Great Days Out - North Lanarkshire Council

Great Days Out
in Lanarkshire
Welcome to
Lanarkshire Central Scotland’s
playground!
Lanarkshire offers a wealth of places to visit
and things to do. As well as beautiful scenery
offering a world of choice for walkers, cyclists
and other outdoor enthusiasts, Lanarkshire
is rich in its variety and quality of visitor
attractions.
All year round our attractions invite you
to share in the history of Summerlee The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life,
the excitement of M&D’s Scotland’s
Theme Park and the adrenalin rush of
Scotkart. We also have an excellent
events programme including Scotland’s
Festival of History in Lanark, fireworks
at Strathclyde Country Park and the
Shotts Highland Games.
Lanarkshire is home to two of
Scotland’s World Heritage Sites, the
highest accolade of a nations’ heritage,
with New Lanark and the Antonine
Wall gaining this international honour.
M&D’s
We also have three VisitScotland
5 star visitor attractions including
Chatelherault Country Park, the
National Museum of Rural Life and Low
Parks Museum.
The area also offers an abundance of
great accommodation and plenty of
choice when it comes to eating and
drinking. Whether you desire to indulge
in some fine dining or treat the family
to one of our award-winning fish and
chip shops, we have options to satisfy
all tastes and all budgets.
Whatever your interest may be,
Lanarkshire
offers
the
perfect
destination for a great fun family day out.
Come and play
in LanarkshireCentral Scotland’s
playground!
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Country Parks and gardens
Chatelherault Country Park
Calderglen Country Park
Dalzell Estate and Baron’s Haugh
Drumpellier Country Park
James Hamilton Heritage Park
Palacerigg Country Park
Valley International Park
Viewpark Gardens
Strathclyde Country Park
Heritage
Antonine Wall World Heritage Site
Biggar Museums Trust
Bothwell Castle
Carmichael Visitor Centre
Colzium House and Estate
Craignethan Castle
David Livingstone Centre
Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre
Hunter House Museum
John Hastie Museum
Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway
Low Parks Museum and Hamilton
Mausoleum
Motherwell Heritage Centre
The National Museum of Rural Life
New Lanark World Heritage Site
Summerlee - the Museum of Scottish
Industrial Life
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Leisure
Airdrie Observatory
Amazonia
Aquatec
Biggar Adventure
Biggar Puppet Theatre
Carron Valley Forest and Mountain Bike Trail
Central Scotland Shooting School
Clyde Valley National Tourist Route
Clyde Valley Walkway
Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre
Cumbernauld Theatre
Forth and Clyde Canal and Auchinstarry
Greenfields of Avondale
Greenhead Moss
Hamilton Park Racecourse
Hamilton Water Palace
Kelvin Valley
Lanarkshire Woodlands and Forests
ScotKart Indoor Karting and Terminator
Paintball
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Country Parks and Gardens
Come and explore the abundance of country parks
Lanarkshire has to offer. You’ll be spoiled for choice with
beautiful scenery, a fabulous range of walks and tours,
interesting wildlife and adventurous outdoor activities.
Perfect for year-round family days out from lazy afternoons
and picnics in the summer sunshine, to the spectacular
shades of autumn or wrap up and enjoy stunning winter
walks in the Lanarkshire countryside.
Chatelherault Country Park
1
A ‘Jewel in the Landscape’. Chatelherault is a 5 star
visitor attraction, visitor centre, restored building,
Country Park and an integral part of the Clyde Valley
Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
The visitor centre contains exhibitions on the area’s
history, wildlife and the story of Chatelherault itself.
There are over 10 miles of woodland walks through
and around the beautiful gorge of the River Avon that
provide access to important areas of native woodland,
the Ancient Oaks, the ruins of Cadzow Castle and other
historic landscape features. Explore by yourself or sign
up for one of the many Ranger walks offered throughout
the year. Children will love the award-winning children’s
play and adventure area.
Carlisle Road, Hamilton ML3 7UE. 01698 426213
Visitor Centre open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 12 noon-5pm.
Main House: Mon-Thu, 10am-4.30pm; Fri and Sat closed;
Sun, 12-4.30pm
Free entry
Calderglen Country Park
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Calderglen boasts beautiful river gorge nature trails, a
Conservatory brimming with plants from around the
world and a Children’s Zoo where you can see meerkats,
marmosets, wallabies, birds and lots of other exciting
creatures. The Visitor Centre houses a great little shop
packed full of gifts and goodies and for the energetic, there
is an adventure playground. Visit the Courtyard Cafe and
indulge in some tasty refreshments and ice cream.
Strathaven
Strathaven Road,
Road, East
East Kilbride
Kilbride G75
G75 0QZ.
0QZ. 01355
01355 236644
236644 Free entry
Visitor
Mon-Sun, 10.30am-5pm;
Visitor Centre
Centre open:
open: Summer
Summer:(Apr-Sept):
Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm;
Sat and Sun
Winter
(Oct-Mar):Winter:
Mon-Sun,
11am-4pm;
Conservatory
and Zoo
10.30am-5.30pm;
Mon-Sun
11am-4pm;
Conservatory
open:
open:
Apr-Sept,
10am-5.30pm;
Oct-Mar,
11am-4pm
May-Aug 10am-8.30pm; Apr and Sept 10am-7pm
Adult day ticket £1; Children under 16 free; Family season ticket
£25
Dalzell Estate and Baron’s Haugh
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Upon a visit to this spectacular estate, you will find the
magnificent Dalzell House, the oldest tree in North
Lanarkshire, exotic 1920’s Japanese gardens, peaceful
woodlands packed with wildlife, way-marked walks and
even the ghostly figure of the ‘Green Lady’.The adjoining
Baron’s Haugh, a RSPB local nature reserve provides
a fascinating experience for expert ornithologists and
complete beginners alike.
Manse Road, Motherwell. NLC Countryside Ranger Service: 01698
402090/RSPB Scotland: 0141 331 0993. Open: dawn till dusk
Free
Drumpellier Country Park
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Enjoy the 4 star visitor centre, café, children’s play areas,
nature trails and boat hire.
Visitor Centre, Townhead Road, Coatbridge ML5 1RX.
01236 422257.
Visitor centre open; Summer: June-Aug, 8.45am-8pm; Winter: SeptMay, Mon-Sun, 8.45am- 4.45pm; Friday 8.45am-4.15pm
Free entry
For details on great attraction special offers, log onto:
James Hamilton Heritage Park
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Enjoy an exciting range of water sports, set within
beautiful and tranquil surroundings. Try powerboating,
sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, bumperboats, pedalos and
rowing boats. Don’t miss the 4 star accredited visitor
centre, two adventure playgrounds and picnic areas. The
dry land activities include two adventure playgrounds,
picnic areas, bird hide and a fleet of fun boats.
Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride G74 5LB 01355 276611
Open: Easter-October
Free entry to park. Activity charges apply.
Palacerigg Country Park
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See the wonderful rare breeds and wildlife collection
including ponies, sheep, cattle, goats and pigs.Also features
a 3 star visitor centre, children’s play area, nature trails
and treetop walkway.
Palacerigg Road, Cumbernauld, Glasgow G67 3HU. 01236 720047
Visitor Centre open: Summer: April-Sept, 9am-4.30pm
Winter: Oct-Mar, Mon-Sun 9am-4.15pm
Free entry
Valley International Park
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Set in the heart of the magnificent Clyde
Valley in beautiful and stunning forestry on
the banks of the River Clyde with narrow
gauge railway and soft play for children.
Crossford ML8. 01555 860150. Open 7 days.
Free entry. Activity charges apply.
Viewpark Gardens
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Explore the themed gardens, glasshouse displays and
plant collections.
Old Edinburgh Road, Bellshill. 01698 355228 Open: April-Sept
Mon-Thurs, 10am-4pm; Friday 10am-3pm; Sat and Sun, 10am-5pm
Free entry Treat yourself to a short break, log onto:
Strathclyde Country Park
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Strathclyde Country Park is one of Scotland’s most
popular visitor attractions with loads to do including
sailing, kayaking, rowing, country walks, play area, café,
fitness gym, open play areas, bike hire and funboats.
There is a programme of taster sessions available
throughout the season.
The park hosts lots of different clubs and events from
nature walks with countryside rangers to model aircraft
flying clubs. Why not come along and join in the fun?
The park is also home to Sail Laser, operators of the
world’s premier sailing schools and watersports centres.
Sail Laser offer an extensive range of programmes
and courses suitable for all ages and experience, from
beginner sailing lessons to RYA certificated classes.
Phone 0844 880 2115.
Have a fantastic day out.
366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell ML1 3ED. 01698 402060
Open: April-Sept, Mon-Sun, 8.45am-9pm; May-Aug
Mon-Sun, 8.45am-10pm; Oct-March, Mon-Sun, 8.45am-4.45pm,
Fri, 8.45am-4.15pm.
Free entry. Activity charges apply.
Heritage
Dig into our history, delve into the past and discover the rich
heritage of Lanarkshire from the Romans, castles, railways
and more!
Antonine Wall World Heritage Site
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Built by the Roman Army after AD140, this ancient front
line stretches over 60km from Bo’Ness to Old Kilpatrick
and consists of a turf rampart fronted by a wide and deep
ditch. The Antonine Wall was granted World Heritage
Site status in 2008. Some of the best forts can be seen
in Lanarkshire at Bar Hill, Croy Hill, Westerwood and
Castlecary. One of the best-preserved examples can be
seen at Nethercroy Woodland in Lanarkshire. You can
walk along the length of the wall on this site and enjoy
fantastic views over the Kelvin Valley and Campsie Fells.
Biggar Museums Trust
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Six of the finest small museums in Scotland covering
centuries of Scottish history.
Moat Park Heritage Centre, Kirkstyle, Biggar ML12 6DT
01899 221050.
Admission charges apply.
Bothwell Castle
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Visit Scotland’s largest and finest 13th century castle,
dramatically set beside a winding in the River Clyde. See
the prison tower which gives an insight into the grimness
of medieval prison life and the donjon which is without
parallel in Scotland.
Castle owned and operated by Historic Scotland.
Bothwell G71 8BL. 01698 816894
Open: Summer 1 April-30 Sept, Mon-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm;
1-31 Oct, Mon-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm
Winter: 1 Nov-31 March, Mon-Wed, Sat and Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm.
Adults: £3.70 Child:£1.85 Concession:£3.00
For details of fireworks displays to festivals, log onto:
Carmichael Visitor Centre
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Scotland’s story told by ‘living’ wax models
from Queen Margaret and Macbeth to the
present day. Also features an adventure
playground, indoor play barn, history walks
and Clan Farmhouse Kitchen.
Colzium House and Estate
Carmichael, Biggar ML12 6PG. 01899 308169
Open daily: 9.30am-5.30pm from 21 March-5
January.
Admission charges apply.
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From the 12th century, when the Earl of Lennox
erected the Motte and Bailey Castle on Castle Hill to
the existing Colzium House built in 1783, this estate has
seen a varied and colourful history. You can explore the
walled garden with its excellent display of conifers and
rare plants, go on one of the interesting and imaginative
walks and see the ruins of Colzium Castle, the Ice
House and the Curling pond.
Stirling Road, Kilsyth G65 0JF. Estate open: dawn to dusk all
year. Walled Garden open: Summer: Apr-Sept, Mon-Sun, 12-7pm;
Winter: Oct-Mar, Sat and Sun, 12-4pm
Free entry
Craignethan Castle
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Historic Scotland 16th century castle ruin, in attractive
setting above wooded gorge. A popular walk nearby
goes through ancient woodland down to Crossford on www.visitlanarkshire.com
A72. Shop on site.
Tillietudlem, near Blackwood, Lanark ML11 9PL. 01555 860364
April-Sept, 9.30am-5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Oct-March, 9.30am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Adult: £3.70, Concession: £3.00, Child:£1.85
David Livingstone Centre
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Birthplace of Scotland’s greatest missionary-explorer, set
in 20 acres of parkland and woodland garden. Familyfriendly museum with quizzes, puzzles and even a lion
hunt! The property is located next to a historic woodland
offering access to riverside walks along the River Clyde
towards the medieval Bothwell Castle (see entry no. 12)
Visitors can also enjoy the on-site shop and cafe.
165 Station Road, Blantyre, G72 9BY. 0844 493 2207 Open: 1 April to 24 December, Daily 10am-5pm (Sun 12.30-5pm) Free entry to the parkland, play park, woodland garden, shop and
cafe. Admission charges apply to museum.
Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve
A spectacular journey through natural and cultural
heritage. The majestic Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve
sits at the gateway to the Clyde Valley Woodlands
National Nature Reserve and is part of the New
Lanark World Heritage Site. The reserve boasts an
inspirational landscape of three dramatic waterfalls,
beautiful ancient woodlands and abundant wildlife,
all within easy walking distance. Over 100 species of
bird are found on the reserve, including unsurpassed
views of nesting peregrine falcons (March-June).
Visit the exciting Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre, located
within the World Heritage Site of New Lanark, to
find out more about the creatures and features of the
reserve. Discover what lurks beneath the River Clyde or
experience life as a badger with the interactive displays,
learn about bats in the unique ‘bat booth”, and see the
peregrine falcons, the fastest creatures on earth on live
CCTV. Also check out our honey bee hotel.
Scottish Wildlife Trust’s ranger service operate a seasonal
events programme including Badger Watches, Waterfall
Walks, and a variety of family events.
Scottish Wildlife Trust, New Lanark, South Lanarkshire ML11 9DB
01555 665262
Open: 11am-5pm, Mon-Sun (12noon-4pm, Jan and Feb)
Free to SWT members.
Admission charges apply.
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Hunter House Museum
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Hunter House is the original Long
Calderwood Farm and possibly the oldest
building in East Kilbride. The house was
the childhood home of two famous 18th
century medical pioneers, William and John
Hunter.
Maxwelton Road, Calderwood, East Kilbride
G74 3LW. 01355 261261
Open: April-Sept, Mon-Sun, 12.30-4.30pm
Free entry
John Hastie Museum
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This popular local history museum sits on the edge of
the picturesque Strathaven Park. John Hastie was born
in Stathaven in 1828 and became a successful local
businessman who owned a licensed grocery at The Cross
in the town. Before he died in 1889, he provided funds
for the building of a museum for the inhabitants of the
town. John Hastie himself had a collection of ‘antiquities’
and some of them can be seen on display in the museum.
8 Threestanes Road, Strathaven ML10 6DX.
01357 521257. Open:Apr-Sept, 12.30-4.30pm
Free entry
The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway
Enjoy a nostalgic railway trip 1498 feet
above sea level! Events run throughout
the year including Autumn Bean Feast,
Halloween Ghost Train and Santa Specials.
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The Station, Leadhills ML12 6XP
Open: May-Sept, Sat and Sun departures throughout
the day.
Cost: Adult £3, Child £1, Family (2 adults and 6
children) £7
Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum
Set within buildings which were once part of the Duke
of Hamilton’s Estate, the oldest building in Hamilton,
Low Parks Museum gives a fascinating insight into the
history of South Lanarkshire. This 5 star graded museum
has interactive displays, continually changing exhibition/
gallery space, local history and interesting artifacts. You
can also book tours of the nearby Mausoleum.
129 Muir Street, Hamilton ML3 6BJ. 01698 328232
Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 12-5pm
Free entry/charge for Mausoleum tour.
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Motherwell Heritage Centre
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This 4 star visitor attraction is home to the awardwinning ‘Technopolis’ display on the area’s heritage,
where you can discover the history from the Romans to
the present day.
Take in the view of the Clyde Valley from the fifth-floor
viewing platform and search out your family history in
the research room.
Throughout the year the foyer gallery hosts a series
of exhibitions from national and local heritage to
contemporary art and crafts.
Children’s craft workshops run over school holidays and
other family-fun events are held on local holidays.
1 High Road, Motherwell ML1 3HU. 01698 251000 Open: Mon-Sat,
10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Sun from 12 noon-5pm
Free entry
The National Museum of Rural Life
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Visit this 5 star, award-winning museum which shows
what life was like for country people in the past and how
this has shaped the working farms of today.
The Farm Explorer tractor/trailer takes you up to the
working 1950’s farm with its herd of pedigree Ayrshire
cows, pigs, horses, sheep and hens. Step back in time at
our Georgian farmhouse and Bothy.
Throughout the year there is a packed events diary with
everything from Classic Cars, Heavy Horse Shows, Bat
Walks to Archaeology Field Walking. There’s also an
exciting summer programme with activities for children
every day during the school holidays.
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
0131 247 4369
Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm; Closed 25 and 26 Dec and 1 Jan
Cost: £5.50/£4.50 includes 10% gift aid donation. Under 12’s free.
Search the list of accommodation in Lanarkshire, log onto:
New Lanark World Heritage Site
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Surrounded by native woodland and the famous Falls
of Clyde, this cotton mill village was founded in 1785
and became famous as the site of Robert Owen’s radical
reforms. New Lanark World Heritage Site is beautifully
restored as both a living community and attraction. The
fascinating history of the village is interpreted in an
award-winning Visitor Centre.
The Visitor Centre includes the “Annie McLeod
Experience”, a dark ride, which features mill girl Annie
who reveals the amazing story of the life and times in
New Lanark in the 1820’s. There is a spectacular Roof
Garden, which provides superb views of the historic
village and surrounding natural scenery, plus a host of
other exhibition areas suitable for all the family. Delicious meals and homebaking are available all day
in the Mill Pantry Coffee Shop. Plus there’s a huge
Edinburgh Woollen Mill store, the New Lanark Gift Shop,
and Village Store. The World Heritage Site is also home
to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Falls of Clyde Nature
Reserve (see entry no. 17). Events are held throughout
the year. Accommodation is available in the New Lanark
Mill Hotel, a stunning conversion from an original
18th century mill, and self-catering cottages called the
Waterhouses.
New Lanark World Heritage Site, New Lanark Mills, Lanark
ML11 9DB. 01555 661345
Open: Summer Apr-Sept,10.30am-5pm; Winter Oct-Mar, 11am-5pm
Cost: Adult £6.95, Child/Concession £5.95, Family Ticket (2 Adults
and 2 Children) £21.95 / (2 Adults and 4 Children) £27.95
Summerlee - The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Summerlee, the Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, in
Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, is a VisitScotland ‘4 Star’ visitor
attraction and ‘Best Working Attraction’ award-winner.
The museum reopened in September 2008, after a
£10m Heritage Lottery Fund supported redevelopment.
Summerlee’s 22 acres are based around the site of the
19th Century Summerlee Ironworks, a fore-runner in
the use of the innovative hot-blast iron smelting process
that led Coatbridge to fame and fortune as Scotland’s
‘Iron Burgh’.
Summerlee features a huge under-cover exhibition hall,
with a variety of interactive exhibits, ‘hands on’ activities
for children and working machinery to view, a re-created
addit mine and miners’ cottages.
Guides take small groups down the mine, which is
entered by a sloping track rather than a shaft. The
cottages show the domestic side of their lives from the
1840s to the 1960s; an electric tramway gives rides on
restored modern and Edwardian tramcars.
In addition to an outside play area there is also a brandnew café, shop and toilets within the exhibition hall.
Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 3HU. 01236 638460.
Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm (Close at 4pm Nov-March)
Free entry. Modest charges apply to tram tickets.
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Leisure
Kid’s will never be bored of the thrills ‘n’ spills Lanarkshire
has on offer! From ice skating to archery, roller coasters and
karting, to swimming pools with flumes, waves and rapids!
Grown-ups won’t feel left out either and can have a day out
at the races, enjoy the theatre or get adventurous with the
variety of outdoor sports and activities.
Airdrie Observatory
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Located within Airdrie Library the observatory is one
of only 4 public observatories in the UK. Open days
and special events are featured throughout the year and
appointments can be made. The observatory features a
Cooke 6” Refracting Telescope.
Airdrie Library, Wellwynd, Airdrie ML6 0AG. 01236 758070
Opening Hours: By appointment or scheduled events
Free entry
Amazonia
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Amazonia is Scotland’s only indoor tropical rainforest
packed full of exotic animals. It’s great fun and educational
for all ages. Amazonia is a unique place to learn and
explore, offering children and adults an insight into life in
a tropical forest.
Amazonia has monkeys, toucans, parrots, leaf cutter ants
and much, much more. Hundreds of tropical butterflies
fly freely.
Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell. 01698 333777
Amazonia is open all year round, 7 days a weeks, except Christmas
and New Years Day.
Adult (16+) £5.25, Child: £4.25, Senior Citizen £4.25, Family of 4
tickets start from £15.45.
Book a great value short break today, log onto:
Aquatec
Biggar Adventure
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A superb leisure pool with flumes, water
rapids and water play features. The Aquatec
also offers a children’s soft play area and
Activ8 gym. Adults can use the large state
of the art gym and participate in a wide
range of fitness classes.
1 Menteith Road, Motherwell ML1 1AZ.
01698 332828. Open: Mon-Fri and Sun 10am-10pm;
Sat 10am-8pm. Fitness Suite open: Mon-Fri 7am10pm; Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 9am-10pm.
Activity charges apply
Biggar Puppet Theatre
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A must for adventurers everywhere - enjoy
guided walks, canoeing, archery, gorge
scrambling, mountain biking and abseiling.
Bespoke activities for individuals and
groups at a variety of locations.
Windy Hangingshaw, Coulter, Biggar ML12 6HN.
01899 220320
Activities throughout Lanarkshire.
Cost varies for activities.
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The Biggar Puppet Theatre is home of the International
Purves Puppets Theatre Company and is famous for
showing spectacular Giant puppets that glow in the dark!
The Biggar Puppet Theatre also has picnic tables, play
area, visitor attraction, puppet shop, conservatory
tearoom and attractive gardens. Open on performance
days, please book in advance.
8 Broughton Road, Biggar, South Lanarkshire ML12 6HA
01899 220631.
All tickets £7 (purchase 5 or more reduced to £6.50 pp)
Reduced rates for schools and community groups. Carron Valley Forest and Mountain Bike Trail
Carron Valley is an ideal location for a relaxing day out or
more energetic activities, including equestrian pursuits,
fishing and cycling. The new 3k Lochside Trail is ideal for
family walks and scenic picnics, while the purpose built
mountain bike trails are fast and fun with challenging
single-track climbs and flowing descents - guaranteed to
entice you back for more! All paths and trails provide
stunning views of the surrounding area.
Carron Valley car park off B818 Denny-Fintry Road FK6 5JL
01555 660190
Car park open: Summer: 7.30am-9pm; Winter: 7.30am-6pm
Free
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Central Scotland Shooting
School
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Scotland’s largest outdoor clay pigeon
complex, tuition for beginners or
international level. Excellent practice
facilities.
Wester Jawcraig, Garbethill Muir, Near
Cumbernauld, Falkirk FK1 3AL. 01324 851672
Open 7 days, 12 noon-5pm (8.30pm close on Thur)
Packages from £45 per person
Clyde Valley Walkway
Clyde Valley National
Tourist Route
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The Clyde Valley Tourist Route takes you
on a 42 mile journey passing through
spectacular scenery. Many interesting and
important sites line the route and offer
insights into the rich cultural, natural and
industrial heritage of the Clyde Valley.
There are lots of places to stop and explore
on foot, or why not stop for coffee, gifts
or botanical inspiration at one of the many
garden centres which line the route.
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The Clyde Walkway runs from Glasgow to
just above New Lanark at the Falls of Clyde.
The long distance 40 mile trail runs close to
the River Clyde for most of its length. The
14 mile section of the route in the heart
of the Clyde Valley from Garrion Bridge
to New Lanark passes by or through the
picturesque villages of Dalserf, Rosebank,
Crossford, Hazelbank and Kirkfieldbank
taking you through some of the most
beautiful scenery in the area including
orchards, spectacular wooded gorges and
cascading waterfalls. A Clyde Walkway
guide is available to download on-line at
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk or can be
ordered free on phone: 01698 543421.
Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre
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Visit Scotland’s largest collection of birds of prey at
World of Wings and see the daily displays of exotic
birds of prey including eagles, hawks and vultures, and
experience these majestic birds at very close quarters.
Or be adventurous and try target and combat paintball,
off road driving, archery and more!
Blairlinn Cottages, Easter Blairlinn Road, Luggiebank, Cumbernauld
G67 4AA. 01236 722999
Open 7 days 10am-5pm
Various activity charges apply. Booking advised.
Cumbernauld Theatre
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‘The best little theatre in Scotland’ brings you only
the best in Scottish theatre with the latest touring
productions and amateur drama. Witness the thriving,
live music scene from local and well established
bands and enjoy some laughs at the regular and
incredibly popular Comedy Café.
Kildrum, Cumbernauld G67 2BN
Box Office: 01236 732887
Forth and Clyde Canal and Auchinstarry
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Take a leisurely boat trip or join a themed walk along
the historic and rejuvenated Forth & Clyde Canal where
you can admire the abundant wildlife and attractive
countryside. For boat cruises contact the Forth & Clyde
Canal Society on 0141 772 1620.
For the more adventurous why not try your hand at
canoeing and kayaking or hire a bike for leisurely (or not
so leisurely) ride along the canal bank and around the
Antonine Wall. Alternatively why not take the paths to
Kilsyth and experience the surrounding areas.
For cycle or canoe hire contact Outdoor Trax on 01236
821275.
Greenfields of Avondale
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Equestrian Centre, offering 5 star schooling
& training facilities for riders and their
horses featuring a Cross Country and
JumpCross courses. Also offers individual
& group lessons for flatwork, jumping,
working hunter & showing presentation.
Indoor arena, outdoor all weather arenas,
grass paddocks for schooling and jumping
and 200 acres of off road-hacking.
Greenfield Farm, Drumclog, Strathaven ML10 6QF
01357 440296
Charges apply
Greenhead Moss
39
Greenhead Moss is a lowland raised
bog which has been transformed into a
community park featuring the Perchy Pond
Local Nature Reserve. It’s a haven of wild
flower meadows, new and old woodlands,
wildlife garden and more.
Community Nature Park, Wishaw. 01698 358961
Open all year
Free entry
Hamilton Park Racecourse
40
Come along for some fine quality racing in a very sociable
atmosphere! Enjoy a day out or evening at the races with
themed events – glam up for Ladies Night, bring the kids
for the Family Days and celebrate at the ‘Final Fling’ to
round off the season. Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW. 01698 283806
Afternoon and evening meetings, gates open two hours before the
first race.
Cost: from £12-£28
Hamilton Water Palace
41
Have an excellent fun family day out with
flume ride, tyre ride, bubble beds and a lazy
river. The Under 8’s Pool has an Interactive
Pirate Ship. Also features health suite, Club
Gym, Club Studio with a choice of 45
classes and beauty salon.
35 Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0HQ
01698 459950 Open: Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm; Sat and Sun, 9.30am6pm.
Entry cost varies dependent on activity.
Kelvin Valley
Lanarkshire Leisure
There is an abundance of leisure facilities
throughout Lanarkshire offering a wide
variety of activities and sports. So, if you’re
looking for a simple swim, a work-out in a
state-of-the art gym, fitness class or soft
play for the kids, there is sure to be a facility
nearby!
Visit www.nlleisure.co.uk and
www.slleisure.co.uk
42
As well as being an outstanding area of superb walks,
cycling paths and canal routes, the Kelvin Valley offers
an amazing range of places to visit and enjoy such as
the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site; Dumbreck
Marsh Local Nature Reserve; Carron Valley Forest;
Auchinstarry Marina and the Colzium House and Lennox
Estate. Another gem is the delightful and well maintained
Burngreen Park in the heart of Kilsyth. Situated within
an outstanding conservation area, this small park is a
popular spot for families and children.
Search our walking routes, log onto:
Lanarkshire Woodlands and Forests
43
Lanarkshire is a haven for nature lovers with thousands
of acres of forests and native woodlands to explore
and enjoy. Discover the wonderful array of wildlife and
flora as you follow the way-marked trails which guide
you through some of the most unspoiled terrain in the
country. Take a leisurely stroll, admire the panoramic
views and wildflower meadows then have lunch in one
of the picnic areas. You can also trace the history of the
Wilsontown Ironworks at Heathland Forest.
See also, 31 Carron Valley.
Forestry Commission Scotland, West Forth Woodlands, Forth,
off A706, Heathland Forest, Forth, off A706, Easter Dunsyston
Woodland, near Airdrie
01555 660190
Scotkart Indoor Karting and Terminator Paintball Arena
44
Race like an F1 star around Scotland largest and fastest
indoor karting track. You can also play pro paintball in
the UK’s only purpose built tournament paintball arena.
Combine both for a unique day of adrenaline sports
at this award-winning venue. Enjoy the café, viewing
facilities and free car park at Scotkart, an award winning
VisitScotland 4 star activity centre. All equipment and
instruction provided.
Westburn Road, Cambuslang G72 7UD. 0141 641 0222
Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-10pm
Various activity charges apply. Booking advised.
The Time Capsule
45
The biggest fun in a million years! Swim,
skate and slide, splash around in the river
rapids, flumes and waves - a unique leisure
experience!
* The Time Capsule is enhancing its facilites
to increase the range of attractions available.
Please check availability and opening times.
100 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge ML5 1DL.
01236 449572
Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-9pm*
Entry cost variable depending on activity.
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park
46
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is the biggest and best
value theme park in Scotland. With something for
everyone with over 35 major rides and attractions, it
really is ‘too much fun for one day’.
Home to Scotland’s largest roller coaster there is
also loads for the younger visitors too including the
Crazy Boot, seastorm, flying jumbos, pony express and
trampolines.
M&D’s rides inclue Tsunami, the only inverted
rollercoaster ride in Scotland with corkscrew twists,
turns and loops. The largest ride at M&D’s is The
Tornado, with over 1km of track. The track contains two
360 degree loops in addition to several banked turns,
pulling -2Gs at some points. The ride has a top speed of
over 80 km/h.
M&D’s also has several smaller rollercoasters for children,
such as the Big Apple and the Runaway Mine Train.
Try the 18 hole mini adventure golf, Devil’s Island.
Don’t forget the multi-million pound indoor
entertainment complex, including bowling, soft play, bars,
restaurants, gamezone and Amazonia, Scotland’s only
tropical rainforest attraction (see entry no. 27).
Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell. 01698 333777
Unlimited ride wristbands start from £10.45. Opening dates and
times vary-please check in advance.
Entry is free and you only pay for what you use.
For more information on Great Days Out in Lanarkshire and details of
special offers please visit www.visitlanarkshire.com
For more information or if you want this information in a different format or language, please phone
01698 455153 or email [email protected]
Details including prices correct at time of print. Please
check bank holiday and festive opening hours with
attractions in advance of travel to avoid disappointment.
Printed on 75% post-consumer waste recycled paper.
Published and designed by Regeneration Services, South Lanarkshire Council, April 2010.