The New Lanark Christmas Experience Review
The New Lanark
Christmas Experience
29 November to 21 December 2014
Reviewed by Dawn Watson
We were delighted to be chosen to review The New Lanark Christmas Experience. From the minute we parked our car high up in the hills and countryside overlooking the whole site I was stunned by the beauty of it and the gorgeous panoramic view we enjoyed. Although living less than 40 minutes away we had never visited here before.
Originally founded as a cotton spinning mill in 1785 by David Dale, who also build housing for his workers and their children, it gained fame under the new management of Robert Owen until it sadly closed in 1968. However from 1974 the whole site has been brought back to life by the New Lanark Trust, who have restored their buildings into a stunning visitor centre, a 4* hotel as well as housing, each restored by their new owners – it is difficult to portray in words how vast this site is and how beautiful it is. Throughout the year the Trust have various events running, including hosting art exhibitions, and of course why we were visiting – The New Lanark Christmas Experience.
On arrival, we wandered down the steep path into the heart of the site, although there is a complimentary shuttle bus running every 15 minutes it was such a gorgeous morning we wanted to soak in the atmosphere of the beautiful scenery.
We were met by the lovely Melissa who told us that a local DJ was doing the ‘official’ Christmas light switch on and that we could join in… my two girls were very excited to be part of this – it was such fun to see their faces on the count down to the big switch on…
Another member of staff met us inside and as we hadn’t visited here before she gave us a map and explained where everything was and ensured we wouldn’t miss anything, which was a great idea as the site is large you may miss things. The whole area is very accessible for both families with young children or anyone with any disabilities, even having a wee buggy park! Our first port of call was the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ ride (this at other times of the year is the Annie McLeod Experience ride – Annie being the ghost of the mill). We all loved this wee ride, sitting in a wee 2 seater booth it takes you slowly round telling in songs and stories of the real spirit of Christmas, really festive.
We then wandered around some other parts of the site – we watched the mill spinning and making wool. After taking in some of the history of the mill we made our way to see the ‘Maw McLeod Festive Treat Pantomime’. The pantomime runs several times throughout the day. What a great performance and such fun, I loved the way the kids could sit right at the front and be part of the show, it lasted approximately an hour and was a great fun packed show. The performers got us all singing along – fab!
Lastly we wandered further down the mill to visit ‘The Toy Kingdom with Santa’s Grotto’ – this looked very fresh and newly completed with large teddy’s, toys, Santa’s list – which much to the delight of my youngest daughter had her name on the list! As you wander round this little magic toy kingdom it really brings a smile to your face and I could really see my girls getting all excited, and there round the corner was Santa! We all sat down and chatted with Santa, who took time with my two girls before giving them a gift bag – both got sticker books and little pencils, and other wee things. This is all included in the entrance fee. After having our picture taken with Santa we decided it was time for something to eat.
Off we went up to the Mill Café – large clean area with plenty of tables, chairs and children’s highchairs too. Good choice of hearty homemade food, and plenty of choice for my fussy 7 year old. My partner and I opted for the homemade soup which was served with a choice of rolls or oatcakes. I chose the lentil soup and it was delicious, along with a scrummy sandwich we were more than happy with our lunch. Girls opted for a half Panini. Again happy with their choice. We were served quickly and we loved the way the girls had on the little frilly caps as they would have worn years ago. All fed and watered we wanted to go back up into the first mill and take the lift up to the roof garden. Wow what a view it was stunning and we were so glad we did.
Last of our Christmas experience was back down into the mill to be creative! There was lots for the girls to do – colouring in Christmas pictures, making reindeer dust, writing their letters to Santa, and even having a ‘selfie’ with Rudolph and the reindeers on their sleigh. We actually spent quite a long time here and it is a really good idea that they have this whole area as I can imagine when it is really busy this will be perfect to keep the little ones occupied whilst waiting to see Santa.
It was now late in the afternoon and as explained when we arrived we were welcome as part of our ticket to go around and visit other parts of the site. So we went along to go inside and experience Robert Owens, Millworkers house and the wee village store. The girl’s couldn’t believe the conditions children and families used to endure, and the fact they were altogether with everyone else. A real eye opener and learning experience for them. And me I wanted to go and see the hotel, which was currently hosting someone’s wedding but the staff were very accommodating and showed us where we could have a drink. What a gorgeous hotel, definitely somewhere I would like to come back and visit.
Before heading home we went to the Mill Christmas shop – great choice of presents, gifts, jewellery, handbags – clothes everything really.
So New Lanark, been on my doorstep practically for years and I had no idea it was there! I certainly will be back and perhaps in summer to enjoy the walks surrounding the Mills themselves. My eldest daughter, who is 11 years old, was probably at the age where next year she may be too old for the Christmas Experience but my youngest would love to come back again.
A fantastic place and one that certainly deserves to be amongst only 4 other places in Scotland to be named as a World Heritage Site. So much to see and do and easy to reach by car or train. I was especially glad that before we left it had started to get dark and we could see the Christmas lights in their full glory! Well Done New Lanark Trust you have a stunning place here.
I think for a family of four this is very good value for money. We spent most of the day here and although it was the first day of their Christmas Experience I can imagine that even at their busiest the area is big enough for you not to feel cramped or in queues.
We would like to give our review of New Lanark Christmas Experience 4.5 stars.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost: £9.50pp / £35 – 2 adults, 2 children / £48 – 2 adults, 4 children
The New Lanark Christmas Experience is running until 21 December 2014 plus Christmas Eve. For more information or to book tickets visit www.newlanark.org/visitorcentre/christmas-experience.shtml.
New Lanark Mills, Lanark, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB
