New Lanark

Founded in 1786 this restored cotton mill - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was powered by the river Clyde and is situated close to the Falls of Clyde.

New Lanark was created as a cotton-spinning village and was transformed under the management of Robert Owen, who greatly improved the conditions, facilities and services for the workers and their families and this led to many social improvements including progressive education (this was the site of the world's first nursery school for workers' children), factory reform (children under the age of 10 were not allowed to work here), more humane working practices and garden cities.

By 1799 New Lanark was the biggest cotton mill in Scotland with giant spinning frames creating enough cotton per year to go round the world two and a half times and formed one of the largest industrial centres in the world. Over 2,000 people lived or worked in the village. The mill continued manufacturing cotton for nearly 200 years, until 1968. This helps explain why the buildings in the village are so little changed.

Learning for Schools

In keeping with its educational heritage, New Lanark World Heritage Site welcomes groups of all ages. The Site is a fantastic resource for schools to explore. We offer a range of fun interactive opportunities that bring learning to life in a very special setting.Engage and inspire your class with the story of New Lanark and many other exciting topics…

Enjoy the Visitor Centre that is open all year round, along with a choice of activities that are designed to support the Curriculum for Excellence and provide a valuable and interesting, cross-curricular learning experience outside the classroom.

We can offer a full day of fun or a customised visit depending on your needs. We have great group rate deals for visiting learning groups and New Lanark is also part of the Scottish Government’s Travel Subsidy Scheme for Scottish Schools.

A full day visit normally consists of a guided activity followed by time to visit the Annie McLeod Ride, Robert Owen's School for Children or other exhibition areas of interest with some free time for lunch, outdoor play and/or a visit to the gift shop! A schedule is created especially for your group to follow and make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.

We run learning events throughout the year too, so there are plenty of reasons to come and see us!