Best things to do in East Kilbride

Explore Scotland's rich countryside traditions at National Museum of Rural Life, a complex documenting farming, animal husbandry, and development throughout the area's long history. Pay a visit to this living, breathing, family-friendly museum and wander its verdant grounds, replete with horses, pigs, cattle, sheep, and other popular farmyard residents. The collections of tractors, tools, and working farm equipment are likely to give you a newfound appreciation for the hard labor that for centuries went into building Scotland as a nation. Those with little ones should catch some of the many demonstrations, including cow-milking, traditional local crafts, and gardening. Be sure to check the museum's website for information about temporary exhibits, special events, and activities.

Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boatlift in Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. This engineering phenomenon attracts over 400,000 tourists every year to its visitor's center. Take a boat ride on the lift and into the canal to experience the ingenious mechanism. A boat departs from the harbor every hour, so you'll have frequent opportunities throughout the day to tour the canal and admire the lift's operation. The channel connects Glasgow with Edinburgh, so consider using it as your means of transport when touring these two great cities.

Relive the era of the Stuart monarchy in Scotland at the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. Located just west of Edinburgh on the Linlithgow Loch, the palace served as residence to the Stuart family in the 15th and 16th centuries. Walk through the decaying ruins to learn more about the rich history of Scotland and the palace’s early inhabitants. Climb each of the towers to enjoy spectacular hillside views of the surrounding water. Take the train from Edinburgh to avoid the hassle of parking at the site.

Experience the world of 18th-century luxury at Mount Stuart. Located on the Scottish Isle of Bute, the mansion features Neo-Gothic architecture and many first-class amenities of its time, including the world’s first heated indoor swimming pool. Walk through the great marble hall to admire 25 m (80 ft) high ceilings, or stroll through the expansive gardens that overlook the sea. Join a guided tour to hear the history of the property and to tour the many ornate rooms of the mansion. Take a walk-on ferry to the Isle to avoid paying to park your car.

A location associated with the Knights Templar, Rosslyn Chapel is the setting for many stories involving alternative histories. However, these stories are more fantasy than fact, and the chapel stands today as a remarkable historical and architectural landmark. The rich medieval and Gothic architecture rewards a careful eye with a wealth of hidden symbols--many have tried to interpret their meaning. Attend one of the free introductory talks on the chapel's history that take place daily. Don't leave the basement out of your tour: There you will find the architect's original plans sketched on the wall.

New Lanark World Heritage Site was originally a cotton mill village founded in 1786, and today you can see most of the buildings as they would have looked in the 18th century as a result of restoration work. In the visitor center, learn about the rich history of the village and the life of the mill manager and social pioneer, Robert Owen. Wander the historic streets and imagine how people lived and worked in Owen’s time. Take the Annie McLeod experience ride, where the ‘ghost’ of a mill girl takes you on a journey. Head up to the Roof Garden and enjoy views of the village and the surrounding scenery. Have a bite to eat at the cafe or make use of one the many picnic spots around the village.

Get up close and personal with endangered wildlife at Five Sisters Zoo. Spanning over 6 hectares (15 acres), the zoo is home to over 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Attend one of the daily handling sessions for a chance to hold and learn more about some of your favorite animals. The grounds also include a children’s play area, gift shop, and cafe. For a small fee, don’t miss the chance to feed the zoo’s beloved lemurs.