New Lanark has Christmas all wrapped up

Step into the magic of the festive season at New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas.

From Saturday, 30th November until Christmas Eve, the festive village is bursting with holiday cheer and delightful experiences for the whole family. This Christmas season, New Lanark has an enchanting lineup to make your festive celebrations truly unforgettable.

Running from Saturday 30th November to Tuesday 24th December, ‘Christmas at New Lanark’ promises a magical family day out filled with festive joy and excitement. The festivities will run from Friday to Sunday, with additional special openings on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December.

New Lanark’s magical location, resembling a giant toy factory silently nestled at the foot of the Clyde valley, creates the perfect backdrop for a magical family day out and Christmas festivities this season, offering something for all ages.

Visitors will feel as though they’ve been transported to a bygone era, with a variety of festive activities included in the experience. Get ready to laugh and cheer with Arkeen Theatre Company’s production of Pinocchio, a 45-minute pantomime performance full of festive fun.

Your ticket includes the ‘Spirit of Christmas Ride’ embarking on a captivating journey through the magical history of Christmas on this enchanting ride. There will be Christmas Films in the Theatre; enjoy three beloved Christmas classics, screening every 45 minutes throughout the day. There will also be a Soft Play & Inflatable Assault Course, perfect for little adventurers, offering lots of festive fun and challenges.

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit to Santa and his helpful Elves, watch the little ones eyes light up as they receive their special gift. Newly designed by NL Productions this year, Santa’s Grotto offers fun-filled family challenges and holiday cheer.

For those with sensory needs, New Lanark will host a Quiet Session on Saturday 30th November from 11am. During this time, visitor numbers will be limited to provide a calmer environment. The pantomime will take place at 11:00 am, and guests can explore the rest of the site at their leisure until 1:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the Café & Mill Shop will both be open throughout the event, offering refreshments and Christmas shopping for all your holiday needs, before exploring the historic buildings and the beautiful rooftop garden, adding to the charm of this unique Christmas experience.

Why not make a trip of it and wake up in this beautiful World Heritage Site, staying overnight at The Mill Hotel, which has all your catering needs wrapped up with festivelunches and dinners served throughout December. Book your Christmas party nights throughout December, with fabulous food and great entertainment or come along to Carols by Candlelight, an enchanting evening with Strathaven Choral Society.

Book your Party Lunch with Santa, offering a great day out for the family with lots of entertainment. The team will be serving Festive Afternoon Tea with entertainment throughout the festive season as well as a traditional Christmas Day lunch, including a visit from Santa followed by Boxing Day celebrations.

You can also bring in the bells at New Year at New Lanark’s amazing Hogmanay Gala Dinner.

Christmas Tickets & Opening Times:

  • Opening Times: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Children: £19.00
    • Under 1’s: £5.00
    • Adults: £15.00

Buy Christmas at New Lanark Tickets online – New Lanark (digitickets.co.uk) or via www.newlanark.org. For more information about Christmas Events at New Lanark World Heritage and other holiday events, visit www.newlanark.org

Discover Time Quest at New Lanark

Embark on a NEW Time-Travelling Adventure at New Lanark

This summer, prepare for a unique and thrilling experience at New Lanark with Time Quest, an interactive heritage trail that promises to bring history to life for families and visitors of all ages.

Running until the 1st of September 2024, guests will have the chance to unlock the secrets of the past to save the future, engaging in a series of captivating puzzles and uncovering hidden clues throughout the historic village.

The cost is £3 per person.

Registration for all events and exhibitions can be made through our booking site: 

https://newlanark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Time Quest: Unlock the Past to Save the Future

“Time Quest” is an immersive journey through New Lanark’s rich history, blending the excitement of a treasure trail with the challenges of an escape room. Participants will step into the shoes of Professor Amelia Swyft, a time-traveling explorer who has been stranded in the past due to a malfunctioning time machine.

To help Professor Swyft return to the future, visitors must navigate through various locations in New Lanark, solving puzzles and collecting codes along the way.

An Unforgettable Family Experience

“Time Quest” is designed to be a memorable and educational adventure for the whole family. It offers a perfect blend of fun and learning, making history accessible and exciting for all ages. This unique experience not only brings the story of New Lanark to life but also provides an opportunity for families to create lasting memories together during the summer holidays.

Key Selling Points:

 An engaging activity for families to enjoy together.

 A mix of treasure trail and escape room elements for a truly immersive experience.

 A fun and interactive way to learn about New Lanark’s historical significance.

 An opportunity to help Professor Amelia Swyft reset her time machine and return to the future.

 Affordable family-friendly pricing at £3 per person.

 Runs throughout the summer, making it perfect for holiday plans.

Heritage Officer Lydia Housley said:Time Quest is an innovative and exciting adventure that has something for everyone.

“Acting as Professor Amelia Swyft in the interactive trail, I was eager to guide our visitors through New Lanark’s rich heritage in a way that’s never been done before. This really is a one-of-a-kind experience!”

Join Us for a Summer of Exploration and Discovery

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Join us at New Lanark this summer for a day filled with exploration, discovery, and family fun. “Time Quest” runs from 5 July to 1 September 2024 and costs £15 for groups of up to 5 people. Make sure to embark on this unforgettable adventure and unlock the past to save the future.

Acknowledgments: This trail has been made possible by the kind support and funding of Visit Lanarkshire, and utilising the expert skillset of NL Productions in the design and execution of the trail.

New Lanark announces an eggcellent programme of events for Easter

New Lanark World Heritage Site has announced a jam-packed schedule of free events this Easter, with festivities beginning on the 30th of March.

Between the 30th of March and the 14th of April, visitors can uncover the scenic views and walkways during the New Lanark Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, with hundreds of 3D-printed eggs dotted in hidden places.

During Easter weekend (Saturday, 30th March – Sunday, 31st March), one lucky winner who finds the golden egg will win a chocolate egg and a 3D-printed toy from the Lanark Men’s Shed.

Over Easter weekend, families can also take part in bonnet-making at the visitor centre between 10am and 2pm, before parading their designs at the Easter Parade, which will depart from the visitor centre at 2pm led by the Easter bunny.

The site will host a traditional egg rolling at 3pm each day over Easter weekend, with families encouraged to bring hand-painted designs to roll down the main hill outside Robert Owen’s House. 

Visitors can also browse a range of seasonal goods from Scottish vendors including Am-Fearann, Rise and Grind Roastery, Galloway Fudge and Bonnie Wee Dreams, at the New Lanark Easter Market which is open between 11am and 3pm during the Easter weekend.

Elsewhere, the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be hosting guided walks, nature crafts and birdfeed-making workshops from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 30 March, as part of its Biodiversity Bonanza. The Bonanza is the perfect opportunity for nature enthusiasts young and old to discover some of the incredible local wildlife.

One of the highlights of the festivities will take place on Saturday 6th of April with the Great New Lanark Duck Race. Beginning at noon, numbered ducks will be available to register for free before competitors take up their place for the drop at 1pm above the Falls of Clyde waterway.

Brittnee Leysen, Events Officer at New Lanark said: “We’re excited about our bumper programme of events taking place this Easter; from egg hunts to our legendary duck race, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

“It is also one of the best times of the year to see New Lanark’s beauty, with trees and flowers in full bloom, adding to the picturesque charm of our historic site.”

The site’s newly refurbished soft play will also be open during the weekend, as well as a bouncy castle and tuck shop. Located in the Schoolhouse, the soft play costs £3 per child and is open to children under eight.

Recognised as one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, New Lanark is a beautifully preserved 18th-century cotton mill village. Just under one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is an ideal destination for families seeking memorable days out.

New Lanark welcomes the return of Carols by Candlelight  

New Lanark’s popular Carols by Candlelight event will return to the New Lanark Mill Hotel this Christmas, with a performance from the Strathaven Choral Society.  

Taking place on Thursday, 14 December from 6.45pm until 9pm, guests can get into the spirit of the season with an evening filled with music, merriment, and a festive feast. 

The Strathaven Choral Society is a mixed-voice choir which was first formed in 1972 to bring classical music to the region. Since then, it has grown in numbers with singers, sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses travelling from Lanarkshire and beyond to participate in rehearsals and events.  

The choir will perform a repertoire of classical carols in two sets, illuminated by candlelight, in the Robert Owen Suite, followed by a traditional three-course meal. The first set will begin once guests are seated, and the second set will commence after dinner, finishing with the ultimate, joyous sing-along. 

Tickets are priced at £32 which includes the performance, meal, and a glass of mulled wine on arrival.  

John Stirrat, General Manager, New Lanark Mill Hotel added: “We are delighted to welcome back our Carols by Candlelight evening, which has been a favourite for many in of our winter calendar.

“This year’s celebration promises an unforgettable experience, featuring the Strathaven Choral Society for a night of live musical renditions to uplift the soul and set the festive mood.” 

Tickets can be reserved by contacting the New Lanark Mill Hotel events team at 01555 667 500 or by emailing events@newlanark.org 

Located on the picturesque banks of the River Clyde, New Lanark World Heritage Site is a historic location dating back to 1785. The historic village of New Lanark is one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.   

For further information on New Lanark, visit:  https://www.newlanark.org  

New Lanark announces the ultimate Christmas experience for all the family

New Lanark World Heritage Site has announced the return of its magical Christmas Experience, launching November 24, 2023 and running until January 7, 2024, with booking now open.

The historic location will be transformed into a Scottish winter wonderland filled with an array of special events, attractions, activities and magic for families of all ages.

This year, a brand-new ice rink will be erected alongside the banks of the picturesque River Clyde, which runs through the attraction, so visitors can glide through the festive season while taking in the sights.

Santa Claus will be back in his enchanting Grotto, where every child will receive a special gift and get the chance to share their Christmas wishes.

Elsewhere there will be Santa’s elves, games in the grounds, as well as regular showings of movies in the New Lanark theatre showing a series of classic and feelgood films such as The Snowman.

The New Lanark indoor Christmas Market will also make a return where, in the countdown to Christmas, visitors can browse a range of treasures and treats for gifting from over local vendors. The market will be open every weekend from Saturday 25th November.

Opening from Friday, 24th November, New Lanark’s Christmas Experience will be open most days between 10am-5pm. Ticket prices start from £5. Car parking is available, and the site will also be offering free shuttle buses from Lanark train station.

This year, the attraction has launched the ‘Christmas Experience’ package, where visitors will get full access to the site including The Annie McLeod Christmas Ride, Robert Owen’s School, Robert Owen’s House, the Millworker Housing, and 360 degree view Garden Roof Terrace, as well as the ice rink and Santa’s Grotto. Tickets for under 16s are £19.00.

Andy Cuthbertson, Heritage and Engagement Manager, New Lanark added: “We are delighted to bring back our Christmas Experience to New Lanark, bigger and better than ever before with the exciting addition of a brand-new ice rink.

“Christmas at New Lanark presents the perfect opportunity for family and friends to come together and make cherished memories and create new traditions, over the festive season. We look forward to extending our warmest welcome to our visitors.”

New Lanark is one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland. Located in the heart of Lanarkshire, under an hour from Glasgow and around 70 minutes from Edinburgh, it is a showcase of Scottish history and innovation, with archives and attractions which show the transformation of the mill village over centuries.

Today, it has been transformed to pay homage to its heritage alongside some of the finest walkways in the country.

Additional information:

  • Christmas Experience opening times – 10am – 5pm
  • Full experience tickets – Adult £14.00, Under 16s £19, under 2 £5.00
  • Ice Rink opening times Wednesday, Thursday 10am – 5 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 8pm from 24th November
  • Ice rink tickets – Adult £10.00, Child £8.00
  • The indoor Christmas Market will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 25th November
  • Christmas Experience and Ice Rink close at 4pm on Christmas Eve
  • Ice Rink will be open from 12pm until 4pm on Boxing Day

For further information on New Lanark, visit:  https://www.newlanark.org 

Stargazing at New Lanark

Experience stargazing on Scotland’s biggest rooftop garden, at the end of this month, for an out of this world event for all the family.

This event will take place on the evenings of the 31st January, 1st & 2nd of February commencing at New Lanark’s Mill 3 Exhibition Gallery with a family friendly astronomy talk that will open your eyes to the starscape above and give you an insight to the evening ahead.

Following the talk you can take part in cosmic craft activities, including a chance to create your own telescope with real lenses. The event will then move up  to our rooftop garden where telescopes will be provided for observing the skies and stars*.

Join in the games, quizzes and enjoy New Lanark’s pop-up café selling tea, coffee, cakes and child friendly snacks. The Mill Café will be open late selling early dinner to heat you up before the event commences.

Stargazing at New Lanark takes place on Friday 31st January, 1st & 2nd February 2020. Time Slots Available are: 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm.

PRICES Adult/Child £7.00 (under 3yrs free) Family of 3 £16.00 Family of 4 £21.00 Family of 5 £28.00 Family tickets must include 1 adult

Sessions will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your session starts. Each session last approximately 2hrs.

*Groups of 10 per telescope.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes.

The sky clarity is weather dependant. Children must be supervised at all times.

Booking essential!

To book call 01555 661345 or online at www.newlanark.org

For more information about Stargazing at New Lanark World Heritage Site click here.

New Lanark to host inaugural Book Festival   

                  

 As a historic hub of learning and leisure, New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to hold its inaugural Book Festival on  Saturday 14th September. Come along for the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with award-winning children’s authors Chae Strathie & Keith Charters in interactive and engaging sessions.

Chae Strathie is the author of many funny fabulous and whimsical stories like ‘Jumblebum’, the ‘Fabulous Flapdoodles and T-Rex on Tour’,  ‘What if you had a dinosaur as a penpal?’  and ‘What was it like to be a kid in ancient Egypt?’ Chae’s books are recommended for age  4-7 year olds.

Keith Charters will also be at New Lanark on the 14th September, when you can meet the character of his books ‘Lee’ and his family on their hilarious adventures. What would you do if there were Consul Mutants taking over the world or you were the first kid in space?  Keith’s books are recommended for age 8-12 year olds.

For only £5 per child, children can be transported into the magical world of literature with Scotland’s best children’s authors at New Lanark.

NEW LANARK BOOK FESTIVAL 2019

Saturday 14th September 2019

Tickets can be booked via this link or via www.newlanark.org

New Lanark World Heritage Site and Double Take Projections present Shining Lives: Fortunes of Fate

As a historic hub of learning and leisure, New Lanark World Heritage Site and Double Take Projections are delighted to present ‘Shining Lives: Fortunes of Fate’, a spectacular immersive sound and large-scale light installation illumination projecting images onto New Lanark’s building facades this Autumn. Continue reading New Lanark World Heritage Site and Double Take Projections present Shining Lives: Fortunes of Fate