Summerlee - Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Summerlee - Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Summerlee - Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- osmacharGlasgow, United Kingdom174 contributionsWorth a visitIn the last few years we started looking at our home region/country the same way we'd explore on holiday - you'd be surprised at how much there is to see and do within a short drive. Last weekend we went to this museum and it was fab! It tells the story of the industrial psst of the area, how people worked, and how they lived. Always makes you appreciate what we have nowadays. There are lots of machines from the industrial revolution, information on the life of the people in the area, workers' cottages dressed like they would have looked through the decades, and you can visit a mine (we didn't as just missed the last one). Definitely well worth a trip - and it's free!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- Marc JeffriesGlasgow, United Kingdom2 contributionsGreat fun even on a damp dayA real gem just 20 minutes from Glasgow by train. There is plenty of variety to the site and you don't need to be into the heritage beforehand to have a great time. The reconstructed cottages were really fun and coffee & cakes in the cafe were just right. The highlight of the visit was easily the mineshaft tour. Sandra & Remy were fountains of knowledge and absolutely made my day throughout the whole experience. So much atmosphere and history packed into just 25 minutes - do not miss it. I will be going back when the trams are up and running again but there is no need to wait, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much there is to see and do even while they are out of action.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 January 2024
- Fiona L31 contributionsWell worth the visitAlways passed signs on the M8, so finally visited today with our grandson. Plenty of interesting things to see and do for all ages. Seeing all the machinery was great especially the working winder. There were a few groups of kids, probably from holiday clubs. They were all enjoying themselves having their picnics. Had a bite of lunch which was fresh made, quickly served and excellent and plenty of it, serving staff smiling and courteous. The museum is free of charge, there is a free car park across the road but can fill up quickly, if you get there for museum opening you can get parked. All in all we had a fantastic day and would recommend to allVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 August 2024
- Lorna WatersGlasgow, United Kingdom242 contributionsExcellent museumCame here for a day out with my husband for couple hours. What a fabulous place. Easy to find on sat nav but also sign posted well through coatbridge. Free entry. Amazing museum which has alot of exhibits mostly based on lanarkshire and Scotland. There is free parking and toilets, and a lovely cafe although we didnt stay for drinks x Outside is a lovely walk around the canal, childrens play area then coal mine and cottages. Well worth the visit.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 August 2024
- Graham W81 contributionsAn Excellent place to visitIf you have any interest in Industrial History this is the place for you. Everything is so incredibly interesting and user friendly. The section on Ironmaking was especially interesting for me as my father worked on Blast Furnaces all his life. He would have been enthralled, as I was, by the large section on this subject. The remainder of the interior section of the museum is so well laid out and pays tribute to the Engineering genius and phenomenal industry that Scotland produced. So much to see and take in. Lastly we paid £2 ( a bargain ) to go escorted into the Drift Coal Mine. The two lady guides were amazing in their enthusiasm, knowledge and friendly attitude in taking us into this coal face area. Unfortunately time ran out for us to explore the canal basin area and some outside exhibits, I live a long way off from Coatbridge but will definitely return to take in more. A MARVELLOUS Place, what an outstanding achievement.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 August 2024
- Andrew KAyrshire, United Kingdom512 contributionsA positively must visit heritage centreLocated in the heart of Coatbridge, a museum dedicated to local industry. Plenty of free parking. The site has plenty to see from the main museum building housing toilets and a cafe plus satellite buildings housing more machinery, cottages - each giving a view of furnishings of an era plus a part canal. Visitors get see an awful lot in a very short space of time. Exhibits are well laid out and information easy to read. Found the staff to be useful and friendly too. Visited the on site cafe offering lite snacks / coffees / teas / drinks etc - thought prices were ok too. Unfortunately the tram system was not working - an electrical fault, perhaps next time. The down side if the museum is that there were a number of external exhibits in conservation vs being preserved. More shelter from the unpredictable Scottish climate is over due - my fear is that some exhibits may be on their last legs and when they are gone…… Despite this view, Summerlee should be on your bucket list. Simply a remarkable venue detailing an interesting history of industry / life in Scotland now sadly gone.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 September 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
4.5
733 reviews
Excellent
492
Very good
198
Average
36
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Norma
Edinburgh, UK10 contributions
Feb 2023
We are regular visitors to Summerlee, today we joined in the rocket workshop and kids so pleased taking home their own rockets good fun and informative, well run.
The staff as always are chatty and helpful the tram is undergoing maintenance atm but even this was okay as the walk to the cottages is filled with things to see the machinery is well laid out and brilliant to see the big winding engine running what a wonderful monster of a machine
The soup from the cafe was welcome on a cold day and very tasty.
If you visit the gift shop the prices are very reasonable and quite a bit to choose from from wee toys for the kids to lovely grown up pieces
Just like to say a thank you to all the staff and see you soon
The staff as always are chatty and helpful the tram is undergoing maintenance atm but even this was okay as the walk to the cottages is filled with things to see the machinery is well laid out and brilliant to see the big winding engine running what a wonderful monster of a machine
The soup from the cafe was welcome on a cold day and very tasty.
If you visit the gift shop the prices are very reasonable and quite a bit to choose from from wee toys for the kids to lovely grown up pieces
Just like to say a thank you to all the staff and see you soon
Written 15 February 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.
Trevor
Weston super Mare, UK657 contributions
Jun 2021
Summerlee museum is a great attraction full of history. It has expansive grounds with period cottages decorated throughout the ages. There is also a small sweetie shop on site selling traditional sweets. You can catch an old fashioned Glasgow tram for a short ride around the grounds. The inside exhibition is full of industrial machinery from the past along with items from the 40's through to the 70's. There is a modern cafe on site. There is no entrance fee but you need to book due to the current covid regulations.
Written 23 June 2021
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.
Iain S
Lanark, UK280 contributions
Jan 2020
This museum gives an interesting insight into the history of the area. The main focus is on iron and steel industries in the industrial revolution but it covers much more. You can get tram rides and there is a set up of how the Monklands Canal would have looked - complete with replica iron barge,
Written 31 January 2020
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 Iain S
Thank you for visiting Summerlee and sharing your experience.
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FifeMac
Fife103 contributions
Jan 2020
Great place. Lots for all the family to do and learn. The old houses throughout the decades brought back lots of memories. The site is of great historical interest. Lots of interactive things for the kids. The grandkids loved the trip on the tram. Cafe really nice and very reasonable priced also lots of picnic areas if you prefer to take your own snacks. Well worth a visit.
Written 5 January 2020
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.
14janey
Aberdeen, UK116 contributions
Jul 2022
The inside exhibition was very interesting, although some of the exhibits could have been better displayed. Some parts were missing and examples of the uses of the equipment would have been good for the general public/labelling needed to be better.
The outside displays were awful-just left rotting away, especially the Vulcan boat/the locomotive. So sad to see the state of things. Even if the engineering pavilion had sides to it the items would have been better protected.
Again there was no labelling for identification.
Enjoyed the workers' cottages but they were very dirty/needing a good deep clean.
If there was a small admission charge perhaps these issues could be addressed.
We were disappointed really with the neglect (the outside in particular).
The canal/Howes basin were full of algae and needed dredging.
The outside displays were awful-just left rotting away, especially the Vulcan boat/the locomotive. So sad to see the state of things. Even if the engineering pavilion had sides to it the items would have been better protected.
Again there was no labelling for identification.
Enjoyed the workers' cottages but they were very dirty/needing a good deep clean.
If there was a small admission charge perhaps these issues could be addressed.
We were disappointed really with the neglect (the outside in particular).
The canal/Howes basin were full of algae and needed dredging.
Written 14 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.
Michael W
Lantzville, Canada35 contributions
Jun 2022
This extensive museum gives one a look at the lives of the people in a Steel/Coal/Foundry town over a period of 150 years. The displays of ancient machinery are well laid out, and the cottages of the people who worked there over a period of over 100 years are accurately displayed with artifacts and museum pieces over each ten-year period in the life of this region. Imagine our surprise and delight when we came across a photo of my wife's mum from 1943, when she was a volunteer with the attack watch group.
Some of the pieces (locomotives, cranes, huge plate handling machines etc are too huge to be housed inside, but seeing them outside, gradually rusting away gives one a feling of the immense history of the industrial revolution.
I was so enthralled by this place, that we went back twice.
As well, the cafe/coffee shop/souvenir shop is really worth your while.
Some of the pieces (locomotives, cranes, huge plate handling machines etc are too huge to be housed inside, but seeing them outside, gradually rusting away gives one a feling of the immense history of the industrial revolution.
I was so enthralled by this place, that we went back twice.
As well, the cafe/coffee shop/souvenir shop is really worth your while.
Written 6 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.
Bunty8
United Kingdom646 contributions
Jul 2021
Good day out for families and it’s free, had to book time slot due to COVID.
There is plenty to see and do around the site, some areas were unfortunately closed again due to COVID restrictions. There is a tram which takes you on a short trip around the site, small fee for this.
Plenty of parking and a tearoom on site, didn’t use it though as it was quite busy. Something for all ages to enjoy.
There is plenty to see and do around the site, some areas were unfortunately closed again due to COVID restrictions. There is a tram which takes you on a short trip around the site, small fee for this.
Plenty of parking and a tearoom on site, didn’t use it though as it was quite busy. Something for all ages to enjoy.
Written 29 August 2021
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.
Andrew K
Ayrshire, UK512 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Located in the heart of Coatbridge, a museum dedicated to local industry.
Plenty of free parking.
The site has plenty to see from the main museum building housing toilets and a cafe plus satellite buildings housing more machinery, cottages - each giving a view of furnishings of an era plus a part canal.
Visitors get see an awful lot in a very short space of time. Exhibits are well laid out and information easy to read. Found the staff to be useful and friendly too.
Visited the on site cafe offering lite snacks / coffees / teas / drinks etc - thought prices were ok too.
Unfortunately the tram system was not working - an electrical fault, perhaps next time.
The down side if the museum is that there were a number of external exhibits in conservation vs being preserved. More shelter from the unpredictable Scottish climate is over due - my fear is that some exhibits may be on their last legs and when they are gone……
Despite this view, Summerlee should be on your bucket list. Simply a remarkable venue detailing an interesting history of industry / life in Scotland now sadly gone.
Plenty of free parking.
The site has plenty to see from the main museum building housing toilets and a cafe plus satellite buildings housing more machinery, cottages - each giving a view of furnishings of an era plus a part canal.
Visitors get see an awful lot in a very short space of time. Exhibits are well laid out and information easy to read. Found the staff to be useful and friendly too.
Visited the on site cafe offering lite snacks / coffees / teas / drinks etc - thought prices were ok too.
Unfortunately the tram system was not working - an electrical fault, perhaps next time.
The down side if the museum is that there were a number of external exhibits in conservation vs being preserved. More shelter from the unpredictable Scottish climate is over due - my fear is that some exhibits may be on their last legs and when they are gone……
Despite this view, Summerlee should be on your bucket list. Simply a remarkable venue detailing an interesting history of industry / life in Scotland now sadly gone.
Written 23 September 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.
Graham W
81 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
If you have any interest in Industrial History this is the place for you.
Everything is so incredibly interesting and user friendly.
The section on Ironmaking was especially interesting for me as my father worked on Blast Furnaces all his life.
He would have been enthralled, as I was, by the large section on this subject.
The remainder of the interior section of the museum is so well laid out and pays tribute to the Engineering genius and phenomenal industry that Scotland produced.
So much to see and take in.
Lastly we paid £2 ( a bargain ) to go escorted into the Drift Coal Mine.
The two lady guides were amazing in their enthusiasm, knowledge and friendly attitude in taking us into this coal face area.
Unfortunately time ran out for us to explore the canal basin area and some outside exhibits,
I live a long way off from Coatbridge but will definitely return to take in more.
A MARVELLOUS Place, what an outstanding achievement.
Everything is so incredibly interesting and user friendly.
The section on Ironmaking was especially interesting for me as my father worked on Blast Furnaces all his life.
He would have been enthralled, as I was, by the large section on this subject.
The remainder of the interior section of the museum is so well laid out and pays tribute to the Engineering genius and phenomenal industry that Scotland produced.
So much to see and take in.
Lastly we paid £2 ( a bargain ) to go escorted into the Drift Coal Mine.
The two lady guides were amazing in their enthusiasm, knowledge and friendly attitude in taking us into this coal face area.
Unfortunately time ran out for us to explore the canal basin area and some outside exhibits,
I live a long way off from Coatbridge but will definitely return to take in more.
A MARVELLOUS Place, what an outstanding achievement.
Written 26 August 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.
Andre
Stirling, UK141 contributions
Apr 2023
Plenty of information on the industrial part of Scotland involving steam trains, engineering works and coal mining. Even a replicate of the Miners Row properties through the centuries/decades.
There is also small exhibits of football clubs such as Motherwell and Albion Rovers.
Tram wasn't available when we arrived due to an electrical fault. its free access and the price of food in the canteen is good and very reasonable priced.
There is a play park on site as well including a walk over the grounds and the canal.
Note that its best to arrive around opening time as the car park (also free) will get very busy and full around the midday point.
There is also small exhibits of football clubs such as Motherwell and Albion Rovers.
Tram wasn't available when we arrived due to an electrical fault. its free access and the price of food in the canteen is good and very reasonable priced.
There is a play park on site as well including a walk over the grounds and the canal.
Note that its best to arrive around opening time as the car park (also free) will get very busy and full around the midday point.
Written 10 April 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.
Are kids allowed to ride bikes in the outdoor area?
Written 24 March 2019
No you can’t, there are bike racks for storing bikes which you can use
Written 24 March 2019
Does the tram run every day? I’m specifically asking about today 😂 xx
Written 24 March 2019
I know this is a bit late, but I believe it does. It certainly always has when I've been on site.
Written 14 May 2019
Which railway station is nearer summerlee , sunnyside or central
Written 4 October 2017
Central is only a few hundred yards from the Gates of Summerlee. Depending where you live sunnyside is the busiest station with several trains an hour from Glagow and Edinburgh. Sumerlee is directly across from Sunnyside Station but the walk to the gates of Summerlee takes about 5 minutes.
Written 2 November 2017
can u stand on the platforms of the trains[not for me my 2 year old godson]
Written 5 March 2017
TheSummerleeMuseumScotland
Coatbridge, United Kingdom
The platform is not suitable for visitors to stand on (its behind a fence for that reason) but if you go to the mine area you can see our locos and also wave at the Scotrail trains which pass every 10 minutes or so. As the other contributors have suggested why not take a trip on the Summerlee Electric Tramway - its free for under 5s. There is also a big play area too.
The platform is not suitable for visitors to stand on (its behind a fence for that reason) but if you go to the mine area you can see our locos and also wave at the Scotrail trains which pass every 10 minutes or so. As the other contributors have suggested why not take a trip on the Summerlee Electric Tramway - its free for under 5s. There is also a big play area too.
Written 6 March 2017
Is it wheelchair friendly and are they things my son can do he's 7yrs old also do you have a changing places toilets available
Written 3 June 2016
Yes the museum is wheelchair accessible on a flat site. Entry is free. You only pay to ride on the tram. A 7 year old would enjoy the machines and story of coal industry. There is a good cafe and a children's play area outside the main building beside the canal. Toilet facilities all suitable for a wheelchair user.
The heritage tram would not be suitable for access as the one we rode on was a historic German tram. It takes you to visit miners' cottages which are accessible by a path without taking the tram.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
Written 4 June 2016
I never have any problem parking always a space.
Written 20 November 2015
Sorry no dogs are allowed, obviously the exception would be guide dogs.
Written 30 July 2015
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