New Lanark & Bothwell Castle Private Day Tour from Glasgow & Edinburgh

Discover the hidden history of Lanarkshire on our private New Lanark and Bothwell Castle tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh. In a single day, you’ll explore a UNESCO World Heritage mill village, walk to thundering waterfalls in a wooded gorge, stand among the tombs of the Black Douglas and finish at one of Scotland’s greatest medieval castles, with a stop for Scotland’s most famous teacakes along the way.

As this is a private tour just for your group, there are no coaches, no crowds and no rushing. Your guide will collect you from your hotel, plan the day around your interests and take you at a pace that suits you.

Our first stop is New Lanark, a beautifully restored 18th-century cotton mill village set deep in the Clyde valley. Founded in 1786, it became world famous under the mill manager Robert Owen, whose ideas on education, fair working conditions and care for workers’ families were far ahead of their time. Owen opened one of the world’s first infant schools here, and today the village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll have time to wander the village streets and explore the visitor experience at your own pace, discovering what life was like for the families who lived and worked here.

From the village, an easy walk leads into the wooded gorge of the Falls of Clyde, where the river tumbles over a series of dramatic waterfalls. The falls have inspired artists and poets for centuries, including J.M.W. Turner and William Wordsworth, and they’re a peaceful contrast to the industrial history of the village below.

Next, we’ll visit the quiet village of Douglas and the medieval St Bride’s Church, the burial place of the powerful Douglas family. Here lies Sir James Douglas, “the Black Douglas”, Robert the Bruce’s most loyal companion during the Wars of Independence, who died carrying Bruce’s heart on crusade. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the Douglas family and their place in Scotland’s history.

No day in Lanarkshire would be complete without a stop in Uddingston, home of Tunnock’s, the family bakery behind the much-loved Tunnock’s Teacake and Caramel Wafer. Pop into the tearoom for a cup of tea and something sweet, and stock up on treats to take home. It’s a little taste of Scottish childhood that guests always love.

The day ends at Bothwell Castle, the magnificent red sandstone ruin standing high above a bend in the River Clyde. Begun in the 13th century by the Moray family, it’s one of the largest and finest medieval castles in Scotland, and its great round keep is unlike anything else in the country. During the Wars of Independence the castle changed hands several times, including a famous siege by Edward I in 1301, and it was later rebuilt by the Black Douglases.

To finish, your guide will pour you a dram of Scotch whisky to toast the Black Douglas and the day.

Ready to step into Lanarkshire’s hidden history? Every tour is private and planned around you. Get in touch to start planning your day.

If you’re looking for a private New Lanark and Bothwell Castle tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh, this is a day of hidden gems, bringing together world heritage, river scenery, medieval history and a sweet Scottish treat. Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

This tour runs from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, with pick-up from your hotel, Airbnb or any convenient location in either city. It’s an ideal choice if you’re staying in the city, arriving by train or looking for something off the usual tourist trail as part of a longer Scotland itinerary, and pick-up can also be arranged elsewhere in central Scotland.

Arriving in Scotland by cruise ship? This tour is also available as a private shore excursion from Greenock. We’ll meet you at the port and take you into the Clyde valley, with no bus schedules and no crowds. Just send us your ship’s arrival and departure times when you get in touch, and we’ll plan the day so you’re back at your ship in plenty of time. See our Greenock shore excursions.

Can I visit New Lanark and Bothwell Castle in one day?
Yes. This full-day private tour of 7 to 8 hours visits New Lanark, the Falls of Clyde, St Bride’s Church in Douglas, Tunnock’s in Uddingston and Bothwell Castle, with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

How long is the walk to the Falls of Clyde?
The walk from New Lanark to the Falls of Clyde is an easy woodland path, and we’ll go at whatever pace suits your group.

Are admission fees included?
Admission fees are not included in the tour price, but we can book these for you and add them to your final price.

Is this tour available as a shore excursion?
Yes. This tour is available as a private shore excursion from Greenock.

From the UNESCO mill village of New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde to the tombs of the Black Douglas and the great walls of Bothwell Castle, this is a day full of stories most visitors to Scotland never hear. Every tour is private, just for your group of up to 8 guests, and planned entirely around you. Tell us your dates and where you’re staying in Glasgow or Edinburgh, and we’ll take care of the rest.