New Lanark World Heritage Site

A small village nestles in the heart of a romantic landscape, and yet cotton was once manufactured here in large quantities. New Lanark was created for this very reason alone. The powerful currents of the River Clyde were the driving force behind Scotland's most profitable spinning mills, the first of which was built here in 1785. But the factories became truly famous for their social achievement: schools, comfortable tenement houses, free medical treatment, a savings bank and a village shop run along co-operative lines. These were all the ideas of a manufacturer named Robert Owen who wanted to create good living conditions for his workers. At the time, 1800 -1825, this was sensational. Today New Lanark is a World Heritage site, and simultaneously a popular place to live. The mills are closed and re-used - one is now a hotel. Nonetheless visitors can learn a lot about the past here. The site contains a restored worker's house, a classroom dating back to Owen's time and working textile machines. A ride takes visitors back on a journey covering three centuries and in a dramatic audio-visual show the ghost of a mill girl brings New Lanark in 1820 back to life.  

New Lanark World Heritage Site
New Lanark Mills
ML11 9DB Lanark
South Lanarkshire
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1555 - 661345
Homepage

Recommended duration of visit:2,5 Hours
Admission:Charge
Access for persons with disabilities:Available
Infrastructure for children:
Catering:
Visitor centre on site:yes
Gift and book shop on site:yes

You can visit the village at any time.

Visitor Centre:

daily 11am-5pm

except December 25th and January 1st, 2nd

  • Guided tours optional
  • Tours in other languages
  • Guided tours for children