the first nursery school in the world.
Since its construction, the village has become a model for industrial communities across the world.
Today, New Lanark has been restored, where visitors can explore the mills, visitor centre, school and roof garden.
If you have time, take a guided tour of the village and learn all about the history of this fantastic place.
Walking and nature in New Lanark
The more adventurous among you can follow a path leading from the village up to the spectacular Falls of Clyde, waterfalls that inspired a series of Victorian poets and painters.
If you don't fancy the walk (which involves steep climbs) there's also a Falls of Clyde visitor centre on the edge of the village, where you can watch a webcam display of river wildlife.
Children will love the Village Store in the village itself, a treasure trove of sweets, ice cream and toys!
This store was established in 1813 as a co-operative, which offered produce at cheap prices to encourage the workers to shop locally.
One former cotton mill has become home to Scotland's largest roof garden. From this rooftop eyrie you can enjoy stunning views over the Clyde, the same river that long ago powered Owen's cotton mills.
The history of Owen
Born in 1771, Owen was a visionary, a man far ahead of his time in working towards a utopian vision of industry far removed from the 'dark, satanic mills' of his time.
He was also an idealist, writing in 1816: "I know that society may be formed so as to exist without crime, without poverty, with health greatly improved, with little, if any, misery, and with intelligence and happiness increased a hundredfold."
Visiting the site of this social experiment is an uplifting experience, not just because of the stunning landscape of hill and river.
It's fascinating to see in action the extraordinary moral vision of one individual.
Owen's determination led to better working conditions for thousands of ordinary folk who lived out their short lives toiling in cotton mills.
Book with Reserve Apartments
If nothing else, Owen's life is proof of the fact that one person can make a difference, and for that reason alone I'd recommend visiting New Lanark.
Book a self-catering break with Reserve Apartments to Edinburgh or Glasgow and enjoy a day trip to New Lanark.
