Visiting some of Lanarkshire’s top visitor attractions without the need of a car to get around is easy thanks to a network of rail links. Many of Lanarkshire’s museums, country parks and sports facilities have train stations conveniently located within easy walking distance.
Summerlee – The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Summerlee is situated on the site of a nineteenth century ironworks and makes for a great family day out. Only a three minute walk from Coatbridge Central, the museum offers guided tours of the recreated coal mine and street of miners’ cottages. There is also the exhibition hall with working machinery and a play park situated near the Monkland canal.
Nearest railway stations - Coatbridge Central, Coatbridge Sunnyside
Address: Heritage Way, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, ML5 1QD
A ten minute walk from Coatbridge Central, Scotland’s ‘waterpark’ The Time Capsule, offers everything from thrill seeking to relaxation. The waterpark features a 25m swimming area, 10 metre high twisting flumes, wave pool and ‘lazy river’ while the health suite includes a sauna, invigorating steam room and hot tub.
The venue also has an ice skating rink with skate hire for children and adults and penguin shaped skating aides for toddlers.
Nearest railway station – Coatbridge Central
Address: 100 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, ML5 1DL
Strathclyde Country Park is a twenty minute walk from Airbles station and is set within 400 hectares of countryside. One of the most popular visitor attractions in Lanarkshire, the park hosts many events throughout the year including family festivals, international rowing competitions and its famous fireworks display every Guy Fawkes Night. There are a number of outdoor adventure playgrounds located around the park, a bike hire station, cafe and a water sports centre with bumper boats, pedalos and canoes for hire. The park is also the location of M&D’s theme park.
Nearest railway station – Airbles
Address: 366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 3ED
With its own train station, Chatelherault Country Park is a VisitScotland five star visitor attraction featuring the Duke of Hamilton’s 18th century hunting lodge and summer house. The restored buildings are open to the public with a visitor centre, exhibition gallery, shops and a café. As well as an impressive banqueting hall, the Duke and Duchess’ apartments are also open to view. The park has over 10 miles of woodland walking paths alongside the River Avon and hosts a series of talks and tours.
Nearest railway station – Chatelherault
Address: Carlisle Road, Ferniegair, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, ML3 7UE
Antonine Wall and Forth & Clyde Canal
A mile from Croy train station, Auchinstarry Marina sits on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal. The marina is home to Outdoor Trax, a one stop shop for adventure thrill seekers; visitors can hire bikes, canoes and kayaks. Take a walk along the Forth and Clyde Canal and visit Antonine Wall World Heritage Site and the Roman head statue and Croy Hill Fort. For those who are more interested in relaxing, Scotland’s first eco pub The Boathouse is situated in the marina, which uses energy from the canal to generate hot water and heating.
Nearest railway station: Croy
Address: Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth, G65 9SGqA
David Livingston was Scotland’s famous explorer and missionary and his home in Blantyre is now a museum of his life and work. An eight minute walk from Blantyre train station, the tenement block the Livingstone’s shared with 23 other families is full of items relating to his life and explorations in Africa. As well as the touring the museum, visitors can take a walk around the picturesque parkland and gardens overlooking the River Clyde.
Nearest railway station: Blantyre
Address: 165 Station Road, Blantyre, G72 9BY
