David Livingstone Birthplace
David Livingstone Birthplace
David Livingstone Birthplace
4
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
The David Livingstone Birthplace is now open with a new exhibition inside the museum, displaying the many items relating to the iconic Scottish explorer David Livingstone, telling the many perspectives and stories from his travels; and a programme of exciting activities and events.
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- C Currie94 contributionsCosy CafeSpotlessly clean. Polite, pleasant staff. Normal cafe options for food. Great selection of cakes and scones. Make sure you pick a day when the museum is open, unlike me. Some interesting art work and no doubt is fantastic for families in the Summer. Well worth a visit rain or shine. No Lions but I did see some Squirrels.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 October 2023
- ScottishTemplarEdinburgh, United Kingdom1,734 contributionsGreat museum & cracking cafeThe museum is brilliant and you learn so much about the great David Livingstone and his incredible life. The statue outside is wonderful. The cafe is really good with friendly staff. I’m really glad I visited.Visited July 2023Travelled on businessWritten 12 October 2023
- William S33 contributionsWe’ll Worth a VisitInteresting museum with quite exhibits for children. Lots of info about David Livinstone in a well laid out series of exhibits including the room in which he was born. Helpful. Knowledgeable guides. Very clean cafe, with reasonably priced food which was freshly cookedVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 March 2024
- John B2 contributionsAn interesting morningWell laid set of exhibits and his childhood home, staff very helpful and friendly. Only problem is that low lighting makes some of the exhibits descriptions harder to read. Well worth the visit.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 March 2024
- Matu K15 contributionsA must-see when in ScotlandThe museum was re-opened 3(?)) years ago and are expectong this to be a boom year, after all the museum has had a massive face lift. It was a magnificent design, great collection of artifacts, very clear chronologically and it caters nicely to the very young audience too. There is a cafe that seemed popular and vast grounds to trod outside too. The only disappointment was the very modest museum shop. There were a few interesting books and nice compact museum brochure. Livingstone rockstar status already back in the day was used to sell all kinds of knick knacks, so i expected there to be interesting reprints of the beautiful illustrations from his books, more post cards, magnets etc but there was hardly anything of the sort. In the 1950s/60s they had sold porcelain tea sets there, now plastic toys for kids.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 May 2024
- KathMc7777Glasgow, United Kingdom14 contributionsInformative, friendly and value for moneyWe had a great morning visit. The refurbished venue is really lovely with great interactive displays for kids. Our son loved the quiz where he had to look out for the answers as he went through the museum. The staff were friendly, really informative and helpful. We had lunch at the cafe which had a great selection, was reasonably priced and clean. Afterwards we went for a walk in the grounds and by the river. There’s a great park for younger kids. Overall we’d highly recommend.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 May 2024
- William M16 contributionsAn excellent museum and groundsVisited for the first time with friends and was very pleasantly surprised with this very interesting and informative museum. Items are clearly displayed and well explained and a special thanks to Aileen for her additional information and enthusiasm when answering our numerous questions. It really enhanced our visit. There are numerous picnic tables in the well kept, spacious grounds and a covered seating area. The cafe, gift shop and toilets were very bright and clean and all staff were friendly during our time there. Great value all round and we would highly recommend.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
189 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
58
Average
23
Poor
7
Terrible
6
David Vivanco
Edinburgh, United Kingdom3 contributions
Sept 2022
My father and I bought tickets for a Wednesday at 11 o'clock, one of the days where there is a guided tour. Very highly recommended. The museum is on three levels, with hundreds of artefacts, explanations and an educational and well produced cinema presentation to finish. Our guide Mike was very well informed and took us round the house, both presenting the highlights and answering our many questions in depth. We very much enjoyed our experience and I will be going back again for sure and taking others. An eye-opening glimpse into an inspirational life.
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evie D
Washington DC, DC14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Great monument with detailed descriptions and nice memorabilia. Presents a very balanced picture of David Livingston’s history and legacy, especially in the light of modern conversations about race and colonialism. The volunteer staff go out of their way to answer your questions. The wee cafe has fantastic vegan chocolate cake (and tasty soup and sandwiches, which are not well advertised, but are available).
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPM_10
Glasgow, UK21 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
An excellent museum, vastly improved by the recent refurbishment. The final room on the ground floor really brings things to life, reinterpreting some of the stories through the 'voices' of local people, and a variety of opinions on Livingstone's legacy. Cafe is also very good, and some very nice walks along the river nearby.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip M
7 contributions
Aug 2022
The exhibition does a wonderful job of covering the life and times of this most complicated of individuals. We had visited New Lanarkshire the day before and this provided good background to his early years. The cafe provided excellent snacks and the grounds and flower beds looked wonderful.
We spent an enlightening two hours.
We spent an enlightening two hours.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne S
Bayble, UK5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The exhibition of his life and travels was engaging, inspiring and beautifully presented. It brought to life the family of Livingston through artefacts, words and guides.
The outside areas were well maintained and provided play areas for children, walks by the river and an open park area.
The outside areas were well maintained and provided play areas for children, walks by the river and an open park area.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrenmarLancaster
Lancaster District, UK102 contributions
Oct 2022
We were staying with friends nearby and they suggested a visit to the David Livingstone museum,they had memories from childhood school trips there many years ago. It was really interesting and well set out,making it appeal to both children and adults equally. There were lots of interactive things for youngsters to enjoy.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inge
The Netherlands13 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Beautiful exhibition, reflecting on the meaning of Livingstone’s story in the past and present. I loved how involvement from the public was encouraged (signs noted that people from African descent were more than welcome to share their stories, if they had more information on some of the objects on display). You were really made to think about Livingstone’s journeys and to form your own opinion on it. It was all well-balanced.
Written 13 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen W
4 contributions
Jul 2022
A super modern museum with plenty of hands-on activities for all ages. Livingstone's story is told in an interesting and easy to read style. The graphics are wonderful and the displays very relevant,
Lovely parkland, children's play area and cafe within the museum grounds.
Staff (mainly volunteers) are cheery, wekvomingvand informative.
Only small grouch is shop needs more variety and selection of goods. Books (Ladybird if still in print?) or similar in easy to read style for kids would be a great addition.A small book or booklet on Livingstone and the Centre would also add to the experience.
Would highly recommend a visit to this Centre which has something for all ages.
Lovely day out.
Lovely parkland, children's play area and cafe within the museum grounds.
Staff (mainly volunteers) are cheery, wekvomingvand informative.
Only small grouch is shop needs more variety and selection of goods. Books (Ladybird if still in print?) or similar in easy to read style for kids would be a great addition.A small book or booklet on Livingstone and the Centre would also add to the experience.
Would highly recommend a visit to this Centre which has something for all ages.
Lovely day out.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matu K
15 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The museum was re-opened 3(?)) years ago and are expectong this to be a boom year, after all the museum has had a massive face lift. It was a magnificent design, great collection of artifacts, very clear chronologically and it caters nicely to the very young audience too. There is a cafe that seemed popular and vast grounds to trod outside too. The only disappointment was the very modest museum shop. There were a few interesting books and nice compact museum brochure. Livingstone rockstar status already back in the day was used to sell all kinds of knick knacks, so i expected there to be interesting reprints of the beautiful illustrations from his books, more post cards, magnets etc but there was hardly anything of the sort. In the 1950s/60s they had sold porcelain tea sets there, now plastic toys for kids.
Written 24 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScottishTemplar
Edinburgh, UK1,734 contributions
Jul 2023 • Business
The museum is brilliant and you learn so much about the great David Livingstone and his incredible life. The statue outside is wonderful. The cafe is really good with friendly staff. I’m really glad I visited.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Can anyone tell me what the large statue of Livingstone fighting a lion while 2 black men cower on the ground is supposed to mean.
We live in Blantyre but have not visited the centre in years.
The statue looks amazing and so does the whole centre .
Regards
Archie
Written 10 July 2016
It depicts when David was attacked by a lion. You can follow his full life story at the centre. A great history lesson for adults and kids alike.
Written 11 July 2016
what are the opening hours on may 9 and 10th ? Thank you
Written 12 April 2015
AlisonR300
Blantyre, United Kingdom
Hi Hugo,
We'll be open 11am-5pm both days, with last admission to the museum and the tearoom closing at 4pm. You can check our website (linked from our profile) before you come if you'd like to double-check as well.
Thank you!
Alison
Written 12 April 2015
How do i get there using public transportation ?
Written 23 March 2015
AlisonR300
Blantyre, United Kingdom
Hello,
We're very easy to reach by public transport. Blantyre train station is a 5-10 minute walk away. If you're coming from Glasgow, there are four trains an hour from Glasgow Central Low Level station. You'll arrive at the right platform in Blantyre, no need to go over the bridge, just walk straight down the road and you'll soon see our gates. There are a similar number of trains from Hamilton/Motherwell direction.
There are two bus stops nearby. Buses from Glasgow stop on the main road. It's a 15-20 minute walk down Station Road to reach us. Buses from East Kilbride stop right at our gate.
I hope this is helpful!
Alison
Written 23 March 2015
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