Towns and Villages

When you're planning a day out, Lanarkshire offers a real variety of interesting places to visit - from historic villages to large towns with everything you'd expect - and a few surprises too! Here's a quick guide to some of the best places to visit - to find out more, just click on any of the towns and villages shown.

Airdrie

Reflecting its roots as a market town, modern Airdrie has retained its traditional centre – giving a focus for the many shopping and leisure activities that the town can offer. more info about airdrie

Biggar

This small, picturesque town in South Lanarkshire is full of history. Situated among rich farmland, it’s a great place to come for shopping, if you’re looking for something different to what’s available in most high streets. more info about biggar

Coatbridge

Once known as the 'Iron Burgh' because of its many ironworks, Coatbridge is now home to the exciting Time Capsule leisure centre – with its popular mix of ice skating, swimming and gym facilities. more info about coatbridge

Cumbernauld

Looking for a town with plenty to do for all the family? You’ve found it in Cumbernauld. Dating back to the 1950s, this New Town has everything you need for a great day out – with everything from fishing to 4x4s. more info about cumbernauld

East Kilbride

Scotland’s sixth-largest town, and the first New Town, East Kilbride offers fantastic shopping opportunities! And with a £400 million development planned, the town is set to go from strength to strength more info about east-kilbride

Hamilton

One visit to Hamilton tells you there’s more to the town than the famous racecourse. With historic buildings, nearby country estates and a modern shopping centre, there’s plenty to see and do. more info about hamilton

Kilsyth

This historic town, with its pedestrians-only centre has a lot to delight visitors. Enjoy the Forth and Clyde Canal, explore the town’s rich history or simply have fun with excellent family-friendly leisure facilities. more info about kilsyth

Lanark

This small, historic market town, set among rich farmland above the River Clyde, is a great place to explore. Especially if you enjoy the impressive beauty of old buildings and appreciate a wide variety of niche shops. more info about lanark

Leadhills

With its steam railway, and the highest golf course in Britain, Leadhills offers visitors a surprise or two. Unsurprisingly though, it was lead mining that gave the village its name –and its prosperity. more info about leadhills

Motherwell

Think of Motherwell, and you probably think of Strathclyde Country Park. But the park is just one part of the town’s excellent range of leisure facilities, offering activities for all ages and interests. more info about motherwell

Rutherglen & Cambuslang

Sitting on the south bank of the Clyde, these towns have a lot in common – and have a lot to offer visitors. Although close to Glasgow, both of these towns retain their own identities, distinct from the city. more info about rutherglen-cambuslang

Strathaven

This market town offers attractive shops set around a small picturesque square called Common Green. Sitting on the River Avon, Strathaven is a great place to sample a slower, more traditional pace of life. more info about strathaven

Wishaw & Shotts

Both the town of Wishaw and the village of Shotts offer the opportunity to get off the beaten track. Explore either of these places and discover friendly people and fascinating history, as well as modern leisure facilities. more info about wishaw-shotts