What's on in Lanarkshire

Inevitably Glasgow dominates the county of Lanarkshire, particularly as its sprawl seems to spread ever further every year. But there are other sites well worth visiting in Lanarkshire county, even if Glasgow takes up most of your time. Chief among these is the World Heritage Site, ‘The New Lanark World Heritage Site’, built in 1785 by David Dale, to take advantage of the water power of the Clyde Falls in order to spin cotton. The site now features an incredible renovation of the 19th century cotton mills (as well as the houses for the workers) and it is an attraction that is not to be missed. Other highlights of Lanarkshire include the birthplace museum of David Livingston in Blantyre and the wonderful scenery of the Clyde Valley, from woodland to wildlife to waterfalls.

That said, these days it is Glasgow that dominates, with its loveable mix of friendly locals with a sharp wit, centuries-old industrial heritage, a burgeoning restaurant scene and vibrant nightlife and bars at every turn. It seems to have been constantly winning awards, from the European City of Culture award to UK City of Architecture and Design, to being named as one of the world’s top ten cities by Lonely Planet; Glasgow’s star has continued to rise. Whether you want to tour the architecture designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, (from the Glasgow School of Art to the Scotland Street School, to the Willow Tearooms) or the modern buildings like the Scottish Exhibition Centre by Norman Foster, and the Museum of Transport by Zaha Adid, or the impressive art galleries (from the Burrell collection to the Gallery of Modern Art) or whether you’re heading off to see football at Ibrox or Hampden Park, there is something for everyone.

Heading back out into Lanarkshire there is Pollock Country Park and the Kelvin Walkway, and further out, Biggar Park, Chatelherault Country Park, the Carron Valley and Baron’s Haugh, some of the most picturesque scenery in all of the UK. Lanarkshire really does have it all.

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