A council area in Scotland, in between the city of Glasgow and Edinburg, North Lanarkshire is home to many beautiful cities and charming towns that hold so much history just like Motherwell and Cumbernauld. The region is also known for its sprawling parks and nature reserves, as well as biking and hiking trails, which any nature lover will have a hard time resisting. Additionally, it boasts fun activities ranging from paragliding to riding a roller coaster and exploring its many museums. In case you need more reasons to visit the region, check out our list of the best things to do in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, and have a lovely time touring the area.
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1. Discover Scotland's stunning scenery at Strathclyde Country Park
An iconic park, in North Lanarkshire, Strathclyde Country Park is set in a 400-hectare (988.42 acres) land in the River Clyde Valley. With its picturesque surroundings, the park is a famous family-friendly attraction in Scotland. It offers numerous activities and facilities, such as water sports, fitness gym, cafe, playgrounds, and more. The park is also home to many events like international rowing competitions, music festivals, and fireworks shows. Moreover, Strathclyde Country Park has guided walk tours and various club activities, which will surely be enjoyed by everyone.
Strathclyde Country Park
Address: 366 Hamilton Rd, Motherwell ML1 3ED, United Kingdom
Website: Strathclyde Country Park
Opening hours: 8:45am - 7:45am (daily)
2. Explore the picturesque town of Cumbernauld
A town in North Lanarkshire, Cumbernauld is the 10th most populous in Scotland, and the 1st in Lanarkshire. It is a must-visit area for its stunning scenery, shopping options, and nature activities. One of the most visited attractions here is the Antonine Centre, which is set in a modernist building and features a variety of retail stores. Other attractions that might interest you include the Cumbernauld Museum, which tells the history of the town from the Roman era up to the present, and Cumbernauld Theatre, which is found in the beautiful Cumbernauld Park.
3. Take a stroll along the remains of the Antonine Wall
What colour do you think this distance slab would have been painted when it was made? That's what research for The...
Posted by The Antonine Wall on Friday, 20 April 2018
A stone wall that stretches from Old Kilpatrick to Bo'ness and passing through North Lanarkshire, the Antonine Wall was built almost 2,000 years ago by the order of Emperor Antonius Pius. The wall serves as a grand fortification and a sign of Roman power, but its capacity only lasted for more or less 20 years. Now, the Antonine Wall is the country’s fifth world heritage site that gives us a glimpse of ancient times and gains knowledge about the Roman era.
Antonine Wall
Address: Castlecary Rd, Castlecary, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G68 0HD
4. Watch the beautiful sunset at Dumbreck Marsh
If you’re looking for a relaxing nature activity, one that won’t let you sweat from hard work, then a visit to Dumbreck Marsh is perfect for you. It is an ideal place for leisure walking while wildlife viewing and waiting for the spectacular view at sunset. The former nature reserve features ponds and a large grassland that is home to some species of birds like lapwing and skylarks. Make sure to bring your family and friends with you for a more memorable experience.
Dumbreck Marsh
Address: Near Kilsyth and Queenzieburn
Website: Dumbreck Marsh
5. Tee off at Bellshill Golf Club
Located in the center of Lanarkshire, this tree-lined golf course is a must-visit for all levels of golfers. Bellshill Golf Club first opened in 1905, and its layout got extended in the year 1970, accommodating and charming more players. When you visit, you’ll notice that the first five holes are somewhat difficult and the stretch is then followed by the “birdie alley”, where you can recover. You also get to play in its signature hole, which is the par-three 17th. Additionally, the course also has a clubhouse and offers catering services.
Bellshill Golf Club
Address: Fairway Cottage Golf Club, Community Rd, Bellshill ML4 2RZ, United Kingdom
Website: Bellshill Golf Club
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
6. Learn about the history of farming and rural life at National Museum of Rural Life
If you want to experience country life in Scotland, then there’s no better way to learn and live it than by visiting the National Museum of Rural Life. It is located 13 miles (9920.92 km) away from the center of Glasgow and features a museum, a farmhouse, and a working farm. For the museum, you’ll find there the largest collection of farming machinery, tools, tractors, and harvesters in Scotland. You’ll also learn from the exhibits how the land, people, and working scenarios molded the rural history of Scotland. After exploring the museum, you move on to the farm, where you’ll encounter animals like Tamworth pigs, Aberdeen Angus, Clydesdale horses, and more. Another attraction you shouldn’t miss here is the Georgian farmhouse, the home of the 10 generations of Lanarkshire’s Reid family. When you walk inside, you’ll instantly be transported to the 1950s as you look in each room full of 50s-style furnishing and decor. And to end your trip, you should drop by the museum’s award-winning cafe and have a good cup of coffee while tasting one of their mouthwatering baked goodies.
National Museum of Rural Life
Address: Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road East Kilbride, Glasgow G76 9HR, United Kingdom
Website: National Museum of Rural Life
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 EUR or 9.87 USD
7. Tour the mines at the Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Located in the place where the 19th century Summerlee Ironworks is located, the Museum of Scottish Industrial Life sits on a 22-acre (9-hectare) land and features numerous attractions for the whole family. It has a recreated underground mine with guided tours, a working heritage tramway, 1840 to 1980 miners’ cottages, and a play park for all ages. The kids will surely have fun at the play park and riding the historic tramway while the adults browse the working machinery at the exhibition hall and learn about the history of industrial life in Scotland. Additionally, you should drop by the cafe to refuel and the visitors’ shop to buy something to remember the place by.
Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Address: Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 1QD, United Kingdom
Website: Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
8. Explore the cotton mills of New Lanark
A restored Utopian village, New Lanark is a Unesco World Heritage Site that is famous for playing a significant role in improving the social aspects of life during the 18th and 19th centuries. When you visit, you’ll learn about the history of the cotton mills as well as the villagers’ life. The village is composed of four cotton mills that have connected buildings that serve as a place for spinning cotton and home to the workers. It was owned by David Dale and later on sold to a partnership. His son in law, Robert Owen, remains as the manager, and because he believes in social reforms, he improves the life of the worker by putting up many establishments, like a school, recreational area, free health care, and more.
Cotton mills of New Lanark
Address: New Lanark Rd, Lanark ML11 9DB, United Kingdom
Website: Cotton mills of New Lanark
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
9. Walk the trails of Cambusnethan Woodlands Local Nature Reserve
Nestled at the end of Clyde Valley, Wishaw is the fourth largest town in North Lanarkshire based on population. One of the must-visit attractions here is the Cambusnethan Woodlands Local Nature Reserve. It is the 70th nature reserve of Scotland that is covered by ancient and semi-natural woodland that is rich in native wildflowers, which in spring looks like a flourishing carpet of Bluebells. You can enter the woodland from the Sona Crescent, Castlehill Road, or Gowkthrapple. Also, it features many walking routes, like the one that will link you to Clyde Walkway and Strathclyde Park.
Cambusnethan Woodlands Local Nature Reserve
Address: Lanark ML11 7RB, United Kingdom
Website: Cambusnethan Woodlands Local Nature Reserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Go biking along the trails of Carron Valley
If you want to soak in the beauty of Lanarkshire, then you have to allocate a day to visit Carron Valley. There is a sprawling forest on site, which features two distinct hills, Meikle Bin and Tomtain Hill, and when climbed will give you a picturesque and uninterrupted view of the surroundings as well as central Scotland. Apart from the forest and the wildlife, the valley also features hiking and walking trails, picnic areas, and biking routes with a scenic view of the reservoir. A lot of mountain bikers go to the valley to experience the adrenaline rush caused by the challenging trails.
Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails
Address: B818, Stirling, Denny FK6 5JL, United Kingdom
11. Attend a choral performance at Motherwell Cathedral
Motherwell Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, is a Roman Catholic church in Motherwell. It is also the seat of the town’s bishop as well as the mother church of the diocese. The structure was built between 1989 and 1990, using a Gothic revival architectural style. At the back of the church is its grounds, where you’ll find numerous graves of former bishops of Motherwell. You shouldn’t also miss the choral performance accompanied by the historic organ of Motherwell, whenever there is a service.
Motherwell Cathedral
Address: 31 Coursington Rd, Motherwell ML1 1PP, United Kingdom
Website: Motherwell Cathedral
12. View different bird species at World of Wings Birds of Prey Center
The largest birds of prey center in Scotland, World of Wings Birds of Prey Centre is home to more or less 70 birds, including eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, parrots, and more. You can also watch a spectacular flying show every day. Another highlight in the center is the up-close experience with the birds, where you can touch and fly them. Additionally, it has an on-site cafe where you can sample home-cooked dishes.
World of Wings Birds of Prey Centre
Address: Blairlinn Rd, Cumbernauld, Glasgow G67 4AA, United Kingdom
Website: World of Wings Birds of Prey Centre
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 7 EUR or 8.63 USD
13. Enjoy paragliding with friends at Cloudbusters
Posted by Cloudbusters Paragliding on Saturday, 24 March 2018
If you’re looking for a more exciting activity in North Lanarkshire, one that doesn’t involve history and arts, then you have to drop by Cloudbusters. It is a paragliding center that offers paragliding lessons for beginners up to refresher sessions for qualified paragliders. The lessons will take a few hours and you’ll learn about the basics of the sport before they finally let you fly on your own. You’ll surely have a marvelous time and a memorable experience to tell your loved ones back home.
Cloudbusters
Address: 3 Strathyre Gardens East Kilbride G75 8GP
Website: Cloudbusters
14. Try the many exciting rides at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park
Located in Strathclyde Country Park, M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is one of the most popular attractions in Motherwell. It is a theme park that features rollercoasters, 18-hole mini-golf course, rides, a glow-in-the-dark indoor bowling alley, a soft play area, and many more. Also, you’ll find here the Amazonia, which is an indoor tropical forest that is home to many exotic animals like birds, insects, mammals, etc. Additionally, if you feel tired and hungry and just want to chill, the park has many dining options as well as bars.
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park
Address: Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell ML1 3RT, United Kingdom
Website: M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 15.65 EUR or 19.30 USD
15. Learn about various species of animals and plants at Amazonia
Nestled within M & D’s - Scotland’s Theme Park, Amazonia is the largest indoor tropical rainforest that resembles the Amazon in South America. The temperature-controlled tropical facility is home to almost 70 different species, including birds, butterflies, snakes, monkeys, and more. The rainforest also has a nocturnal area, where you’ll encounter bats, snakes, frogs, etc. Additionally, they have here an animal handling session, where you can help handle and feed the animals. What a great way to learn about wildlife while enjoying everything it has to offer.
Amazonia
Address: Strathclyde Country Park, M74, Bellshill, Motherwell ML1 3RT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 6.20 EUR or 7.65 USD
16. Catch a live football match at Excelsior Stadium
Popularly known as the home court of Airdrieonians football team that plays in the National League, Excelsior Stadium is an all-seater sports event venue that has a capacity of 10,101 people. It features a superb, state-of-the-art ground that can be used every day without the fear of wearing it out. Also, the property has other facilities, apart from the playing fields and sports amenities, including suites, meeting rooms, and dining halls, which can be used for any gatherings and special occasions.
Excelsior Stadium
Address: Craigneuk Ave, Airdrie ML6 8QZ, United Kingdom
Website: Excelsior Stadium
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 1am; Sun: 9am - 10pm
17. Go ice skating with friends at The Time Capsule Waterpark
Customer Notice - The Time Capsule. Due to crucial maintenance, The Time Capsule Waterpark will be closed from the 30th...
Posted by NL Leisure on Monday, 23 November 2015
An attraction dedicated to the whole family, the Time Capsule Waterpark has everything you can ever ask for in terms of recreation. It has a swimming pool with slides, a newly refurbished ice rink, and a fitness center with modern equipment and facilities. Two of the top features of the waterpark are Tornado Tantrum and the Storm Chaser flumes. Also, if you need to refuel, the place has two cafes to choose from; the Waterfall Café and the Relax Café Bar.
The Time Capsule Waterpark
Address: The Time Capsule Monklands, 100 Buchanan St, Coatbridge ML5 1DL, United Kingdom
Website: The Time Capsule Waterpark
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: 7.85 EUR or 9.68 USD
18. Have a look inside Dalzell House
Dalzell House is a historic house located in Motherwell, inside Dalzell Estate, on the same grounds as the Japanese Gardens, mausoleum, Lord Gavin’s Temple, arboretum, and St Patrick’s Chapel. The center tower was built during the 15th century, with a lot of addition made in the 17th and 19th centuries, making it the beauty that it is today. Visiting the estate is a perfect thing to do for people who love nature and history, for the estate also features a picturesque nature expanse that has plenty of wildlife.
Dalzell House
Address: Private Flats., Motherwell, Scotland
Website: Dalzell House
19. Go bowling at Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Coatbridge
A place that will surely keep everyone happy, Hollywood Bowl is a modern bowling alley with other branches in the United Kingdom. It features 28 bowling lanes, amusement area, arcade games, VIP spots, as well as an American diner and a bar. Another great thing about this property is it has plenty of packages and promos for families and groups like their family deal, which gives discounts to a family of four. Moreover, they accept parties and other gatherings here.
Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Coatbridge
Address: Showcase Leisure Park, Barrbridge Rd, Coatbridge G69 7TZ, United Kingdom
Website: Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Coatbridge
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
20. Enjoy a live music performance at Motherwell Concert Hall
A cozy event venue in North Lanarkshire, Motherwell Concert Hall was first opened in 1970 and played host to many events like theater shows, concerts, dance recitals, and many more. After four decades, the concert hall was renovated and started operating again in 2011 to accommodate more events for the entertainment of the public. Make sure to keep yourself updated about the schedules of future events and live performances that will happen in the concert hall, through their website.
Motherwell Concert Hall
Address: Windmillhill St, Motherwell ML1 1AB, United Kingdom
Website: Motherwell Concert Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:45pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
21. Go shopping at Motherwell Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of Motherwell, Motherwell Shopping Centre is an outdoor retail venue that is owned by Chester Properties and Columbus Capital. It features numerous stores like Argos, Pound World, Bonmarche, boots, and more. Also, the shopping center has numerous dining options to choose from, including Costa Coffee, Windmills Cafe, KFC, etc. Motherwell Shopping Center is the best place to unwind and dine, after a day of touring North Lanarkshire.
Motherwell Shopping Centre
Address: Centre Management Suite, Brandon Parade South, Motherwell ML1 1RB, United Kingdom
Website: Motherwell Shopping Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
22. Get a massage at The Healing Cave
............ .... DERMAPLANE FACIALS.............. .. Benefits:. removes dead layer of skin removes vellus facial...
Posted by The Healing Cave on Thursday, 7 February 2019
If you’re looking for a place to relax and cure your sore muscles after a day of walking around town, then you need to have a massage at The Healing Cave. It is a spa with a calming atmosphere where your body, mind, and soul can relax. Here, you can choose from a range of services from different kinds of massages to facials, reflexology, and other holistic therapies. Make sure to bring the whole family when you visit, for it will surely give them the much-needed relaxation they deserve.
The Healing Cave
Address: Hallcraig St, Airdrie ML6 6AH, United Kingdom
Website: The Healing Cave
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu: 10am - 4:30pm; Wed & Sat: 10am - 3pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
23. Dine at Mondo Restaurant
One of the busiest food establishments, in North Lanarkshire, Mondo Restaurant serves British cuisines as well as some global dishes that are cooked using fresh and quality ingredients from award-winning suppliers. It also has an express lunch menu that is great for busy and working locals and tourists. The restaurant features an open-plan dining area with two fireplaces creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Additionally, this place is great for special occasions and date nights, for you will surely wow your guests with mouth-watering and creatively served dishes.
Mondo Restaurant
Address: 140-144 Main St, Coatbridge ML5 3BJ, United Kingdom
Website: Mondo Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 9pm; Fri: 7am - 9:30pm; Sat: 8am - 9:30pm; Sun: 8am - 7pm
24. Hang out with friends at Electric Bar
Considered as one of the best bars and restaurants in Motherwell, Electric Bar is a must-try food establishment, especially if you want a place to hang out with your friends. It is a pub with a lounge and a bar with large screens showing sports TV. The bar is also known to have live performances, karaoke nights, and other events that will surely keep its guests entertained. As for the food, they offer international cuisines as well as lunch menus. Additionally, they accept to host events like birthday parties, social gatherings, company celebrations, and more.
Electric Bar
Address: 291 Airbles Rd, Motherwell ML1 3AW, United Kingdom
Website: Electric Bar
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 11am - 12am (closed on Tue)
25. Watch a performance at Cumbernauld Theater
Located in the scenic Cumbernauld Park, Cumbernauld Theater is the oldest and most successful theater in North Lanarkshire that produces professional shows for the general public. It also has a year-round program that presents drama, comedy, musicals, and dance shows from touring companies. Apart from the two theaters, you will also find a rehearsal studio, workshop, as well as meeting rooms and bars, where you can talk and grab something to eat and drink.
Cumbernauld Theater
Address: Kildrum, Cumbernauld G67 2BN, Scotland
Website: Cumbernauld Theater
Charming North Lanarkshire
A family-friendly destination that offers arts, nature, and history, North Lanarkshire is, without a doubt, a perfect holiday location. The region has a varied list of attractions starting from museums, picturesque nature sceneries, up to theme parks, and award-winning restaurants. Make sure you check out our list of the best things to do in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, before planning your itinerary in the area.
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