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Explore & Play

They will be surrounded by gardens, have abundance of space in all directions to keep the air healthy and pleasant: they will have walks and plantations before them, and well cultivated grounds, kept in good order, as far as the eye can reach”(Robert Owen, 1817)

Robert Owen’s original vision for New Lanark still rings true today, and there are lots of opportunities to explore and play, both within the village and in its stunning surroundings. Visit our unique Roof Garden, take a stroll to the Falls of Clyde, enjoy a picnic and some adventure play at Clearburn Picnic & Play Area, or let the kids’ imagination run wild in our Interactive Gallery.

CLEARBURN PICNIC & PLAY AREA

Clearburn Picnic and Play Area is a fantastic resource for the community and visitors alike.
With adventure play areas, a giant willow storytelling dome, a secret hideaway tree house, and bug hotels (to name just a few of the features of the Play Area!) there is more than enough to keep the kids entertained. The development of the project was generously supported by The Big Lottery Fund and The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership. Since opening in September 2014 the picnic area has won several awards – you can read more about these at the botom of this page.

FALLS OF CLYDE

These magnificent waterfalls on the River Clyde at New Lanark have been impressing visitors for centuries - from Wordsworth to Coleridge, and J. M. W. Turner to Sir Walter Scott.
There are four linn (Scots: waterfalls). Dundaff Linn (fall of 10 feet) can be seen from the far end of New Lanark village. From there it is around a 20-30 minute walk along the river boardwalk until you arrive at Corra Linn (fall of 84 feet). It is then another 20-30 minutes before you arrive at Bonnington Linn (fall of 30 feet). In total this route is 3 miles and travels through the Falls of Clyde Reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Stonebyres Linn is located several miles downstream from the reserve and New Lanark. The Scottish Wildlife Trust have produced this very useful step-by-step guide to the Falls of Clyde walk. Once you have completed your walk stop off for refreshments in the Mill Café or treat yourself in the welcoming Mill Shop!
SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST GUIDE TO THE FALLS OF CLYDE

ROOF GARDEN

Be inspired by the design and amazed at the stunning views of our unique Roof Garden.
Created on the 9,000 square feet of roof on one of our mill buildings, our Roof Garden is the largest of its kind in Scotland and is one of the highlights of our Visitor Centre. The garden is open to visitors all year round and is the perfect location to enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the surrounding natural scenery and the historic village. Imaginatively designed, the garden contains decorative planting with over 70 different plants and shrubs, a water feature and animal sculptures. The garden also attracts lots of the area’s real animals! Butterflies, birds and an array of insects can often be viewed up close and recently a mother duck gave birth to 10 ducklings in the grasses!

Developing the award winning Clearburn Play & Picnic Area

Award: In March 2015 Clearburn Play and Picnic Area was awarded a ‘High Commendation’ Award at the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place 2015 Awards.

Award: In September 2015 Clearburn was awarded a ‘Commendation for a community play space within a national tourist attraction’ by the Nancy Ovens Trust.

Award: In March 2016 Clearburn was awarded ‘Best Picnic Area within a UK Heritage Location’ at the Hudsons Heritage Awards 2016.

Children from New Lanark Primary School, Robert Owen Memorial Primary School and Lanark Primary School played a key role in the development of the play area. All of the school children who were involved with the project have had their names carved into a bench so that their contributions will be recognised for years to come.

“The pupils and volunteers have been integral to the development of Clearburn picnic and play area” said Jane Masters, Heritage Manager at New Lanark. “They have helped to create a wonderful space that everyone involved should be proud of and will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Volunteers from Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership and Clydesdale Community Initiatives have constructed a willow dome which is as a centre piece of the play area. Among other things, the dome is used for children’s story telling sessions. The dome is formed by weaving living willow together into a framework. The creation of Clearburn Picnic & Play Area was assisted by Russell Play.

More attractions

Annie McLeod Experience

Travel back in time on the Annie McLeod Experience Ride! Enter the spirit world of New Lanark and be taken on a fascinating journey of discovery by the ghost of mill worker Annie McLeod.

find out more

Exhibitions

We host a number of prominent touring exhibitions annually and would be delighted to discuss any opportunities to host exhibitions.

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Falls of Clyde

These magnificent waterfalls on the River Clyde at New Lanark have been impressing visitors for centuries – from Wordsworth to Coleridge, and J. M. W. Turner to Sir Walter Scott.

find out more