New Lanark Visitor Centre 2025

It is a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village set in a dramatic gorge close to the famous Falls of Clyde. Founded by David Dale in 1785, the village became famous as a model industrial community under the enlightened management of Dale's son-in-law, Robert Owen, from 1800-1825. Owen provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care, a new education system for villagers and the first workplace nursery school in the world! Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been re-established as a living community, which welcomes many visitors from all over the world.

Discover the fascinating history of this progressive village at the award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre. See how the villagers really lived as you explore the Millworkers’ House, the Village Store, the School for Children, and Robert Owen’s House. A highlight of your visit will be the fascinating 'Annie McLeod Experience' ride, which features the ghost of mill girl Annie who magically appears and reveals the amazing story of her life and times in New Lanark in 1820, then move on up to the Roof Garden. From this vantage point you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the historic village and the wild beauty of its surroundings. This peaceful garden was inspired by Robert Owen’s ideas and principles, and it has won awards for its inspirational design.

After a pleasant stroll through the village, you can stop off at The Mill Pantry coffee shop which serves an excellent range of lunches, light refreshments, home-baking and Fair Trade tea and coffee. Take time to browse around the New Lanark Gift Shop for gifts, books and New Lanark knitting wool, which is spun on our working 19th Century spinning mule. There is also a large Edinburgh Woollen Mill store.

New Lanark is also the gateway to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, where you can see the stunning waterfalls, enjoy woodland walks through breathtaking scenery and wildlife spotting. Look out for the many species of bird including heron, owls and a pair of nesting peregrine falcons, or wait until darkness falls and join in a ranger-led bat or badger walk.

Visitors can stay overnight in the heart of this World Heritage Site at New Lanark Mill Hotel and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting. The 38-bedroom hotel has excellent leisure facilities and a restaurant serving a delicious menu prepared using the finest local produce. For those who prefer extra space there are 8 comfortable self-catering apartments in the former mill Waterhouses, right on the riverbank – ideal for wildlife enthusiasts to spot otters and kingfishers.  Further superb value accommodation is available in the New Lanark Youth Hostel which is operated by Scottish Youth Hostel Association.

New Lanark is a must-see and enlightening attraction, and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area and beautiful scenery of Central and Southern Scotland.