New Lanark is a cotton mill village, founded in the 18th century and is well known for the enlightened management style of Robert Owen. He provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care, a new education system for villagers and the first workplace nursery school in the world, which you can look around today and dress up in Victorian outfits.
Sketcher twins reaction: J: ‘I loved playing with the old games and jumping (hopscotch!)’ Z: ‘I liked the old school house and Mummy being the teacher’
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A working loom shows a little of the noise that must of filled the area when the mill was at its most productive, while a entertaining ride takes you on a ‘day in the life’ of one of the mills past employees, Annie McLeod.
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Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community, which welcomes visitors from all over the world and to cater for all budgets they have a newly opened ‘Wee Row Hostel’ as well as the hotel (with health and fitness club) where we stayed.
Accommodation There is so much to see at New Lanark that staying the night in the hotel is ideal, and the converted mill makes for a spacious and light place to stay, with fantastic views over the River Clyde. We had a family room with a double bed and bunks for the Sketcher twins (which they loved). Breakfast was ample with lots to choose from, plenty to satisfy the fussiest of eaters.
Sketching opportunities There is a fantastic roof garden right in the middle of the village, with stunning 360 degree views including along the river Clyde to the waterfalls, which when back on the ground, are well worth a visit. I love drawing architecture and the buildings here are huge with great perspective, all surrounded by forest and a river. The contrast between strong symmetrical sandstone and lush green randomness is great to capture.
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If you are travelling with a family (or appreciate fine carpentry) be sure to visit the adventure playground. Built on a hill looking down on the mill the parkland is filled with wooded sculptures, paths and activities to keep the kids amused.
How far from Edinburgh? New Lanark is 35 miles south west of Edinburgh, the journey took us just over an hour. Click HERE for directions via Google maps.
Mrs Sketcher quote: ‘It’s like going back in time, you soak up the history just walking around.’
For more information about New Lanark, the hotel and the visitor centre click on the website link below.
How much? Visitor centre: Adults are £8.50, Children £6 or there is a family ticket for two of each for £25. Hotel: Rooms start at £65 per person. For more information click on the links below.
The New Lanark Visitor Centre website.
RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation sketcher post: New Lanark Visitor Centre http://t.co/XkDwt3KFnS @newlanarkwhs @NewLanarkHotel http:/…
Staycation #Sketcher: #Education and #Entertainment in equal measure at New Lanark — – http://t.co/LSRrpRxlqU
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RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation sketcher post: New Lanark Visitor Centre http://t.co/XkDwt3KFnS @newlanarkwhs @NewLanarkHotel http:/…
RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation sketcher post: New Lanark Visitor Centre http://t.co/XkDwt3KFnS @newlanarkwhs @NewLanarkHotel http:/…
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RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation Sketcher post… New Lanark… @newlanarkwhs @visitscotland http://t.co/XkDwt3t4wk
RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation Sketcher post… New Lanark… @newlanarkwhs @visitscotland http://t.co/XkDwt3t4wk
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Cheers, it’s great to travel and sketch!
Thanks Kim
@edinsketcher @newlanarkwhs @NewLanarkHotel nothing wrong with a stay cation, I have one 3 times a year
My first #Staycation sketcher post: New Lanark Visitor Centre http://t.co/XkDwt3KFnS @newlanarkwhs @NewLanarkHotel http://t.co/uCWqY1JIFi
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Love New Lanark. Great promotional work you are doing for all… !
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Brilliant idea to show your own pictures than photos! Love it!
RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation Sketcher post… New Lanark… @newlanarkwhs @visitscotland http://t.co/XkDwt3t4wk
RT @edinsketcher: My first #Staycation Sketcher post… New Lanark… @newlanarkwhs @visitscotland http://t.co/XkDwt3t4wk
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@edinsketcher @newlanarkwhs @visitscotland lovely place to visit. We stayed in the youth hostel there.