If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, you may want to experience an area that has natural beauty, rich history, and fun for all ages. If that’s the case, then Lanarkshire is the perfect place to include in your bespoke Scotland vacation package. Located in the heart of Scotland, between the big cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Lanarkshire offers a wonderful mix of family friendly attractions, stunning countryside walks, and interesting local history. In this blog, you’ll find our picks for the best things to do in Lanarkshire for our clients and their families visiting from overseas.
The magic of the Falls of Clyde
One of Lanarkshire’s main family attractions is the Falls of Clyde – these are a must-see for families who love the outdoors. The series of waterfalls lie along the River Clyde, offering a scenic walk suitable for all ages with well-maintained paths and plenty of opportunities to spot the local wildlife such as otters and kingfishers.
The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and visitor centre is run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and provides engaging educational activities for children, helping them learn all about the local nature and conservation. Visiting the Falls of Clyde is a great way to add a little bit of adventure to your family friendly itinerary and a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy some of the best scenery Lanarkshire has to offer.
Step back in time at New Lanark World Heritage Site
A short walk from the Falls of Clyde is the historic New Lanark World Heritage Site, one of Lanarkshire’s most fascinating landmarks. This beautifully preserved 18th century mill village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings Lanarkshire’s industrial past to life.
Families can explore many interactive exhibits, see traditional working mill machinery, and discover the inspiring stories of those responsible for improving the lives of the workers at New Lanark over 200 years ago. There’s also a play area, a café, a 4-star hotel and a gift shop, making New Lanark World Heritage Site one of the most educational and family friendly things to do in Lanarkshire. It’s the perfect stop on any Scotland vacation package that combines history and learning with hands-on fun!
Get active at Lanarkshire’s many country parks
For families who love the outdoors, Strathclyde Country Park is one of the top things to do in Lanarkshire. This expansive green space offers water sports, cycling trails, play areas, and picnic spots aplenty – ideal for an active family day out. Kids can enjoy the pedal boats and playgrounds, while parents can take in the lochside scenery. Lanarkshire is also home to many other country parks that are just as inviting.
Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride offers scenic woodland walks, a zoo and a tropical conservatory. While Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton features 18th century architecture, miles of forest trails and panoramic views of the Clyde Valley. If you’re a family of animal lovers, then Palacerigg Country Park near Cumbernauld has a petting zoo full of rare breeds of farm animals. Together, these parks make Lanarkshire one of Scotland’s family friendly havens.
Take a break at the traditional Scottish Tea House
After a day of exploring Lanarkshire’s parks and family friendly attractions, it’s time for the parents to treat themselves and nothing beats a visit to the cosy Scottish Tea House. Based just outside Lanark, this would be the perfect follow up to a day spent at New Lanark World Heritage Site. Enjoy afternoon tea experiences, tea tours, and browse their extensive tea collections including rare and unique flavours. Whether you’re incorporating this into your bespoke Scotland vacation package or just exploring for the day, a visit to the Scottish Tea House is a must for tea lovers looking for a truly authentic experience.
Enjoy the thrills at M&Ds Scotland’s Theme Park
For something a little bit different, make time for M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, located in Motherwell. It’s Scotland’s only theme park and is packed with roller coasters, family friendly rides, and attractions for younger children, making it the perfect day out for a family of thrill seekers. Here you’ll also find an indoor soft play area, bowling alley and the Amazonia tropical house where families can meet snakes, monkeys, birds, and all kinds of exotic animals and insects. M&Ds is one of the most popular family attractions in Lanarkshire, and it’s just minutes away from Strathclyde Country Park, making it easy to visit both in one day!
Plan Your Family Friendly Adventure to Lanarkshire with Best of Scotland Holidays
Best of Scotland Holidays have over 40 years of experience creating bespoke Scotland vacation packages that highlight the best of the country, including the wonderful region of Lanarkshire. Whether you want to walk along the Falls of Clyde, explore the historic New Lanark World Heritage Site or treat the kids to the thrills at M&Ds, we can tailor your family friendly trip to suit each of your family member’s interests.
If you’re travelling to the UK from overseas, let our expert team craft your dream itinerary complete with welcoming hotels and plenty of family friendly attractions. Make unforgettable memories in Lanarkshire with Best of Scotland Holidays.
